Call of FreedomJ: Book 2: Compromises and Passions

BOOK 2: COMPROMISES AND PASSIONS.





- photo Senator Emily Hausheer
- Photo Senator Dani Jack
- Photo Senator Ryan McDonald (Taken by: Ahna Beth.)


President Warren shook his head, after two hard reelection campaigns and negotiating with pirates in Africa he was exhausted! Warren grabbed his cane and limped towards the door, he couldn't stop coughing. The news was grim, he contracted tuberculosis. Tears flooded his grey eyes, not for himself but for those young congresspeople who faced a hard task of keeping the union together. These United States were split, and new radical fractions were taking control. They were not so far gone however, compromise was still an option. Warren left the office and retired, President Glenn Bertsch took his place.  Emily Haushoun, a young 25 year old congresswoman from South Carolina won election to Congress in a landslide.  Haushoun had fair skin, eyes were an intense sea green that revealed traces of blue and brown. Haushoun's frame was slight and slender. She was a leader, an idealist and had a voice so powerful yet beautiful the walls of the Bastille would fall just hearing it. Haushoun's heart was for the citizens and their rights and she would give just about anything to save their freedom. Rep. Danielle Jlay of Kentucky was Speaker of the House. Danielle had wavy chestnut brown hair and a pair of laughing brown eyes to go along with it. Like Haushoun, Jlay had a very small hour glass figure as well. Jlay had a warm smile that would light up an entire room, she was a very warm person. Jlay was also an organizer, an intelligent and charismatic politician. Jlay was passionate, and an instigator. She was the champion of the union. During this time, England and France were fighting.  France's revolution ended in disaster- Rosspiere was dead, and a young general named Napoleone Buonaparte took over and was attempting to conquer Europe. A joint congressional committee discovered that England was kidnapping our troops and making them fight against France. Congress sent a petition asking them to stop, but England didn't stop. Enraged Danielle took the floor; "Congressmen! now is the time to fight!"  Emily seconded, and was made "Minority Leader".  These Congressional Leaders decided war must be declared against England.  The war was mostly fought on the sea, until England invaded.   The moon was shinning bright that night, as a group one million strong of English approached our shores. They landed in New York City, and torched it to the ground. Flames raged against skyscrapers, people evacuated by the thousands. Sadly, many Americans did not escape in time and were held captive on the infamous British prison ships. The British went to the firehouses and slashed the hoses so it would be impossible to put the fires out. The British marched to New Jersey and progressed to the small villages and farms. The congressional foreign relations committee consisting of Ryan McWebster, Luke Douglas, Emily Haushoun and Danielle Jlay investigated the damage. Before the committee knew it, British soldiers came marching through the swamp. The Americans took shelter in an abandoned building. The building used to be a tuberculosis sanitarium, now it stood buried partially in the swamplands of New Jersey.  Danielle pointed to the south, the American army was coming to combat the British.  Against the black smoke stood a promising site... our flag! The committee then discovered the president's young daughter, Grace had stowed away with them. "Our flag!" she exclaimed, Senator McDonald put her on his shoulders. "Yes, its still there!" he said with pride. Little Grace managed to slip into the back of the car, and hide well between the suit cases. Grace was five years old at the time, and very small her long Rapunzel-like blond hair and huge blue eyes were her most prominent feature. Senator Haushoun coughed, the humid air combined with the thick smoke made it impossible to breath. She was born and raised in New Jersey, contrary to what most people assumed. Haushoun moved to South Carolina as soon as she grew up however, and nobody knew where she was born. Haushoun did not see why that should ever become an issue however. Ryan looked to the north and brushed a strand of his shaggy dirty blond hair out of the way, he peered out from his hazel eyes and pointed; "The white flag!" The British surrendered.  Peace was eventually settled, but the news didn’t reach one general on time…. Andrew Dickinson.
Andrew Dickinson was a lanky young man, bright red hair, piercing blue eyes, a fiery temper, as well as a scar on his face from being one of those Kentucky Patriots standing against “The King.” He was not to be messed with. Andrew was keeping the British off the coast of Mississippi, and eventually made them retreat all the way back down the Mississippi River. When the public heard of this post-war victory,  they immediately feel in love with Andrew. Andrew was the new heartthrob, but Emily knew something was wrong. Andrew was handsome in the rugged way, and knew how to sway voters.  A run for president perhaps awaited him in the future.
Andrew did not run in the next election however, that was Jenaye White.  Jenaye Monroe of Kentucky won the primary, she was an experianced stateswoman.  Although she was in office for a long time, she never lost her youthful looks. Jenaye had long wavy dark brown hair, and beautiful grey eyes. She had a small frame, and was about 5' in height.  Nonetheless, she was a brilliant and well-liked senator.  Jenaye won in a landslide. Jenaye appointed powerful politicians as her cabinet; Quincy Warren as Secretary of State, Ryan McWebster as Secretary of the Treasury, and Senator Haushoun as Secretary of War.  Haushoun knew nothing about the military, but Jenaye choose her for another reason---compromise. Under Haushoun as Secretary many wars were avoided due to her compromising skills.  Jenaye's presidency was refereed to as the; "Era of Grand Feelings." It was a peaceful and prosperous era in history. Business and commerce flourished.  Jenaye was well-liked by Americans and ended her presidency by retiring to Kentucky. Secretary Haushoun felt this was perfect time for a run--- so did most American politicians.
The next election comprised of; Danielle Jlay, Ryan McWebster, Emily Haushoun, Rebecca Barnett, Jennifer Crawford, Quincy Warren, and Andrew Dickinson. Jlay of Kentucky was a powerful choice, however her campaign ran out of finances she still stayed in. McWebster of Massachusetts pulled out early after a loss in the early Alabama primary and his support in the Southern states was slim. Haushoun of South Carolina was in a solid second place, she put most of her money in the Pennsylvania primary--the deciding primary of the time. Barnett also of South Carolina, was endorsed by the legislator. Barnett was torn as she was a good friend of Jlay and Haushoun.  Another set back was Barnett's health, although only 32 Rebecca Barnett had a heart problem and may not live to see the election. Barnett pulled out and tossed her supporters to Haushoun. Crawford of New York was a dirty campaigner, she knew what she wanted and she was going to get it. Jennifer Crawford was strong and looked more presidential then any of the frail looking women on the debate stage. She had long blond hair and blue eyes, Crawford was also older then most of the female candidates, born in 1984 while the others were mostly all born in 1994.  Crawford, for all of her faults was beautiful and stood up for what she believed in. The rough and tumble of Crawford came from her childhood growing up in the slums of New York City. Quincy Warren was a son of the famed Thomas Warren, Quincy was quite and had "cold" manners, yet he was brilliant and had good morals. Andrew Dickinson was the hero of Mississippi, a 21st century American hero--- or so he portrayed.

