iLIBPtARY OF CONGRESS,! ^ ^ \ -y I ||lm|! r-.- fopmtgM % t I UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. | THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS A HAND-BOOK OF POLITICAL PARTIES, EVERY VOTER. LEWIS O. THOMPSON, A. M., Formerly President of the Nortkwestern University, Watertown, Wis. INDIANAPOLIS: v ^^ 1873 , • "] JOHN W. ROBINSON, X*^ • } ^ -Vi " •^ " ^ PUBLISHER. \ ^ '^^y^ f %-; 3 . E v«-i .T^l Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S73, by Lewis O. Thompson, la the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, Stereotyped and Printed by INDIANAPOLIS JOURNAL COMPANY. IPE^EF^OE. In the preparation of this work, the writer has had in view to present in brief and compact form, the leading issues of our political history as a Nation, and place within the reach of every voter the facts, statistics, and important events which are not generally accessible, except to those who have entrance to public libraries, or who have been able to secure a political library of their own. The reader will find each Administration, from the inaug- uration of Washington, in 1789, to the present time, treated by itself, and the leading occurrences chronologically grouped. A few preliminary pages are presented to illus- trate the origin and growth of government in the colonies, and to set forth by the defects of the Articles of Confed- eration the necessity for a new Instrument. There will be found, in their proper places, the Cabinets of the Presidents ; the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court ; the Speakers of each Congress ; the names of all the candidates for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency, with the number of votes, popular and electoral, that each received; the population of the United States every decade ; the number of Represent- atives by ratio ; the public debt for each year ; the important measures which claimed and divided public attention ; the conventions of political parties and the platforms they have adopted ; a brief sketch of political parties and their prin- ciples ; together with such other items as relate to the con- duct of public affairs in a great and growing commonwealth. 4 PREFACE. The careful observer -will see in the list of distinguished names something more th^n a barren record. He will see what peculiar training the great men of our country have received in public offices, and what especial posts of trust are most directly in the line of advancement to the chief magistracy. Yery useful lessons, too, can be drawn from tho annual financial statement, when taken in connection with public enterprise, particular lines of policy on duties and imposts, commerce, trade, war, and public expenditure, and the surplus or debt which each in its turn has produced. The attentive reader will find, in the platforms of the parties — and we give all that have ever been adopted and voted upon — a condensed history of political opinions, that ivill well repay his study. Political discussions being of such frequent occurrence, a book like this which contains so many facts of a political nature, may be used with great advantage by the public dis- putant, and also enable the voter by the light of past events to correctly estimate the drift and weight of arguments that are presented. It may also serve as a guide to the political student, who desires to make a more extended examination of the rise and progress of parties. Politics, as the science and art of government, is philosophy teaching both by pre- cept and example, and affords a most delightful field of study. It is hoped, therefore, that this Kecord of public and important acts will supply a demand existing in political literature, and on account of its concise and convenient form approve itself a useful Hand-book for Every Voter. The writer began, over a year ago, during odd moments, the study of political history for his own information. A first result was the preparation of a " Chart of the Admin- istrations," which was published in the "Whitewater Kegis- ter," Wis., — Mr. Edwin D. Coe, Editor and Proprietor. A second result has been the publication of this Book in its present form. Thanks are due Mr. Coe for the service his columns have rendered — a debt which this acknowledgment is intended to express, but not discharge. PRELIMINARY. I. Discovery. — At early dawn, on Friday, uctober 12th, 1492, Columbus, in search of a northwest passage to the Indies, sailed across land, which he imagined to fco a part of the East Indies. On this account, the natives were called Indians. He found the land to he an island, and called it San Salvador. The great discoverer mado four voyages in all. On the third, in 149S, ho touched upon the mainland at the mouth of the Orinoco, South America; but died, in 1506, without the knowledge that vast continents had been opened to the world through his genius and perseverance. II. Name. — Americus Vespucius, a Florentine monk and friend of Columbus, visited the new land in 1499, and went back to Europe with the first descriptive account of those hitherto unknown regions. It was suggested that the new world should be called America, and this suggestion beiDg favorably received by geographers, the name was generally adopted, and Columbus has been for ever deprived of this just and lasting monument to his greatnesg. III. Explorations and Settlements. — During the two centuries that followed, tho chief nations of Europe were mostly occupied in making discoveries and plans for settle- ments. The English, Portugese, French, Spaniards, and Swedes were principally represented. 1605, Port Royal, N. S., was settled by the French. 1607, Jamestown, Ya., by the English Cavaliers. 1608, Quebec, by the French, 1613, New York, by the Dutch. 1620, Plymouth, by the English Puritans. 1638, Delaware, by the Swedes. The Spaniards at the outset made no permanent settle- ments, but were very active in the work of exploration and conquest. They occupied Florida in 1568. They were mainly turned to Central and Southern America, where the prospect of untold and fabulous wealth, with its immediate posses- sion, seemed most flattering. 6 PRELIMINARY. ly. The Introduction op Slavery,— In 1620, the Cap- tain of a Dutch trading vessel sold twenty negroes to the colonists of Jamestown. Subsequently two circamstanccs contributed to its growth and spread: first, some seeds of cotton were sown in Virginia in 1621 as an experiment, and found to be adapted to the soil ; second, the invention of the cotton-gin by Eli Whitney, at a later period, made the culture of cotton highly profitable, and produced an in- creasing demand for slaves. V. Salem Witchcraft. — A strange delusion which spread amoDg the people, broke out in 1692 at Salem with peculiar violence. Many arrests were made, and some twenty per- sons, including a minister of the Gospel, having been found guilty, were hanged. At the height of this malady, eight persons were under conviction, and the prisons were filled with the accused. But the severity of its punishment soon wrought its cure, and all were released from duress and sen- tence. VI. Education, — The New England Colonies took the lead in making liberal provision for the establishment of schools. Free schools were opened in Boston as early as 1635, and this example was extensively followed. A fund of one thousand dollars was set apart in 1637, for the erec- tion of a seminary at Newton, Massachusetts. John Har- vard in 1639, left his library a legacy to this school, and about four thousand dollars in money. To honor the donor the college was called Harvard, and the name of the town changed to Cambridge. In Connecticut, a school for the education of ministers was started at Saybrook in 1700, which was removed to New Haven in 1717, and being liberally aided by Governor Elihu Yale, his name was given to the college. The College of William and Mary, Virginia, was founded in 1693; Nassau Hall, New .Jersey, in 1746; Columbia Col- lege, New York, in 1754; and Brown University, Khode Island, in 1764. The first printing press was established in 1639 at Cam- PRELIMINARY. 7 bridge, Massachusetts. The first issue of a newspaper in Boston occurred in 1690, and was stopped after its first ap- pearance. There was not a single newspaper in any of the colonies in the year 1700; but in 1774 as many as forty were being successfully published. VII. Forms of Government. — Nearly all the settlements were made under the immediate protection and patronage of the English Crown. The lands to which the colonists came, being held by uncivilized races, they brought with them and adopted the Common Law of England as the law of the land. They laid claim to the land by right of discovery, and either took forcible possession of such localities as pleased them, or when this was not expedient, secured them by purchase and treaty. There were three classes of gov- ernments granted to the colonists — 1, Royal, or Provincial ; 2, Proprietary; 3, Charter. 1. The Provincial Governments depended entirely upon the Crown of England. To this class belong the colonies of Virginia (1606), New Hampshire (1622), New York (1662), North Carolina (1663), South Carolina (1663), and Georgia (1732). The King appointed Governors to represent him- self, and gave them specific instructions for the conduct of public afiairs, 2. The Proprietary. In this form, the proprietor or owner had purchased from the crown his privileges, and either governed in his own right or appointed such governors as suited his pleasure. Maryland, granted to Lord Baltimore in 1682, and Pennsylvania and Delaware, granted to Wil- liam Penn in 1681, were settled under the Proprietary form of government. 3. Charter Governments. In these we find the prototype of our present State Government^, which in many respects they resembled. Before the Puritans disembarked, they signed a solemn compact by which they guaranteed equal rights to all the settlers. Charters were granted to the col- onies of Massachusetts (1620), Connecticut (1635), and Rhode Island (1636), by which the soil within specified 8 PRELIMINARY. metes and bounds, and all privileges of government with certain restrictions, were conferred on the occupants and their successors. By these instruments "tho appointment and authority of the Governor, the formation and structure of the Legislature, and the establishment of oourts of justice, were specially provided for; and generally the powers ap- propriate to each were defined." VIII. The Revolution. — The growth of the colonies was gradual and steady, but being separated by so great a dis- tance from the mother country, it was difficult to continue a spirit of hearty sympathy and unity of purpose in public measures. A disposition seemed to manifest itself, on the one side, to watch with jealousy the growing power and prosperity of the colonies, and a purpose to make them con- tribute to the burdens of Government at home, entered into all the public enactments ; and on the other side, the spirit of liberty which seemed to spring from the soil, early mani- fested itself in the colonists, who became impatient of the restraints imposed upon them and insisted that a free people could not be taxed without their consent. The Parliament had affirmed the dependence and subordination of the col- onies to the Crown and Parliament of Great Britain, and that '• the King, with the consent of the Parliament, had, hath, and of right ought to have, full power and authority to make laws and statutes of sufficient force and validity to bind the colonies and people of America in all cases whatso- ever." In this way there arose a serious question and dif- ference about the relative rights of sovereign and subject, which promoted the measures that finaMy produced a com- plete separation, and led to the establishment of a free and independent Bepublic. The remote and immediate causes of the Revolution seem to have been, — 1. Enactments passed to cripple or destroy the commerce of the colonies. 2. The prohibition of inter-colonial trade in woolen goods, passed in 1732. 3. A variety of obnoxious acts and measures, such as the PRELIMINARY. 9 '•Molasses Act'' of 1733, the "Stamp Act" of 1765, the "Quartering Act,' and the like, bj which the feeling of opposition and resistance was enkindled and kept burning- 4. The requirement of direct trade with the English markets. 5. Taxation without representation. The Tax Bill of 17G4 provided for taxing the colonies in order to raise "a revenue for the expenses of defending, protecting, and securing His Msjesty's dominions in America." 6. The restraints imposed upon American manufactures. 7. A stringent and persistent purpose on the part of Eng- land to crush the rising and rebellious spirit of liberty, and coiipel submission by resort to arms. Thus, war soon be- came inevitable, and reconciliation impossible. IX. Union of the Colonies. — The Puritans having made their settlements for religious freedom, continued to disre- gard the rules and forms of the established church. Eng- land, in order to more easily govern the colonies and check their growth, at one time undertook to prevent all emigra- tion from her shores. Many ships filled with passengers on the point of sailing were prevented, and it is known that Cromwell and Hampden, who afterwards played such im- portant parts in the English Revolution of 1638, were actually on one of these vessels so hindered from departing. Great events sometimes hinge on very small things. In the second place, it was determined to compel con- formity by the infliction of penalties. For this purpose the Archbishop of Canterbury and others received power to gov- ern the colonies, and if necessary revoke their charters. In January, 1635, the New England ministers met in Boston to consider what should be done under these circumstances, and it was at once agreed to defend their liberties by re- course to force if that should be rendered necessary. These measures led to the formation of a union for mutual defense and preservation, and on May 29th, 1643, the Articles of Agreement were signed in the name of the Colonies of Mas- sachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven, and 10 PRELIMINARY. would have embraced Rhode Island and Providence Plan- tations had not this colony been excluded on account of its unwillingness to be merged in the colony of Plymouth, This union, which took the name of the " United Colonies of New England," lasted over forty years and was of great service, not only in showing the Denefits of union, but also in protecting them from the hostile Indian tribes at home. A similar union was entered into in 1757, when a French and Indian war seemed imminent, and the compact was signed at Albany, July 4th, by delegates from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. We find in these two instances, types of that more celebrated union into which all the colonies finally en- tered, when engaged in the great struggle for independence. "To Massachusetts is due the honor of first proposing a general union of all the colonies, when it appeared evident that England would employ force unless the colonies sub- mitted to her demands. The idea was favorably received by all the colonies, and commissioners were appointed to repre- sent them. This convention met at Philadelphia, Septem- ber 4th, 1774, and has since been known as the "First Con- tinental Congress." Delegates from eleven colonies were present. They elected Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, Pres- ident, and Charles Thompson, of Pennsylvania, Secretary. On the 14th day of October, 1774, they published a " Declaration of Rights," in which they very ably set forth the grievous acts and measures to which as Americans they could not submit, resting in the hope that their fellow-sub- jects in Great Britain would, on a revision of them, restore them to that state in which both countries found happiness and prosperity. This paper concluded with a resolution "to pursue the following peaceable measures : 1. To enter into a non-importation, non-consumption, and non-exportation agreement or association. 2. To prepare an address to the people of Great Britain, and a memorial to the inhabitants of British America ; and, 3. To prepare a loyal address to his majesty agreeable to resolutions already entered into." PRELIMIKARY. 11 By this able and important document, it was easy to see that war must come, unless either England withdrew from her position, or the colonies retreated from their demands. Mr. Pitt, the British Minister, who had read the declara- tion, petition, and address, prepared by the members of this " First Continental Congress," was highly impressed with their force and vigor, and spoke in the following magnan- imous terms: "I must declare and avow, that in all my reading and study — and it has been my favorite study — I have read Thucydides, and have studied and admired the master states of the world — that for solidity of reasoning force of sagacity, and wisdom of conclusion, under such complication of circumstances, no nation or body of men can stand in preference to the General Congress at Phila- delphia." The " Second Continental Congress " met in Philadelphia May 10th, 1775, and continued in session through the war, meeting from place to place, as safety required, and until a final form of government was adopted. Its existence ceased March 3d, 1789, when it was succeeded by the First Con- gress of the United States of America. PRESIDENTS OP THE SECOND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. 1775, May 10, Peyton Randolph, Virginia. 1775, May 24, John Hancock, Massachusetts. 1777, November 1, Henry Laurens, South Carolina. 1778, December 10, John Jay, New York. 1779, September 28, Samuel Huntington, Connecticut. 1781, July 10, Thomas McKean, Pennsylvania. 1781, November 5, John Hanson, Maryland. 1782, November 4, Ellas Boudinot, New Jersey. 1783, February 4, Thomas Mifflin, Pennsylvania. 1784, November 30, Bichard Henry Lee, Virginia. 1785, November 23, John Hancock, Massachusetts. 1786, June 6, Nathaniel Gorham, Massachusetts. 1787, February 2, Arthur St. Clair, Pennsylvania. 1788, January 28, Cyrus Griffin, Virginia. 1 2 PRELIMINARY. PLACES IN ■WHICH THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS CONTENED. Philadelphia, - 1774-177G Baltimore, - - 177G Philadelphia, - 1777 Lancaster and York, - 1777 Philadelphia, - 1778-1783 Princeton, - - 1783 Annapolis, - - 1733 Trenton, - - 1784 New York, 1785-1789. X. Outbreak of "War. — April 19th, 1775, tho Battle of Lexington. It being known that the Anaericans were col- lecting military stores at Concord, Major Pitcairn was sent by Governor Gage with a body of men to take and destroy them. The people in the country were notified by trusty messengers, and a couple of lanterns (a preconcerted signal) hung up in the belfry of the North Church. The " minute men" at Lexington were fired upon by Pitcairn and his men, and seven were killed outright and nine wounded — a quarter of all that stood on the village green to oppose tho onward march of Pitcairn in defense of their liberties. The British grenadiers then pushed on to Concord and destroyed the stores ; but on their way back to Boston they were fired upon by the aroused people, and if they had not been reinforced? not one would have returned alive. Eight hundred went out on this mission, the flower of the British army in Bos- ton ; three hundred of them never returned. This was the first blood shed in the war. The effect was electrical. War became inevitable. The entire country North and South was aroused. The colonies that had hesitated now promptly de- cided to prepare for war and enter heartily into the union. XI. Organization of Army.— June 15th, 1775, George Yfashington was nominated by Johnson of Maryland, for Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, and having been brought forward " at the particular request of the peo- ple in New England," he was unanimously elected. The "Second Continental Congress" undertook to borrow six thousand pounds " for the use of America," to be expended in buying powder for the army. It was also voted to raise and equip an army of twenty thousand men. A second petition was addressed to the King by Congress, July 6th, PRELIMINARY. 