Read the passage.

excerpt from "slavery a positive good" by senator john c. calhoun, february 6, 1837

in the decades preceding the united states civil war, the practice of slavery was a widely debated topic. while many opposed this unjust practice, others, especially in regions that were economically dependent on forced labor, advocated in support of slavery. this speech by senator john c. calhoun represents pro-slavery viewpoints from this time period leading up to a war to make slavery illegal in the united states.

i hold that in the present state of civilization, where two races of different origin, and distinguished by color, and other physical differences, as well as intellectual, are brought together, the relation now existing in the slaveholding states between the two, is, instead of an evil, a good—a positive good. . i hold then, that there never has yet existed a wealthy and civilized society in which one portion of the community did not, in point of fact, live on the labor of the other. . i may say with truth, that in few countries so much is left to the share of the laborer, and so little exacted from him, or where there is more kind attention paid to him in sickness or infirmities of age. compare his condition with the tenants of the poor houses in the more civilized portions of europe—look at the sick, and the old and infirm slave, on one hand, in the midst of his family and friends, under the kind superintending care of his master and mistress, and compare it with the forlorn and wretched condition of the pauper in the poorhouse. . i fearlessly assert that the existing relation between the two races in the south, against which these blind fanatics are waging war, forms the most solid and durable foundation on which to rear free and stable political institutions. it is useless to disguise the fact. there is and always has been in an advanced stage of wealth and civilization, a conflict between labor and capital. the condition of society in the south exempts us from the disorders and dangers resulting from this conflict; and which explains why it is that the political condition of the slaveholding states has been so much more stable and quiet than that of the north. . surrounded as the slaveholding states are with such imminent perils, i rejoice to think that our means of defense are ample, if we shall prove to have the intelligence and spirit to see and apply them before it is too late. all we want is concert, to lay aside all party differences and unite with zeal and energy in repelling approaching dangers. let there be concert of action, and we shall find ample means of security without resorting to secession or disunion. what is calhoun's main claim in the speech?

"all we want is concert, to lay aside all party differences and unite with zeal and energy in repelling approaching dangers."

". . in few countries so much is left to the share of the laborer, and so little exacted from him, . ."

"there is and always has been in an advanced stage of wealth and civilization, a conflict between labor and capital."

". . the relation now existing in the slaveholding states between the two, is, instead of an evil, a good—a positive good. . "