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TIF Problem Eleven - 1
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Essay Questions

Chapter Eleven Test Item File Problems

TIF PROBLEM ELEVEN - 1


Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Essay Questions

1. ITA 110.2 provides for a deduction of “lump-sum payments”, for example a court ordered
termination benefit. What tax policy objective is served by this provision?

2. The carry forward periods for losses varies with the type of loss. Briefly describe the carry
forward periods that the Income Tax Act provides for the types of losses that it identifies.

3. When an enterprise has several types of loss carry forwards, why is it necessary to keep
separate balances for each type?

4. Tax advisors will normally recommend that loss carry overs not be used to reduce Taxable
Income to nil. What is the basis for this recommendation?

5. Briefly describe the tax treatment of losses on listed personal property.

6. If a taxpayer has both net capital and non-capital loss carry overs and does not have suffi-
cient income in the current and previous years to deduct all of these amounts, which type
of loss should be deducted first?

7. John Broley has a $50,000 non-capital loss carry forward and a $50,000 net capital loss
carry forward. During the current year, his only income is a $50,000 taxable capital gain.
He has asked your advice as to which of the two loss carry forwards he should deduct.
What advice would you give him?

8. If an individual dies and has a net capital loss in that taxation year or unused net capital
losses from previous years, these balances are subject to a different treatment than would
be the case if the individual were still alive. Briefly describe how this treatment is
different.

9. What is an Allowable Business Investment Loss? What special tax provisions are associ-
ated with this type of loss?

10. What is a Small Business Corporation as defined in the Income Tax Act?

11. With respect to the deductibility of their losses, farmers fall into three categories. What
are these three categories and how are losses treated in each category?

12. The lifetime capital gains deduction is available when the taxpayer has a gain on the dispo-
sition of shares in a "qualified small business corporation". What are the conditions that
must be met for an enterprise to be a qualified small business corporation?

13. An individual has a capital gain on qualified farm property. He has no other capital gains
during the year. Explain how the annual gains limit would be calculated in determining
his lifetime capital gains deduction for the year.

14. In computing Net Income For Tax Purposes, ITA 3 requires that subdivision e deductions
be subtracted prior to deducting business or property losses. Explain why this rule is usu-
ally beneficial to a taxpayer.

15. What types of current year losses are included in the definition of non-capital losses?
What types of losses are not included?

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 361
TIF Problem Eleven - 1
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Essay Questions

16. Describe the conditions under which the tax on split income (TOSI) can be applicable.

17. List two types of income that would not be subject to the tax on split income (TOSI).

18. Under the TOSI legislation, what is the meaning of the term Excluded Business?

19. Under the TOSI legislation, what is the meaning of the term Excluded Shares?

20. Under the TOSI legislation, in determining whether an amount of income represents a
reasonable return, the test for individuals age 25 or over is different than the test for indi-
viduals between 18 and 24. Describe this difference.

21. Under what circumstances can dividends be transferred from a spouse or common-law
partner to a taxpayer?

22. Briefly describe the four major categories of charitable donations.

23. If a taxpayer is donating a non-depreciable capital asset with a fair market value that ex-
ceeds its adjusted cost base, a taxpayer can elect any amount between those two values as
the amount of his contribution. Why is it generally appropriate to elect the higher fair
market value?

24. Capital gains resulting from donations of publicly traded shares are, in general, deemed to
be nil. Why is an additional rule required to avoid taxing income resulting from gifts of
publicly traded shares that have been acquired through stock options?

25. Compare the tax treatment of foreign tax credits on foreign non-business income with the
tax treatment of tax credits on foreign business income for individuals.

26. The alternative minimum tax is an attempt to deal with a tax policy issue. What is this issue
and, in general terms, how does the alternative minimum tax deal with this issue?

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 362
TIF Problem Eleven - 2
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - True Or False

TIF PROBLEM ELEVEN - 2


Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - True Or False
Taxable Income
1. If an individual has no loss carry overs from other years, the current year Net Income For
Tax Purposes will be equal to Taxable Income.
True or False?

Losses
2. An individual has a non-capital loss. It can be carried back three years and forward indefi-
nitely.
True or False?

3. An individual sells shares in a Canadian controlled private corporation that qualifies as a


small business corporation to an arm’s length party. The adjusted cost base of the shares is
$50,000 and they are sold for $30,000. The $20,000 loss is an Allowable Business Invest-
ment Loss.
True or False?

4. A corporation sold a long-term investment in common shares with an adjusted cost base of
$25,000, for $10,000 during the current year. It also sold a parcel of land that is consid-
ered capital property with an adjusted cost base of $8,000, for $12,000. Its net allowable
capital loss for the year is $11,000.
True or False?

5. Net capital losses can be carried forward or back, but can only be deducted to the extent
of net taxable capital gains in the carry back or carry forward year.
True or False?

6. Jennifer Nash is a plumber in Waterloo, Ontario, who spends all of her weekends and holi-
days operating a farm she purchased this year. She is confident that within two years her
farm will be making a profit. In the current year, the farm had a loss of $18,000.
i. In the current year, she can deduct a maximum of $2,500 of the farm loss against other
income.
True or False?

ii. Any loss that is not deductible in the current year can be carried forward for a maxi-
mum of seven years.
True or False?

iii. Any loss that is not deductible in the current year can only be applied to the extent of
farm income in the carry over year.
True or False?

Lifetime Capital Gains Deduction


7. During 2018, an individual has taxable capital gains on the disposition of shares in a quali-
fied small business corporation. The lifetime capital gains deduction can be used to
eliminate up to $424,126 of the taxable capital gains on the disposition.
True or False?

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 363
TIF Problem Eleven - 2
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - True Or False

Tax On Split Income


8. If a 10 year old child receives dividends from a private company owned by his mother, it
will always be taxed as Split Income.
True or False?

9. If a 22 year old Specified Individual receives dividends from a private company in which
he owns 20 percent of the fair market value of the company shares and 20 percent of the
voting shares, the dividends will not be subject to the Tax On Split Income.
True or False?

Transfer Of Dividend Tax Credits


10. Dividends received by the spouse of a taxpayer can be transferred to him and included in
his Net Income For Tax Purposes and excluded from hers.
True or False?

Charitable Donations
11. When an individual makes a gift of publicly traded securities to a registered charity, any
capital gain that results from the disposition is deemed to be nil.
True or False?

12. The base for the charitable donations tax credit is always limited to 75 percent of the indi-
vidual's Net Income For Tax Purposes.

Foreign Tax Credits


13. An individual is holding bonds issued in a foreign country. Tax of $2,000 is withheld in
that country from the gross interest of $10,000. The foreign tax credit deductible from
federal Tax Payable cannot exceed $1,500.
True or False?

Alternative Minimum Tax


14. Individuals with Taxable Income in excess of $300,000 will always pay some amount of al-
ternative minimum tax.
True or False?

15. An excess of alternative minimum tax over regular Tax Payable can be carried forward for
up to 7 years to be applied against any future excess of regular Tax Payable over the alter-
native minimum tax.
True or False?

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 364
TIF Problem Eleven - 3
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Multiple Choice

TIF PROBLEM ELEVEN - 3


Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Multiple Choice
Taxable Income
1. Martin is worried about how much tax he will have to pay this year and he is looking for
anything that he might have missed that will decrease his Taxable Income. All of the fol-
lowing could decrease his Taxable Income, with the exception of:
A. a deduction for contributions to an RPP.
B. application of a net capital loss carryforward.
C. application of a non-capital loss carryforward.
D. a credit for a charitable donation.

2. Which of the following would reduce an individual’s Taxable Income?


A. A non-capital loss carried forward from a previous year.
B. A charitable donation carried forward from a previous year.
C. Adoption expenses.
D. Medical expenses.

3. Shelly is seeking your advice on how she can claim various deductions and credits. Which
of the following items would reduce the amount of her Taxable Income?
i. A net capital loss carried forward from a previous year.
ii. A charitable donation.
iii. Contributions to an RESP.
iv. Childcare costs paid during the year.
A. i, ii, and iv
B. ii and iv
C. i and iv
D. i, iii, and iv

Lump-Sum Payments
4. Reuben Chechetto had to take his employer to court in 2018, to sue for wages owing to
him over an 8 year period ending in 2018. In the 2018 taxation year, he receives a court
settlement of $80,000, or $10,000 per year. In all years, Reuben had taxable income of
$60,000. What will the tax consequences be with respect to the $80,000 in back wages
received in 2018?
A. Mr. Chechetto will have to report the full $80,000 in additional wages in 2018.
B. As these funds were awarded through a court settlement, they are not taxable.
C. Mr. Chechetto can use a special relief mechanism in the Income Tax Act which will
have the effect of spreading the lump-sum payment over a maximum period of 5
years.
D. Mr. Chechetto can use a special relief mechanism in the Income Tax Act which will
have the effect of spreading the lump-sum payment over the 8 taxation years affected.

Treatment Of Losses
5. Which of the following statements with respect to loss carry overs is NOT correct?
A. Losses on the disposition of listed personal property can be carried back 3 years and
forward 7 years.
B. Restricted farm losses can only be carried over to years in which there is farm income.
C. Net capital loss carry overs cannot be deducted in years in which Net Income For Tax
Purposes is nil, even if there are taxable capital gains in that year.
D. If an individual can deduct either a $10,000 non-capital loss carry over or a $10,000
net capital loss carry over, the effect on Taxable Income of deducting either is the
same.

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 365
TIF Problem Eleven - 3
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Multiple Choice

6. Which of the following statements is correct with respect to the disposition of a valuable
coin collection?
A. If a loss occurs, it cannot be deducted against any source of income.
B. If a loss occurs, one-half of this amount can be applied against one-half of any capital
gain.
C. If a gain occurs, one-half of this amount can be offset by allowable capital losses on
any disposition of capital property.
D. If a gain occurs, it will not be taxed because this is personal use property.

7. As a part time employee, Derek earns $20,000 per year of employment income. He re-
cently started up his own business as a sole proprietorship. For the current year, his
business revenues were $12,000 and his business expenses were $28,000. Derek has
some investments that resulted in taxable dividend income of $1,400 and incurred inter-
est expense of $2,000. Assuming this accounts for all of Derek’s sources of income, what is
his non-capital loss carry forward for the year?
A. Nil.
B. $600.
C. $3,400.
D. $16,000.

