Meaning: The quote "Slavery is not the only question which comes up in this controversy. There is a far more important one to you, and that is, what shall be done with the free negro?" is attributed to Stephen Douglas, a prominent American politician who played a significant role in the debates and discussions surrounding slavery in the mid-19th century. This quote encapsulates the complex and highly contentious nature of the discussions about slavery and the status of free African Americans during this period.

During the 19th century, the issue of slavery was a source of intense political, social, and moral debate in the United States. The institution of slavery was deeply entrenched in the southern states, where it formed the backbone of the agricultural economy, particularly in relation to cotton production. However, the expansion of the United States into new territories and states reignited the debate about the extension of slavery into these regions, leading to fierce political battles and conflicts.

In this context, Stephen Douglas, a senator from Illinois and a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, emerged as a central figure in the debates over slavery. Douglas was a proponent of popular sovereignty, the idea that the residents of a territory should be allowed to decide for themselves whether to permit or prohibit slavery. This stance placed him in direct opposition to abolitionists and other anti-slavery activists who sought to halt the spread of slavery into new territories.

The quote reflects Douglas's emphasis on the question of what should be done with free African Americans, highlighting the broader implications of the slavery debate beyond the simple dichotomy of pro-slavery versus anti-slavery positions. Douglas's framing of the issue underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in addressing the status and rights of free African Americans within the context of a deeply divided and racially stratified society.

The question of "what shall be done with the free negro?" speaks to the broader societal concerns and anxieties surrounding the status of African Americans in a nation deeply divided by racial tensions and the legacy of slavery. Even as the abolitionist movement gained momentum and the moral imperative of ending slavery became increasingly recognized, the issue of how to address the status and rights of free African Americans remained a deeply contentious and unresolved issue.

For Douglas and others who shared his perspective, the status of free African Americans was a pressing concern that demanded attention and resolution. The quote reflects the underlying fears and uncertainties that pervaded discussions about the future of African Americans in a nation grappling with the legacy of slavery and deeply entrenched racial prejudices.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Stephen Douglas encapsulates the broader complexities and challenges inherent in the debates over slavery and the status of free African Americans in 19th-century America. It underscores the multifaceted nature of the controversy surrounding slavery, highlighting the broader societal implications and unresolved questions that persisted alongside the more overt debates about the institution of slavery itself. The quote serves as a reminder of the deep-seated racial tensions and anxieties that permeated American society during this tumultuous period in its history.