Now with only Jlay, Haushoun, Dickinson, Warren and Crawford in the race the Pennsylvania primary took place.  Haushoun's Pennsylvania campaign manager changed his support to Dickinson, causing Haushoun to take second place.  Haushoun dropped out of the presidential race and joined the Vice Presidential pickings instead.

The main candidates in the polls as Election Day approached were; Andrew Dickinson and Quincy Warren. Jennifer Crawford tragically had a stroke on the campaign trail in Maine, yet she remained in the race in a solid third place. In forth was Danielle Jlay, but Jlay as Speaker of the House held a powerful position if the race was thrown into the House.

In the US Constitution it states that if no presidential candidate gets a two-thirds majority of the votes in the electoral college the race will be thrown into the House of Representatives to choose the president and the Senate to choose the vice-president.

Election Day was chilly yet sunny. The Americans cast their votes in hopes for a hero. Andrew won the popular vote by a large margin, but the electoral vote was what counted.
General Andrew Dickinson- 41%
Ambassador Quincy Warren- 30%
Congresswoman Jennifer Crawford- 15%
Speaker Danielle Jlay- 12%

Danielle's palms sweated as the newscaster explained how only the top three candidates will go to the House of Representatives to be choosen.
Danielle Jlay's campaign was over, tears flooded her gentle brown eyes. This was no time for tears though, work was to be done. Andrew Dickinson must not win!

Danielle Jlay took to her chair in the House.  The news had reached her--- the US Senate just voted. Secretary of War Emily Haushoun was now Vice President Emily Haushoun! Haushoun won the Senate with a landslide, taking nearly every state--- except New Jersey. The Crawford campaign sent a pamphlet to the New Jersey delegation with a story of how Senator Haushoun "abandoned them."  Jlay laughed at such a pamphlet, yet laughing soon fell to regret when she remembered that was the reason she lost Minnesota this election. 
Speaker Danielle Jlay saw that Andrew had more votes, but she knew Andrew would abuse the power.
Danielle left her seat and paced the House floor, without her knowledge a Congresswoman approached her desk and switched Dickinson and Warren's votes. This congresswoman was a strong Dickinson supporter, but she hated Jlay and wanted a scandal. When Jlay returned she finalized the vote without seeing the rigging. President Quincy Warren was to be our next president. The people erupted into an outcry; "corrupt bargain!" was screamed in the streets. Danielle was under so much stress she forgot whether there even was a rigging, did she actually rig it? Quincy Warren had an apple shape to his body and a round jowly face; Small blue eyes, and a receding hairline as well.  He was a man of good morals. "I hesitate to take my seat, as I feel I was rigged in..." Quincy confided to a friend. He sighed; "It's my duty however."  Quincy appointed Jlay as Secretary of State, a move that haunted him more. "It's a corrupt bargain! for Jlay to be Secretary of State!" was screamed the next day in the headlines.  "It's a bargain for sure!" implied Vice President-elect Haushoun to the press. Haushoun believed it, Dickinson believed it, the American people believed it, Jlay was starting to believe it to. What if she had done it? changed the votes?