8. With respect to net capital loss balances, which of the following statements is NOT cor-
rect?
A. In the year of death when such balances are deducted, the amount deducted will be
based on the capital gains inclusion rate which applied in the year in which the loss
was realized.
B. When such balances are carried back, they can be deducted only to the extent of tax-
able capital gains arising in the carry back period.
C. Such balances can be carried back three years.
D. Such balances can be carried forward for a maximum of 20 years.

9. Daria is a part time employee who recently started up her own business as a sole propri-
etorship. For the current year, she had the following sources of income and loss:
Part time employment income $15,000
Net business loss 18,000
Taxable (grossed up) dividend income 1,200
Interest expense on loan to purchase investments 2,000
Capital gain 12,000
Capital loss 16,000
What is her non-capital loss carry forward for the year?
A. $3,000.
B. $3,800.
C. $5,800.
D. $18,000.

10. For which of the following types of losses is it not necessary to segregate the loss by type in
order to track the balance carried forward as a separate balance?
A. Net capital losses.
B. Allowable Business Investment Losses.
C. Restricted farm losses
D. Business losses.

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 366
TIF Problem Eleven - 3
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Multiple Choice

11. Under which set of circumstances would it be advisable to utilize a loss carry over to re-
duce taxable income to nil in the carry over year?
A. When the taxpayer is carrying a loss back to a prior year, taxable income can be re-
duced to nil without negative consequences.
B. When the taxpayer is carrying a loss forward, taxable income can be reduced to nil
without negative consequences.
C. Net capital losses are the only type of loss that should be used to reduce taxable in-
come to nil in the carry over year.
D. It is never advisable to use a loss carry over to reduce taxable income to nil in the carry
over year.

12. Which of the following types of losses cannot be carried forward for at least 20 years?
A. Listed personal property losses.
B. Non-capital losses.
C. Net capital losses.
D. Restricted farm losses.

13. Tabari has income from employment of $25,000 during the year. As well, he has a capital
gain on Listed Personal Property of $8,000 on the sale of a stamp collection, and a capital
gain from the sale of some shares of $6,000. Last year, he had a capital loss on Listed Per-
sonal Property of $10,000 that he was unable to use and carried forward to the current
year. What is his net income for tax purposes for the year, assuming that this accounts for
all of his income for the year?
A. $27,000.
B. $28,000.
C. $31,000.
D. $32,000.

14. Zina Chaburi has a full time job as a nurse in her local hospital. In her spare time she has a
goat farming operation. The goat farm began in 2017, and resulted in a loss of $10,000.
She deducted the maximum allowable amount against her 2017 income. In 2018, most of
the problems had been worked out, and Zina had a profit from the farm operation of
$5,000, as well as employment income of $90,000. Determine Ms. Chaburi’s minimum
taxable income for 2018.
A. $81,000.
B. $88,750.
C. $91,250.
D. $95,000.

Allowable Business Investment Losses


15. In 2015, Lorrie Meller use her lifetime capital gains deduction to eliminate a $10,000 tax-
able capital gain. During 2018, she had employment income of $50,000, a capital gain of
$26,000, and a business investment loss of $30,000. What is the amount of Lorrie's Tax-
able Income for 2018?
A. $45,000
B. $58,000
C. $46,000
D. $48,000

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 367
TIF Problem Eleven - 3
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Multiple Choice

16. Which of the following statements about Allowable Business Investment Losses is correct?
A. They are losses that result from the disposition of shares or debt in a Canadian con-
trolled public corporation.
B. They can only be deducted against business income.
C. If they are not used during the current year, they are added to the net capital loss bal-
ance.
D. If they are not used during the current year, they are added to the non-capital loss bal-
ance.

17. With respect to an Allowable Business Investment Loss, which of the following statements
is NOT correct?
A. An Allowable Business Investment loss can be deducted against any source of income.
B. If not used during the current year, an Allowable Business Investment Loss can only be
applied against taxable capital gains in a carry forward or carry back period.
C. An Allowable Business Investment Loss results from the disposition of shares of a small
business corporation.
D. An Allowable Business Investment Loss is the deductible portion of a Business Invest-
ment Loss.

Lifetime Capital Gains Deduction


18. Which of the following statements with respect to the lifetime capital gains deduction is
correct?
A. For purposes of calculating this deduction, the annual gains limit is reduced by the
amount of the individual's CNIL.
B. It is always preferable to deduct net capital loss carry overs prior to making any use of
the lifetime capital gains deduction
C. For 2018, the maximum deduction for qualified small business corporations is differ-
ent than the maximum deduction for qualified family farm corporations.
D. The cumulative gains limit includes the annual gains limits for all previous years, but
not for the current year.

19. Which of the following transactions could result in the taxpayer being able to make a life-
time capital gains deduction?
A. An individual sells 100 percent of the shares of a CCPC that uses 85 percent of its as-
sets in the operation of an active business.
B. An individual sells 15 percent of the shares of a CCPC that uses 95 percent of its assets
in the operation of an active business.
C. A CCPC sells 100 percent of the shares of another CCPC that uses 100 percent of its as-
sets in the operation of an active business.
D. An individual sells 25 percent of the shares of a CCPC that uses 30 percent of its assets
to produce property income.

20. With respect to the lifetime capital gains deduction, which of the following statements is
NOT correct?
A. The deduction is only available to individuals.
B. The Cumulative Gains Limit is reduced by any CNIL balance at the end of the year.
C. The Annual Gains Limit is reduced by Allowable Business Investment Losses realized
during the year.
D. The deduction is available on any disposition of shares or debt of a qualified small
business corporation.

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 368
TIF Problem Eleven - 3
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Multiple Choice

21. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a business to qualify as a qualified small
business corporation?
A. At the time the shares are sold, the corporation must use all or substantially all of its as-
sets for active business purposes in Canada.
B. More than 50 percent of the fair market value of the assets of the business must have
been used for active business in the past 24 months.
C. The shares must not have been owned by a related individual in the past 24 months.
D. The shares must not have been owned by a non-related individual in the past 24
months.

Ordering of Deductions and Losses


22. Under ITA 111.1, the order in which individuals must deduct Division C items is specifi-
cally listed. Assuming a taxpayer is eligible to deduct all of the following amounts in
computing Taxable Income, which one would be deducted last?
A. Lifetime capital gains deduction.
B. Stock option deduction.
C. Loss carryovers.
D. Northern residents deduction.

23. With respect to the use of loss carryovers, which of the following statements is correct?
A. Net-capital losses must always be used before any other type of loss.
B. Non-capital losses must be used last if a taxpayer has several different types of loss
carryovers to choose from.
C. Within a particular type of loss, the oldest losses must be utilized first.
D. Claiming a non-capital loss carry forward will reduce the amount of the lifetime capi-
tal gains deduction available in the year.

Tax On Split Income


24. Elena is 12 years old. During 2018 she earns interest of $10,500 on funds she inherited
when her maternal grandfather died, as well as non-eligible dividends of $15,300 re-
ceived from a CCPC that is controlled by her father. Her only tax credits are the basic
personal credit and the dividend tax credit. What is the amount of her federal Tax Payable
for 2018?
A. $686.
B. $4,077.
C. $2,306.
D. $3,881.

25. Katrina is 27 years old. During 2018 she receives a non-eligible dividend of $12,000 from
a private company controlled by her mother. Because she has never been actively en-
gaged in the business, has assumed no risk or contributed capital to the corporation, holds
only non-voting shares, these dividends are classified as Split Income. In addition to the
dividends, she has interest income of $6,000 on funds that she inherited when her grand-
mother passed away. Her only tax credits are the basic personal credit and the dividend
tax credit. How much is her federal tax payable for the year?
A. Nil
B. $1,427.
C. $2,327
D. $3,198

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 369
TIF Problem Eleven - 3
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Multiple Choice

26. Which of the following statements with respect to the Tax On Split Income (TOSI) is NOT
correct?
A. For purposes of this tax, a Specified Individual is a resident of Canada, without regard
to their age.
B. The federal tax is applied at a 33 percent rate to all of the income of a Specified Indi-
vidual.
C. Split Income can include interest received from a private company.
D. The only tax credits that can be applied against the Tax On Split Income are dividend
tax credits and foreign income tax credits that are related to the income.

27. Which of the following statements with respect to the Tax On Split Income (TOSI) is cor-
rect?
A. A Specified Individual's holding of private company shares will be classified as Ex-
cluded Shares if their fair market value is equal to or greater than 10 percent of the fair
market value of all of the company's shares.
B. A Specified Individual can only claim that dividends are from an Excluded Business if
they are actively engaged in the business during the current taxation year.
C. Specified Individuals under the age of 18 can never claim that income received is from
an Excluded Business.
D. Potential Split Income received by any Specified Individual can be an Excluded
Amount, provided it is reasonable in terms of the individual's labour, capital, or risk
contribution to the source business.

28. Which of the following amounts are not considered “split income” of an individual under
18 years of age?
A. Employment income from a private corporation.
B. Shareholder benefits received from a private corporation.
C. Eligible dividends received from a private corporation.
D. Non-eligible dividends received from a private corporation.

Tax Credits Revisited


29. Mrs. Perry’s total income consisted of $9,000 in eligible dividends received from taxable
Canadian corporations. Mrs. Perry’s basic personal tax credit and dividend tax credits are
sufficient to eliminate all of her Tax Payable. Because she receives these dividends, Mr.
Perry is not able to claim a spousal tax credit. Mr. Perry's income is such that any addi-
tional income from the transfer would be taxed at the federal rate of 20.5 percent. By
what amount would Mr. Perry's Tax Payable increase or decrease if Mrs. Perry's dividends
were transferred to him?
A. A decrease of $1,090.
B. An increase of $681.
C. An Increase of $775.
D. A decrease of $1,093.

30. Which of the following statements with respect to charitable donations is NOT correct?
A. Amounts of eligible donations that are not used during the current year can be carried
forward for up to 5 years.
B. When making a gift of non-depreciable capital property with a fair market value in ex-
cess of its capital cost, it is always advisable to elect the fair market value amount for
the gift.
C. The basis for a charitable donations tax credit for the current year can never exceed 75
percent on the individual's Net Income For Tax Purposes.
D. Any capital gain arising on gifts of ecologically sensitive land are deemed to be nil.

