Final answer:
In his speech, Tallmadge opposes the spread of slavery in the territories and warns of a potential sectional crisis or civil war. He introduces a measure to prohibit slavery in Missouri and gradually emancipate the existing slaves. The debate over slavery in the territories leads to calls for disunion and threats of civil war.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Tallmadge's speech to Congress, he opposes the spread of slavery into the territories and raises concerns about a potential sectional crisis or civil war regarding the status of slavery in the territories. He introduces a measure designed to prohibit slavery in Missouri and provide for the gradual emancipation of the slaves living there.
While Tallmadge fears the expansion of slavery, most members of Congress express more concern about the balance of power in the national government. The debate over the future of slavery in the territories leads to strident calls of disunion and threats of civil war.