13 1115, in vfhich they set forth the causes and necessity of taking up arms. The petition was spurned, and all hopes of reconciliation destroyed. XII. Declaration op Independence. — July 4th, 1776. During the session of the Second Continental Congress, in the summer of 1776, tho resolution of Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, "that the United Colonies are and ought to he free and independent States," was passed by a majority of one colony. A committee, consisting of Thomas JeffersoD, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Lexington, was appointed to publish the reason for this act, and set forth the principles by which the new born nation should bo guided. Jefferson himself wrote this Declaration, receiving one or two emendations from Franklin and Adams, and reported it to Congress on the 28th day of June, when it was finally, after careful debate and criticism adopted by a vote of twelve States (New York withholding her vote), without a single negative, at 2 o'clock P. M., July 4th, 1776. "This Declaration of the Representives of the United States of America in Congress assembled," was re- ceived all over the land with the greatest demonstrations oj joy — with ringing of bells, illuminations, shouts, and the booming of cannon. Thus in every possible manner did the people manifest their hearty approbation of this most important step. XIII. Articles of CoNrEDERAxiON. — After the Declara- tion of Independence had been adopted, the necessity for gome kind of governmental union between the thirteen States became more than ever evident. Accordingly, a committee was designated, to prepare a plan of union for the States, and bring them into a more firm and consolidated condition. They brought in their report July 12th, which, with some modifications, was at last adopted by Congress November 15th, 1776. This instrument was to become the bond of the colonies, when adopted by their unanimous vote. Maryland was the last to give in her adhesion to this new bond, which she did 14 PRELIMINARY. March 1st, 1781, and the New Confederation, by these " Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union between the States," became operative on the 2d day of March. But this compact was short-lived, and totally failed to provide the machinery of organized government. During the war, the colonies got along well enough without it, be- ing held together by their common danger and necessity ; but when the war ceased, and a new order of things arose, it became evident to all that the "Confederation" was merely the shadow of government. The prominent peculiarities of this political compact were illustrated by an able critic who declared " that the United States in Congress have exclusive power for the following purposes, without being able to execute one of them: — "1st. They may make and conclude treaties, but can only recommend the observance of them. "2d. They may appoint ambassadors, but can not defray even the expenses of their tables. "3d. They may borrow, in their own name, on the faith Of the Union, but can not pay a dollar, "4th. They may coin money, but they can not purchase an ounce of bullion. "5th. They may make war and determine what number of troops are necessary, but can not raise a single soldier. "6th. In short, they may declare everything, but do nothing." The first effort, thus, of the Young Republic at forming a general union was a failure. "W« are one nation to-day, and thirteen to-morrow," was the comment of Washington. " The smoke in the flame overpowered the light." "A better one could not then have been accepted; but with all its faults, it contained the elements for the evolution of a more perfect union." The attempt to conduct government under a very loosely-jointed compact, proved a schoolmaster to teach the people by its defects what must be done to secure a union adapted to their exegencies, and gradually con- ducted public opinion along the way that finally made it possible to reach the present Constitution. PRELIMINARY. 15 XIV. THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE. 1775. April 19th. The Revolution began with the Battle of Lexington. May 10th. Ethan Allen and Arnold took Ticonderoga. May 12th, Colonel Warner captured Crown Point. June 17th, Battle of Bunker Hill. General Warren killed. July 2d, Washington assumed command of the troops around Boston. Nov. 13th, Montreal surrendered to Montgomery. Dec. 31st, Attack on Quebec. Montgomery killed. 1776. Jan. 1, Norfolk, Va., burned by Lord Dunmore. March I7th, British troops, under Lord Howe, evac- uated Boston. June 28th, British repulsed at Fort Moultrie. Aug. 27th, Battle of Long Island. Sept. 14th, New York evacuated. Oct. 28th, Battle of White Plains. Nov. 16th, The British took Port Washington. Nov. 20th, Fort Lee occupied by the British. Dec. 26th, Battle of Trenton. Dec. 30th, Commissioners sent to France. 1777. Jan. 3d, Battle of Princeton. April 26th, Danbury, Conn,, burned by Gen'l Tryon. May 23d, British shipping destroyed by Col. Meigs, at Sag Harbor. June 16th, Burgoyne invaded New York. July 5th, Ticonderoga taken by the British. July 7th, Battle of Hubbardtown, Vt. July 10th, General Prescott, commander at Long Island, captured. July 27th, Murder of Miss McCrea. • July 29th, Fort Edward abandoned. July 31st, LaFayette entered the American service. August 6th, Battle of Oriskany. Aug. 16th, Battle of Bennington. 16 PRELIMINARY. Aug. 25th, Arrival of British fleet in Chesapeake Bay. Sept. 11th, Battle of Brandy Wine. September 19th, First battle of Saratoga; "Bemiz's Heights." September 25th, Philadelphia captured by the British. October 4th, Battle of Germantown. October Cth, Forts Clinton and Montgomery taken. October 7th, Second battle of Saratoga; "Stillwater." October 17th, Surrender of Burgoyne. The battles of Saratoga and the surrender of Burgoyne proved the critical period of the Revolution. A contrary issue might have changed entirely the career of the thirteen colonies. October 2 2d, Repulse of British at Fort Mercer. December 11th, The American army entered Valley Forge for winter quarters. December 16th, The French King determined to ac- knowledge and support American independence. A fast sailing ship had brought him the news of Burgoyne's defeat. The tidings of this acknowledgment reached the Americans the next spring and filled their hearts with joy. 1778. February 6th, Treaties of amity and commerce formed between France and the United States. June 18th, Philadelphia evacuated by the British. June 28th, Battle of Monmouth. July 3d, Massacre of Wyoming. July 29th, A French fleet anchored in Narragansett Bay. August 29th, Battle of Quaker Hill, Ehode Island. December 29th, Savannah, Georgia, captured by the British. 1779. January 9th, The British captured Sanbury, Georgia. February I4th, Battle of Kettle Creek. March 3d, Battle of Brier Creek. May 15th, Charleston, South Carolina, beseiged. PRELIMINARY. 17 July loth, Stony Point captured by General Wayne. August 29th, Tories and Indians defeated by Sullivan near Elmira, New York. September 23d, Paul Jones gained a victory off the coast of England. September and October, Seige of Savannah by Amer- icans and French. October 9th, Repulse of D'Estaing and Lincoln, at Savannah. 1780. April 14th, Battle of Monk's Corner. May 12th, Lincoln surrendered Charleston to the British. May 29th, Battle of Waxhaw Creek. June 23d, Battle of Springfield, New York. July 10th, Second French fleet arrived at Newport. August Gth, Battle of Hanging Rock, South Carolina. August 16th, First battle of Camden, ''Sanders Creek.'' August 18th, Battle of Fishing Creek. Arnold de- signed to deliver West Point to the British. October 2d, Andre executed as a spy. October 7th, Battle of King's Mountain. 1781. January 1st, Mutiny of Pennsylvania troops. January 5th, Richmond burned by Arnold. January 17th, Battle of Cowpens. January 18th, Mutiny of New Jersey troops. January and February, General Green's celebrated retreat. March 1st, The articles of confederation adopted by Maryland — the last vote of colonies wanting to make their adoption unanimous. March 15th, Battle of Guilford Court-house. April 25th, Second battle of Camden, "Hobkirk's Hill.' June 18th, Greene repulsed at Fort Ninety-six. September Gth, New London, Ct., burned by Arnold. September 8th, Battle of Eutaw Springs. October 19th, Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktowa 2 18 PRELIMINARY. 1782. Oct. 8, Hollanr] acknowledged the independence of the United States. November 30th, A preliminary treaty of peace signed at Paris. 1783. July 11th, Savannah evacuated by the British. September 3d, Permanent treaty of peace signed at Paris, by England, France, Spain, Holland and the United States. November 3d, Disbanding of the American army. November 25th, New York evacuated by the British. December 14th, Charleston, South Carolina, evacuated by the British. December 23d. Washington resigned his commission to Congress as Commander-in-Chief, and retired to Mt. Vernon beloved of all the people above tho common lot of man. In twenty-four of thQ chief battles from Lexington to the Surrender of Cornwallis, the total loss of the British was 25,481 men; that of the Americans, 7,913. The original thirteen States contracted a debt of $40,000,000 in the pros- ecution of the war. XV. The War Ended. — Peace, smiling peace, after many years of weary battle, returned to bless and cheer the wearied patriots. The war was virtually closed when Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown. "Past two o'clock, and Cornwallis taken !" the joyful ■shout that rent the air and awakened the sleeping inhabitants of Philadelphia. The people became frantic with delight, and thronged the streets to catch the welcome story. "America is free ! " the anima- ting thought that filled every heart. The Second Continental Congress convened at an early hour, and in the afternoon went in solemn but joyful pro- cession to the Lutheran Church, to return devout thanks to Almighty God for this great victory. When the startling news reached England, November 25, all hopes of subjugating America were abandoned, and by a Btrong vote the House of Commons declared, that whosoever PRELIMINAUY. lO advised the King to continue the war, should be esteemed a public enemy. Lord North, the Prime Minister, when he heard of the surrender, was deeply agitated, and exclaimed, "0 God! it is all over." A final and permanent peace was concluded at Paris, Sep- tember 3d, 1783. The war lasted, from the skirmish at Lex- ington to the surrender of Cornwallis, six years and six months, and to the treaty of peace, its definite termination, eight years, four months and fourteen days. XVI. Dissatisfaction in the Army. — During the pro- gress of the war, there was a great depreciation of the cur- rency, and at its close, it was almost worthless. There had been issued about $200,000,000 in continental notes. Forty dollars in script equalled one in specie. The prices of goods had proportionally increased; a pair of boots cost $600 in notes, and the month's wages of a soldier would scarcely pay for a dinner. And to add to the distress, the country had been flooded with counterfeit notes. Commerce had been entirely swept from the seas. The arts of peace were almost wholly neglected. . Vast amounts of property had been destroyed^ and the country was generally impoverished. Besides it seemed probable that the war might be renewed at any time. Cornwallis had surrendered, but George III. was still sullen and unwilling to give up the contest. Dur- iDg this gloomy and despondent period, Washington was requested by the soldiers to proclaim himself King. He immediately summoned a meeting of the officers, and be- sought them not to tarnish the bright record of honorable service by consulting such rash and imprudent measures. He afSrmed his conviction in the integrity of Congress and the people, saying, " My eyes have grown dim in the serv- ice of my country, but I have never doubted her justice.' His wise counsels prevailed and harmony was finally re- stored. XVII. Framing a New Constitution. — Virginia was the first State to move in this direction, and James Madison was Q ne of its earliest promoters. 20 PRELMINIARY. The Legislature of Virginia, January 21, 1786, appointed a committee to meet such commissioners as may bs appointed in other States, to deliberate in common upon certain meas- ures of public importance and welfare. This meeting was held at Annapolis, the first Monday in September, 1V86, and five States were represented. Alexander Hamilton, one of the delegates, prepared a very able report of its proceedings, and a second meeting was called to be held the second Mon- day of May, 1787, at Philadelphia. The object of this con- vention, was declared to be the preparation of such amend- ments to the Articles of Confederation, as should render them adequate to the exigencies of government, and the preserva- tion of the Union. The Convention was organized May 25th, by selecting George Washington as presiding ofiicer. They sat with closed doors, and remained in session until the 17th of Sep- tember, when an entirely new instrument, the present Con- stitution of the United States, was reported. This compact, by one of its provisions, was to become operative, when adopted by the vote of nine States. Their report was trans- mitted to Congress, which, on the 28th of September, 1787, "Eesolved, That the said report, with the resolution and letter accompanying the same, be transmitted to the several legislatures, in order to bo submitted to a convention of del- egates chosen in each State by the people thereof, in con- formity to the resolves of the Convention made and provided in that case." This resolution was at once acted upon by the States. XVIII. Katification of the Constitution by the States. — There was much opposition to the new form of government, and the votes of adoption were tardily given, yet it received the required two-thirds ratification within the year of its submission to the people, and to New Hamp- shire belongs the honor of casting the vote that gave validity to the Constitution of the United States, and made it the su- preme law of the land. "Thus was achieved," in the words of Judge Story, '< another and still more glorious triumph ia PRELIMINARY. 21 the cause of national liberty than even that v/hich separated us from the mother country. By it we fondly trust that our republican institutions will grow up and be nurtured into more mature strength and vigor; our independence be se- cured against foreign usurpation and aggression; our do- mestic blessings be widely diffused and generally felt; and our union, as a people, be perpetuated as our own truest glory and support, and as a proud example of a wise and be- neficent government, entitled to the respect, if not the admi- ration, of mankind." The. States gave their adhesion to the new compact as follows: 1787, December 7tb, Delaware. " December 12th, Pennsylvatia. " December 18tb, New Jersey. 1788, January 2d, Georgia. ■ " January 9th, Connecticut. " February 6th, Massachusetts. " April 28th, Maryland. " May 23d, South Carolina. " June 21st, New Hampshire. " June 26th, Virginia. " July 26th, New York. 1789, November 21st, North Carolina. 1790, May 29th, Rhode Island. XIX. Political Parties. — During the continuance of the Kevolution, from the necessity of the case, but little at- tention could be given to the theory and practice of govern- ment. It was rather a question of existence, and all ener- gies were turned in this direction. A small part of the col- onists were anxious to continue the relation of dependence upon the mother country, and were extremely averse to sep- aration. They were called "Tories," and this term was used in reproach and contempt, while on the other hand? those who fought for their liberties and defended the rights of man, were called " Kebels." At the outset, it does not appear that there was any prev- 22 PRELIMINARY. alent intention to do more than secure their liberties, and rights by constitutional enactments, but -when fairly entered into the contest of throwing off the unlawful tyranny of George III. and his advisers, there was no retreat until they had secured their independence, and established a free re- public. Political parties, however, did not become well defined until after the Constitution of the United States went into successful operation. XX. The First Election. — On the 13th day of Septem- ber, 1788, the second Continental Congress appointed the first Wednesday in January, 1789, as the day for choosing electors of President in the several States, and the first Wednesday of February of the same year, as the time when the electors should meet in Jheir respective State Capitols to cast their ballots for that officer, and the first Wednesday of March thereafter, as the day for the inauguration of the President, and the organization of government under the new Constitution. It followed as a foregone conclusion, that no other candi- date could be thought of tor the highest office in the gift of a grateful country, than Washington, and a unanimous electoral vote confirmed and sealed the popular will. CHAPTER I. THE ADMINISTRATION OF WASHINGTON. Federal. I. CABINET.*- PEESIDENT. 1789. George Washington, Virginia. YICE PRESIDENT. 1789. John Adams, Massachusetts. SECRETAEIES OF STATE. 1789. Thomas Jefferson, Virginia. 1794. Edmund Randolph, Virginia. 1795. Timothy Pickering, Massachusetts. SECRETAEIES OF THE TREASURY. 1789. Alexander Hamilton, New York. 1795. Oliver Wolcott, Connecticut. SECRETARIES OP WAR. {Navy included) 1789. Henry Knox, Massachusetts. 1794. Timothy Pickering, Massachusetts. 1796. James McHenry, Maryland. POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 1789. Samuel Osgood, Massachusetts. 1794. Timothy Pickering, Massachusetts. 1795. Joseph Habersham, Georgia. ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 1789. Edmund Randolph, Virginiai 1794. William Bradford, Pennsylvania. 1795. Charles Lee, Virginia. *'The Vice President is not a member of the Cabinet, and the Postmaster General did not become one until the admin- tration of Jackson. 24 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 11. CHIEF JUSTICES OF THE SUPEEME COURT. 1789. Sept. 26tli, John Jay, New York. 1795. Dec. lOtb, John Kutledge, South Carolina. (^Appointed during recess and presided one ierm, but when Congress convened it refused to confirm his ap- pointment.) 1796. Jan. 27th, William Gushing, Massachusetts. [Declined the appointment.) 1796, March 4th, Oliver Ellsworth, Connecticut. III. SENATORS ELECTED PEESIDENTS PKO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 1789. April, John Langdon, New Hampshire. 1792. April, Eichard Henry Lee, Virginia. 1792. May, John Langdon, New Hampshire. 1793. March, John Langdon, New Hampshire- 1794. May, Kalph Izard, South Carolina. 1795. February, Henry Tazewell, Virginia. 1796. May, Samuel Livermore, New Hampshire. 1797. February, William Bingham, Pennsylvania. IV. SPEAKERS OF HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. I. Congress, 1789, F. A. Muhlenberg, Pennsylvania. n. " 1791, Jonathan Trumbull, Connecticut. in. '' 1793, F. A. Muhlenberg, Pennsylvania. IV. " 1795, Jonathan Dayton, New Jersey. V. FIRST CHAPLAINS OF CONGRESS. Chaplain of the Senate, 1789, Rt. Eev. Bishop Samuel Provost. (Episcopalian.) Chaplain of the House, 1789, Rev. William Lynn. (Presbyterian.) GEORGE WASHINGTON. 25 YI. THE FIRST ELECTION. Electors were appointed, as directed by the Con- stitution, but on account of the delay in the forma- tion of Congress, their ballots were not counted until the 6th day of April, 1789. By the arrival of Eichard Henry Lee, the Senate was able, on that day, to constitute its first quorum John Lang- don was elected President of the Senate for " the sole purpose of opening and counting the votes for Presi- dent of the United States." In the presence of both branches of Congress (the first quorum of the House having been formed on April 1st) Mr. Langdon de- clared the vote to be: For George "Washington, Esq., 69, (unanimous); John Adams, 34; Samuel Hunt- ington, Ct., 2; John Jay, N, Y., 9; John Hancock, Mass., 4; R. H. Harrison, Md., 6; George Clinton, N. Y., 3 ; John Rutledge, S. C, 6 ; John Milton, Ga., 2 ; James Armstrong, Ga., 1 ; Edward Telfair, Ga., 1; and Benj. Lincoln, Mass., 1. Eleven States voted. North Carolina and Rhode Island had not as yet ratified the Constitution. At this time there was no separation in choice between President and Vice President. The candidate receiv- ing the greatest number of votes was elected Presi- dent, in case such number was a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ; and then, after the President had been elected, the person having the next greatest number of votes (a majority not neces- sary) was chosen Vice President. In case two or three had an equal number of votes, it then became the duty of the Senate to choose the Vice President, from such candidates, by ballot. 