Inauguration Day was grey and stormy, however the swearing in was still held on the front steps. Quincy followed by Haushoun took the oath to; "protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Quincy Warren’s Presidency was relatively quiet, but the next election cycle was the most vicious ever. 

Andrew Dickinson was back, and not happy.  Disgusting, and appalling attacks were made. Dickinson's wife April Rose Dickinson was a target of these attacks.
Dickinson "rescued" April Rose from an abusive marriage, little did he know the divorce was not finalized properly from her abusive husband Grant Brown. Grant then sued Dickinson for adultery but the charges were largely forgotten---until now. April Rose had long black hair and soft brown eyes, she was a bit on the heavier side and had a beautiful smile.  April was shielded from these attacks due to her delicate heart.  Dickinson's campaign was crushing Warren's, while Warren's called Dickinson; "adulterer and murdered", Dickinson called Warren; "a snob who is not with the people!" Dickinson won by a landslide because of his charisma, and charm.  However, one night April Rose could not sleep. Shortly after the election April Rose was wondering the long, dark hallways and picked up a newspaper. This newspaper had the whole story about April's divorce. This heart April deeply and she suffered a heartattack and died. Andrew Dickinson discovered her body and broke down in tears. "April Rose! come back to me!!" he screamed.  The next day April Rose was buried in the purple satin gown she was to wear on his inauguration. After the coffin was lowered to the dirt Andrew looked up at the dark grey sky; "I will forgive those who slandered me, but those who slandered April Rose shall die!" Andrew then swore vengeance on whoever was against him or whoever slandered April Rose.

During inarguation day, a gigantic throng of people mobbed Washington, DC hoping to see Andrew Dickinson. This unruly crowd was let into the White House and stood on chairs to see him.  Vice President Haushoun managed to squeeze her small body through the crowd, she was re-elected but as Andrew Dickinson's Vice President. Haushoun wore her light brown hair up-swept, with light trindles coming down. She had on a periwinkle blue gown, that was slender fit and flowed to her ankles. Senator Haushoun's grey eyes scaned the crowd... mostly backwoods people she assumed, trying to get a glimpse of one of their own. Haushoun did not like Dickinson, yet ran under him because he needed somebody to win the deep South, where Emily's stronghold was.

Their personalities conflicted- Andrew Dickinson hotheaded and anti-states rights.  Andrew, the people’s champion… all sounded lovely on the outside, but something was defiantly wrong. Senator Haushoun- champion of states rights, she was caring and gentle to all, she had a stubborn and impulsive streak as well--enough to lead a revolution, which she tried to hide. Haushoun was very much like the historical Vice President John C. Calhoun, both stubborn, both South Carolinian states rightsers, both intense thinkers, and they both had the same personality type. Dickinson on the other hand was like President Andrew Jackson!
By the time the rambunctious party was over and the  crowd cleared Dickinson got down to business. Dickinson choose his close friends for his official cabinet, yet he had a secret cabinet as well a "Kitchen Cabinet" nobody knew anything about.

Meandering through the White House halls, alone at night the quietness of the White House seemed spooky… something wasn’t right. Haushoun then heard a man talking, from the kitchen? Who on earth would be up this time at night? She peaked in and saw Andrew, with a group of five men and women. Scared she listened closely, “I called you all here, because I can’t let my Vice President know. You see she supports nullification, and is from South Carolina. Therefore, can not be trusted” Emily gasped, they were talking about her! Emily felt a cold hand by her back and felt like letting out a scream.
“Shhh…. Its me!”
Emily turned around, “Danielle Jlay! What are you doing?”
“shhh, I’m here investigating. I see my assumptions were correct”
 “assumptions?”
“that President Dickinson has a secret cabinet.” 
 Andrew turned to the dark corner were the girls were hiding, they stood as still as statues. Perhaps he was just imagining, he turned back to his advisers “I want you as my secret cabinet, my kitchen cabinet to keep quiet about everything that was said tonight, or else... I will turn on you. You will die an untimely death.”  Andrew walked out the back door with his advisers.  Emily and Dani shivered with fear, what does President Dickinson want?