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 370
TIF Problem Eleven - 3
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Multiple Choice

31. For the year ending December 31, 2018, Liane Stanfield has Net Income For Tax Purposes
of $102,000. This includes foreign non-business income of $30,000. This amount was
before the withholding of taxes by the foreign government of $6,000. In calculating her
2018 Taxable Income, she intends to deduct a net capital loss carry forward of $10,000
and a $30,000 non-capital loss carry forward. After applying her basic personal credit,
the tax otherwise payable is $8,376. What is the amount of Liane's foreign non-business
tax credit?
A. $6,000.
B. $2,731
C. $4,500
D. $4,053

32. Mrs. Mantz receives eligible dividend income of $12,000 every year. Her spouse is un-
able to utilize the spousal credit because of the dividends received by Mrs. Mantz. She is
considering transferring the dividends to her spouse which will then enable him to claim
some or all of the spousal credit. Under what circumstances would this most likely be tax
advantageous?
A. If Mrs. Mantz is receiving OAS.
B. If Mr. Mantz is in the 15 percent federal tax bracket.
C. If Mr. Mantz is in the 33 percent federal tax bracket.
D. If Mr. Mantz can claim the full spousal credit.

33. An individual has Net Income For Tax Purposes of $147,500. During the current year, the
individual donates a depreciable capital asset with a fair market value of $300,000. The
capital cost of this asset is $225,000 and it has a UCC $147,000. It is the only asset in its
CCA class and no additions are made subsequent to the gift. If he elects to have the dona-
tion valued at its fair market value, what is the maximum amount that this individual can
claim as the basis for his charitable donations tax credit for the current year?
A. $300,000
B. $110,625
C. $139,500
D. $148,875

34. Which of the following amounts would NOT be considered to be a charitable donation for
purposes of the charitable donations tax credit?
A. A donation to a charitable organization outside of Canada to which the taxpayer’s
province of residence has also made a donation.
B. A donation to her Majesty in right of Canada.
C. A gift of land to a Canadian municipality that has been certified by the Minister of the
Environment to be ecologically sensitive land.
D. A gift to a registered Canadian athletic association.

35. Assume that any foreign income is taxed in the foreign jurisdiction. Which one of the fol-
lowing types of foreign income generates foreign tax credits that may be applied to other
taxation years?
A. Business income only.
B. Capital gains only.
C. Employment income only.
D. Investment income only.

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 371
TIF Problem Eleven - 3
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Multiple Choice

36. Assuming that foreign income is taxed in the foreign jurisdiction, which of the following
types of income results in foreign tax withholdings that could generate both a tax credit
and a tax deduction for individuals?
A. Foreign business income.
B. Foreign employment income.
C. Foreign interest income.
D. All foreign income.

37. With respect to the Foreign Non-Business Income Tax Credit and the Foreign Business In-
come Tax Credit for individuals, which of the following statements is correct?
A. The Foreign Business Income Tax Credit is limited to 15% of the foreign business in-
come.
B. The Foreign Non-Business Income Tax Credit is limited to 15% of the foreign
non-business income.
C. The Foreign Business Income Tax Credit cannot exceed tax otherwise payable for the
year.
D. Any unused Foreign Non-Business Income Tax Credit can be carried forward for 10
years and carried back 3 years.

38. Djohn Django had all of the following income taxed in a foreign jurisdiction in the current
year. Which type of foreign income can generate a foreign tax credit that can be carried
forward and applied against Canadian income tax payable in other taxation years?
A. Employment income from a foreign employer
B. Property income on dividends from foreign stocks
C. Business income from a contract with a foreign entity
D. Taxable capital gains on the sale of foreign stocks

Alternative Minimum Tax


39. In the calculation of Adjusted Taxable Income in the alternative minimum tax calculation,
which of the following are not considered tax preference items?
A. Losses arising through the deduction of CCA on Certified Canadian Films.
B. Dividend tax credits.
C. Employee stock option deductions.
D. Limited partnership losses.

40. Which one of the following would NOT affect the calculation of the alternative minimum
tax?
A. Stock options not yet exercised.
B. The deduction of an Allowable Business Investment Loss.
C. A taxable capital gain resulting from the sale of a cottage.
D. Dividends received from a taxable Canadian corporation.

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 372
TIF Problem Eleven - 4
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Exam Exercises

TIF PROBLEM ELEVEN - 4


Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Exam Exercises
Exam Exercise Subject Listing For Chapter 11

Number Subject
1 Listed Personal Property Losses
2 Listed Personal Property Losses
3 Loss Carry Overs
4 Loss Carry Overs
5 Loss Carry Overs
6 Loss Carry Overs
7 Net Capital Losses At Death
8 Net Capital Losses At Death
9 ABILs
10 ABILs
11 Farm Losses
12 Lifetime Capital Gains Deduction
13 Ordering Of Losses
14 Ordering Of Losses
15 Tax On Split Income
16 Transfer Of Dividends To A Spouse
17 Donation Of Non-Depreciable Property
18 Donation Of Non-Depreciable Property
19 Donation Of Depreciable Property
20 Donation Of Depreciable Property
21 Foreign Tax Credit
22 Foreign Tax Credit
23 Alternative Minimum Tax
24 Alternative Minimum Tax

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 373
TIF Problem Eleven - 4
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Exam Exercises

Exam Exercise Eleven - 1 (Listed Personal Property Losses)


During 2017, Ms. Jessica Michaels was unemployed and had no income of any kind. In order
to survive, she sold a painting on December 1, 2017 for $78,000. This painting had been left
to Ms. Michaels by her father and, at the time of his death, it had a fair market value of
$102,000.
During 2018, Ms. Michaels finds a job and has employment income of $69,000. In addition,
during June, she sells a second painting for $7,000. She had purchased this painting several
years ago for $1,100. She has no other sources of income in 2018.
Determine Ms. Michaels’ Net Income For Tax Purposes and Taxable Income for 2018. Indi-
cate the amount and type of any losses available for carry forward at the end of the year.
Assume the December 1, 2017 sale had been of publicly traded shares instead of a painting .
How would this change your solution?

Exam Exercise Eleven - 2 (Listed Personal Property Losses)


During 2017, Jude Legal sold an important piece of jewelry for $120,000. He had paid
$150,000 for this item several years ago. In 2018, he sells a block of publicly traded shares for
$125,000. The adjusted cost base of these shares was $72,000. He has no other sources of
income in either 2017 or 2018.
Determine Jude's Net Income For Tax Purposes and Taxable Income for 2018. Indicate the
amount and type of any losses available for carry forward at the end of that year. If the 2017
sale had been of publicly traded shares instead of jewelry, how would the results for 2018 be
changed?

Exam Exercise Eleven - 3 (Loss Carry Overs)


Mr. John Klaus has an unincorporated business with a December 31 year end. During 2017,
its first year of operation, the business has net business income of $19,000 and a taxable
capital gain of $3,000 [(1/2)($6,000)]. The following amounts relate to the year ending
December 31, 2018:
Business Loss ($56,000)
Capital Gains 3,200
Capital Losses ( 9,800)
Mr. Klaus has no other source of income or deductions in either year. Assume that he wishes to
minimize his net capital and non-capital loss carry overs at the end of 2018, without regard to
his ability to claim his tax credits for the preceding year (2017). Calculate his Net Income For
Tax Purposes and Taxable Income for 2017 and 2018 and any amended amounts for 2017.
Indicate the amount and type of any losses available for carry forward at the end of 2018.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 4 (Loss Carry Overs)


Maria Shank operates an unincorporated business which, during the taxation year ending
December 31, 2017 has net business income of $28,000 and a taxable capital gain of $6,500
[(1/2)($13,000)].
In 2018, her business has a net loss of $85,000. In addition to this loss, a capital asset disposi-
tion results in an allowable capital loss of $10,800.
Maria has no other sources of income or deductions in either year. Assume that she wishes to
minimize her net capital and non-capital loss carry overs at the end of 2018, without regard to
her ability to claim her tax credits for the preceding year (2017). Calculate her Net Income For
Tax Purposes and Taxable Income for 2017 and 2018 and any amended amounts for 2017.
Indicate the amount and type of any losses available for carry forward at the end of 2018.

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 374
TIF Problem Eleven - 4
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Exam Exercises

Exam Exercise Eleven - 5 (Loss Carry Overs)


Ms. Jean Claus has an unincorporated business with a December 31 year end. During 2017,
its first year of operation, the business has net business income of $45,000. The business also
had an allowable capital loss during the year of $5,250 [(1/2)($10,500)], which could not be
deducted. The following amounts relate to the year ending December 31, 2018:
Business Loss ($83,000)
Capital Gains 12,600
Capital Losses ( 6,300)
Ms. Claus has no other source of income or deductions in either year and does not anticipate
realizing capital gains in the foreseeable future. Assume she wishes to minimize her net
capital and non-capital loss carry overs at the end of 2018, without regard to her ability to
claim her tax credits for the preceding year (2017). Calculate her Net Income For Tax
Purposes and Taxable Income for 2017 and 2018 and any amended amounts for 2017. Indi-
cate the amount and type of any losses available for carry forward at the end of 2018.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 6 (Loss Carry Overs)


Ms. Dora McLean operates an unincorporated business. During the taxation year ending
December 31, 2017, the business had net business income of $95,000. Dora also had an
allowable capital loss of $9,250 [(1/2)($18,500) that could not be deducted.
Unfortunately, in 2018, the business had a business loss of $123,000. Offsetting this was a net
taxable capital gain of $7,200 [(1/2)($14,400)]. Dora has no other sources of income or
deductions in either year. She does not anticipate realizing any additional capital gains in the
foreseeable future.
Assume that Dora wishes to minimize her net capital and non-capital loss carry overs at the
end of 2018, without regard to her ability to claim her tax credits for the preceding year
(2017). Calculate her Net Income For Tax Purposes and Taxable Income for 2017 and 2018
and any amended amounts for 2017. Indicate the amount and type of any losses available for
carry forward at the end of 2018.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 7 (Net Capital Losses At Death)


Ms. Tanya Forester dies during August, 2018. At the time of her death, she has a net capital
loss carry forward of $21,800 [(1/2)($43,600)]. As the result of a deemed disposition at her
death of her art collection, she has a taxable capital gain of $15,500. Ms. Forester has made no
previous use of the lifetime capital gains deduction. Her 2018 employment income in the
period prior to her death was $47,000. Describe the tax treatment of these items in her final
tax return.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 8 (Net Capital Losses At Death)


Barton Foster dies during July, 2018. He has a net capital loss carry forward of $27,000
[(1/2)($54,000)] at his death.
His death results in a deemed disposition of his portfolio of public company shares which
creates a capital gain of $32,000. Mr. Foster has made no previous use of the lifetime capital
gains deduction. In addition, prior to his death, he has employment income of $61,000.
Describe the tax treatment of these items in his final return.