26 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. VII. THE SECOND ELECTION. Electoral vote: — For George Washington, 132, (unanimous); John Adams, 77 ; George Clinton, N. Y., 50; Thomas Jefferson, Va., 4, and Aaron Burr> N. Y., 1. Fifteen States voted. VIII. POPULATION AND KEPRESENTATION. 1790. Whites 3,172,466, free colored 59,466, and slaves 697,897. Total 3,929,827. The ratio of rep- resentation was fixed by Congress for 1790-1800 at 33,000, making the number of members 106. IX. HISTORICAL RECORD. 1789. April 30. Washington inaugurated President at New York City. After he had taken the oath on the balcony of Federal Hall, Nassau street corner of Wall, Chancellor Livingston, who administered it, exclaimed, ''Long live George Washington, Presi- dent of the United States." The people in the streets sent back the echo, " Long live George Wash- ington." The ringing of bells and the firing of artil- lery attested the joy, and the salutations proper to this happy and interesting day in the history of the Great Eepublic. After this ceremony, the President delivered a brief inaugural address in the Senate Chamber, which was received with profound attention, and proved itself a document worthy of the man, the hour and the place. The members of Congress, in conformity with their resolution, then adjourned to GEORGE WASHINGTON. 27 attend divine service in St. Paul's Chapel, conducted by Bishop Provost, Chaplain of the Senate. In the evening there was a fine display of fire- works, bonfires and illuminations. The exercises from first to last were in harmony with the spirit of the occasion, and gave utterance both to deep felt joy and solemn religious convictions as befitted the origin of a government for a free and enlightened people. April-May. A continued debate on the Tariff question came up in the House, for the purpose of raising a national revenue to supply the deficiency which existed in the public Treasury. Mr. Madison, *'at the beginning of the first tariff debate, in the first session of the first Congress," April 8, gave, in a very few words, the principles which he thought ought to govern wise legislation with regard to levy- ing duties on imports, namely: Specific duties the rule, ad valorem duties the exception : revenue the object, with encouragement to home industry in view ; specific on all staple and leading articles, ad valorem on the less important ; the burdens of taxation to be imposed upon luxuries, and upon articles made abroad, in such a manner as to favor the poor and encourage home industries and manufactures : and all these duties to be moderate, so as not to shackle trade or agriculture. With reference to duties on tonnage, he advocated discrimination in favor of American ships, and of ships belonging to nations with whom existed treaties of amity and commerce, in order to stimulate Amer- ican ship-building, and make it desirable for foreign 28 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. nations to contract commercial treaties "with us. These principles thus embraced three points : revenue for the public Treasury, encouragement to home manufactures, and removal of burdens to trade and agriculture. May 14. It was resolved by the Senate after con- siderable debate, that the proper title of address to the President should be, "To the President of the United States." May 19. Mr. Madison moved to create three Ex- ecutive departments — of Foreign Affairs, Treasury and War — the head officer of each to be called a Secretary, and removable by the President. The House passed the bill. May 21. June 3. John Adams took the oath of office as Vice President. Thus rather tardily was the first Congress fully organized and prepared to start on its illustrious career. June 25. The Previous Question was moved by Mr; Madison in order to prevent debate on a Eesolu- tion that Congress should declare its most earnest de- sire that Ehode Island should seek admission to the Union ; he deeming such resolution unworthy of dis- cussion. ''Shall the main question be .now put?" It was decided in the negative. Adjourned. August 7. Tlie Ordinance of 1787 — introduced by Nathan Dane, of Massachusetts, *' for the gov- ernment of the Territories of the United States, North-west of the Ohio," and embracing substantially the original Jefferson Proviso against Slavery, of 1784 — was adopted by Congress, This act con- cluded with six unchangeable articles of pei-petual GEORGE WASHINGTON. 29 compact, the last and sixth being the only one that referred to Slavery, was as follows : "There shall be neither Slavery nor involuntary servi- tude, in the said Territory, otherwise than in punishment of crimes, whereof the parties shall be duly convicted." As a condition to the passage of this article there was added a clause for the delivery of persons esca- ping from labor or service. September 3. A resolution offered for locating the permanent seat of government. It raised a most bitter discussion, and formed almost the first occa- sion on wdiich a Northern and a Southern interest manifested itself. A compromise, however, w^as af- ected. The assumption bill, favored by the North, and the location of the Government in the District of Columbia (to be formed), favored by the South, were united and passed as one measure. November 21. North Carolina ratified the Con- stitution and became the twelfth State. December 22. North Carolina ceded her Western Territory — now the State of Tennessee — to the Union, one month after she had ratified the Federal Compact, on this express condition : " Provided always that no regulation, made or to be made, by Congress, shall tend to emancipate slaves.'' 1790. February 9. Discussion in the House on Public Credit. The foreign debt was swelled to $11,710,378, mostly due to France and Holland, and the domestic debt was estimated at $42,414,085; a third of this came from arrears of interest. Hamilton advised 30 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. the assumption of $25,000,000 the entire debt of the States, and the funding of arrearages. The plan ■was bitterly opposed, but finally prevailed by a vote of 31 to 26. February 11, The Friends and Quakers in sev- eral States sent a petition to Congress, praying for the abolition of the Slave trade. February 12. The Pennsylvania Society for pro- moting the Abolition of Slavery, sent a memorial to the House, entreating the members '' to be pleased to countenance the restoration of liberty to those un- happy men, who alone in this land of freedom, are degraded into perpetual bondage." It was signed by Benjamin Franklin, as President. Marcli 30. Congress put an end, for the time be • ing at least, to the farther reception of Anti-Slavery petitions by voting, that " it had no right to interfere in the emancipation of slaves, or their treatment in any of the States." May 29. Treaty with the Creek Indians. Ehode Island voted to adopt the Federal Constitution, and became the thirteenth member of the Union. July 9. The bill to locate the seat of government for ten years at Philadelphia, and thereafter perma- nently on the Potomac, was passed in the House by a vote of 32 to 29. This measure was combined with the assumption of the State debts. Each bill sepa- rately had been defeated by small majorities. The Eastern and Middle States were for the assumption ; the Southern, against it. With regard to the perma- nent seat of the Government, the North wanted -t GEORGE WASHINGTON. 31 fixed on the Susqueliannali ; the South, on the Poto- mac. The assumption bill, according to Jefferson, produced the most bitter and angrj contest ever known in Congress, and almost threatened a dissolu- tion of the Union. Jefferson attempted a compro- mise of conflicting interests to save the Union, and through his influence some of the members were in- duced to change their votes. Thus, at the very out- set, a compromise saved the Union, and produced concord among the States. October 17-22. General Harmar defeated by In- dians' in the North-west. 1791. February 1-8. Bill to incorporate the Bank of the United States passed by a vote of 39 to 20. The charter was to expire by limitation in 1811. Jeffer- son and Madison were opposed to the act, regarding the measure as unconstitutional, and as conferring a dangerous and corrupting power upon the govern- ment. Hamilton and Knox gave their WTitten opin- ion,at a Cabinet meeting, in favor of the President signing the bill; Jefferson aud Randolph presented negative reasons. This was the first instance of party separation in the Cabinet, and proved the forerunner of important differences which soon developed them- selves. A national mint was located at Philadelphia. 'No bank existed at this time that had a national circula- tion. The four banks in the country — at Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore — issued notes which had merely a local circulation. The United 32 THE PEESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. States Bank gave National credit and National circu- lation. By the financial scheme of Hamilton, the credit of the country was placed upon a firm foundation. In the words of "Webster, " He smote the rock of the national resources, and abundant streams of revenue burst forth. He touched the dead corpse of public credit, and it sprang upon its feet." March 4. Vermont, the fourteenth State, admitted to the Union. November 4. General St. Clair defeated by the Indians. Its causes were afterwards investigated by Congress in 1792. The First Ten Articles of Amendments to the Constitution received their first vote of ratification, November 20, 1789, and their eleventh, December 15, 1791, and were adopted as a part of the Consti- tution. 1792. May 11. Captain Gray discovered the Columbia Eiver. June 1. Kentucky was admitted, and became the fifteenth pillar in the Union. 1793. March 4. Washington and Adams inaugurated at Philadelphia. February 12. The Fugitive Slave Bill adopted — '' an Act respecting Fugitives from justice, and Per- sons escaping from the service of their masters." February 28. The ofiicial conduct of the Secretary GEORGE WASHINGTON. 33 of the Treasury was investigated hy the House of Representatives. The administration was sustained in its financial policy. Difficulties with Genet, the French Ambassador. England and France were at war, and Genet began to fit out privateers, for the capture of British ships,, in American ports. The Minister endeavored to influence legislation by undue measures and inflam- matory speeches. Washington demanded that he be recalled, which was accordingly done in 1791. 1794. January 3. The report of Secretary Jefferson ' ' on the privileges and restrictions on the commerce of the United States in foreign countries " called out a most elaborate debate in the House. Gen. Hamil- ton took grounds against the measures proposed by Jefferson. Mr. Madison upheld the views of Jeffer- son, and Mr. "William Smith, of South Carolina, those of Hamilton. The discrimination recommended by Jefferson was levelled against England, and was defeated by five votes, and that mainly through the mercantile class v/hich was largely engaged in trade and commerce with Great Britain. January 7. It was resolved by Congress, "that from and after the first day of May, A. D. 1 795, the Flag of the United States be fifteen stripes, alternate red and white. That the Union be fifteen stars, white, in a blue field." By this modification it was intended to add a new stripe for every new State ad- 31 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. mittcd, but before long it was perceived that the rule would not answer, (the States increasing in number too rapidly), and so the old resolution of the second Continental Congress, (passed June 19, 1777), was re-affirmed in 1818, which provided, ''that the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, in a blue field, representing a new constellation," Avith the addition of a now star for each new State. It was found, however, too diffi- cult to represent a constellation on a banner, and so the circle of stars, to express concord and unity, was substituted. The red is designed to picture the courage, white, the uprightness, and blue, the firm- ness, hope and charity of those who upbear it. This beautiful emblem was first unfolded on the de- cisive battle-field of Saratoga, and waved there in triumph, an omen of victory, the ensign of liberty, and the standard of a new nationality. " Forever float that standard sheet! "Where breathes the foe hut falls before us ? "VVith Freedom's soil beneath our feet, And Freedom's banner streaming o'er us? '' January 16. The Quakers, (of New England, at their yearly meeting in 1793), prepared a memorial in which they petitioned Congress to exercise the au- thority vested in them by the Constitution, for the suppression of the slave trade. June 9. Jefi*erson, for want of agi-eement with the Administration and its measures, Avithdrew from the Cabinet. August 20. General Wayne, at the battle of the INIaumee, defeated the hostile Indian tribes of the GEORQK WASniNGTON. 35 North-west, and secured from them the territory out of which have been formed the States of Ohio and Indiana, (a part of it). During this year also occurred the "Whisky Re- ])ellion" of Pennsylvania. Secret societies were formed in order to resist the payment of a duty on Whisky. Washington called out a military force of 15,000, and the opposition at once subsided, and without resort to arms. 1795, June 24. Jay's treaty with England encountered the most violent opposition, l)ccause it enforced the payment of English debts, and failed to ];)rohibit the impressment of American seamen. Jay was burned in effigy ; and at a public meeting, stones were thrown at Hamilton. This year the Connecticut School fund — now over $2,000,000— was formed. A treaty with Spain determined the boundaries of Florida, and secured the free navigation -of the Mis- sissippi. 1796. March 7- April 7. A debate of remarkable ability and eloquence was continued by the members of the House witli reference to the English Treaty, its merits, and the constitutional limits of the treaty- making, and the treaty-ratifying power. April 30. The House voted an appropriation of $90,000 in order to execute the Treaty with Great Britain. It embraced three points : 36 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 1. The execution of those parts of the Treaty of 1783, which remained unexecuted. (The British had not yet vacated all the posts along the lakes.) 2. The settlement of disputes, or questions of In- ternational Law. 3. Stipulations for regulating the commercial and other intercourse between the two nations. June 1. Tennessee was received into the Union as the sixteenth State. ^ September 17. Washington, declining to be a can- didate for a third term of office, issued his celebrated Farewell Address. 1797. February 8. The • electoral votes were opened and counted in the presence of both branches of Congress. Adams and Jefferson were declared elected. February 22. The Treaty with the Dey and Re- gency of Algiers was ratified by Congress, and an appropriation to confirm its conditions, w^as voted by the House of Representatives. The whole cost of securing immunity from the pirates of the Barbary States, the free navigation of the Mediterranean to American ships, and the release of American citizens and seamen, who had been taken captive, and were still held as prisoners, amounted to about one million dollars. The alternative was war, and some prepara- tion had been made in the event of such an emer- gency. ''A war with Algiers," it has been said, "then a formidable power, (and of course with the rest of the Barbary States,) was a very serious under- takinor for the United States at that time — the cost GEORGE WASHINGTON. 37 great and certain — the issue uncertain. The great- est powers of Europe paid tribute to those bar- baric pirates, and it was no disgrace to the infant United States to do the same." March 3. The administration of Washington was very successful. It was beset with difficulties and hindrances, but the spirit of wisdom and conciliation, which marked the leaders of that period, made it possible to institute our present representative gov- ernment. Moderate expenses, moderate taxes, and moderate duties simplified the difficult problem of finances. Abroad several important treaties had been secured, and, by one of them, war had been averted. Washington observed a strict neutrality during the war of France and England, and did not suffer popular sympathy to go astray. At home, the hostile Indian tribes had been subjugated, and a formidable insurrection had been peaceably subdued by the mere exhibition of military power. Public credit was elevated by the assumption of the State debts, and the world saw that there was both the willingness and the ability to pay every dollar of debt Trade, commerce and agriculture, touched by the magic power of peace and protection, sprang into renewed life and activity. A constant tide of immi- 1 gration set in, and new states were rapidly formed. The nation had now been safely conducted from a losely -jointed and inadequate confederacy to a more compact and durable form of goverment, and Wash- ington with the honors of war and the still brighter laurels of peace thick upon him, longed for rest and retirement. The second term being now ended, he 38 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. was enabled to carry out his long-cherished wishes, and having witnessed, as a private citizen, the inau- guration of his successor, he withdrew to Mt. Vernon, where peace and plenty crowned with happiness and tranquility the decline of an eventful and illusitrous career. X. POLITICAL PARTIES. Differences in public opinion began to operate with more force and celerity, as Congress entered upon the continuous and systematic work of legislation. Sectional interests, in some cases, convictions of right and duty in others, or strong and prevailing in- clinations to particular lines of public policy, in still others, became some of the dominating principles about which political parties began to crystalize. In the beginning, the mode of electing the Presi- dent and Vice President was attended without any cumbrous political machinery. The main design ap- apers to have been the selection of the best man for the executive head of the nation, and it was supposed that a body of electors would exercise such choice with more wisdom and ability than belonged to the common people ; and for this reason the electors were left entirely free to vote by ballot for two persons, of whom one, at least, should not be an inhabitant of the same State with themselves. ^Ye may enumerate some of the questions from which party lines began to divide : 1. The location of the permanent seat of the government brought out sectional interests. GB3RGE WASHINGTON. 39 2. The assumption of the State debts was op- posed by Jefferson and his adherents. There was no opposition to the funding of the Continental debt. 3. The Tariff question was as much a difficulty to adjust then as now, and produced the same disa- greement. 4. The establishment of the United States Bank was a measure of great importance, and one which subsequently furnished the occasion for a most per- sistent political struggle. The two parties also were destined to change places in their advocacy of this measure and its expediency. 5. Slavery began, even at this early day, to be a vexing question, and the forces which afterwards be- came so deadly in their opposition to each other were just beginning to disclose themselves. Petitions against its continuance, on the one hand ; a determ- ination to protect it by enactments, on the other, gave warning of that fierce storm which although now not larger than a man's hand, was eventually to spread over the entire land, and break in great fury. 6. The Treaty with England, remarkable for what it yielded, rather than for what it obtained, formed another occasion for separation in political thought and conviction. 