A bill was passed and signed into law. The law raised taxes from 50% to 100% to fund new government programs. Many states such as South Carolina were going to nullify it, while states like Massachusetts and Tennessee applauded it. McWebster applauded it as it will help the dying industry in his state of Massachusetts! Haushoun frowned upon it, South Carolina's industry was doing just fine.

In the South Carolina state legislator, an act was proposed that if the tariff was not repealed South Carolina will secede.
 Dickinson was enraged, no state will secede under his watch! Haushoun was scared, she had to be loyal to her beloved South Carolina, yet she felt secession was too soon. Haushoun was torn, there had to be an alternative to secession.
Late one night, the lights were dimmed. Vice President Haushoun was up and her intense mind at work, she opened the founding father's documents and read about nullification. A smile came across the vice president's face, nullification-perfect! South Carolina can nullify the law!   Vice President Haushoun sent a letter to the South Carolina legislator begging them to nullify the law and not to secede. South Carolina announced they were going to nullify the tariff, still Dickinson was not pleased.


The next day the sixth of May was recognizing day. All of our heroes on the night of the fifth were either reflecting on the past, with hopes or fears of what tomorrow holds. With dimmed lights in his office Ryan McWebster packed his papers for the day. Ryan looked at the map of these United States on his wall and sighed; "The union was happiest together, there were days when we lived happily as Americans. Now it has all changed. I'm confident these men who know my speech will support me." Ryan said. McWebster turned to leave his office and turned out the lights as he saw two men discussing politics, this gave a warm feeling inside McWebster that perhaps the union will be strong.

Washington was strangely quiet. The streets that normally bussed with life, hope, idealism were now dead in fear. The revolution was encroaching such as clouds on the plans. In the somber Committee on National Security two senators- Christopher Desmoulins of Alabama and Elise Hutchison of Wisconsin were packing up. As they were leaving their way was blocked by Danielle Jlay. "Senators, we must reach a compromise. I need you to help me, I have no idea how any of our states will survive if this tariff is passed. We must reach agreement." Danielle continued talking and persauded the other two senators to help her draft a compromise, they sat at a table- ready to make history.

Van Fordley got off the train and walked to the dead streets of New York. There was a time these buildings and streets teemed with life and livelihood. These days are dead, New York was now an empty shell of what used to be. Buildings were crumbling to the ground, businesses boarded up, thousands- no millions on the streets homeless and starving for just a piece of bread. Van Fordley brushed past them, she was clothed in her beautiful long pink dress with a high empire waist-- the people were in rags. Van Fordley ignored their pleas and walked into an abandoned hospital, from the upper hospital window Van Fordley looked out; "Nobody cares about me, or my economy. New York could have been strong but what happened? South Carolina took our pride, they took our industry, took our everything." Van Fordley collapsed in sadness thinking of what a glorious career she would have had, but no matter what she could do- the people were in rags and dying in the streets. Van Fordley walked along the upper floor of the hospital from room to room. Van Fordley took one more glimpse out the window- her bitterness willed up inside her, she wanted to advance in her career yet she was living a lie of pretending.  Something on the floor caught Van Fordley's eyes- an old Bible. The floor she was on used to be a tuberculosis isolation floor, it closed in 2008. Van Fordley picked up the Bible and scoffed- this was not what she wanted in her life, what she wanted was revenge and power.


The French Quarter of Charleston, South Carolina gave a very different scene. Standing on a table of a cafe, Vice President Haushoun called out to the people; "Citizens!" she called out "We in South Carolina have accomplished a great feet, our economy is prosperous. This bill is an outrage! This new tariff will take away our hard work and give the state of New York the money we should be earning. New York’s situation is a tragedy, but instead of taking away own livelihood they should be focusing on fixing their own. Citizens, this is an intense time of strong passions and feelings fear not! Someday I believe it will be better, we are in the majority citizens! It may not look like it, but we are. The power of Van Fordley shall break and the people will finally have a say. Follow me citizens into the future- follow me in the name of liberty and equality!" The crowd cheered, Haushoun’s calming means was public speaking, when she was quite she could not stop thinking of the terrible conflict about to tear her beloved America in two.  The sunset casted a bright red light on the streets of Charleston, South Carolina- the city was prepared for revolution. The citizens of Charleston wore blue cockades to show their support of Haushoun. The citizens were ready and willing to fight to preserve their rights, urban warfare looked like a very real potential in the French Quarter. Streets blocked off, houses boarded up, the palmetto flags waving, angry citizens forming their armies- tomorrow was going to be big. South Carolina was on the verge of revolution, the people demanded to be treated equally- New York should not receive special favors.

