VOA慢速英语 American History Series: The Struggle Over Slavery in the Kansas Territory

　　Members did not want to admit that they belonged to the group. When asked, they said, "I know nothing."

　　And that is how the organization got its name.

　　(MUSIC)

　　VOICE TWO:

　　The Democratic Party was led by President Franklin Pierce. Pierce wanted to run for re-election. Many northern Democrats, however, objected to his support of the pro-slavery legislature in Kansas. Other Democrats did not think he was the strongest candidate. As a result, Pierce faced competition for the party's nomination.

　　One opponent was Senator Stephen Douglas of Illinois. Douglas had great political ability. He also had many political enemies. He was the man most responsible for gaining congressional approval of the bill that opened Kansas to slavery.

　　VOICE ONE:

　　Pierce's other opponent for the Democratic nomination was James Buchanan of Pennsylvania. Buchanan was a northerner who would probably leave the South alone.

　　"I am not friendly to the idea of slavery," he said. "but the rights of the South -- under our constitution -- should have as much protection as the rights of any other part of our Union. "

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