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 375
TIF Problem Eleven - 4
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Exam Exercises

Exam Exercise Eleven - 9 (ABILs)


During 2017, Mrs. Lacinda Brown used her lifetime capital gains deduction to eliminate a
taxable capital gain of $15,000 [(1/2)($30,000)]. During 2018, she has capital gains on
publicly traded securities of $21,000, and a loss of $47,000 on the disposition of shares of a
small business corporation. Her employment income for 2018 is over $250,000. Determine
the amount of the Allowable Business Investment Loss that can be deducted in 2018, as well as
the amount and type of any losses available for carry over at the end of the year.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 10 (ABILs)


For many years, Jasmine Ho has had employment income in excess of $300,000. This will also
be the case in 2018. During 2018, she has a $38,000 loss on the disposition of shares of a
small business corporation. Also during this year, she has capital gains on publicly traded
securities of $5,000. The only other year in which she experiences capital gains was 2010. In
that year she had a capital gain of $8,000 on the sale of shares of a qualified farm property. She
eliminated all of this gain with the lifetime capital gains deduction. Determine the amount of
the Allowable Business Investment Loss that can be deducted in 2018, as well as the amount
and type of any losses available for carry over at the end of the year.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 11 (Farm Losses)


Despite having a full time teaching position at a Canadian university, Bob Fife has consider-
able amounts of free time. Given this, he has started a farming operation on a tract of land
near the university where he teaches. In 2017, he had a loss on the farming operation of
$24,000. He deducted the maximum possible amount in that year.
In 2018, he has employment income of $105,000 and the farming operation produces addi-
tional income in the amount of $6,000. Determine Bob's minimum 2018 Net Income For Tax
Purposes and Taxable Income. Also, determine the amount and type of any losses available
for carry forward at the end of 2018.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 12 (Lifetime Capital Gains Deduction)


Prior to 2018, Ms. Henny Close has had two capital gains and one capital loss. In 2013, she
had a capital gain of $18,000 and in 2015, she had a capital gain of $54,000. Both of these
gains were on dispositions of shares in a qualified small business corporation. Given this, she
used her ITA 110.6 lifetime capital gains deduction to eliminate the taxable amount of these
gains. She has a net capital loss carry forward balance of $30,000. This resulted from a 2016
capital loss of $60,000. She intends to deduct this carry forward in 2018. She has never expe-
rienced a Business Investment Loss.
During 2018, she has a $748,000 capital gain on the sale of shares in a qualified small business
corporation. Ms. Close has a CNIL balance on December 31, 2018 of $23,000. Determine
Ms. Close’s maximum lifetime capital gains deduction for 2018. Provide all of the calcula-
tions required to determine the maximum ITA 110.6 deduction.

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 376
TIF Problem Eleven - 4
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Exam Exercises

Exam Exercise Eleven - 13 (Ordering Of Losses)


At the beginning of 2018, Joanne Chance had the following loss carry forwards available:
Restricted Farm Losses $ 7,200
Non-Capital Losses 41,000
Net Capital Losses [(1/2)($50,000)] 25,000
During 2018, she had the following amounts of income:
Taxable Capital Gains $ 10,500
Business Income 14,200
Employment Income 61,000
Farm Income 2,950
Determine Joanne's Net Income For Tax Purposes, as well as her minimum Taxable Income for
2018. Indicate the amount and type of any losses available for carry forward at the end of the
year.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 14 (Ordering Of Losses)


At the beginning of 2018, Cindy Burke had the following loss carry forwards available:
Non-Capital Losses $25,000
Restricted Farm Losses 4,000
Net Capital Losses [(1/2)($64,000)] 32,000

During the taxation year ending December 31, 2018, she recorded the following amounts of
income:
Farm Income $ 2,500
Taxable Capital Gains 21,000
Business Income 74,000

Determine Cindy's Net Income For Tax Purposes, as well as her minimum Taxable Income for
2018. Indicate the amount and type of any losses available for carry forward at the end of the
year.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 15 (Tax On Split Income)


During 2018, Harriet Humber, who is 15 years old, receives non-eligible dividends of
$13,000 from a private corporation controlled by her father. In addition, she has income of
$13,100 from her modeling contracts. Assume her only tax credits are the basic personal
credit and the dividend tax credit. Determine Harriet’s federal Tax Payable for 2018.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 16 (Transfer Of Dividends To A Spouse)


Mrs. Mary Senton is 42 years old and has over $250,000 in 2018 Taxable Income. Her
husband’s only source of 2018 income is $9,000 (grossed up amount of $12,420) in eligible
dividends received from taxable Canadian corporations. In terms of federal Tax Payable,
would Mrs. Senton benefit from the use of the ITA 82(3) election to include the dividends
received by her spouse in her Net Income For Tax Purposes? Justify your conclusion.

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 377
TIF Problem Eleven - 4
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Exam Exercises

Exam Exercise Eleven - 17 (Donation Of Non-Depreciable Property)


Ms. Katrina Wave owns a painting that she purchased many years ago for $22,000. Its current
fair market value is $132,500. During 2018, she gifts the painting to the Renfrew Art Gallery.
As the Gallery is a registered Canadian charity, it provides Ms. Wave with a tax receipt for the
fair market value of $132,500. Before consideration of any income resulting from this gift,
Ms. Wave’s only other income is investment income of $12,500. She has no tax credits other
than her basic personal credit and the charitable donations credit resulting from the gift of the
painting .
Required: Determine Ms. Wave's:
· 2018 Net Income For Tax Purposes;
· her maximum federal charitable donations tax credit for 2018;
· the amount of the donation she should claim in 2018 in order to reduce her federal Tax
Payable to nil; and
· the amount of contributions that can be carried forward to subsequent years, assuming
that she claims the amount of contributions that would reduce her Tax Payable to nil.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 18 (Donation Of Non-Depreciable Property)


Lara Rand owns a tract of land that she had acquired many years ago for $18,000. During
2018, she gifts the land to a registered Canadian charity. At the time of the gift, the fair market
value of the land is estimated to be $84,000, with the charity issuing a tax receipt for this
amount. In addition to the capital gain resulting from this gift, Lara has 2018 rental income of
$23,000. She has no tax credits other than her basic personal credit and the charitable dona-
tions credit resulting from the gift of the land.
Required: Determine Ms. Rand's:
· 2018 Net Income For Tax Purposes;
· her maximum federal charitable donations tax credit for 2018;
· the amount of the donation she should claim in 2018 in order to reduce her federal Tax
Payable to nil; and
· the amount of contributions that can be carried forward to subsequent years, assuming
that she claims the amount of contributions that would reduce her Tax Payable to nil.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 19 (Donation Of Depreciable Property)


Mr. Gerald Deveau owns a rental property that, during 2018, he gave to a charity to house its
continuing operations. The building had originally cost Mr. Deveau $172,000, of which
$34,000 was allocated to the land and $138,000 was allocated to the building . At the time of
the gift, the UCC of the building is $43,000, and the fair market value of the property is
$346,000, including $86,000 for the land and $260,000 for the building . The charity issues a
tax receipt for $346,000. Before consideration of any income resulting from this gift, Mr.
Deveau’s only other income is net rental income of $8,300. His only tax credits are his basic
personal credit and the charitable donations credit resulting from the gift of the building .
Required: Determine Mr. Deveau's:
· 2018 Net Income For Tax Purposes;
· his maximum federal charitable donations tax credit for 2018;
· the amount of the donations he should claim in 2018 in order to reduce his federal Tax
Payable to nil; and
· the amount of contributions that can be carried forward to subsequent years, assuming
that he claims the amount of contributions that would reduce his Tax Payable to nil.

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 378
TIF Problem Eleven - 4
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Exam Exercises

Exam Exercise Eleven - 20 (Donation Of Depreciable Property)


During 2018, Victor Flood donates a rental property to a registered Canadian charity. The
property had a cost of $226,000, including a value for the land of $50,000 and a value for the
building of $176,000. At the time of the gift, the estimated fair market value of the property is
$396,000, with the value of the land unchanged at $50,000 and the value of the building at
$346,000. The UCC of the building is $110,000 at the time of transfer. The charity issues a
receipt for $396,000. Other than the income generated by the gift, Victor's only other 2018
income is net rental income of $16,000. His only 2018 tax credits are his basic personal credit
and the charitable donations credit resulting from the gift.
Required: Determine Victor's:
· 2018 Net Income For Tax Purposes;
· his maximum federal charitable donations tax credit for 2018;
· the amount of the donations he should claim in 2018 in order to reduce his federal Tax
Payable to nil; and
· the amount of contributions that can be carried forward to subsequent years, assuming
that he claims the amount of contributions that would reduce his Tax Payable to nil.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 21 (Foreign Tax Credit)


During 2018, Kevin Fung has Net Income For Tax Purposes of $56,500, a figure that includes
$3,900 of foreign non-business income. The foreign jurisdiction withheld 13 percent of this
amount, resulting in a net receipt of $3,393. In calculating Taxable Income, he deducts a
$5,000 non-capital loss carry forward and a $3,200 net capital loss carry forward, resulting in
a figure of $48,300. His only tax credits are the basic personal credit and the credit for foreign
tax paid. What is the amount of his foreign non-business income tax credit for 2018? A calcu-
lation of federal Tax Payable is NOT required.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 22 (Foreign Tax Credit)


During 2018, Andy Loon earned $4,500 in foreign non-business income. The foreign jurisdic-
tion withheld 20 percent of this amount, resulting in a net receipt of $3,600. His only other
source of income in 2018 is a taxable capital gain of $38,000. His only deduction in the deter-
mination of Taxable Income is a $26,000 net capital loss carry forward. His only tax credits are
the basic personal credit and the credit for foreign tax paid. Determine Mr. Loon's 2018 Net
Income For Tax Purposes, his 2018 Taxable Income, and his 2018 federal Tax Payable.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 23 (Alternative Minimum Tax)


During 2018, Mr. Glenn Leigh has Net Income For Tax Purposes of $144,288. This amount is
made up of taxable capital gains of $120,000 and taxable eligible dividends of $24,288
[(138%)($17,600)]. As the taxable capital gain was on a disposition of shares in a qualified
small business corporation, he reduced his Taxable Income to $24,288 through the use of the
lifetime capital gains deduction. His only tax credits are the basic personal credit and the divi-
dend tax credit. Determine whether Mr. Leigh would have a liability for the federal alternative
minimum tax and, if so, the total amount of such tax.