Andrew Dickinson was strolling the White House halls in the dark, he was the leader of the land and he alone wanted to be the final say. "I shall get rid of all these nullifiers, they shall be crushed beneith my feet!" Andrew pompously proclaimed. Dickinson was not in the mood for revolution, nothing stood in Dickinson's way. Dickinson picked up a letter from Jlay that was laying on his desk- a plea for compromise. Dickinson mocked it and threw the letter in the fire- compromise was a sign of weakness, he must destroy every last revolutionary in South Carolina.


One night, at a presidential dinner Andrew Dickinson hinting at Emily’s states rights philosophy toasted; “The Union! May it ever be preserved against those states rights people!”  Emily knew exactly what Dickinson was referring to, hands sweating she picked up her glass and fixed her intense grey eyes on Andrew, she broke protocol, and toasted back; “Only next to our liberty most my dear, may we remember the states that created the federal union and these United States are the strongest, if we stay together.” Her deep set grey eyes  looked calmly ahead.

On the floor of the Senate, Ryan McWebster of Massachusetts arose to express his discontent with South Carolina’s nullification declaration; “We are one union!” he eloquently captured the entire audience, with his words of “unity” and “patriotism.”

Sitting in the Vice President’s chair, was Emily Haushoun of South Carolina.  On the floor was Senator Noelle Young of South Carolina. Vice President Hausheer was handing her notes of encouragement to help defend the states’ nullification stance. Luke Douglas the other senator from South Carolina was also getting his notes from Haushoun. Douglas like Haushoun and Young was a strong champion of states rights.
  After the debate, the darkness of night slowly crept by as senators returned to their boarding houses and hotels to retire. It was midnight, Vice President Haushoun received an alarming alert. Certain members of the South Carolina State Senate were planning secession. This had to be stopped dead in its tracks. She knew what needed to be done; boarded the train at Union station and took a city bus from Charleston to Columbia. “Wait!” she shouted stepping into the South Carolina Senate.
 “We have to take a pre-emptive strike and secede!” Senator Tabitha Rhett of Charleston County demanded. "My estimates exactly!" another senator agreed.
“No!” Emily protested. “If y’all do this, South Carolina will bear the burden of the Civil War that may come, I don’t want bloodshed. Listen to me! Let intellect and reason guide your beliefs, not foolish and rash actions!   I'm a stanch believer in states rights, perhaps the strongest the Senate ever had. Nullify this law! Now is not the time to secede, only secede once attacked.” Vice President Haushoun said in disgust.  Senator Rhett turned around, amazed “Vice President Haushoun?” the Vice President smiled.  
"We must respond peacefully, because if we do not Andrew Dickinson will have us all killed for "treason"" Vice President Haushoun begged.
"I suppose you have a point..." the fireeater Senator Rhett confessed.

Returning to Washington, Vice President Haushoun found out President Andrew Dickinson was too dangerous, and too unreasonable to listen. Senator Jlay while she was investigating found in the "Kitchen Cabinet" meetings some of Andrew's plans, to kill all of his enemies---- including Jlay.  Jlay ran out, she glanced back to see Dickinson and his cabinet burn the files so nobody would see. Jlay had to warn Haushoun and McWebster!  "What?" McWebster was shocked. "I was expecting this all along... he won't follow through with us though, we are too power and well known. He'd kill off the lesser known people first."  Haushoun inserted.  Sure enough Haushoun read in the paper of the tragic death of some of the South Carolina legislator due to, also some younger members of the House and Senate who supported Jlay suffered "untimely" deaths.   Jlay shivered, was there a way to report this? No, there was not. President Dickinson would just bend things his way, and skew evidence. It was best to vote him out.  Also, Dickinson had a very powerful ally- Michele Van Fordley. Van Fordley was small, and looked sweet on the outside with light blond hair, but don't let looks fool you. Van Fordley was as sly as a fox, she hated Vice President Haushoun because she wanted her seat. Haushoun was disgusted with Van Fordley and penned this letter;

To Whom it may Concern:

I will be accepting a US Senate seat. I resign the Vice Presidency of the United States- Emily R. Haushoun

Van Fordley saw this letter on the Secretary of States' desk and smiled, she approached President Dickinson. "Van Fordley! we meet again!" Dickinson smiled.
"Mr.President, I just came back from the nullification convention in South Carolina... spying." Van Fordley said with confidence.
"Spying? well done my dear!" replied Dickinson.
Van Fordley looked down; "That former Vice President of yours nearly caught me though!"
   Just as she said that, Senator Emily Haushoun indignantly opened the door and approached the president and Van Fordley. To the president she said; "I came to make sure you received my resignation."
 "I did." replied Dickinson. The senator then exited.