7. The centralization of power in the Federal government, awakened the opposition of the Eepub- licans, who were jealous of State rights. On the one side, there seemed to be an undue leaning to mon- archial forms and ideas ; and on the other, a too great partiality for a popular and free government, such as 40 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS* was then being tried in France, during the Revolution. It is doubtless well that these two antagonisms con- tinue to exist in a representative government, so that neither anarchy nor despotism can ever gain the ascendency. From the discussion and agitation of these and kindred topics, two parties sprang into being — the Federal and the Eepublican. Jefferson, Madison and Randolph became the leaders of the opposition, and soon gathered about themselves a young and vigorous party. Hamilton and Adams were the chiefs of the Federalists and gave to the administration of Wash- ington and its measures, their powerful support. The Federalists were also called ''Monarchists" and "Aristocrats," on account of their supposed tenden- cies; and the Republicans, "Anti-federal" and ''Anti- centralization." The electoral vote showed that these two parties were numerically very nearly equal. XI. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The Public Debt of the United States originated in 1790, when by vote of Congress the State debts, in the sum of $21,000,000, were assumed, and the arrearages of interest on the Continental and State debts were funded and consolidated with the principal. Year. riiblic Debt. Expenditures. Exports. Imports. 1791 $75,463,476 $ 7,207,539 $19,012,041 $29,200,000 1792 77,227,924 9,141,569 20,753,098 31,500,000 1793 80,352,634 7,529,575 26,109,572 31,000,000 1794 78,427,400 9,302,124 33,026,233 34,000,000 1795 80,747,587 10,405,009 47,989,472 69,756,268 1796 1 83,762,172 8,367,776 67,064,097 81,436.164 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 41 XII. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. England ; George III., King, William Pitt, prime minister, Fox and Sheridan lead opposition, Burke ''On French Revolution," war with Holland 1795, vrith Spain 1796, Increase of East India possessions. France : The Kevolution of 1789, Jacobin Club, Louis XVI. beheaded January 21, 1793, Reign of Terror to 1791, Robespierre against the Girondists, First Coalition against France 1794, Robespierre guil- lotined 1794, Bonaparte in Italy 1796, Executive Di- rectory 1795-97. Germany : Francis II., Sovereign 1792-1835, war with France 1793, Bonaparte at Rivoli 1797. Prussia; Frederick William II. 1786-1797. Switzerland : Helvetian Republic 1798, Struggle against Centralization, French Invasion. Russia : Catharine 11. (widow of Peter) 1762-96, war against the Porte 1787-1792, with Sweden 1788- 1790, Alliance with England 1793, Partition of Po- land 1795, Paul Czar 1796—1801. Denmark : Christian VII. to 1808- Sweden : Gustavus VI. to 1809. Belgium : Revolt 1787—1791, United to France 1797. Spain and Portugal: Charles IV. 1788—1808, French Invasion 1794. Turkey : Selim HI. 1789—1807, war with Aus- tria and Russia, Ismail taken 1790. Europe in a state of ferment and unrest. A period of great political changes. CHAPTER II. THE ABMINISTEATION OF JOHN ADAMS. Federal. One Term, 1797 to 1801. I. CABINET. PRESIDENT. 1797. John Adams, Massachusetts. YICE PRESIDENT. 1797. Thomas Jefierson, Virginia. SECBETARIES OF STATE. 1797. Timothy Pickering, Massachusetts. 1800. John Marshall, Virginia. SECRETARIES OF THE TREASURY. 1797. Oliver Wolcott, Connecticut. 1800. Samuel Dexter, Massachusetts. SECRETARIES OF WAR. 1797. James McHenry, Maryland. 1800. Samuel Dexter, Massachusetts. 1801. Roger Griswold, Connecticut. SECRETARIES OP THE NAVY. 1798. George Cabot, Massachusetts (declined). 1798. Benjamin Stoddart, Maryland. POSTMASTER GENERAL. 1797. Joseph Habersham, Georgia. ATTORNEY GENERAL. 1797. Charles Lee, Virginia. JOHN ADAMS. 43 11. CHIEF JUSTICES OF THE SUPKEME COURT. 1800. December 19, John Jay, New York. (De- clined the appointment,') 1801. January 31, John Marshall, Virginia. III. SENATORS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 1797. July, William Bradford, Ehode Island. 1797, November, Jacob Read, South Carolina. 1798. June, Theodore Sedgwick, Massachusetts. 1798. December, John Lawrence, New York. 1799. March, James Eoss, Pennsylvania. 1799. December, Sam. Livermore, New Hampshire. 1800. May, Uriah Tracy, Connecticut. 1800. November, John E. Howard, Maryland. 1801. February, James Hillhouse, Connecticut. ly. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- TATIVES. V. Congress, 1797, Jonathan Dayton, New Jersey, V* " 1797, George Dent, Maryland. VI. '' 1799, Theodore Sedgwick, Massachu- setts. V. THE THIRD ELECTION. John Adams, 71 ; Thomas Jefferson, 68 ; Thomas Pinckney, S. C, 95 ; Aaron Burr, N, Y., 30; Samuel Adams, Mass., 15 ; Oliver Ellsworth, Conn., 11 ; John Jay, N. Y., 5 ; George Clinton, N. Y., 7; S. Johnson, S* C, 2; James Iredel, N. C, 3; George Washington, Va., 2; C. C. Pinckney, S. C, 1; John Henry, Md., 2. Total, 139. Sixteen States voted. 44 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. This election presents the peculiar feature of electing the chiefs of the two opposing parties ; Adams, the leader of the federalists, becoming President, and Jefferson, the foremost republican. Vice President. VI. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 1800. Whites 4,304,489, free colored 108,395, and slaves 893,041. Total, 5,305,925. The ratio of Kepresentation for 1800 to 1810 was fixed at 33,000, making 142 members. YII. HISTORICAL RECOPvD. 1797. March 4. Inauguration of Adams and Jeiferson. May 15. An extra session of Congress convened on account of complications with France and a suspen- sion of diplomatic intercourse with the French Re- public. The session was brief, and accomplished the two objects for which it was called. It prepared for defense, and three frigates — Constitution, Constella- tion and United States — were at once built and manned. A detachment of 80,000 militia was author- ized. Its second object, to provide additional revenue for defense, was secured by passing a stamp duty, imposing a tax on salt, and authorizing a loan. *' De- fense was the great object of the session ; invasion the danger ; and its repulse by land and sea the remedy." November 30. Another memorial of the Quakers praying for redress of grievances, the abolition of slavery, and the discouragement of every species of extravagance, luxury, vice and dissipation; It was referred to a committee, who reported, Feb. 14, 1798, JOHN -ADAMS. 45 tlie following resolution, to-wit : ''That the memo- rialists have leave to withdraw the said memorial and address." The motion prevailed. 1798. January 8. President Adams declared in his mes- sage, that the Eleventh Amendment (proposed March 15, 1794) had received a three-fourths ratification of the States, and was a part of the Constitution, February 15. A Fracas occurred in the House. Mr. Griswold gave Mr. Lyon a severe caning, while the latter was writing at his desk. A resolution to censure, was defeated by a vote of 48 to 47. April 25. The Department of the Navy was crea- ted by a close party vote of 47 to 41. The Republi- cans, (in the minority,) were opposed to the establish- ment of a Navy. May 18. Congress voted to raise a provisional army of 20,000 men, and an appropriation of $150,- 000 for equipment. July 10. The Alien and Sedition Laws were passed. The violent denunciation heaped upon the administra- tion by the friends and emisaries of France seemed to call for these acts. By the Alien law power was con- ferred upon the President to expel such persons as he might find, who were plotting against the public peace and authority. The Sedition act was designed to re- strict the bitterness of free speech, and the violent criticism of the press. These measures were passed l)y the Federal party and had the effect of making it extremely unpopular. J. Q. Adams has remarked, " that if Jefferson and Madison deemed the Alien and Sedition acts plain and palpable infractions of the 46 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Constitution, AVasliington and Patrick Henry held them to be good and wholesome laws." July. Active preparations were made for war. An extra session convened for this purpose* "Wash- ington was appointed Lieutenant-General and Com- mander-in-chief, but subsequent events rendered it unnecessary for him to take the field. 1799. February 8. The House voted to enlarge the Navy. The Federalists were again opposed by the Repub- licans in this measure. December 14. AYashington expired suddenly at Mt. Vernon, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. He was left childless, that his country might call him father. It has been permitted to but few men to gain such universal fame, admiration and love, as did "Washington. In every land his name is honored, and in him humanity found a friend. He was con- tent to be president for a few years, when he might have made himself king, or dictator for life. Such is true greatness and excellence of character. 1800. January 2. Free men of color, of Philadelphia, petitioned the House for a revision of the Slave laws. It was voted that Congress had no authority in the matter. August. The Seat of Government was perma- nently removed to "Washington ; Maryland and "Vir- ginia having ceded a tract of 10 miles square for the location of the new city. September 30. A Treaty of Peace made with France. The war, if such it may be called, was JOHN ADAMS. 47 wholly confined to the sea, and consisted mainly in commercial depredations. The French had taken an American schooner; the "Constitution" had taken a French frigate. The French Directory was dis- pleased because our country had made a treaty with England, and such assistance, as they expected, had not been rendered them in their struggle with Great Bri- tain. Our flag was insulted, our ambassadors sent to adjust differences, were not officially received, and it was hinted that unless a present of money was offered, there would be war. General Pinckney, one of the three envoys, replied with spirit, ''"War be it, then. Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute." A new feeling arose with the dissolution of the French Directory in 1799, November 10, and it was intimated that peace would be desirable. The Presi- dent appointed three envoys, who at once sailed for France. They found Napoleon, the first Consul of the Republic, at the head of affairs, and with him a treaty was soon concluded without much difficulty. The army of the United States was never called into the service, and there being no longer any danger of invasion, it was- soon after disbanded. During this year, the first congressional caucus for designating presidential candidates, is said to have been held in Philadelphia, and to have selected Jeffer- son and Burr as the Republican nominees. November 17. Congress held its first meeting in "Washington City. 1801. February 11. The electoral votes for President were opened and counted. There was no election and 48 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. the choice devolved on the House of Kepresentatives, by whom on the 36th ballot Jefferson was elected. Trade and commerce revived after the difficulties with France had been adjusted. A reaction from French infidelity was produced by the lawlessness of the Revolution, and even infidels began to discern that education and religion are the chief corner stones of republican institutions. For the conservation of liberty and the rational enjoyment of freedom, they are the only sure and abiding defense. VIII. POLITICAL PAETIES. Political feeling v/as intensified and embittered by a variety of circumstances. The establishment of a navy, and the enactment of the Alien and Sedition laws made a sharp division between the Republicans and the Federalists. These two parties were formed with great distinctness during the second term of Washington's administration. 1. The Federal party was weakened by an intrigue within its own ranks. There was a secret attempt to displace Adams and substitute a more reliable party man. As a President, he was not pliable enough, and so did not suit the party-leaders. At a private caucus by the Federal members of Congress, it was agreed that Adams and C. C. Pinckney should be voted for equally; whilst they intended by a secret manoevre to secure the larger vote for Pinckney. The manner of electing the president at that time, made it easy to accomplish this, without appearing to make any open attack upon Adams. The cabal did not feel itself strong enough to adopt JOHN ADAM3 49 an open warfare. Adams, being aware of the intrigue against him, determined to assail the " Essex Junto" — as the chief Federal leaders in Massachusetts were called — and to denounce them as a British faction. Their chief objection to Adams was that he had not involved the nation in a needless war with France, and assisted England, the Protestant bulwark of the world. The horrors of the Eevolution, and the Reign of Terror, had produced in the minds of many a re- vulsion of feeling against France ; and England seemed to them to be the only power that could stay the on- ward sweep of such pernicious ideas and excesses. The rank and file — a large number of them — of the Federal party, were men of wealth, culture and ability, and cherished a strong attachment for England ; be- cause there they found those ideas and principles of government and society most in harmony with their own. Hamilton, it was believed, preferred a mon- archical form of government, and entertained a lively regard for England* For this reason the Federalists were called ''aristocrats," "the friends of Great Bri- tain," and the like. A difference and break of friendship arose between Adams and Hamilton, and the latter printed a pamph- let for private circulation among his friends, in which he portrayed the character of Adams and his unfitness for re-election, while at the same time he tried to de- fend himself on some charges which Adams had made against him. But it was impossible to secretly circu- late a document like this, and it very soon found its way to the newspapers, where its publicity did great harm to the Federal cause. 4 50 TUB PRESIDENTS AND TUEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 2. The Kepublicans also held a secret caucus, and selected Jefferson and Burr as their candidates, with a preference for Jefferson as their presidential nominee. The Republican leaders, not being harrassed by dissen- sions in their own ranks, were able to take advantage of the Federal position. There was considerable sym- pathy in the Republican party for France. The gal- lant La Fayette, and French treasure, and French assistanca in the struggle for liberty, could never be forgotten, and the recent French insults and depreda- tions on American commerce were as nothing, when contrasted with great services and former friend- ship. It was a progressive party, headed by JefFerson, and full of energy and enthusiasm, and its triumph — even without the Alien and Sedition laws, the army and navy expense, the loan, the direct tax in the pro- gress of collection during the presidential canvass, the renewal of negotiations with France, and the in- ternal dissensions of the party — could not long have been delayed. It is true, many of these unpopular measures hastened the dissolution of the Federal party. It was the distinguished name of Washington, and the eminent ability of Hamilton, representing the prudence, experience, wisdom and conservatism of the age, that gave a twelve years lease of power to the Federal party. The result of the election proved a Republican vic- tory, and brought with it the death of the Federal party. The supremacy of Federal ideas marks the first period of political history. To it was allotted the difficult task of inaugurating the government and adjusting the machinery of its successful operation JOHN ADAMS. 51 in all the different branches. It gave a definite di- rection to our domestic and foreign policy, and started the government on its grand destiny. IX. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The complications with France required an increase of expenditure. At the close of the administration, the expense was about twelve millions, but it was almost wholly used for the army, the navy and the public debt. The finances were managed with ability. Year. Public Debt. Expenditures. Exports. Imports. 1797 1798 1799 1800 $82,064,479 79,228,529 78,408,669 82,976,291 $ 8,626,012 8,613,507 11,077,043 11,989,739 $56,850,206 61,527,097 78,665,522 70,970,780 $75,379,406 68,551,700 79,089,148 91,252,768 X. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. England : Irish Rebellion 1798, (united Irishmen since 1793); Union of England and Ireland 1800 Battle of Nile 1799. France: Revolution and three Directors 1798 Second Coalition against France by England, Russia Germany, Turkey, Portugal, and Naples 1799; Revo lution of the 18th Brumaire 1799; Napoleon First Consul 1799 ; Campaign in Italy (Marengo), 1800. The armed Neutrality of 1800 : A confederacy of the Northern Powers of Europe headed by Russia against England. CHAPTER III. THE ADMINISTEATION OF THOMAS JEFFERSON. Jtepuhlican. Two Terms, 1801 to 1809. I. CABINET. PRESIDENT. 1801. Thomas Jefferson, Virginia. VICE PRESIDENTS. 1801. Aaron Burr, New York. 1805. George Clinton, New York. SECRETARY OF STATE. 1801. James Madison, Virginia. SECRETARIES OP THE TREASURY. 1801. Samuel Dexter, Massachusetts. 1802. Albert Gallatin, Pennsylvania. SECRETARY OF WAR. 1801. Henry Dearborn, Massachusetts. SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 1801. Benjamin Stoddart, Maryland. 1802. Robert Smith, Maryland. 1805. Jacob Crowninshield, Massachusetts. POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 1801. Joseph Habersham, Georgia. 1802. Gideon Granger, Connecticut. ATTOHNEYS GENERAL. 1801 . Theophilus Parsons, Massachusetts, (declined.) 1801. Levi Lincoln, Massachusetts. 1805. Robert Smith, Maryland. 1805, John Breckenridge, Kentucky. 1807. Ciesar A. Rodney, Delaware. THOMAS JEFFERSON. 53 II. SENATORS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO TEMPORE OP THE SENATE. 1801. December, Abraham Baldwin, Georgia. 1802. December, Stephen R. Bradley, Vermont. 1803. October, John Brown, Kentucky. 1804. March, Jesse Franklin, North Carolina. 1805. January, Joseph Anderson, Tennessee, 1805. December, Samuel Smith, Maryland. 1808. December, Stephen R. Bradley, Vermont. 1809. January, John Milledge, Georgia. 1809. January, Andrew Gregg, Pennsylvania. III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- TATIVES. VII. Congress, Nathaniel Macon, North Carolina. VIII. " Nathaniel Macon, North Carolina, IX. " Nathaniel Macon, North Carolina. X. " Joseph B. Varnum, Massachusetts. IV. THE FOURTH ELECTION. Electoral vote : For Thomas Jefferson, 73; Aaron Burr, 73; John Adams, 65; Charles C. Pinckney, South Carolina, 64; John Jay, New York, 1. Total, 138* Sixteen States voted. There was no choice. Jefferson and Burr, having the greatest number, and a majority of all the electors, the choice was transferred to the House of Representatives. On the first ballot, eight states voted for Jefferson, six for Burr ; the votes of two states were divided and cast blank- The votes of nine states (a majority) were necessary to se- cure election. The ballots were repeated thirty-five times, and with exactly the same results. The voting began "Wednesday, February 11, and continued from 54 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIB ADMINISTRATIONS. day to day, until one o'clock, p. m., February 17, when it stood : For Jefferson, ten states ; for Burr, four ; and blank, two. This protracted contest produced great excitement, and the result appears to have been wholly due to the efforts of Alexander Hamilton. A majority in the Federal party were inclined to give their support to Aaron Burr, and this would, of course, have se- cured his election as President. Hamilton, however, believing Burr to be a corrupt man, was convinced that his election would prove a public "calamity." He said, " If there be a man in the world I ought to hate, it is Jefferson. With Burr I have always been personally well. But the public good must be para- mount to every private consideration." James A. Bayard, Delaware, whose vote finally decided the election, was induced to give the casting vote through the influence of Hamilton, as appears from a series of letters which passed between them on this subject. The dangers to the country in the mode of selecting the President, which this struggle disclosed, led to the adoption of the twelfth amendment, by which the President and Vice President are voted for separately on distinct lists and each independently of the other. A majority of all the votes cast for either officer is necessary to election. V. THE FIFTH ELECTION. Electoral vote : For President, Thomas Jefferson, 162 votes; C. C. Pmckney, 14. For Vice President: George Clinton, New York, 162 votes ; Rufus King, New York, 14. Total, 176. Seventeen states voted. A strict party separation. THOMAS JBFFERSON, 55 VI. HISTORICAL RECORD. 