Exam Exercise Eleven - 24 (Alternative Minimum Tax)


During 2018, Shelly Large sold shares in a qualified small business corporation for $580,000
resulting in a taxable capital gain of $200,000. She intends to deduct the taxable amount of
this gain under the provisions of the lifetime capital gains deduction legislation. Her only
other source of income during the year was eligible dividends of $23,000 (taxable amount
$31,740). Her only tax credits are the basic personal credit and the dividend tax credit.
Determine whether Ms. Large would have a liability for the federal alternative minimum tax
and, if so, the total amount of such tax.

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 379
TIF Problem Eleven - 5A
Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Key Term Matching (Easy)

TIF PROBLEM ELEVEN - 5A


Tax Payable For Individuals Revisited - Key Term
Matching (Easy)

Note to Instructor There are two versions of this matching problem. The list of key
terms is the same in both versions, but the potential definitions given are different.
· Version A is easy, there is only one possible answer for each term.
· Version B is more difficult in that there are additional possible answers that are
similar to the correct answers.

The following eight key terms are listed at the end of Chapter 11, “Taxable Income And Tax
Payable For Individuals Revisited”.

A. Annual Gains Limit


B. Business Investment Loss
C. Lifetime Capital Gains Deduction
D. Net Capital Loss
E. Purification Of A Small Business Corporation
F. Qualified Small Business Corporation
G. Small Business Corporation
H. Split Income

The following list contains ten potential definitions for the preceding key terms.

1. A small business corporation that, at the time of its disposition, has been owned by no one
other than the taxpayer or a related party during the preceding 24 months, and during that
24 month period, more than 50 percent of the fair market value of its assets were used in
an active business carried on primarily in Canada.
2. A loss resulting from the disposition of shares or debt of a small business corporation.
3. For individuals, the sum of employment losses, business losses, property losses and net
capital losses deducted, less income as calculated under ITA 3(c).
4. Taxable capital gains on qualified assets that have been realized since 1984, less the sum
of allowable capital losses and net capital loss carry overs deducted after 1984, plus allow-
able business investment losses realized after 1984, capital gains deductions claimed in
previous taxation years, and the cumulative net investment loss at the end of the year.
5. Taxable capital gains for the current year on qualified assets, less the sum of allowable
capital losses and net capital loss carry overs deducted during the current year, plus allow-
able business investment losses realized during the current year.
6. Certain types of income received by a specified individual from non-arm’s length sources
that will be taxed at the maximum federal rate of 33 percent.
7. A deduction in the calculation of the taxable income of an individual that permits the de-
duction of a cumulative lifetime amount of up to $848,252 in capital gains resulting from
the disposition of shares of qualified small business corporation shares, or capital gains of
up to $1,000,000 on dispositions of a qualified farm or qualified fishing property.
8. The excess of allowable capital losses over taxable capital gains for the current year.
9. A corporation that is a Canadian controlled private corporation that uses all or substan-
tially all (90 percent or more) of the fair market value of its assets in an active business that
is carried on primarily (more than 50 percent) in Canada.
10. A process of disposing of corporate assets that are not being used to produce active busi-
ness income, so that the corporation meets the 90 percent of assets test required to qualify
as a small business corporation.

Test Item File Problems for Canadian Tax Principles 2018 - 2019 380
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differences and continuing the one question of slavery, and when we
find sectional men thus uniting, we should unite to resist them and
their treasonable designs. Such was the case in 1850, when Clay left
the quiet and peace of his home, and again entered upon public life
to quell agitation and restore peace to a distracted Union. Then we
Democrats, with Cass at our head, welcomed Henry Clay, whom the
whole nation regarded as having been preserved by God for the
times. He became our leader in that great fight, and we rallied
around him the same as the Whigs rallied around old Hickory in
1832, to put down nullification. Thus you see that whilst Whigs and
Democrats fought fearlessly in old times about banks, the tariff,
distribution, the specie circular, and the sub-treasury, all united as a
band of brothers when the peace, harmony, or integrity of the Union
was imperilled. It was so in 1850, when Abolitionism had even so far
divided this country, North and South, as to endanger the peace of
the Union; Whigs and Democrats united in establishing the
Compromise measures of that year, and restoring tranquillity and
good feeling. These measures passed on the joint action of the two
parties. They rested on the great principle that the people of each
State and each Territory should be left perfectly free to form and
regulate their domestic institutions to suit themselves. You Whigs,
and we Democrats justified them in that principle. In 1854, when it
became necessary to organize the Territories of Kansas and
Nebraska, I brought forward the bill on the same principle. In the
Kansas-Nebraska bill you find it declared to be the true intent and
meaning of the act not to legislate slavery into any State or Territory,
nor to exclude it therefrom, but to leave the people thereof perfectly
free to form and regulate their domestic institutions in their own
way. I stand on that same platform in 1858 that I did in 1850, 1854,
and 1856. The Washington Union, pretending to be the organ of the
Administration, in the number of the 5th of this month, devotes
three columns and a half to establish these propositions: First, that
Douglas, in his Freeport speech, held the same doctrine that he did
in his Nebraska bill in 1854; second, that in 1854 Douglas justified
the Nebraska bill upon the ground that it was based upon the same
principle as Clay’s Compromise measures of 1850. The Union thus
proved that Douglas was the same in 1858 that he was in 1856, 1854,
and 1850, and consequently argued that he was never a Democrat. Is
it not funny that I was never a Democrat? There is no pretense that I
have changed a hair’s breadth. The Union proves by my speeches
that I explained the Compromise measures of 1850 just as I do now,
and that I explained the Kansas and Nebraska bill in 1854 just as I
did in my Freeport speech, and yet says that I am not a Democrat,
and cannot be trusted, because I have not changed during the whole
of that time. It has occurred to me that in 1854 the author of the
Kansas and Nebraska bill was considered a pretty good Democrat. It
has occurred to me that in 1856, when I was exerting every nerve and
every energy for James Buchanan, standing on the same platform
then that I do now, that I was a pretty good Democrat. They now tell
me that I am not a Democrat, because I assert that the people of a
Territory, as well as those of a State, have the right to decide for
themselves whether slavery can or cannot exist in such Territory. Let
me read what James Buchanan said on that point when he accepted
the Democratic nomination for the Presidency in 1856. In his letter
of acceptance, he used the following language:
“The recent legislation of Congress respecting domestic slavery, derived as it has
been from the original and pure fountain of legitimate political power, the will of
the majority, promises ere long to allay the dangerous excitement. This legislation
is founded upon principles as ancient as free government itself, and in accordance
with them has simply declared that the people of a Territory, like those of a State,
shall decide for themselves whether slavery shall or shall not exist within their
limits.”
Dr. Hope will there find my answer to the question he propounded
to me before I commenced speaking. Of course no man will consider
it an answer, who is outside of the Democratic organization, bolts
Democratic nominations, and indirectly aids to put Abolitionists into
power over Democrats. But whether Dr. Hope considers it an answer
or not, every fair-minded man will see that James Buchanan has
answered the question, and has asserted that the people of a
Territory like those of a State, shall decide for themselves whether
slavery shall or shall not exist within their limits. I answer
specifically if you want a further answer, and say that while under the
decision of the Supreme Court, as recorded in the opinion of Chief
Justice Taney, slaves are property like all other property, and can be
carried into any Territory of the United States the same as any other
description of property, yet when you get them there they are subject
to the local law of the Territory just like all other property. You will
find in a recent speech delivered by that able and eloquent
statesman, Hon. Jefferson Davis, at Bangor, Maine, that he took the
same view of this subject that I did in my Freeport speech. He there
said:
“If the inhabitants of any Territory should refuse to enact such laws and police
regulations as would give security to their property or to his, it would be rendered
more or less valueless in proportion to the difficulties of holding it without such
protection. In the case of property in the labor of man, or what is usually called
slave property, the insecurity would be so great that the owner could not ordinarily
retain it. Therefore, though the right would remain, the remedy being withheld, it
would follow that the owner would be practically debarred, by the circumstances of
the case, from taking slave property into a Territory where the sense of the
inhabitants was opposed to its introduction. So much for the oft repeated arm in
arm fallacy of forcing slavery upon any community.”
You will also find that the distinguished Speaker of the present
House of Representatives, Hon. Jas. L. Orr, construed the Kansas
and Nebraska bill in this same way in 1856, and also that great
intellect of the South, Alex. H. Stephens, put the same construction
upon it in Congress that I did in my Freeport speech. The whole
South are rallying to the support of the doctrine that if the people of
a Territory want slavery they have a right to have it, and if they do
not want it that no power on earth can force it upon them. I hold that
there is no principle on earth more sacred to all the friends of
freedom than that which says that no institution, no law, no
constitution, should be forced on an unwilling people contrary to
their wishes; and I assert that the Kansas and Nebraska bill contains
that principle. It is the great principle contained in that bill. It is the
principle on which James Buchanan was made President. Without
that principle he never would have been made President of the
United States. I will never violate or abandon that doctrine if I have
to stand alone. I have resisted the blandishments and threats of
power on the one side, and seduction on the other, and have stood
immovably for that principle, fighting for it when assailed by
Northern mobs, or threatened by Southern hostility. I have defended
it against the North and South, and I will defend it against whoever
assails it, and I will follow it wherever its logical conclusions lead me.
I say to you that there is but one hope, one safety for this country,
and that is to stand immovably by that principle which declares the
right of each State and each Territory to decide these questions for
themselves. This Government was founded on that principle, and
must be administered in the same sense in which it was founded.
But the Abolition party really think that under the Declaration of
Independence the negro is equal to the white man, and that negro
equality is an inalienable right conferred by the Almighty, and hence
that all human laws in violation of it are null and void. With such
men it is no use for me to argue. I hold that the signers of the
Declaration of Independence had no reference to negroes at all when
they declared all men to be created equal. They did not mean
negroes, nor savage Indians, nor the Fejee Islanders, nor any other
barbarous race. They were speaking of white men. They alluded to
men of European birth and European descent—to white men, and to
none others, when they declared that doctrine. I hold that this
Government was established on the white basis. It was established by
white men for the benefit of white men and their posterity forever,
and should be administered by white men, and none others. But it
does not follow, by any means, that merely because the negro is not a
citizen, and merely because he is not our equal, that, therefore, he
should be a slave. On the contrary, it does follow that we ought to
extend to the negro race, and to all other dependent races all the
rights, all the privileges, and all the immunities which they can
exercise consistently with the safety of society. Humanity requires
that we should give them all these privileges; Christianity commands
that we should extend those privileges to them. The question then
arises what are these privileges, and what is the nature and extent of
them. My answer is that that is a question which each State must
answer for itself. We in Illinois have decided it for ourselves. We
tried slavery, kept it up for twelve years, and finding that it was not
profitable, we abolished it for that reason, and became a free State.
We adopted in its stead the policy that a negro in this State shall not
be a slave and shall not be a citizen. We have a right to adopt that
policy. For my part I think it is a wise and sound policy for us. You in
Missouri must judge for yourselves whether it is a wise policy for
you. If you choose to follow our example, very good; if you reject it,
still well, it is your business, not ours. So with Kentucky. Let
Kentucky adopt a policy to suit herself. If we do not like it we will
keep away from it, and if she does not like ours let her stay at home,
mind her own business and let us alone. If the people of all the States
will act on that great principle, and each State mind its own business,
attend to its own affairs, take care of its own negroes and not meddle
with its neighbors, then there will be peace between the North and
the South, the East and the West, throughout the whole Union. Why
can we not thus have peace? Why should we thus allow a sectional
party to agitate this country, to array the North against the South,
and convert us into enemies instead of friends, merely that a few
ambitious men may ride into power on a sectional hobby? How long
is it since these ambitious Northern men wished for a sectional
organization? Did any one of them dream of a sectional party as long
as the North was the weaker section and the South the stronger?
Then all were opposed to sectional parties; but the moment the
North obtained the majority in the House and Senate by the
admission of California, and could elect a President without the aid
of Southern votes, that moment ambitious Northern men formed a
scheme to excite the North against the South, and make the people
be governed in their votes by geographical lines, thinking that the
North, being the stronger section, would out-vote the South, and
consequently they, the leaders, would ride into office on a sectional
hobby. I am told that my hour is out. It was very short.
Mr. Lincoln’s Reply.