Sen.Haushoun was elected Minority Leader, and served the senate.With Senator Jlay and McDonald, they formed the media and people called "Great Triumvirate."  The three most influential and famous senators of the century.   

Four years later, during Dickinson's second term Van Fordley was elected to the senate as part of the same party the Great Triumvirate was in, but had a sinister purpose in mind.  Van Fordley was still a spy for the president, years later she beat Senator Hausheer for being minority leader by one vote. Ryan McWebster accidentally stumbled upon Van Fordley giving party information to the president and the opposite party.  Van Fordley then through her charm, convinced the Whig Party who she was minority leader for that she was one of them. Many of the Whigs fell for her trap, except Senators Jlay and Haushoun. Haushoun accidently picked up a paper she thought was her own, but then discovered it was from Van Fordley's pile.... information on how to destroy the Whigs from within.   Senator Haushoun approached her and said; "I'll forgive you for your crime, if you promise never to do it again!" Van Fordley just smiled. Later that night Van Fordley approached the president and still gave party information.  The next morning the Senate convened. "Mr.President, I arise today for a hard task. The evidence of Senator Van Fordley's dishonesty leads me to demand an ethics investigation." Senator Haushoun inserted.  The ethics committee was formed. After some investigation, it was discovered that Van Fordley was the one who rigged Quincy Warren's election to put the blame on Senator Jlay.  Senate Majority Leader for the Democrats, Paul Breakinridge was shocked, he knew that Haushoun spoke the truth. In his heart, Breakinridge wanted to follow her, but something stood in the way. Van Fordley controlled most of New York, and he was a senator from New York. If Breakinridge stood against her, his political career would be dead. Paul sat back in his chair and regretfully supported Van Fordley. Danielle was outraged! how could somebody support such a criminal?  One option was left, expulsion.  Senator Van Fordley was expelled from the senate for high crimes and misdemeanors. Hausheer decided she was more effective as a prominent senate leader. She wasn't in any official party leadership office, other then what she called "a plain senator" but in reality, Haushoun along with Jlay and McWebster became on of the most prominent senators to serve. The Great Triumvirate became better known then the actual floor leaders! Charismatic and cheerful Danielle Jlay of Kentucky orator and passionate Ryan McWebster of Massachusetts, and intense thinker and stubborn Emily Haushoun of South Carolina.

President Dickinson had spies and was sending troops to South Carolina.  South Carolina was still nullifying the tariffs that congress passed. Against the cold snow, and sparkling marble of DC a intense quite prevailed. “President Dickinson! You are out of your mind!” protested Danielle Jlay.  “President Dickinson, listen to me!” Senator Andrew Robertson of Maine tried to get his attention “I’m your political supporter, but this has gone too far! Remove your troops from South Carolina at once!” Dickinson just smirked.   The senators heads turned towards…. Emily Haushoun, having been elected by a landslide to the United States Senate, shortly after resigning the Vice Presidency.   Senator Hausheer took the floor, looked President Dickinson right in the eyes.  “Mr. President, you are violating several amendments. I’ll start with the forth, arresting citizens without warrant. Shall I continue? The first violating free speech. And….” “Silence!” the president demanded. Senator Luke Douglas also of South Carolina took the floor “Mr.President, what right have you to silence a senator?” Andrew Dickinson was silent.  “I move for censure!” demanded Danielle Jlay.  The senate passed a censure on President Dickinson, he couldn’t be impeached since he controlled the media and the citizens were ignorant of his deeds. South Carolina wasn't backing down and neither was Dickinson.  After the censor however, Dickinson was forced to remove troops and peace was restored.

Andrew while under censer, devised a cunning move. He was going to capture Indian land for the oil and transport Indians to the Nevada dessert. This plan was denounced and killed in Congress, yet the issue went to the Supreme Court. Cloaked in a heavy black robe Chief Justice Michael Farris declared the act to be unconstitutional, Andrew Dickinson approached Farris and their eyes met; "Go enforce it!" Dickinson demanded. Farris kept quite, the court was powerless to stop Dickinson. Dickinson ordered the troops to remove thousands of Indians off the reservations and into Nevada, hundreds died.