1801. Marcli 4. Jefferson took the oath of office as Presi- dent in the city of Washington. The first inaugura- tion occurred in New York City, the second and third in Philadelphia. June. The Bashaw of Tripoli declared war against the United States. The Barbary powers — Tunis, Tripoli, Algiers, and Morocco — the Northern States of Africa, were accustomed to prey upon the com- merce of the world. The Tripolitans especially be- came very troublesome at this time. They boarded and plundered many of our vessels, and carried away American citizens into a captivity worse than death. December 10. The President, instead of delivering a speech, as had been customary hitherto at the open- ing of Congress, sent a message, and established a precedent which has been the practice ever since. The former method was too close a copy of British procedure on similar occasions, and besides many days of debate were consumed by the members of Congress in agreeing upon the suitable terms of reply. 1802. January 2. A stenographic reporter was admitted for the first time within the area of the Senate Cham- ber. The House voted to receive one in their Cham- ber five days later. Previously reporters were com- pelled to go to the galleries, where verbatim reporting was next to impossible. January 6 — February 3. The Senate subjected the Judiciary System to a most thorough criticism, and after a very elaborate and profound debate, the resolution to repeal the act was passed by a Kepubli- 56 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIK ADMINISTRATIONS. can majority of one vote. The repeal was carried in the House, on March 3d, by a vote of 59 to 32. April 2. Georgia ceded her \yestern Territory — including what is now the States of Alabama and Mississippi — to the Union w^ith the express stipulation that the Ordinance of 1787 " shall in all its parts ex- tend to the territory contained in the present cast of cession, the article only excepted which forbids sla- very." November 19. Ohio admitted as the seventeenth State. An effort was made to suspend the Ordinance of 1787 in Indiana. A petition to Congress was framed by a convention of which General Harrison was chair- man. A uniform law of naturalization was passed this year whereby the act of 1795 was re-affirmed, which required a residence of five years, and an application three years prior to admission. 1803. April 30. The Territory of Louisiana, embracing one million square miles, and extending from the Mis- sissippi to the Pacific, was purchased from France for $15,000,000. Ten states, two territories, and parts of two other states have since been formed out of this magnificent domain. Napoleon, who was just entering upon his remark- able military career as a ruler, needed money for his ambitious schemes, and was quite willing to make the transfer. He desired to build up a rival to the power of England. " This accession of territory," he remarked, ** strengthens forever the power of the THOMAS JEFFERSON. 57 United States, and I have just given to England a maritime rival that will sooner or later humble her pride." The United States, however, were most anxious to make the purchase, and the statesmen of that day- considered the free navigation of the Mississippi in- dispensable to our growth and prosperity. Louisiana, named after the French king, was ceded to Spain in 1762, and in 1802 it was receded to France, but did not pass under French rule. The Spanish governor, who still held possession, closed the port of New Orleans to American ships, with great detriment to our commerce. The Mississippi and the Louisiana questions were seriously debated by Con- gress, and it was voted to secure if possible the pur- chase of Louisiana. The accomplishment of this object has justly been regarded as the great event of Jefferson's administra- tion. The Kaskaskies ceded their title to the greater portion of what is now the State of Illinois. On account of commercial difficulties with Tripoli, a fleet was sent to the Mediterranean, under com- mand of Commodore Preble, to protect American commerce and secure immunity from future depre- dations. The frigate Philadelphia, while blockading Tripoli, was stranded in the harbor, and taken by the Tripolitans. The entire crew, including Captain Bainbridge, were capturfed, and the men reduced to slavery. October 17. Jefferson in his message to Congress expressed his determination to maintain neutrality 53 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. bet^veen the contending powers of Europe. In his words, *'we should be most unwise indeed were we to cast away the singular blessings of the position in which Nature has placed us ; the opportunity she has endowed us with of pursuing, at a distance from for- eign contentions, the paths of industry, peace, and happiness, of cultivating general friendship, and of bringing collisions of interest to the umpire of reason rather than of force." December 12. The Twelfth Article of Amend- ments to the Constitution was proposed. The fol- lowing year it was adopted by the necessary vote of ratification. 1804. February 3. The Philadelphia was recaptured and destroyed by Decatur — a most brilliant exploit. July 11. Hamilton was killed in a duel with Burr at Weehauken, New Jersey. The sad event pro- duced a profound impression. The quarrel between them was entirely of a political nature. Hamilton had opposed him at a time when Burr could have been elected President, and had also contributed to his defeat when a candidate for the governorship of New York. Hamilton had pronounced him a bad and corrupt man, who was totally unfit to be trusted with oflaces of commanding influence and. responsi- bility, and by nature one who, when circumstances required, would not hesitate to commit crime. The recollection of these bitter worcjs and prevail- ing opposition rankled in his breast, and nothing but the life of Hamilton could atone for such oflTences. Subsequent events fully confirmed the ovil opinion THOMAS JEFFERSON. 59 which he had formed of Burr's character. By this most unfortunate occurrence, the nation was deprived of one of its most useful and talented citizens. What an impressive commentary upon the baneful ** Code of Honor." 1805. April 29. Derne, a city of Tripoli, was taken by General Eaton, assisted by Hamet, the elder brother of the Bashaw of Tripoli, whom the latter had de- posed. They then advanced to take the capitol, but "before this could be effected, peace was concluded June 3, and the war put to an end. March 4. The second inauguration of Jefferson. 1806. May 6. England, engaged in war with France, declared the French coast in a state of blockade. November 20. Napoleon, after the battle of Jena, having entered Berlin as conqueror, issued in retalia- tion the so called '' Berlin Decree," by which he de- clared the British Islands to be in blockade. 1807. January 7. As a counter decree to this, the "British Orders in Council" were issued, and all French ports from which British ships had been ex- eluded, were affirmed to be blockaded. This act was renewed November 11. January 27. Aaron Burr was arrested on an in- dictment of a political nature, and the man who wanted but ono vote of being elected President was thrown into a common jail. He was tried at Kich- 60 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. mond, Va., (Chief Justice Marshall presiding), on two charges ; first, for high treason in levying war against the United States, and second, for setting on foot a military expedition against Spain, with whom the United States were at peace, the object of which was to establish an independent empire. He was acquitted, because on the first point, the facts proved did not amount to levying war against the United States; on the second, because the Court had no jurisdiction, the alleged ofience having been com- mittted in the State of Ohio. Colonel Burr was bound over to appear in Ohio and answer to this charge, but he forfeited the recognizance by fleeing the country and remaining many years in volun- tary exile. This event completed the political pros- tration of Burr and marked his disappearance from public life. June 22. The *' Leopard" fired into the " Chesa- peake," an American frigate, boarded her, and de- manded the right to search for British deserters, Englajid held the doctrine 'Hhat once an English- man forever an Englishman." Four men were claimed and forcibly taken as deserters. July 2. Congress retaliated by passing an act to compel British armed vessels to leave American ports. September 14. Steam navigation witnessed its commencement in the successful launching of Ful- ton's little steam-boat, the *'Cleremont." After a partial failure, the trip to Albany from New York was made in thirty-six hours. During a number of years the Hudson floated the only steam-boat in the THOMAS JEFFERSON, 61 world. Its rate of sailing was five miles an hour. December 17. Napoleon issued the "Milan De- cree," which interdicted all continental trade with England. December 22. American commerce suffered se- verely from these decrees and counter-decrees of France and England, and Congress accordingly passed the ''Emgargo Act," to restrain all American -vessels from leaving port* This Act was strongly opposed and denounced by the Middle and New Eng- land States, because they were chiefly engaged in commercial transactions. 1808. January. The Eepublican party was gaining the ascendency in nearly all the States, A Eepublican Caucus was held to determine between the relative claims of Madison and Monroe for the Presidency. The Legislature of Virginia, said to have been potent in making Presidents, was unable to decide between their claims. Ninety-four out of one hundred and thirty-six Republican members of Congress attended the Caucus, and the first position was given to Madi- son by a vote of 83 members. 1809. February 8. The electoral votes were counted and the result announced for James Madison and George Clinton. March 1. The "Embargo Act" was repealed and the "Non-intercourse Act" was substituted in its stead. It was entitled, "An act to interdict the com- mercial intercourse between the United States and 62 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Great Britain and France and their dependencies, and for other purposes." March 3. The administration of Jefferson had been conducted with great skill. The acquisition of Louisiana, adding very nearly one million square miles — more exactly 899,519 — to the public domain was an event whose importance to the greatness and prosperity of the Republic, can hardly be overesti- mated. The finances during the last two years w^ere somewhat disturbed by the various decrees and edicts of France and England against the commerce of neutrals. These complications, by which insult had been heaped upon injury, and injury upon in- sult, greatly embarrassed the government, and ren- dered an increased expenditure necessary. They also stirred up the spirit of v/ar and set on foot war- like preparations. The Embargo and Non-inter- course acts, the building of forts and ships, and the equipment of troops, both militia and regular, dis- closed a determination on the part of the United States to appeal to arms and secure by force the rights of seamen and of neutrals. VII. POLITICAL PARTIES. The two parties were still continued in their organ- ization and opposition. The States passed gradually from Federal to Republican control. In 1805, when the Ninth Congress convened, it was found that the Republicans Avere largely in the majority, whilst the Federal party were represented by merely seven Senators and twenty-five members of the House. THOMAS JEFFERSON, 63 Still the party, by the great ability of its leaders, formed a strong minority. 1. The Republican party prepared for the can- vass of 1804, by renominating Mr. Jefferson for President and substituting the name of George Clin- ton for Aaron Burr who had, by a break with Jeffer- son, politically ruined himself, for Vice President. In the Presidential canvass of 1808, Mr. Jefferson declining a third term, it was a matter of debate whether the position should be given to Madison, Monroe, or George Clinton ; but finally the triangular contest was closed, and the field left clear for Madi- son and Clinton as candidates for President and Vice President. 2. The Federal party, designating by a Congress- ional caucus C, C. Pinckney and Rufus King as their standard bearers, went into the canvass of 1804, but without any chances of success. In 1808 the strength of the Federal vote was given for the second time to C. C. Pinckney and Eufus King, and they received a support which proved numerically much greater than the vote cast for them in 1804. The Embargo Act formed the chief touchstone of party principle and separation in the election of 1808. The bill had passed the Senate by 22 to 6 votes, and the House by 82 to 44. "This measure rekindled," it has been said, " the old fire of party. He that was for the Embargo was a ' Democrat ; ' he that was against it, a * Federalist.' It was a waU between the parties, to be seen and almost felt with the hand (so strong was it), in every State, city, county, town, 64 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIll ADMINISTRATIONS. village and hamlet of tlie United States, and in every class and condition of the people, high or low, rich or poor." It may be remarked that the words "Re- publican" and "Democrat'" in certain sections of the county, were used interchangeably. This act affecting the money interest of a large class gave more strength to the Federal party than it would otherwise have possessed. During this administration the "impressment" of American seamen assumed a serious aspect from the frequency with which Great Britain exercised the *' right.'* At one time, there were over 6,000 namea of American citizens on the books of the State De- partment, who had been forcibly taken and placed in the British Navy. VIII. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The receipts of external duties were much larger than at any previous time. Upwards of eight millions of dollars, principal and interest, of public debt was extinguished in 1802, with a surplus in the treasury of four millions and a half of dollars. The purchase of Louisiana added, above the first payment, nearly thirteen million dollars to the debt, of which the greater part was payable in fifteen years. The effect of the Embargo on the resources of the government was hardly perceptible at the outset. Importations were still allowed, with the view of getting home American property abroad. There was a surplus of $17,000,000 in the Treasury, when the Embargo was enacted, and this was more than suffi- THOMAS JEFFERSON. 65 cient for the expenditure of an entire year. In 1808 the Secretary of the Treasury reported that the next year would commence with money and bonds on hand to the amount of $16,000,000. By reference to the column of expenditures, it will be seen that about thirteen millions was the annual current expense. It must be understood that this sum included the reim- bursement of public debt and interest thereon. Year. Public Debt. Expenditures. Exporta. Imports. 1801 1802 1803 1804 1805 1806 1807 1808 $82,038,050 80,712,632 77,054,686 86,427,120 82,312,150 75,723,270 69,218,398 65,196,317 $12,273,376 13,276,084 11,258,983 12,624,646 13,727,124 15,070,093 11,292,292 16,764,584 $ 94,115,925 72,483,160 55,800,083 77,699,074 95,566,021 101,536,963 108,343,151 22,430960 $111,363,513 76,333,366 64,066,613 185,000,000 120,600,000 129,410,000 138,500,000 56,990,000 IX. OUTLIISE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. England : Nelson bombarded Copenhagen, which put an end to the armed neutrality of 1801; Nelson died in 1805 at Trafalgar ; treaty with Spain to re- cognize no other king of Spain than Ferdinand VII , and to assist with all her forces against France 1802. France : Concordat with Rome 1801 ; Peace of Amiens 1802; Napoleon L, Emperor 1804-1814; Third Coalition against France by England, Russia, Naples and Austria ; Fourth Coalition by England, Prussia, Russia and Saxony. Germany : Dissolution of the German Empire 1806; Confederation of the Rhine till 1813. CHAPTER IV. THE ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES MADISON. Republican. Tioo Terms, 1809 to 1817. I. CABINET. TRESIDENT. 1809. Jiimes Madison, Virginia. VICE TRESIDEXTS. 1809. George Clinton, New York, (died April 20t/i, 1812.) 1813, Elbridge Gerry, Massachusetts, (died Nov. 23J, 1814.) SECRETARIES OF STATE. 1809. Robert Smith, Maryland. 1811. James Monroe, Virginia. SECRETARIES OF THE TREASURY. 1809. Albert Gallatin, Pennsylvania. 1814. G. W. Campbell, Tennessee. 1814. Alexander J. Dallas, Pennsylvania. SECRETARIES OF WAR. 1809. William Eustis, Massachusetts. 1813. John Armstrong, New York. 1814. James Monroe, Virginia. 1815. William H. Crawford, Georgia. SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 1809. Paul Hamilton, South Carolina* 1813. William Jones, Pennsylvania. 1614. Benjamin W. Crowninshield, Massachusetts. JAMES MADISON. 67 POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 1809. Gideon Granger, Connecticut. 1814. R. J. Meigs, Ohio. ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 1809. Caesar A. Eoclney, Delaware. 1811. William Pinckney, Maryland. 1814. Richard Rush, Pennsylvania. II. SENATOES ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 1810. February, John Gaillard, South Carolina. 1811. February, John Pope, Kentucky. 1812. March, William H. Crawford, Georgia. 1813. December, Joseph B. Varnum, Massachusetts. 1814. April, John Gaillard, South Carolina. III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- TATIVES. XI. Congress, Joseph B. Varnum, Massachusetts. XII. '' Henry Clay, Kentucky. XIII. '' Henry Clay, Kentucky. " " Langdon Cheves, South Carolina. XIV. '' Henry Clay, Kentucky. IV. THE SIXTH ELECTION. Electoral vote : For President, James Madison, 122; George Clinton, 6; C. C. Pinckney, 47. For Vice President: George Clinton, 113; James Madi- son, 3; James Monroe, Virginia, 3; John Langdon, New Hampshire, 9; Rufus King, New York, 47. Total, 175. Seventeen States voted. 63 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. V. THE SEVENTH ELECTION. Electoral vote : For President, James Madison, 128; DeWitt Clinton, New York, 89. For Vice President: Elbridge Gerry, 131; Jared Ingersoll, Pennsylvania, SQ, Total, 217. Eighteen States voted. VI. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 1810. Whites, 5,862,004 ; Free colored, 186,446; Slaves, 1,191,364. Total, 7,239,814. The Eatio of Representation was fixed at 35,000, giving a membership of 182. VIL HISTORICAL RECORD. 1809. March 4. Madison and Clinton inaugurated as President and Vice President of the United States. March-November. The affair of the " Chesa- peake " was fully debated by Congress. 1810. January 5. The committee on rules and orders proposed to give to the previous question the force it now has of stopping all debate, but the proposal was rejected as a new sedition law and an unconstitutional scheme to smother debate. February 9. Robert Fulton communicated to the Senate his invention of a sub-marine torpedo, and proposed to give a lecture to Congress in illustration of its plan. An appropriation of $5,000 was after- wards voted for the purpose of experiment. JAMES MADISON. 