Ladies and Gentlemen:—I have been somewhat, in my own


mind, complimented by a large portion of Judge Douglas’s speech—I
mean that portion which he devotes to the controversy between
himself and the present Administration. This is the seventh time
Judge Douglas and myself have met in these joint discussions, and
he has been gradually improving in regard to his war with the
administration. At Quincy, day before yesterday, he was a little more
severe upon the Administration than I had heard him upon any
occasion, and I took pains to compliment him for it. I then told him
to “Give it to them with all the power he had;” and as some of them
were present, I told them I would be very much obliged if they would
give it to him in about the same way. I take it he has now vastly
improved upon the attack he made then upon the Administration. I
flatter myself he has really taken my advice on this subject. All I can
say now is to recommend to him and to them what I then
commended—to prosecute the war against one another in the most
vigorous manner. I say to them again—“Go it, husband!—Go it,
bear!”
There is one other thing I will mention before I leave this branch of
the discussion—although I do not consider it much of my business,
any way. I refer to that part of the Judge’s remarks where he
undertakes to involve Mr. Buchanan in an inconsistency. He reads
something from Mr. Buchanan, from which he undertakes to involve
him in an inconsistency; and he gets something of a cheer for having
done so. I would only remind the Judge that while he is very valiantly
fighting for the Nebraska bill and the repeal of the Missouri
Compromise, it has been but a little while since he was the valiant
advocate of the Missouri Compromise. I want to know if Buchanan
has not as much right to be inconsistent as Douglas has? Has
Douglas the exclusive right, in this country, of being on all sides of
all questions? Is nobody allowed that high privilege but himself? Is
he to have an entire monopoly on that subject?
So far as Judge Douglas addressed his speech to me, or so far as it
was about me, it is my business to pay some attention to it. I have
heard the Judge state two or three times what he has stated to-day—
that in a speech which I made at Springfield, Illinois, I had in a very
especial manner complained that the Supreme Court in the Dred
Scott case had decided that a negro could never be a citizen of the
United States. I have omitted by some accident heretofore to analyze
this statement, and it is required of me to notice it now. In point of
fact it is untrue. I never have complained especially of the Dred Scott
decision because it held that a negro could not be a citizen, and the
Judge is always wrong when he says I ever did so complain of it. I
have the speech here, and I will thank him or any of his friends to
show where I said that a negro should be a citizen, and complained
especially of the Dred Scott decision because it declared he could not
be one. I have done no such thing, and Judge Douglas so persistently
insisting that I have done so, has strongly impressed me with the
belief of a predetermination on his part to misrepresent me. He
could not get his foundation for insisting that I was in favor of this
negro equality any where else as well as he could by assuming that
untrue proposition. Let me tell this audience what is true in regard to
that matter; and the means by which they may correct me if I do not
tell them truly is by a recurrence to the speech itself. I spoke of the
Dred Scott decision in my Springfield speech, and I was then
endeavoring to prove that the Dred Scott decision was a portion of a
system or scheme to make slavery national in this country. I pointed
out what things had been decided by the court. I mentioned as a fact
that they had decided that a negro could not be a citizen—that they
had done so, as I supposed, to deprive the negro, under all
circumstances, of the remotest possibility of ever becoming a citizen
and claiming the rights of a citizen of the United States under a
certain clause of the Constitution. I stated that, without making any
complaint of it at all. I then went on and stated the other points
decided in the case, viz: that the bringing of a negro into the State of
Illinois and holding him in slavery for two years here was a matter in
regard to which they would not decide whether it would make him
free or not; that they decided the further point that taking him into a
United States Territory where slavery was prohibited by act of
Congress, did not make him free, because that act of Congress, as
they held, was unconstitutional. I mentioned these three things as
making up the points decided in that case. I mentioned them in a
lump taken in connection with the introduction of the Nebraska bill,
and the amendment of Chase, offered at the time, declaratory of the
right of the people of the Territories to exclude slavery, which was
voted down by the friends of the bill. I mentioned all these things
together, as evidence tending to prove a combination and conspiracy
to make the institution of slavery national. In that connection and in
that way I mentioned the decision on the point that a negro could not
be a citizen, and in no other connection.
Out of this, Judge Douglas builds up his beautiful fabrication—of
my purpose to introduce a perfect, social, and political equality
between the white and black races. His assertion that I made an
“especial objection” (that is his exact language) to the decision on
this account, is untrue in point of fact.
Now, while I am upon this subject, and as Henry Clay has been
alluded to, I desire to place myself, in connection with Mr. Clay, as
nearly right before this people as may be. I am quite aware what the
Judge’s object is here by all these allusions. He knows that we are
before an audience, having strong sympathies southward by
relationship, place of birth, and so on. He desires to place me in an
extremely Abolition attitude. He read upon a former occasion, and
alludes without reading to-day, to a portion of a speech which I
delivered in Chicago. In his quotations from that speech, as he has
made them upon former occasions, the extracts were taken in such a
way as, I suppose, brings them within the definition of what is called
garbling—taking portions of a speech which, when taken by
themselves, do not present the entire sense of the speaker as
expressed at the time. I propose, therefore, out of that same speech,
to show how one portion of it which he skipped over (taking an
extract before and an extract after) will give a different idea, and the
true idea I intended to convey. It will take me some little time to read
it, but I believe I will occupy the time that way.
You have heard him frequently allude to my controversy with him
in regard to the Declaration of Independence. I confess that I have
had a struggle with Judge Douglas on that matter, and I will try
briefly to place myself right in regard to it on this occasion. I said—
and it is between the extracts Judge Douglas has taken from this
speech and put in his published speeches:
“It may be argued that there are certain conditions that make
necessities and impose them upon us, and to the extent that a
necessity is imposed upon a man he must submit to it. I think that
was the condition in which we found ourselves when we established
this Government. We had slaves among us, we could not get our
Constitution unless we permitted them to remain in slavery, we
could not secure the good we did secure if we grasped for more; and
having by necessity submitted to that much, it does not destroy the
principle that is the charter of our liberties. Let the charter remain as
our standard.”
Now I have upon all occasions declared as strongly as Judge
Douglas against the disposition to interfere with the existing
institution of slavery. You hear me read it from the same speech from
which he takes garbled extracts for the purpose of proving upon me a
disposition to interfere with the institution of slavery, and establish a
perfect social and political equality between negroes and white
people.
Allow me while upon this subject briefly to present one other
extract from a speech of mine, more than a year ago, at Springfield,
in discussing this very same question, soon after Judge Douglas took
his ground that negroes were not included in the Declaration of
Independence:
“I think the authors of that notable instrument intended to include
all men, but they did not mean to declare all men equal in all
respects. They did not mean to say all men were equal in color, size,
intellect, moral development or social capacity. They defined with
tolerable distinctness in what they did consider all men created equal
—equal in certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness. This they said, and this they meant.
They did not mean to assert the obvious untruth, that all were then
actually enjoying that equality, or yet, that they were about to confer
it immediately upon them. In fact they had no power to confer such a
boon. They meant simply to declare the right, so that the
enforcement of it might follow as fast as circumstances should
permit.
“They meant to set up a standard maxim for free society which
should be familiar to all: constantly looked to, constantly labored for,
and even, though never perfectly attained, constantly approximated,
and thereby constantly spreading and deepening its influence and
augmenting the happiness and value of life to all people, of all colors,
every where.”
There again are the sentiments I have expressed in regard to the
Declaration of Independence upon a former occasion—sentiments
which have been put in print and read wherever any body cared to
know what so humble an individual as myself chose to say in regard
to it.
At Galesburg the other day, I said in answer to Judge Douglas, that
three years ago there never had been a man, so far as I knew or
believed, in the whole world, who had said that the Declaration of
Independence did not include negroes in the term “all men.” I
reassert it to-day. I assert that Judge Douglas and all his friends may
search the whole records of the country, and it will be a matter of
great astonishment to me if they shall be able to find that one human
being three years ago had ever uttered the astounding sentiment that
the term “all men” in the Declaration did not include the negro. Do
not let me be misunderstood. I know that more than three years ago
there were men who, finding this assertion constantly in the way of
their schemes to bring about the ascendancy and perpetuation of
slavery, denied the truth of it. I know that Mr. Calhoun and all the
politicians of his school denied the truth of the Declaration. I know
that it ran along in the mouth of some Southern men for a period of
years, ending at last in that shameful though rather forcible
declaration of Pettit of Indiana, upon the floor of the United States
Senate, that the Declaration of Independence was in that respect “a
self-evident lie,” rather than a self-evident truth. But I say, with a
perfect knowledge of all this hawking at the Declaration without
directly attacking it, that three years ago there never had lived a man
who had ventured to assail it in the sneaking way of pretending to
believe it and then asserting it did not include the negro. I believe the
first man who ever said it was Chief Justice Taney in the Dred Scott
case, and the next to him was our friend, Stephen A. Douglas. And
now it has become the catch-word of the entire party. I would like to
call upon his friends every where to consider how they have come in
so short a time to view this matter in a way so entirely different from
their former belief? to ask whether they are not being borne along by
an irresistible current—whither they know not?
In answer to my proposition at Galesburg last week, I see that
some man in Chicago has got up a letter addressed to the Chicago
Times, to show, as he professes, that somebody had said so before;
and he signs himself “An Old Line Whig,” if I remember correctly. In
the first place I would say he was not an old line Whig. I am
somewhat acquainted with old line Whigs. I was with the old line
Whigs from the origin to the end of that party; I became pretty well
acquainted with them, and I know they always had some sense,
whatever else you could ascribe to them, I know there never was one
who had not more sense than to try to show by the evidence he
produces that some man had, prior to the time I named, said that