Andrew arranged for Van Fordley to become the next president. Van Fordley’s corruption showed itself, and the party feel out of power as protestors took the government back to the people.  During this period Danielle Jlay began to recall past memories... something stood out to her. For reasons unknown to the senate she took the floor, and confessed to anything wrong she may have done.  Although personally she did not do anything illegal, the events and rampant corruption disgusted her as well as Sens. McWebster and Haushoun,so she felt it necessary just to apologize to those in the gallery for the horrible corruption she and her friends saw around them.After Van Fordley, the people wanted a new hero, one who was a "man of the people" like the legendary Andrew Dickinson had been.   Come election season the candidates appeared; Michele Van Fordley, who in vain hoped for a victory. Danielle Jlay, who had be campaigning for years for the presidency. Danielle was thought to be the nominee for her party, but the nomination surprised everybody--- Michael Henry Wilson. Wilson was from Indiana, and a hero from the war. He fought off the British bravely and captured the imagination of the people. Huge campaign posters, parades, and festivals awaited him on the campaign trail. Wilson's campaign crushed Van Fordley's in a landslide.  One thing however Wilson was selfconscious about--- his age. Wilson was 80, although not the oldest president he most certainly was up there in age. To prove his opponents wrong Wilson made a seven hour inauguration address, he contracted pneumonia shortly afterwards from standing in the cold and died. Wilson was the shortest serving president, serving one week. Taking office next was a little known Vice President Mary Jones. Mary Jones was tall for a woman, about 5'6 and slightly overweight. She had long black hair, and blue eyes, and oval shape face and a Roman nose. She was not exactly the most social person at all, and hated the spotlight. Wilson named quite and she Mary Jones as his vice president because Mary contrasted greatly to Wilson's flamboyant style. Mary did not want the office of president at all, but felt obliged to take it.  Mary's first week was rough-- Congress did not see her as the "real" president because it has been exactly 90 years since the last president, Kennedy died in office.  Congress teased her as the "acting president." Matters got worse, Jone's Secretary of State Abigail Upspur died of an unexpected heart attack. Mary Jones needed a new Secretary of State. Senator Emily Haushoun of South Carolina, may have been the perfect choice. Mary awkwardly approached the senator from behind and tapped her on the arm. Senator Haushoun looked puzzled, Mary steered at her for a while mumbling until she asked her to be Secretary of State. Haushoun accepted.
Haushoun did not do much as Secretary of State, there was not much to do under President Jones.  President Jones' presidency ended with a very quite presidency, congress did most of the drama and work. States Rights was growing to be an unruly issue. Congress at this point approved each states' law, some states passed "Declarations of Nullification" declaring they do not have to follow the federal government if it does something unconstitutional. Congress was trying to make sure an even number of states supported and opposed nullification. Haushoun briefly thought of retiring to her beautiful plantation in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dogwood Hill but that thought vanished from her mind as soon as Haushoun heard of the drama going on in the senate. Re-elected to the Senate, Haushoun did not hesitate to help out with the reforms. The 16th amendment- Income Tax, and the 17th Amendment- direct election of senators were both repealed and hit the graveyard of repealed amendments because of Senator Haushoun. Much of the programs implemented in the 20th century- Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security among them were abolished by the Senate as well, because of the growing states rights movement. These programs either disappeared or were a state responsibility. The Pro-Life amendment was trying to get passed federally, to abolish abortion in all states, most of the union- 40 states to be exact have abolished abortion already.  The budget was balanced and more states and individuals were free to choose. All the national parks were sold and given to the states to pay off the debt.  The social programs were not gone, but they were given to the states. The states rights movement was not approved by all, a large group in America resented it.  Freedom was the slogan of Senator Haushoun--- she hated excessive rules and regulations, and would give anything for freedom. She worked herself to the limits, emerged in politics. For freedom was her reason, she was going to never give up.
Jones did not seek re-election, she retired to her home in Maine. During the next election cycle Danielle Jlay ran for president, against Michael Polk of California.  Polk was a huge proponent of expansion, and encouraged immigrants to come to the United States and populate the West. This may have been Danielle's chance to finally win the presidency! Polk also was strongly opposed to Danielle's amendments having all states approve national laws.  Polk won, beating Danielle by a few votes. "I'd rather be right then get elected to the presidency!" Danielle said. She would now rather lose the presidential election, if it meant sacrificing her views to win.  Danielle Jlay approached the Senate and announced her retirement, until "duty calls." As she was leaving Senator Emily Haushoun stood up and extended her hand, Danielle just embraced Emily.  Haushoun retired also--- but that only lasted a month, she discovered she was re-nominated by the South Carolina Legislator to return to the Senate.  Senator Haushoun agreed with Polk on expanding states rights, Senator McDonald did not. McDonald eloquently spoke against them on the senate floor. A few years later, Danielle Jlay was renominated to the Senate. The Great Triumvirate reigned once more!
The election brought in newer, younger members of the senate. Senators Tabby Supples, Rachel Midland, Cara Millson, Hailey Ruffin, Andrew Robertson, and Allee Sumner were elected.   One man, Nicholas Garrison published a paper called “The Massachusetts Times”  this paper was filled with vehement anti- states rights language.  Ryan McWebster, although opposed to nullification openly denounced Garrison’s paper.

