Page "Schuyler Colfax" Paragraph 6

When the Whig Party collapsed, Colfax briefly considered the Know-Nothing Party, but finally joined the new Republican Party that was formed as a fusion of northern Whigs, Anti-Nebraska Act Democrats, Know Nothings, and Free Soilers.

After the Republicans gained the majority in the House of Representatives in the mid-term elections of 1858, Colfax became chairman of the Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads.

He was an energetic opponent of slavery and his speech attacking the pro-slavery Lecompton Legislature in Kansas became the most widely requested Republican campaign document in the election.

In 1862, following the electoral defeat of House Speaker Galusha Grow, Colfax was elected Speaker of the House.

During his term as Speaker, he announced the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865.