negroes were not included in the term “all men” in the Declaration of
Independence. What is the evidence he produces? I will bring
forward his evidence and let you see what he offers by way of
showing that somebody more than three years ago had said negroes
were not included in the Declaration. He brings forward part of a
speech from Henry Clay—the part of the speech of Henry Clay which
I used to bring forward to prove precisely the contrary. I guess we are
surrounded to some extent to-day by the old friends of Mr. Clay, and
they will be glad to hear any thing from that authority. While he was
in Indiana a man presented a petition to liberate his negroes, and he
(Mr. Clay) made a speech in answer to it, which I suppose he
carefully wrote out himself and caused to be published. I have before
me an extract from that speech which constitutes the evidence this
pretended “Old Line Whig” at Chicago brought forward to show that
Mr. Clay didn’t suppose the negro was included in the Declaration of
Independence. Hear what Mr. Clay said:
“And what is the foundation of this appeal to me in Indiana, to liberate the slaves
under my care in Kentucky? It is a general declaration in the act announcing to the
world the independence of the thirteen American colonies, that all men are created
equal. Now, as an abstract principle, there is no doubt of the truth of that
declaration; and it is desirable, in the original construction of society, and in
organized societies, to keep it in view was a great fundamental principle. But, then,
I apprehend that in no society that ever did exist, or ever shall be formed, was or
can the equality asserted among the members of the human race, be practically
enforced and carried out. There are portions, large portions, women, minors,
insane, culprits, transient sojourners, that will always probably remain subject to
the government of another portion of the community.
“That declaration, whatever may be the extent of its import, was made by the
delegations of the thirteen States. In most of them slavery existed, and had long
existed, and was established by law. It was introduced and forced upon the
colonies by the paramount law of England. Do you believe, that in making that
declaration the States that concurred in it intended that it should be tortured into a
virtual emancipation of all the slaves within their respective limits? Would Virginia
and other Southern States have ever united in a declaration which was to be
interpreted into an abolition of slavery among them? Did any one of the thirteen
colonies entertain such a design or expectation? To impute such a secret and
unavowed purpose, would be to charge a political fraud upon the noblest band of
patriots that ever assembled in council—a fraud upon the Confederacy of the
Revolution—a fraud upon the union of those States whose Constitution not only
recognized the lawfulness of slavery, but permitted the importation of slaves from
Africa until the year 1808.”
This is the entire quotation brought forward to prove that
somebody previous to three years ago had said the negro was not
included in the term “all men” in the Declaration. How does it do so?
In what way has it a tendency to prove that? Mr. Clay says it is true
as an abstract principle that all men are created equal, but that we
cannot practically apply it in all cases. He illustrates this by bringing
forward the cases of females, minors, and insane persons, with
whom it cannot be enforced; but he says it is true as an abstract
principle in the organization of society as well as in organized
society, and it should be kept in view as a fundamental principle. Let
me read a few words more before I add some comments of my own.
Mr. Clay says a little further on:
“I desire no concealment of my opinions in regard to the institution of slavery. I
look upon it as a great evil, and deeply lament that we have derived it from the
parental Government, and from our ancestors. But here they are, and the question
is, how can they be best dealt with? If a state of nature existed, and we were about
to lay the foundations of society, no man would be more strongly opposed than I
should be, to incorporating the institution of slavery among its elements.”
Now, here in this same book—in this same speech—in this same
extract brought forward to prove that Mr. Clay held that the negro
was not included in the Declaration of Independence—no such
statement on his part, but the declaration that it is a great
fundamental truth, which should be constantly kept in view in the
organization of society and in societies already organized. But if I say
a word about it—if I attempt, as Mr. Clay said all good men ought to
do, to keep it in view—if, in this “organized society,” I ask to have the
public eye turned upon it—if I ask in relation to the organization of
new Territories, that the public eye should be turned upon it—
forthwith I am vilified as you hear me to-day. What have I done, that
I have not the license of Henry Clay’s illustrious example here in
doing? Have I done aught that I have not his authority for, while
maintaining that in organizing new Territories and societies, this
fundamental principle should be regarded, and in organized society
holding it up to the public view and recognizing what he recognized
as the great principle of free government?
And when this new principle—this new proposition that no human
being ever thought of three years ago—is brought forward, I combat
it as having an evil tendency, if not an evil design. I combat it as
having a tendency to dehumanize the negro—to take away from him
the right of ever striving to be a man. I combat it as being one of the
thousand things constantly done in these days to prepare the public
mind to make property, and nothing but property, of the negro in all
the States of this Union.
But there is a point that I wish, before leaving this part of the
discussion, to ask attention to. I have read and I repeat the words of
Henry Clay:
“I desire no concealment of my opinions in regard to the institution of slavery. I
look upon it as a great evil, and deeply lament that we have derived it from the
parental Government, and from our ancestors. I wish every slave in the United
States was in the country of his ancestors. But here they are; the question is how
they can best be dealt with? If a state of nature existed, and we were about to lay
the foundations of society, no man would be more strongly opposed than I should
be, to incorporate the institution of slavery among its elements.”
The principle upon which I have insisted in this canvass, is in
relation to laying the foundations of new societies. I have ever sought
to apply these principles to the old States for the purpose of
abolishing slavery in those States. It is nothing but a miserable
perversion of what I have said, to assume that I have declared
Missouri, or any other slave State, shall emancipate her slaves. I have
proposed no such thing. But when Mr. Clay says that in laying the
foundations of societies in our Territories where it does not exist, he
would be opposed to the introduction of slavery as an element, I
insist that we have his warrant—his license for insisting upon the
exclusion of that element which he declared in such strong and
emphatic language was most hateful to him.
Judge Douglas has again referred to a Springfield speech in which
I said “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” The Judge has so
often made the entire quotation from that speech that I can make it
from memory. I used this language:
“We are now far into the fifth year since a policy was initiated with the avowed
object and confident promise of putting an end to the slavery agitation. Under the
operation of this policy, that agitation has not only not ceased, but has constantly
augmented. In my opinion it will not cease until a crisis shall have been reached
and passed. ‘A house divided against itself cannot stand.’ I believe this Government
cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the house to
fall—but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all
the other. Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and
place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of
ultimate extinction, or its advocates will push it forward till it shall become alike
lawful in all the States—old as well as new, North as well as South.”
That extract and the sentiments expressed in it, have been
extremely offensive to Judge Douglas. He has warred upon them as
Satan wars upon the Bible. His perversions upon it are endless. Here
now are my views upon it in brief.
I said we were now far into the fifth year, since a policy was
initiated with the avowed object and confident promise of putting an
end to the slavery agitation. Is it not so? When that Nebraska bill was
brought forward four years ago last January, was it not for the
“avowed object” of putting an end to the slavery agitation? We were
to have no more agitation in Congress, it was all to be banished to the
Territories. By the way, I will remark here that, as Judge Douglas is
very fond of complimenting Mr. Crittenden in these days, Mr.
Crittenden has said there was a falsehood in that whole business, for
there was no slavery agitation at that time to allay. We were for a
little while quiet on the troublesome thing, and that very allaying
plaster of Judge Douglas’s stirred it up again. But was it not
understood or intimated with the “confident promise” of putting an
end to the slavery agitation? Surely it was. In every speech you heard
Judge Douglas make, until he got into this “imbroglio,” as they call it,
with the Administration about the Lecompton Constitution, every
speech on that Nebraska bill was full of his felicitations that we were
just at the end of the slavery agitation. The last tip of the last joint of
the old serpent’s tail was just drawing out of view. But has it proved
so? I have asserted that under that policy that agitation “has not only
not ceased, but has constantly augmented.” When was there ever a
greater agitation in Congress than last winter? When was it as great
in the country as to-day?
There was a collateral object in the introduction of that Nebraska
policy which was to clothe the people of the Territories with the
superior degree of self-government, beyond what they had ever had
before. The first object and the main one of conferring upon the
people a higher degree of “self-government,” is a question of fact to
be determined by you in answer to a single question. Have you ever
heard or known of a people any where on earth who had as little to
do, as, in the first instance of its use, the people of Kansas had with
this same right of “self-government?” In its main policy and in its
collateral object, it has been nothing but a living, creeping lie from
the time of its introduction till to-day.
I have intimated that I thought the agitation would not cease until
a crisis should have been reached and passed. I have stated in what
way I thought it would be reached and passed, I have said that it
might go one way or the other. We might, by arresting the further
spread of it, and placing it where the fathers originally placed it, put
it where the public mind should rest in the belief that it was in the
course of ultimate extinction. Thus the agitation may cease. It may be
pushed forward until it shall become alike lawful in all the States, old
as well as new, North as well as South. I have said, and I repeat, my
wish is that the further spread of it may be arrested, and that it may
be placed where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in
the course of ultimate extinction. I have expressed that as my wish. I
entertain the opinion upon evidence sufficient to my mind, that the
fathers of this Government placed that institution where the public
mind did rest in the belief that it was in the course of ultimate
extinction. Let me ask why they made provision that the source of
slavery—the African slave-trade—should be cut off at the end of
twenty years? Why did they make provision that in all the new
territory we owned at that time, slavery should be forever inhibited?
Why stop its spread in one direction and cut off its source in another,
if they did not look to its being placed in the course of ultimate
extinction?
Again; the institution of slavery is only mentioned in the
Constitution of the United States two or three times, and in neither
of these cases does the word “slavery” or “negro race” occur; but
covert language is used each time, and for a purpose full of