69 February 19. A Committee of the House re- ported in favor of re-chartering the Bank of the United States ^vhose existence would expire by lim- itation the following year, March 3, 1811. March 23. Napoleon published the ^'Kambouillet Decree " to prevent all French vessels from entering American ports and to subject all American ships sailing in French waters to seizure. The ocean was covered with cruisers of different nationalities which preyed upon our commerce. 1811. January 19. After a very full and elaborate de- bate, it was decided in the House by a majority of one vote, and in the Senate by the casting vote of the Vice President, not to grant a new charter to the United States Bank. There was a serious defect, in not providing a substitute for the bank, such as a general currency, or an independent treasury for the depository of the public funds. March 3. The veto power exercised, for the third time in the history of the government, to prevent two bills of a religious nature from becoming laws. April 28. It was reported to Congress that Na- poleon had repealed the Berlin and Milan Decrees. In a debate on the subject it was disclosed that the repeal had been ante-dated so as to take effect from November 1st, 1810. May 16. Rencounter off the coast of Delaware between the ''President/' an American frigate, and the "Little Belt." The ''Little Belt" had eleven of her crew killed and twenty-one wounded, and was 70 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. totally disabled in an action lasting from a quarter to three-quarters of an hour. During the year, Tecumseh and his twin brother, the Prophet, both men of remarkable talents, labored to stir up friendly Indians to enter into war with the whites. In these efforts they succeeded and collected quite an army. November 7. The battle of Tippecanoe, near La Fayette, Ind. Gen. Harrison with 650 men engaged about 600 Indians under command of the Prophet and defeated them. The American loss was 62 killed and 126 wounded ; the Indians lost 150 killed. The Indians suddenly disappeared, leaving a w^ell- fortified village ; while Harrison hastened on to Vin- cennes in order to take care of the wounded. 1812. January 29. The enrollment of an additional force of 10,000 men was considered by Congress. Measures for increasing the efficiency of the Navy were also discussed on March 2, and in April, an Embargo was passed by Congress against British ships. It was at once determined to prepare for war, and with this in view, the President was authorized to enlist 25,000 men, to enroll 50,000 volunteers, and to bring into the service of coast and frontier defense, 100,000 of the militia of the several States. April 14. Louisiana, the eighteenth State, admit- ted to the Union. June 9. "War with England appearing imminent, a petition was sent to Congress, signed by many mer- chants of the city of New York, praying that the JAMES MADISON. 71 Embargo and non-importation laws be continued as a substitute for war against England. June 12. The Senate received a memorial from the Legislature of Massachusetts, passed June 2, expressing their opinion "that an offensive war against Great Britain under the present circum- stances of this country "would be in the highest de- gree impolitic, unnecessary and ruinous." June 18. War against England declared by Con- gress. It promptly received the President's signa- ture and on the following day war was officially pro- claimed to exist. By information afterwards fur- nished Congress it appeared, that 528 vessels had been captured by England previous t^, and 389 since, the Orders in Council of November, 1807. The French seizures were 206 before, and 317 under the Berlin and Milan Decrees, and 45 since their al- leged repeal. The Danish captures amounted to 70, and those at Naples to 47, making a total loss of 1,502 American ships. A variety of circumstances led to the war of 1812. 1. The impressment of American seamen. 2. In- fringments upon our maritime jurisdiction and dis- turbance of the peace along the coasts. 3. The vio- lation of our neutral rights by the British orders in council, 4. Eepeated seizures of our ships while en- gaged in a neutral commerce under a neutral flag. 5. The continuance to hold forts within our own ter- titory in violation of the treaty of 1783. 6. A sus- pected instigation of Indian hostilities. 7. Inflexi- ble persistence in these hostile acts, with no disposi- tion to right them* 8. There was manifested, by 72 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. certain classes in England, under this conduct, a feel- ing of ill-will towards the United States. The loss of the American Colonies had left a wound which healed only at the surface. On the question of peace or war, the seaboard cities were against it; the interior and western towns, as being least interested in commerce, were for it. The declaration of war was mainly due to the influence of Mr. Monroe in the Cabinet and of Henry Clay in the House of Representatives. July 8. The President appointed a day of public humiliation and prayer in view of the approaching struggle with England. August 16. Gen. Hull surrendered Detroit with- out making an effort to hold it. He was afterwards tried for treason and condemned to be shot, but the President interposed and pardoned him. The two attempts which formed the plan for this year, to take Canada, proved to be signal failures. Van Renssel- laer crossed Niagara River and tried to take and hold Queenstown, but failed. Gen. Dearborn with his command did nothing* The condition of affairs on land was very discouraging, but the little Navy did remarkably well in grapling with the "Mistress of the Seas" on her vaunted element, and inflicted some stunning blows, which electrified the American heart. It is worthy of remark, that the Republican party did not favor the establishment of a navy. Jefferson advised the construction of small gun boats for river and harbor defense, and 150 boats of this class had been ordered* JAMES MADISON. 73 September. Gen. Harrison assumed command of the Northwestern army. October 27. In consequence of the reported repeal of the French decrees, the British orders were re- called, and it was decided to continue the war on the subject of impressment. The year closed with many discouragements on land, but with bright hopes of success on the ocean. 1813, The campaign this year embraced the invasion of Canada by three armies wdiich were to co-operate and finally unite for that purpose: 1. The Army of the Centre, commanded by Gen. Dearborn; 2. The Army of the North, to operate along Lake Cham- plain, led by Gen. Hampton; and 3. The Army of the West, directed by Gen. Harrison. Tecumseh, with the rank of Brigadier General in the royal ser- vice, led the Indian allies, and gave valuable assist- ance to the British during the war. January 14. The house, after an elaborate debate on the war, its causes and requirements, passed a bill to ''raise an additional military force." January 20. The bill to establish an astronomical observatory, and a first meridian for the United States at their permanent seat of government, was read the second time. February 10. The electoral votes were counted and the result declared. February 27. A bill, giving the power of retalia- tion to the President, was passed. It was approved ISIarch 3. 74 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. March 4. James Madison was re-inaugurated President, and Elbridge Gerry Vice President of the United States. In the Inauguration Address, atten- tion was called to the manner in which the war had been conducted. "They have not," he said, ''taken into their own hands the hatchet and the knife, de- voted to indiscriminate massacre, but they have let loose the savages, armed with these cruel instru- ments ; have allured them into their service, and car- ried them to battle by their sides, eager to glut their savage thirst with the blood of the vanquished, and to finish the work of torture and death on the maimed and defenseless captives." " The sword was scarcely out of the scabbard, before the enemy was apprised of the reasonable terms on which it would be resheathed" March 8. Kussia ofiered to mediate between the United States and England. May 31. The President nominated Albert Gal- latin, John Q. Adams, and James A. Bayard, as commissioners to treat for peace with Great Britain under the proposed mediation of Kussia, but Eng- land refused to accept the ofier. The land forces, consisting of 61,000 men, with the exception of Gen. Harrison's army, failed to ac- complish anything decisive. The Army of the West was able to thwart the plans of Proctor and hold him in check. Perry's engagement on Lake Erie was a brilliant and important afiair. In announcing this victory to Gen. Harrison he very teresly wrote, "TVe have met the enemy and they are ours. Two ships, one brig, a schooner, and a sloop." Gen. Harrison JAMBS MADISON. 75 also secured a decisive victory at the Battle of the Thames. The British were routed, Tecumseh was slain, Proctor barely escaped, and 5,000 small arms and six pieces of cannon were captured. These two actions gave a new issue to the war, relieved Michi- gan, prevented the invasion of Ohio, and secured the command of Lake Erie. The naval engagements of the year inclined to neither side, but fully demonstrated the ability of American seamen to divide the honors of the sea with Great Britain, and this was a moral victory of incalculable value. 1814. January 3. Mr. Pickens, N* C, offered a resolve in the House to amend the Constitution "so as to establish a uniform mode of election of electors of Presidents and Vice Presidents of the United States ; and that mode to be by the free, fair and direct vote of the people in single districts." January 10. It was proposed by Mr Murfrie, Representative from North Carolina, to revive the grade of Lieutenant General. By the Constitution the President is Commander-in-chief, but it is im- practicable for him to take the field. A variety of reasons make it desirable, that this rank should be conferred upon some efficient and capable officer, as the representative of the President, and the director of all the forces in the field. Washington was the only person who had held this rank, and it had been abolished in his person. He had been appointed to that position the second time when there was a like- lihood of war with France. 76 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. February 22. The House passed a bill to author- ize the issue of treasury notes. March 3. The loan bill was passed in the House by a vote of 97 to 55. *' It authorized a loan not to exceed twenty-five millions of dollars." March 27. The Creeks had been stirred up to war by Tecumseh, who visited Alabama for that pur- pose in 1811, and in 1813 they fell upon Fort Mimms and subjected the garrison, men, women and children, to an indiscriminate massacre. Gen. Jackson as- sumed command of the volunteers who were eager to avenge this outrage, and on the 27th of March, the war was brought to a close by the Battle of the Horse-Shoe Bend, in which 600 Indians were killed and the rest dispersed. July 25. The American Army for the last time invaded Canada and gained some splendid victories at Lundy's Lane and Chippewa, but derived from them no substantial benefits. New England suffered less in this war than the other sections of the country on account of their supposed friendship for England and their expressed opposition to the continuance of the war. August 25. The Capitol and other public build- ings at Washington, together with the library of Congress and many valuable papers, were burned by the British — a piece of Vandalism said to be in re- venge for the burning of the Parliament House at York. August 27. The Banks suspended specie pay- ment. A panic ensued. The public treasury was empty. JAMES MADISON. 77 September 13. While Fort McHeniy was being bombarded, Francis S. Key, who was detained on an English vessel, where he had gone to secure the re- lease of a friend, wrote the famous song, " The Star Spangled Banner." December 14. The Hartford Convention grew out of the dissatisfacton which New England cher- ished against the prosecution of the war. It was suspected of treasonable designs and cast great odium upon the Federal party. The sessions were held in secret, and it was sup- posed for a long time that it had for its object, the dissolution of the Union. But the true history of this episode of the war, discloses nothing of the kind. Politicians know too well how to take advan- tage of ill-advised deliberations in the enemy's camp, and by a little party coloring to turn the mind from its just equipoise and unbiased decision. The convention sat twenty days in secret conclave and then adjourned. An address was prepared and published in which the delegates stated their grievances, con- nected with the war and its prosecution, and con- cluded with four resolutions and seven recommenda- tions as amendments to the Constitution; The first resolve related to the adoption of meas- ures to protect citizens against forcible drafts, con- scriptions or imprisonments not sanctioned by the Constitution. The second recommended that the States represented in the Convention should obtain permission from the Federal government to defend themselves against the enemy either separately or conjointly. The third advised the adoption of State 78 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS, laws for the proper command, equipment and de- tachment of the State militia and volunteer forces. And the fourth proposed to the States represented by the Convention that their legislatures should propose, for the general ratification of all the States, the fol- lowing propositions as amendments to the Federal Constitution : 1. To exclude slaves from the basis of represent- ation and taxation as then apportioned. 2. To require a two-thirds concurrent vote of both Houses on the admission of new States. 3. To prohibit Congress from laying an embargo for more than sixty days. 4. To restrain Congress without a two-thirds con- currence of both Houses from interdicting commer- cial intercourse with foreign nations. 5. To inhibit Congress without a two-thirds con- currence of both Houses from declaring war, or authorizing acts of hostility against any foreign na- tion, except in defense or cases of actual invasion. 6. To make ineligible to any civil office under the federal government persons thereafter to be natural- ized. 7. To limit the presidency to a single term, and to prevent States from proposing presidential candi- dates twice in succession. The sixth motion has a ' 'Know-Nothing" tinge, and the seventh was a protest against the *' Virginia Dy- nasty," or against Virginia, as the '' Mother of Pres- idents." Provision was made for a second meeting, if that should be deemed necessary. A Committee was also JAMES MADISON. V9 appointed to carry their petition, or protest, to Wash- ington, but the treaty of peace which was signed at Ghent before the Convention adjourned, and which wae confirmed just as they arrived in AYashington, gave rather a ludicrous termination to the public ex- istence of Commissioners whose commission consisted in offering a protest against a war which had been prosecuted to a glorious termination and had secured by authentic treaty the substantial ends for which it was begun. The administration newspapers gave them some hits as they hastily stole back to New England, their occupation, like Othello's, being gone. The Federal party had to bear the odium of this fiasco, and the imputed motives of treasonable design completely broke the political back of the party, and forever prevented its return to power. December 24. A treaty of peace was signed at Ghent; but singularly it made no reference to the causes of the war. Its chief articles related to dis- putes about boundaries, and provided for their de- termination by commissioners thereafter to be ap- pointed. The impressment of seamen, however, has been as defiinitely settled as if it had been specif- ically mentioned. The rights of neutral ships, too, has been much more clearly recognized since the war of 1812. It was very unfortunate that the news of this treaty did not reach America — it was not brought before February 11th, 1815 — in time to pre- vent the farther and needless effusion of blood both on land and sea. The war continued two years, six months, and six days when reckoned from its declaration, June 19th, 80 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 1812, to the promulgation of the treaty of peace, December 24th, 1814. The first battle took place at Fort Mackinaw, which was surprised and captured by the British and allied Indians, July 17th, 1812 ; the last important land action was the Battle of New Orleans, January 8th, 1815, a decided American victory. On the high seas, the war both began with an American victory, the capture of the Guerriere by the Constitution, August 19th, 1812, and closed with an American victory, the capture of the Nau- tilus by the Peacock, June 30th, 1815. The war in its results called increased attention to some very important questions. There are three very difficult and responsible stages in legislation, that preceeding, during, and after war, when tlie utmost wisdom is needed to guide the Ship of State aright. Some of the questions which belong to the third period may be enumerated. 1. The establishment of the second National Bank grew out of the war, and its necessity seemed to be demonstrated by the discordant condition of the finances during its continuance, and the felt want of a national currency. It is noticeable that this measure was now advocated and adopted by the Re- publican party and opposed by the Federalists. Alexander J. Dallas, Secretary of the Treasury, modeled the Bank after the one Hamilton had founded, and the scheme received the approbation of the President, who at first was opposed to it, and was indorsed by Clay, Calhoun and Crawford. JAMES MADISON. 81 2. The natianal debt, increased largely by the cost of the war, gave a new turn, in connection with American Manufactures and their encouragement, to the subject of tariff and protection. Clay, Cal- houn and Lowndes, (S. C), favored protection, and the measure received the support of the Southern States on the ground that it was advantageous to the cotton-growing interests; "Webster and most of the members from the Eastern States opposed it ; a third part, composed mainly of Southern Eepublicans of the old school, under the lead of Randolph, de- nounced it as a scheme for building up the Eastern and Middle States at the expense of the South ; whilst a fourth class, the mercantile, stigmatized " the system of protection to American manufac- turers, as but a mere continuation of that scheme of commercial restrictions and governmental interfer- ence which had already involved the country in so many calamities." The new Tariff scheme arranged imported articles into three classes : 1. Those of which a full domestic supply could be obtained ; 2, Those of which only a partial sup- ply could be secured ; and 3. Those which are made at home either to a small extent or not at all. 3. The subject of internal improvements ap- peared in a new light. The poor facilities for trans- porting armies and supplies, which the bad roads and limited number of canals supplied, clearly de- monstrated the need of better accommodations, and induced a more liberal policy on that point. The 82 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS Cumberland Eoad, a great national highway from Maryland to Ohio, was built at the public expense, the appropriations for that purpose up to March 22d, 1816, amounting to $410,000.00. 4. The limits and respective provinces of the treaty-making and legislative branches of the federal government were very ably argued by Congress from 1815 to 1820. 5. The doctrine of secession, a new danger to the permanence of the federal and the State governments by a conflict of interests, was first publicly broached, or called into national prominence, by the Hartford Convention. Strange enough, the promoters of that assembly disclaimed and repudiated any such inten- tion, but still the charge was fastened upon them, and has continued to adhere. 6. A moral result of the war, was the great re- nown which the United States acquired as a bellig- erant on the high seas, and the self-respect which conscious strength is apt to produce in a nation that can successfully cope with the foremost maritime power in the world. 