Garrison didn’t give up though, his repulsive language greatly offended the states favoring states rights. Over time, the states in the South, Mid-Atlantic, and Mid-West favored nullification and states rights. While states in New England and the West Coast favored a centralized government.  This issue, has been debated since the days of old, but due to the intense emotions on both side, and the fading off influence of the compromisers… war was nearly inevitable.
Emily Haushoun earned a reputation as an "intense thinker", a true lover of intellectual discourse as were the other two members of the triumvirate. She was a strong champion of states rights and nullification, although Hausheer would secede if provoked. Senator Haushoun published a "Discourse" laying out her theories of government, this energized the states rights side, as Senator McWebster gave eloquent speeches about keeping the union together.
As the new, younger voices came through changes happened.       The union was divided, a compromise needed to be hammered out.    The issue that tore the union apart was, nullification--still. 
The Great Triumvirate served their remaining days in the Senate. Although they each wanted to retire, they decided it was their duty to stay.

Polk pushed through and enforced these new changes, leaving entitlement to the states, leaving national parks to the states. He greatly eliminated much of the work done in the 20th century, America was back to it's routes.   Polk accomplished so much work, after he left office he died of a heartattack.

The next presidential election nominated Matthew Taylor as the candidate for one party, opposing Philip Case of the other party. Taylor and Case ran against each other, both were heroes in the war. Taylor won the election. With Taylor's victory convened the new legislative session, the old senators fading into the past and a new younger generation taking their place. Haushoun, Jlay and McWebster have served for slightly over a half-century. 

At this point, despite all the progress-- states still needed laws approved by the 14th amendment. Many states decided to nullify the 14th amendment, however there needed to be an even number of states nullifying the 14th amendment. Congress needed to make sure the balance was not off.  Maine wanted to nullify it, therefore another state needed to approve it. No other state wanted to approve the 14th amendment, this resulted in troubles.

Danielle Jlay had a feeling this issue will tear apart the Union so she proposed a compromise; "Maine will allow nullification, no states below the Mason-Dixon line can forbid nullification however. No state above the mason-dixon line other then Maine can allow it." 
Ryan McWebster leaned on his cane and arose; "This may cost me the election, Massachusetts and Maine and very interlinked and one of them allowing something the other will not will not go over will. However, I feel it is the right thing to do in order to save the union." Ryan made his stance.

Jlay needed Haushoun's stance, but Haushoun was absent. Jlay knew just where to look, she walked down to Capitol Hill's Boarding House and creaked open the door to Room 102. Senator Haushoun was bent over her desk writing away. "Emily?"  the senator looked up "Danielle? how nice to see you."
"I'm here because I have a compromise."
"I have heard."
"It's your approval I want."
Senator Haushoun looked towards the floor, "I'm afraid, I can not give it. It will divide the union in two."
"The union is already divided, I'm trying to keep it together."
"I'm sorry, I can't."

Jlay knew this compromise would be lost without the South.  She needed it past though.

The next day, Senator Haushoun decided she would vote in favor of the compromise, if it preserved the union even for a few more years."

She was too weak to leave the room, suffering from Consumption however she forced herself out and arrived through the backdoor of the Senate chamber. Two younger senators helped Haushoun into her seat.

Danielle was speaking; "I may not have much longer to compromise. It's up to you, i've been diagnosed with tuberculosis. This is my last effort to bring peace to the union. My honorable colleague Senator Haushoun objected to the...."

Grabbing the chair by the arms Senator Haushoun; "The Senator from South Carolina approves."
Turning around Danielle's eyes filled with tears, as did the entire gallery. The compromise was approved.

Tragically a few days later Senator Haushoun died from tuberculosis, she lay in state and the entire union mourned her. South Carolina especially, she was their favorite daughter, her funeral was very similar to their favorite son John C. Calhoun's so many years ago.

Shortly afterwards Senator Danielle Jlay died also of tuberculosis and the union did the same, she lay in state in the senate and the entire country was in mourning... the Great Compromiser was no more.

Ryan McWebster lost his reelection to Allee Sumner.  Ryan retired to Marshfield and died their after falling off of a horse, the whole union was mourned him as well.


Clouds were coming, although the younger voices may not have seen it... the union was about to face a huge struggle.  Will the Union stay together?