significance. What is the language in regard to the prohibition of the
African slave-trade? It runs in about this way: “The migration or
importation of such persons as any of the States now existing shall
think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior
to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight.”
The next allusion in the Constitution to the question of slavery and
the black race, is on the subject of the basis of representation, and
there the language used is, “Representatives and direct taxes shall be
apportioned among the several states which may be included within
this Union, according to their respective numbers, which shall be
determined by adding to the whole number of free persons, including
those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not
taxed—three-fifths of all other persons.”
It says “persons,” not slaves, not negroes; but this “three-fifths”
can be applied to no other class among us than the negroes.
Lastly, in the provision for the reclamation of fugitive slaves, it is
said: “No person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws
thereof, escaping into another shall in consequence of any law or
regulation therein, be discharged from such service or labor, but
shall be delivered up, on claim of the party to whom such service or
labor may be due.” There again there is no mention of the word
“negro” or of slavery. In all three of these places, being the only
allusion to slavery in the instrument covert language is used.
Language is used not suggesting that slavery existed or that the black
race were among us. And I understand the cotemporaneous history
of those times to be that covert language was used with a purpose,
and that purpose was that in our Constitution, which it was hoped
and is still hoped will endure forever—when it should be read by
intelligent and patriotic men, after the institution of slavery had
passed from among us—there should be nothing on the face of the
great charter of liberty suggesting that such a thing as negro slavery
had ever existed among us. This is part of the evidence that the
fathers of the Government expected and intended the institution of
slavery to come to an end. They expected and intended that it should
be in the course of ultimate extinction. And when I say that I desire
to see the further spread of it arrested, I only say I desire to see that
done which the fathers have first done. When I say I desire to see it
placed where the public mind will rest in the belief that it is in the
course of ultimate extinction, I only say I desire to see it placed
where they placed it. It is not true that our fathers, as Judge Douglas
assumes, made this Government part slave and part free.
Understand the sense in which he puts it. He assumes that slavery is
a rightful thing within itself—was introduced by the framers of the
constitution. The exact truth is, that they found the institution
existing among us, and they left it as they found it. But in making the
Government they left this institution with many clear marks of
disapprobation upon it. They found slavery among them, and they
left it among them because of the difficulty—the absolute
impossibility of its immediate removal. And when Judge Douglas
asks me why we cannot let it remain part slave and part free, as the
fathers of the Government made it, he asks a question based upon an
assumption which is itself a falsehood; and I turn upon him and ask
him the question, when the policy that the fathers of the Government
had adopted in relation to this element among us was the best policy
in the world—the only wise policy—the only policy that we can ever
safely continue upon—that will ever give us peace, unless this
dangerous element masters us all and becomes a national institution
—I turn upon him and ask him why he could not leave it alone. I
turn and ask him why he was driven to the necessity of introducing a
new policy in regard to it. He has himself said he introduced a new
policy. He said so in his speech on the 22d of March of the present
year, 1858. I ask him why he could not let it remain where our
fathers placed it. I ask, too, of Judge Douglas and his friends why we
shall not again place this institution upon the basis on which the
fathers left it. I ask you, when he infers that I am in favor of setting
the free and slave States at war, when the institution was placed in
that attitude by those who made the Constitution, did they make any
war? If we had no war out of it, when thus placed, wherein is the
ground of belief that we shall have war out of it, if we return to that
policy? Have we had any peace upon this matter springing from any
other basis? I maintain that we have not. I have proposed nothing
more than a return to the policy of the fathers.
I confess, when I propose a certain measure of policy, it is not
enough for me that I do not intend any thing evil in the result, but it
is incumbent on me to show that it has not a tendency to that result.
I have met Judge Douglas in that point of view. I have not only made
the declaration that I do not mean to produce a conflict between the
States, but I have tried to show by fair reasoning, and I think I have
shown to the minds of fair men, that I propose nothing but what has
a most peaceful tendency. The quotation that I happened to make in
that Springfield speech, that “a house divided against itself cannot
stand,” and which has proved so offensive to the Judge, was part and
parcel of the same thing. He tries to show that variety in the
domestic institutions of the different States is necessary and
indispensable. I do not dispute it. I have no controversy with Judge
Douglas about that. I shall very readily agree with him that it would
be foolish for us to insist upon having a cranberry law here, in
Illinois, where we have no cranberries, because they have a cranberry
law in Indiana, where they have cranberries. I should insist that it
would be exceedingly wrong in us to deny to Virginia the right to
enact oyster laws, where they have oysters, because we want no such
laws here. I understand, I hope, quite as well as Judge Douglas or
any body else, that the variety in the soil and climate and face of the
country, and consequent variety in the industrial pursuits and
productions of a country, require systems of law conforming to this
variety in the natural features of the country. I understand quite as
well as Judge Douglas, that if we here raise a barrel of flour more
than we want, and the Louisianians raise a barrel of sugar more than
they want, it is of mutual advantage to exchange. That produces
commerce, brings us together, and makes us better friends. We like
one another the more for it. And I understand as well as Judge
Douglas, or any body else, that these mutual accommodations are
the cements which bind together the different parts of this Union—
that instead of being a thing to “divide the house”—figuratively
expressing the Union—they tend to sustain it; they are the props of
the house tending always to hold it up.
But when I have admitted all this, I ask if there is any parallel
between these things and this institution of slavery? I do not see that
there is any parallel at all between them. Consider it. When have we
had any difficulty or quarrel amongst ourselves about the cranberry
laws of Indiana, or the oyster laws of Virginia, or the pine lumber
laws of Maine, or the fact that Louisiana produces sugar, and Illinois
flour? When have we had any quarrels over these things? When have
we had perfect peace in regard to this thing which I say is an element
of discord in this Union? We have sometimes had peace, but when
was it? It was when the institution of slavery remained quiet where it
was. We have had difficulty and turmoil whenever it has made a
struggle to spread itself where it was not. I ask, then, if experience
does not speak in thunder-tones, telling us that the policy which has
given peace to the country heretofore, being returned to, gives the
greatest promise of peace again. You may say, and Judge Douglas
has intimated the same thing, that all this difficulty in regard to the
institution of slavery is the mere agitation of office-seekers and
ambitious northern politicians. He thinks we want to get “his place,”
I suppose. I agree that there are office-seekers amongst us. The Bible
says somewhere that we are desperately selfish. I think we would
have discovered that fact without the Bible. I do not claim that I am
any less so than the average of men, but I do claim that I am not
more selfish than Judge Douglas.
But is it true that all the difficulty and agitation we have in regard
to this institution of slavery springs from office-seeking—from the
mere ambition of politicians? Is that the truth? How many times
have we had danger from this question? Go back to the day of the
Missouri Compromise. Go back to the Nullification question, at the
bottom of which lay this same slavery question. Go back to the time
of the Annexation of Texas. Go back to the troubles that led to the
Compromise of 1850. You will find that every time, with the single
exception of the Nullification question, they sprang from an
endeavor to spread this institution. There never was a party in the
history of this country, and there probably never will be, of sufficient
strength to disturb the general peace of the country. Parties
themselves may be divided and quarrel on minor questions, yet it
extends not beyond the parties themselves. But does not this
question make a disturbance outside of political circles? Does it not
enter into the churches and rend them asunder? What divided the
great Methodist Church into two parts, North and South? What has
raised this constant disturbance in every Presbyterian General
Assembly that meets? What disturbed the Unitarian Church in this
very city two years ago? What has jarred and shaken the great
American Tract Society recently, not yet splitting it, but sure to
divide it in the end? Is it not this same mighty, deep-seated power
that somehow operates on the minds of men, exciting and stirring
them up in every avenue of society—in politics, in religion, in
literature, in morals, in all the manifold relations of life? Is this the
work of politicians? Is that irresistible power which for fifty years has
shaken the Government and agitated the people to be stilled and
subdued by pretending that it is an exceedingly simple thing, and we
ought not to talk about it? If you will get everybody else to stop
talking about it, I assure you I will quit before they have half done so.
But where is the philosophy or statesmanship which assumes that
you can quiet that disturbing element in our society which has
disturbed us for more than half a century, which has been the only
serious danger that has threatened our institutions—I say, where is
the philosophy or the statesmanship based on the assumption that
we are to quit talking about it, and that the public mind is all at once
to cease being agitated by it? Yet this is the policy here in the north
that Douglas is advocating—that we are to care nothing about it! I
ask you if it is not a false philosophy? Is it not a false statesmanship
that undertakes to build up a system of policy upon the basis of
caring nothing about the very thing that every body does care the
most about?—a thing which all experience has shown we care a very
great deal about?
The Judge alludes very often in the course of his remarks to the
exclusive right which the States have to decide the whole thing for
themselves. I agree with him very readily that the different States
have that right. He is but fighting a man of straw when he assumes
that I am contending against the right of the States to do as they
please about it. Our controversy with him is in regard to the new
Territories. We agree that when States come in as States they have
the right and the power to do as they please. We have no power as
citizens of the free States or in our federal capacity as members of the
Federal Union through the General Government, to disturb slavery
in the States where it exists. We profess constantly that we have no
more inclination than belief in the power of the Government to
disturb it; yet we are driven constantly to defend ourselves from the
assumption that we are warring upon the rights of the States. What I
insist upon is, that the new Territories shall be kept free from it while
in the Territorial condition. Judge Douglas assumes that we have no
interest in them—that we have no right whatever to interfere. I think

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