7. The debt which the war had swelled to more than $127,000,000 required prudent management, and this it received ; for the public revenues were so admirably controlled that the entire debt was paid in less than twenty years. 8. Trade and commerce freed from the shackles of war revived and demanded the framing of liberal treaties with commercial nations for mutual protec- ition and advantage. JAMES MADISON. 83 1815. January 27. The President returned to the Sen- ate the bill to incorporate the Bank of the United States, with his veto. March 2. The bill to protect American commerce from the depredations of Algerine cruisers was passed by the Senate and returned to the House without amendment. April 6. The American prisoners at Dartmoor in Devonshire, England, were fired upon by the guard, 7 were killed outright, and 60 more or less injured. It is but just to say that the act was unauthorized. May 19. Commodore Decatur sailed with a fleet for the protection of commerce on the Mediterranean. On the way he captured an Algerine frigate of 44 guns, and then proceeded to take the capital of Al- giers, but the mere presence of the fleet, sailing under the flag that had gained so many brilliant victories on the ocean from England in the war of 1812, inspired terror; and the Dey of Tripoli was glad to secure peace at any price. On June 6th, he stipulated to pay $6,000,000 for past damages and guaranteed freedom for the future. 1816. March 1. The American Navigation Act was passed. March 14. After a long and spirited debate and failures to pass, the bill to incorporate the second Bank of the United States for a term of twenty years, with a capital of $35,000,000, the United States to subscribe for $7,000,000 of the stock and 84 THE PRRSIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. private persons for the balance, passed the House by a vote of 80 to 71. It passed the Senate April 3d, by a vote of 22 to 12. The conduct of the war had uncovered a difficulty about the currency, loans and taxes, which it was confidently believed the Bank would remove. No other remedy was thought of at this time. The Bank was the sure panacea for all the financial ills of the body politic. An independ- ent treasury, the substitution of specie payments, or a national system of currency, were suggested by the financial wisdom of later days. The first bank was started with a capital of $10,000,000, was governed by twenty directors, and limited in duration to twenty years. At this time it was a Federal measure of which Hamilton was the founder ; now it was a Re- publican scheme receiving the sanction of the Repub- lican party. October. A treaty was formed with the Indians by Gen. Jackson. December 11. Indiana, the nineteenth State, was admitted. 1817. January 1. The United States Bank began busi- ness in Philadelphia with twenty-seven local branches in the principal cities of the Union. February 12. The result of the electoral votes was declared. March 3. The President returned with his veto the bill entitled '' An act to set apart and pledge cer- tain funds for internal improvements." JAMES MADISON. 85 VIII. THE WAR OF 1812. 1. BATTLES ON LAND. 1812. July 17. Fort Mackinaw, garrisoned by Lieut. Hanks with 60 men, was surprised and taken with- out resistence by a force of 200 British and 400 In- dians. The British officer, Col. Roberts, had received notice of war nine days before, and he was kind enough to convey the information with the demand for the surrender of the Fort. August 4. Major Van Home with 200 Ohio vol- unteers was defeated at Brownstown, Michigan, by a combined band of British and Indians. American loss, 17 killed, 8 wounded. August 15. At Fort Dearborn, Chicago, there was a fight with about 500 Indians. Am. loss, 39 men, 2 women and 12 children killed; Indians, 15 killed. Capt. Heald did not surrender the fort. August 16. Detroit was surrendered by General Wm. Hull with his army of 349 regulars, and 2,000 militia and volunteers to General Brock in command of 13,000 British and allied Indians, without any effort at resistance. This event opened Michigan to the British. September 4, 5. Fort Harrison, Ind,, was held by Capt. Zachary Taylor with 15 effective men against 300 Indians. Am. loss, 2 killed, 2 wounded. September 5, 6, 7, 8. Lient. Hamilton repulsed from Fort Madison, above St. Louis, a large body of Indians with only a loss of one killed and one wounded. 86 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. September 11. Davis Creek; September 21, Ga- nanoqui Village. October 13. Queenstown Heights. Colonel Van Rensselaer crossed Niagara River with 225 men to Lewiston for the capture of the British heights. Van Rensselaer having been wounded, Capt. Wool assumed command, assailed the battery and took the heights. General Sir Isaac Brock was killed while advancing with reinforcements for its re-cap- ture. The Americans also were reinforced, but fresh troops from Fort Niagara came to the relief of the British and the Americans were compelled to desist. Am. loss, 90 killed, 160 wounded, 764, including Lieut. Col. Scott, were taken prisoners ; British and Indian, the number killed and wounded was still greater. The British in this engagement were assisted by 500 Indians. October 18. Pimartain's Town ; October 23. St. Regis. November 21. Fort Niagara bombarded by Fort George, opposite. American loss, 4 killed and 7 wounded. November 21, 22. Ponce Passu. November 28. Black Rock, below Buffalo. British boats and batteries destroyed by Americans. 1813. January 18. Frenchtown, on the River Raisin* British (100 men) and Indians (400) were attacked, defeated and routed by Colonels Allen and Lewis with 600 men. American loss, 13 killed and 54 wounded. British and Indian, 38 killed, 50 wounded. JAMES MADISON. 87 January 22. River Raisin. General Winchester encamped with 800 men, was suddenly attacked by General Proctor with 1,500 British and Indians, and after a severe action was compelled to surrender with the promise of protection from the Indians. Proctor fearing the approach of General Harrison, then on the Lower Sandusky, hurried away and left no guard for the Americans. On the following day the Indians returned and killed and scalped a large number of the troops. American loss, 397 killed, 27 wounded, 35 officers and 487 men taken prisoners ; British and Indian, 24 kiUed, 158 wounded. February 7. Elizabethtown. February 22. Capture of Ogdensburg by 1,200 British, defended by Captain Forsyth with 300 men. American loss, 3 killed, 7 wounded ; British, 7 killed, 48 wounded. April 27. York, (noAv Toronto), held by General Sheaffe, (the force amounting to 750 British and 100 Indians) was captured by General Pike with a force of 1,700 men. The magazine was fired and its ex- plosion killed many Americans. Pike was killed. American loss, 52 killed, 228 wounded ; British and Indian, 110 killed, 300 wounded, and 4 naval, 36 military officers and 250 men were taken prisoners. May 1-5. Fort Meigs (at Maumee Rapids) held by Gen. Harrison with 2,000 men. Gen. Proctor with 2,800 British and Indians (under Tecumseh) was repulsed and driven of by a part of Gen. Clay's brigade (800 strong), who in turn were chased by the British and Indians. American loss by seige, 81 killed, 190 w^ounded; in the attack and chase, 80 88 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. killed and 480 made prisoners. Col, Miller, with the 19th Infantry (350 men) charged with bayonets a British battery, spiked the guns and returned with 42 prisoners. British and Indian loss much less. May 27. Gen. Dearborn with 4,000 men captured Fort George (Canada side of Niagara), which was held by a garrison of 3,000 British. American loss, 33 killed, 8S wounded; British, 108 killed, 163 wounded, 622 taken prisoners. May 29. Defense of Sackett's Harbor (East end of Lake Ontario) by Gen. Jacob Brown with 1,000 men against 750 men landed from a British fleet; American loss, 22 killed. 84 wounded; British, much greater. June 6. Gen. Vincent, with 800 men, led a night attack upon 1,300 Americans, under Gen. Chandler, encamped at Stony Creek, or Burlington Heights, at the west end of Lake Ontario, Upper Canada. Am. loss, 17 killed, 38 wounded, 5 officers, including Generals Chandler and "Winder, and 93 men taken prisoners. June 13. Defense of Hampton, near old Point Comfort, Va., by 436 Virginia militia under Major Crutchfield, who repulsed 2,500 British troops led by Sir Sidney Beckwith. American loss, 1 man taken prisoner ; British, 200 killed and wounded. June 22. Craney Island, near Norfolk, Va., was gallantly defended by Col. Beatty, who drove off a British force of about 2,300 men without the loss of a man. British loss, 200 men. June 23. Battle of Beaver Dams, 7 miles west of Queenstown, Upper Canada, between 450 Americans JAMES MADISON. 69 led by Lieut. Col. Boerstler, and 800 British and In- dians, American loss, 25 killed, 50 wounded, and the rest were taken prisoners; British and Indian loss, 30 killed, 35 wounded. July 8. A foraging party of 39 men, near Fort George, were overwhelmed by a superior number of British and Indians, and only ten were able to re- turn to the Fort. July 11. Black Eock defended by General Peter B. Porter against 340 British troops under Lieut. Col. Bisshopp. American loss, 9 killed ; British, 23. July 17. Col. Scott gallantly defended the out- works of Fort George against a British and Indian force of 200 men. Am. loss, 4 killed, 4 wounded. August 2. Fort Stephenson w^as attacked by Proctor at the head of 500 regulars and 900 Indians. Major George Croghan (only 21 years of age) held the post with 160 men and with but one cannon. He resisted most nobly, and Proctor was compelled to withdraw after having lost over 150 men. American loss, 1 killed, 7 wounded. August 9, 10, 11. Commodore Hardy bombarded Stonington, Ct., two or three days, but was prevented from landiug. It was defended by 20 men, who had only three cannons. American loss, 6 wounded ; British, 21 killed, 59 wounded. August 24. Capt. Davenport repulsed a British force who made an attack upon the outworks of Fort George. October 4. A slight skirmish at Chatham. October 5. The battle of the Thames, U. C, was fought between Gen. Harrison with 2,500 men, and 90 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Gen. Proctor with 800 British troops, assisted by Te- cumseh with 1,200 Indian allies. The battle was determined by the charge of one thousand mounted Kentucky riflemen, who rode into the British ranks and routed them. Proctor, mounted on a fleet horse, fled from the field in dismay. He remembered the massacre at Raisin, and felt that these Kentucky riflemen would avenge the death of their fathers and brothers, if they had the opportunity. Am. loss, 29 killed and wounded; British and Indian, 57. Te- cumseh was killed, (shot, it is claimed by Colonel Johnson), 500 were taken prisoners, together with 5,000 fire-arms and 6 pieces of cannon, among which were three captured from the British during the Rev- olution and surrendered by Hull at Detroit. October 6. Skirmishes near Fort George; Octo- ber 26, affair at Chatauqua, and November 1 and 2, French Creek. November 3. Battle of Tallasehatche, near Coosa River, Alabama, between the Creek Indians and 900 mounted men, led by Gen. Coffee. American loss, 5 killed, 41 wounded ; Indian, 200 killed, 84 prison- ers. November 9. Battle at Talladega between 1,000 Creek Indians and 2,000 Americans led by General Jackson. American loss, 15 killed, 8Q wounded; Indian, 290 killed and as many more wounded. November 11. Desperate fight at Chrysler's Field, Canada side of St. Lawrence, below Ogdensburg, between Gen. Boyd, with 1,600 Americans, and Col. Morrison, with 1,500 British troops. The latter had possession of a stone house in the midst of the field, JAMES MADISON. 91 which was used as a citadel American loss, 102 killed, 236 wounded. November 11. Gen. White, with 360 mounted Tennessee militia and some friendly Cherokees, at- tacked the Creeks at Hillabee Towns, Ala., destroyed the place, killed 61 warriors, and captured 256 with- out the loss of a single man. December 19. Col. Murray, with a loss of 8 men, surprised and captured Fort Niagara before daylight. American loss, 65 killed, 14 wounded, 344 prisoners. December 19, 20. Engagement at Schlosser. December 23. Econocahoc. December 29. The Creeks were routed at Autos- see with a loss of several hundred. American loss, 65. Two Indian villages in sight of each other were burned. December 30. Col. Hall, of N. Y., with 1,200 militia, was attacked at Black Eock by a British and Indian force of 1,000 men. American loss, 50 killed, 52 wounded; British, 25 killed, 50 wounded. 1814. January 22. Gen. Jackson, with 930 Tennessee volunteers and 300 Cherokees, defeated a body of 900 Creeks at Emuckfaw Creek, and again at Eccan- achoco Creek, on January 24. American loss, 20 killed, 75 wounded; Creek, 190 killed. January 27. Camp Defiance. March 4. Longwoed. March 27. End of Creek War by the Battle of Horse-Shoe Bend. The Creeks 1,000 strong, having entrenched themselves with their women and child- 92 THE TRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. ren, made a final and desperate struggle for exist- ence. Gen. Jackson, with 1,800 Tennessee militia and 600 Cherokees, completely destroyed them ; 600 Creeks "were slain, 2 or 3 were made prisoners with about 300 women and children. American loss, 26 killed, 111 wounded; Cherokee, 20 killed, and 47 wounded. March 30. A division of Gen. "Wilkinson's army 3,000 strong attacked La CoUe Mills, L. C, fortified and garrisoned by 200 British volunteers commanded by Major Hancock. American loss, 16 killed, 122 wounded; British, 10 killed, 46 wounded. May 4, 5. Fort Oswego, Lake Ontario. British were repulsed in an attempt to take it. 1,750 men landed for that purpose, but Lieut. Col. Mitchell held it with a small force, losing only 69 men. British loss, 235. May 30. A British force of 160 landed at Sandy Creek, on Lake Ontario, and attacked Maj. Appling ill command of 120 riflemen and some Oneida In- dians. British loss, 10 killed, 30 wounded, 120 pris- oners ; American, 1 rifleman and 1 Indian July 3. Generals Scott and Ripley took Fort Erie from the British. July 5. The Battle of Chippewa. A British force of 21,000, led by Gen. Riall, was defeated by Gen. Brown's army 1,900 strong. American loss, 68 killed, 267 wounded and missing. The British hastily crossed the Chippewa, tore up the bridge and retreated to their encampment. " Charge, charge the rascals," was the battle-cry of the young and gal- JAMES MADISON. 93 laut Scott. The sun went down on a glorious Amer- ican victory. July 16. Point an Play ; July 18, 19, Champlain ; July 19, Rock River. July 25. Battle of Lundy's Lane. Gen. Brown with 3,000 men engaged Gen. Drummond, in com- mand of a British and Indian force 5,000 strong. It was a hard fought battle. "Charge again, charge again, Leavenworth," were the words of Scott, as he fell severely wounded. American loss, 175 killed, 573 wounded; British, 878. ''Not a General on either side remained unwounded. A bloodier battle, in proportion to the numbers engaged, was never fought than this." August 3. Schojeoquady Creek. August 4. Lieut. Col. Croghan, at the head of 500 regulars and 400 militia made an unsuccessful attempt to recapture Fort Mackinaw. American loss, 13 killed, 61 wounded. August 13, 15. Fort Erie, held by Gen, Gaines with 2,500 troops, was besieged by Gen. Drummond with 5,000 men. The British, on the 15th, attempted its capture by assault, but failed with a loss of 600 men. American loss, 62 killed, 86 wounded during the siege. August 24. The Battle of Bladeusburg, 4 miles from Washington, was fought by Gen. Winder and Gen. Ross, while the latter was advancing with a British force for the capture of AVashington. The Americans were routed with a loss of 30 killed, 40 wounded and 120 taken prisoners. They marched to Washington and destroyed a number of public build- 94 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. ings. The President and Cabinet fled from Wash- ington. August 30. Moore's Field, Md ; September 1-6, White House, Va. September 11. A land and naval fight at Platts- burg, on Lake Champlain, between Gen. M'Comb and Commodore M'Donough, with about 4,500 men, and Gen. Prevost and Commodore Downie, with a British force 14,000 strong. Naval fight in favor of the Americans, whereupon the British land force withdrew. American loss, 102 ; British, 1,500; September 12. North Point, 14 miles below Bal- timore. Here Gen. Ross landed with 8,000 men and proceeded to march on Baltimore, but he Avas opposed by Gen. Strycker at the head of 3,000 militia and volunteer troops. Gen. Ross was killed, and the British were forced, after sleeping all night on their arms, to return to their ship. American loss, 163 ; British, 290. September 13. The fleet convoying Gen. Ross' army bombarded Fort McHenry. Gen. Armistead garrisoned it with about 1,000, and ofiered a m^st gallant resistance while subjected to a severe bom- bardment of 25 hours duration. Baltimore being defended by 10,000 militia, under command of Sen- ator Smith, the British retired. September 15. Fort Bowyer, near Mobile, Ala., was successfully defended by 134 men against the combined attack of 730 British and 200 Creek troops, with a loss of 9 men. British loss, 162 killed, 70 wounded. September 17. Gen. Brown led a sortie from JAMES MADISON, 95 Fort Erie with 3,000 men and drove a British force of 5,000 men toward the field of Chippewa. Amer- ican loss, 79 killed, 216 wounded; British, 1,000 men. October 15. Gen. Drummond, with his force, was besieged at Chippewa by Gen. Izard with 6,000 men who had formed a junction with Gen. Brown. The Americans, seven days after, retired to Black Rock. October 19. Lyons Creek.- November 7, Gen. Jackson, with 3,000 men, took Pensacola from the Spanish. The latter w^ere aided by a British fleet. American loss, 11 wounded ; Spanish, 4 killed, 6 wounded. December 23, 28. Villere's and Chalmette's Plan- tation. 1815. January 1 . Sharp skirmish at Rodriguez's Canal, New Orleans. January 8. The Battle of New Orleans. Gen. Jackson had 4,700 men on the east side of the river, and 1,000 on the west; Gen. Packenham had 8,400 British troops. The latter was killed, and his army repulsed with deadly loss. American loss, on the east side, 7 killed, 6 wounded ; on the west side, 8 killed and 32 wounded; British, 292 killed, 1,262 wounded, and 17 officers and 483 men taken prison- ers. The last important land battle of the second war with England. A grand American victory, and favorable omen of future greatness for the young re- public. 96 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. January 9-18. Defense of Fort St. Philip. January 13. Point Petre, Georgia. February 11. The tidiugs of Peace was brought by the British sloop Favorite, sailing under a flag of truce and bearing an American and a British mes- senger, 2. NAVAL ENGAGEMENTS. 1812. August 19. The American frigate Constitution engaged the British frigate Guerriere and completely dismantled her in a spirited action. At night she was reported in a sinking condition, and her crew was removed to the Constitution. She was then set on fire, and one by one the guns went off, firing a requiem to the noble wreck. Presently the flames reached the magazine, when a terrific explosion and a cloud of smoke told that the proud ship had for- ever disappeared. "The first English ship that ever struck its flag to an American ship of war, had gone down to the bottom of the oceau, a gloomy omen of England's future. The sea never rolled over a vessel whose fate so startled the world." American loss, 7 killed, 7 wounded ; British, 15 killed, 64 wounded. October 8. Captain Elliott captured the Detroit and Caledonian on Lake Champlain, October 18. Captain Jones, with the sloop Wasp, disabled and captured the Frolic. But in the after- noon of the same day, both were taken by the Poic- tiers, a British 74. American loss, 5 killed and 5 wounded ; British, 100 men killed and wounded. JAMES MADISON. 97 October 25. Commodore Decatur, mtli the frigate United States, captured the Macedonian and took her as a prize to New London. American loss, 5 killed, 7 wounded ; British, 104 killed and wounded, out of a force numbering 300 men. This action, as in the case of the Constitution and Guerriere, clearly- proved the superiority of American gunnery. December 29. Commodore Bainbridge, with the Constitution of 54 guns, completely dismantled the British frigate Java of 49 guns. The Java was blown up three days after the engagement, it being im- possible to save her as a prize, after the crew had all been rescued. Among the prisoners taken was Lieut. Gen, Hislop, with his staff, on his way to Bombay as Governor. He was treated courteously, and was afterwards released. The action lasted over 2 hours. American loss, 9 killed, 25 wounded; British, 161 killed and wounded. Captain Lambert, of the Java, was mortally wounded, and died two days after reaching the shore. 1813. February 10. The British brig Kesolute was cap- tured by the Hornet. February 24. Captain Lawrence, with the sloop Hornet, ten guns and 135 men, took in a short ac- tion the Peacock, nine guns and 130 men. The Peacock was so shattered that she sunk in a few minutes, carrying nine of her own crew and three of the Hornet down with her. American loss, 1 killed, 2 wounded ; British, 38 killed and wounded. June 1. Captmn Broke, of the English frigate 7 • 98 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Shannon, sent a challenge to Captain Lawrence, in command of the Chesapeake, to meet him in any latitude or longitude. It was accepted, and in a hot contest of 12 minutes duration the Chesapeake was taken. The action took place within sight of Bos- ton harbor, and was witnessed by hundreds of spec- tators. American loss 146 killed and wounded; British, 23 killed, 56 wounded. As LawTence, mor- tally wounded, was being carried below, he uttered his last command, "Don't give up the ship." This victory produced intense excitement and rejoicing in England. Perry afterwards fully honored this motto on Lake Erie. August 14. The British Pelican of 485 tons cap- tured the sloop Argus of 298 tons, commanded by Allen, while cruising in the Irish Channel. September 5. Lieut. Burrows, with the United States brig Enterprise, took the English brig Boxer in an action of 40 minutes. Burrows was killed. American loss, 1 killed, 13 wounded ; British, 14 wounded, (the number killed has not been ascer- tained, because the dead were thrown overboard as fast as they fell.) September 10. Perry's victory on Lake Erie. A most deadly action, the loss of each side being 135 killed and wounded, and a glorious triumph for the Americans. After the engagement, ''the ships strip- ped of their spars and canvass looked as if they had been swept by a hurricane, while desolation covered the decks." October 5. Commodore Chauncy, with an Amer- JAMES MADISON. 99 can flotilla, captured the British flotilla on Lake Ontario. 1814. March 28. Capt. Porter, with the Essex, sailed for the Pacific Ocean, to cruise among the British fishermen. He captured 9 or 12 ships, among them an English government packet with $55,000 in specie, which he sent home as prizes. He was himself cap- tured by Capt. Hillyar, of the British frigate Phoebe, in an action which lasted from two to three hours. April 20. Capt. Bainbridge, with the sloop Frolic, surrendered to the frigate Orpheus. April 29. Captain Warrington, with the sloop Peacock, captured the British brig Epervier. In 42 minutes the latter was so riddled that she had 5 feet of water in the hold. American loss, 2 wounded ; British, 22 killed and wounded. $118,000 in specie was found on board. June 28. Capt. Blakely, with the Wasp, took, after a spirited and hot action, the Beindeer, com- manded by Capt. Manners. She was then taken to L'Orient and burned to prevent recapture. Amer- ican loss, 5 killed, 22 wounded ; British, 67 (out of 115) killed and wounded. The Wasp, on Septem- ber 1, engaged and sank the Avon of 18 guns. Continuing the cruise, Blakely took and sent home three more prizes, among them the Atlanta of 8 guns. This was the last tidings ever received from the Wasp. It is supposed that she went down in a storm a month later, with all on board. " The sea never rolled over a more gallant commander and 100 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. August 9-12. Attack on Stonington by British fleet under Commodore Hardy. September 11. The British fleet off Plattsburg on Lake Champlain, was captured by Commodore McDonough. 1815. January 15. The President, commanded by De- catur, falling in with a British squadron, surrendered to the Endymion. February 20. Capt. Stewart, with the Constitu- tion, captured the British ships of war, the Cyane of 34 guns, and the Levant of 21. March 23. Commodore Biddle, with the sloop Hornet, captured the British brig Penguin. The latter became unmanageable and soon sank. Am. loss, 1 killed, 10 wounded; British, 42 killed and wounded. This was the last regular action of the war. June 30. The Peacock encountered the Nautilus, and took her after a single broadside. Capt. War- rington having learned that peace had been declared, immediately restored the vessel. This was the last ship captured during the war. The Nile and Tra- falgar were dimmed in lustre by the grand achieve- ments of the little American navy in the second war with England. IX. POLITICAL PARTIES. The contests for the Presidency were shaped to a great extent by the condition of affairs with England. 1. The Kepublican party was in favor of war. As Madison's first term was drawing to a close, the JAMES MADISON. 101 feeling for war in the party became so strong that Madison, in order to secure a renomination, was obliged to give it his reluctant consent. The Con- gressional caucus which was held in Washington in May, 1812, put John Langdon for Vice President, but the latter, on account of age and its infirm- ities, declined the candidature, and the nomination was subsequently tendered to Elbridge Gerry as a balm to his late defeat in Massachusetts. It was de- clared by the members that these nominations were made on their own individual responsibility, but they took care to see that they were enforced, by appoint- ing a committee, one from each State, to correspond and secure conformity. At the Congressional caucus which was held in IMarch, 1816, Clay's motion that caucus nominations were inexpedient having failed to pass, it was decided by a vote of 65 for Monroe against 54 for Crawford, that the "Virginia Dynasty" should be continued, Thompkins received 85 votes for the Vice Presidency to 30 cast for Gov. Snyder. 2. The Federal party was strong only in opposi- tion to the anticipated w^ar. De Witt Clinton, al- though promised the next Kepublican nomination in 1816, would not wait, and his aspirations were en- couraged by supporters in the New York Legislature. The Tammany party, however, was opposed to him. In September, Federal delegates from eleven States met in New York, and after three days of secret and exciting debate, ratified the nomination of Clinton, which had already been made by the Repub- lican Legislature of New York. Jared Ingersoll re- 102 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. ceived the second position on the Presidential slate. The canvass of 1816 was entered with the nomi- nation of Kufus King for the Presidency, but the successful and proud termination of the war with England left the Federal party without popular support. There is nothing that takes better with the masses than success, and what hope could there be for a party that had hampered the Administration and hindered the prosecution of the war ? The Federal party regarded England in her strug- gle with Napoleon as the "world's last hope." Josiah Quincy denounced the war in most scathing terms. Webster was too wise to oppose the war in general, but in order to satisfy a highly incensed constituncy, he divided his opinion and favored war on the seas, but deprecated the invasion of Canada. Clay, Cal- houn, Lowndes, Cheves and others in the Republican party, advocated war and were determined to bring it to a victorious result. X. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. During the years 1813-14 it will be noticed the duties on exports and imports very nearly ceased, while the expenditure and public debt more than proportionately increased, and of course this was en- tirely due to the war. In his message to Congress, December 5, 1815, the President declared that ''the amount of the funded debt contracted in consequence of the war, was $64,000,000 ; " and in his final mes- sage, December 3, 1816, he said, " The aggregate of the funded debt, composed of debts incurred during JAMES MADISON. 103 the wars of 1776 and 1812, has been estimated with reference to January next at a sum not exceeding $110,000,000." Year. Public Debt. Expenditurep. Exports. Imports. 1809 $57,023,192 $13,867,226 $52,203,333 $59,400,000 1810 53,178,217 13,319,986 66,657,970 85,406,000 1811 48,005,587 13,601,808 61,316,883 53,400,000 1812 45,209,737 22,279,121 38,527,236 77,030,000 1813 55,962,827 39,190,520 27,855,927 22,005,000 1814 81,487,846 38,028,230 6,927,441 12,965,007 t815 99,833,660 39,582,493 52,557,753 113,041,200 1810 127,334,933 48,244,495 81,920,452 147,103,040 XI. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. England: George IV. Regent, 1811; war with France, with America. France : Fifth coalition against, by England and Austria 1809 ; Victory of Wagram 1809 ; divorce of Josephine 1809, and marriage of Maria Louisa 1810 ; Napoleon in Russia 1812, with 500,000 men, only 40,000 returned; Sixth coalition by Russia and Prussia 1813, all Europe against Napoleon, 800,000 against 400,000; Allies in Paris March 31, 1814; Napoleon sent to Elba 1814, returned for 100 days 1815, was defeated at Waterloo June 18, 1815, and was banished to St. Helena July 15, 1815. Wel- lington recived a vote of thanks and $1,000,000 a a memorial of his great victory. Union of Sweden and Norway, 1814 Germany : War of German Independence 1813, 1814. The Holy Alliance formed September 26, 1815. CHAPTER V. THE ADMIISISTRATION OF JAMES MONROE. Republican. Two Terms, 1817 fo 1825. I. CABINET. PRESIDENT. 1817. James Monroe, Virginia. VICE PEESIDENT. 1817. Daniel D. Tompkins, New York. SECRETARY OF STATE. 1817. John Quincy Adams, Massachusetts. SECEETAEY OF THE TREASURY. 1817. William H. Crawford, Georgia. SECRETARIES OF WAR. 1817. Isaac Shelby, Kentucky, (declined.) 1817. George Graham, Virginia. 1817. John C. Calhoun, South Carolina. SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 1817. Benjamin W. Crowninshield, Massachusetts. 1818. Smith Thompson, New York. 1823. John Eogers, Massachusetts. 1823. Samuel L. Southard, New Jersey. POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 1817. Keturn J. Meigs, Ohio. 1823. John McLean, Ohio. ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 1817. Eichard Kush, Pennsylvania. 1817. William Wirt, Virginia. JAMES MONROE. 105 II. SENATORS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO TEMPORE OP THE SENATE. 1819. James Barbour, Virginia* 1820. John Gaillarcl, South Carolina. III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- TATIVES. XV. Congress, Henry Clay, Kentucky. XVI. '' Henry Clay, Kentucky. John W. Taylor, New York. XVII. " Philip P. Barbour, Virgmia. XVin. '' Henry Cky, Kentucky. lY. THE EIGHTH ELECTION. Electoral vote: For President, James Monroe, 183 ; Kufus King, N. Y., 34. For Vice President : Daniel D. Tompkins 183; John Eager Howard, Md., 22; James Boss, Pa., 5; John Marshall, Va., 4, and Eobert Goodloe Harper, Md., 3. Total, 217. Nine- teen States voted. V. THE NINTH ELECTION. Electoral vote: For President, James Monroe, 231 ; John Quincy Adams, 1. For Vice President : Daniel D. Tompkins, 218 ; Bichard Stockton, N. J., 8; Bob- ert G. Harper, Md., 1; Bichard Bush, Pa., 1, and Daniel Bodney, Del., 4, Total, 232. Twenty-four States voted* 106 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. VI. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 1820. Whites, 7,861,937 ; Free colored, 238,156 ; Slaves, 1,538,038 ; Total, 9,638,131. The Katio of Representation was determined at 40,000, producing a membership of 213. VII. HISTORICAL RECORD. 1817. March 4. James Monroe took the oath of office and became the fifth President of the United States. In his inaugural address, *'he repudiated by impli- cation, if not directly, every principle of that old Republican party of which he had once been so ardent a supporter, adopting to their fullest extent, all the ultra-Federal doctrines of the new school, of which Clay and Calhoun were the leaders." — Hil- dreth. He favored a navy sufficiently strong to maintain the neutrality of the United States; he advocated a fostering care by the general govern- ment for the encouragement of manufactures; and he was not averse to the improvement of our country by roads and canals, "proceeding always with a con- stitutional sanction." He congratulated the country on the decline of party spirit, and expressed the de- sire to promote union and harmony between all inter- ests and all parties. December 10. Mississippi, the twentieth State, admitted. 1818. March 16. The citizens of the territory of Mis- JAMES MONROE. 107 souri petitioned Congress for permission to frame a constitution previous to admission. April 1. The Seminole war was terminated by Gen. Jackson, who destroyed some of their villages. April 7. Jackson took, without bloodshed, the Spanish fort at St. Marks, Florida, on the pretext that aid and comfort had been given to the Seminoles. April 29. Arbuthnot and Armbrister were ar- rested by Jackson on the charge of inciting Indian hostilities, and having been found guilty by a court- martial, they were promptly executed. May 24. Pensacola, then a Spanish town, was occupied by Jackson on account of alleged Indian complications. The Spanish Governor fled to the Fort at Barrancas, but capitulated to Jackson on the 27th, having found himself unable to hold it. June 17. Jackson's course was denounced by the Spanish Minister at Washington, as being a viola- tion of Spanish territory during a time of peace, and in a Cabinet meeting Calhoun proposed to put Jackson on trial for this misdemeanor, but the sug- gestion did not prevail. Secretary Adams informed the Minister that Jackson had acted in self-defense, the Indians having been aided by the Spaniards ; but that now the Seminole war having been ended, Pen- sacola and St. Mark's should both be restored as soon as they could be occupied by Spanish forces suffi- ciently strong to protect the whites and keep the Indians in subjection. December 3. Illinois, the twenty-first State, ad- mitted. 103 THE TRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATiaN'S. 1819. February 13. The first Missouri Struggle. Gen. James Tallmadge, of New York, the bill to authorize the people of the Territory of Missouri to form a Constitution and State government, and for the ad- mission of the same into the Union, having been passed to its second reading, or legislative stage, moved the following proviso : " And provided, that the further introduction of slavery or involuntary servitude, be prohibited, except for the pun- ishment of crimes, whereof the party shall have been fully convicted ; and that all children born within the said State, after the admission thereof into the Union, shall be free at the age of twenty-five years." This was the beginning of the famous struggle be- tween the slave and free States, which was tempora- rily settled by the compromise of 1820. It "was attempted by this restriction to prevent Mssouri, when it should become a State, from permitting slavery within its borders. The Compromise act should be carefully distinguished from the restrictive measure. " The restriction was to operate on a State, the compromise on territory. The restriction raised the storm, the compromise allayed it." This led to a lengthy, most profound and exciting discussion about the implied and granted powers of Congress with reference to slavery, that ever came up in Congress. February 17. IMr. Taylor, of New York, moved to amend the bill for organizing the Arkansas Terri- tory, by inserting a clause similar to the Missouri re- striction, except it w^as now to be applied as a con- dition on a territorial goverment instead of being, as JAMES MONROE. 109 in the former case, imposed on the adoption of a state Constitution and government. This faiUng to pass, Taylor, on the 18th, proposed to add a proviso to the bill, that slavery should not hereafter be intro- duced into any territory of the United States north of 36° 30'. The rule hitherto appears to have been the alternate admission of free and slave States, so as to keep an exact political equipoise between the Korth and the South, in the following order : Ver- mont and Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio, Louisiana and Indiana, Mississippi and Illinois. This debate seemed to endanger the stability of the Union. Cobb, of Georgia, declaimed, as he fixed his eye on Tallmadge, the original mover of the restrictive clause, that a fire had been kindled which all .he waters of the ocean could not put out, and which only seas of blood could extinguish ! If Northern members persisted in their mad designs, the Union would be dissolved. Tallmadge replied that language of this sort did not frighten him. "My purpose is fixed. It is interwoven with my exist- ence. Its durability is limited -with my lifo. It is a great and glorious cause — setting bounds to slavery the most cruel and debasing the world has ever witnessed. It is the cause of man. If a dissolution of the Union mutt take place, let it be so! If civil war, which gentlemen so much threaten, must come, I can only say, let it come ! My hold on life is probably as frail as that of any man who now hears me ; but, while that hold lasts, it shall be devoted to the freedom of man. If blood is necessary to extinguish any fire which I have assisted to kindle, while I regret the necessity, I shall not hesitate to contribute my own." 110 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. These extracts will convey an idea of the warmth and earnestness which even at this early stage the content assumed. February 22. A treaty for the cession of the Floridas— East and West — was signed at Washington by the Spanish Minister, with the approbation of our government, and then sent to Spain for similar ratifi- cation. It included : 1. The extinction of our claims to Texas. Our title to that extensive territory rested on the French purchase of Louisiana, Texas belonged to France by priority of discovery. La Salle, acting for his monarch, had made, in 1685, a settlement on the Bay of St. Bernard, and west of the Colorado trib- utary to the Bay. The nearest Spanish settlement was at Panuco, and by the rule observed among European nations for dividing unoccupied territory between contiguous settlements, the Rio del Norte, near the midway line, became the boundary of the Spanish and French possessions. The title therefore to Texas was just as good as our title to the territory of Louisiana, both having been acquired by the same purchase. * 2. The payment of $5,000,000 for the discharge of claims of our citizens against Spain, and the aban- donment of claims to the amount of $15,000,000. 3. The freedom of the ports to be acquired to Spanish trade and commerce for twelve years after the exchange of ratification. June 19. This month witnessed the sailing of the first steam-ship for Europe. Philosophers had clearly demonstrated the utter impossibility of steam navi- JAMES MONROE. Ill gation. The "Savannah" crossed from New York to Liverpool in 26 days. December. 14. Alabama, the twenty-second State, admitted. During this year the United States Bank passed through a crisis, and a loss of three millions pre- vented any dividends on the stock for two years thereafter. The bank however was saved, and specie payments continued to be made in the principal commercial cities. Many of the country banks suc- cumbed to the pressure of hard times and suspended specie payment. The following year was also one of financial gloom and depression. 1820. January 3. The Second Missouri Struggle. When the admission of Maine was considered by the Senate, it was attempted to attach as a "rider" the Missouri Bill without restrictions. The bills were united by a vote of 23 to 21. Mr. Thomas, of Ills., then proposed, as a new amendment, the inhibition of slavery from the rest of the Louisiana accession north of 36° 30' — a principle which formed the basis of the Missouri Compromise as subsequently adopted. But the House refused to concur in the amendment, and the Senate would not recede from it. At this juncture, a joint committee for conference was appointed. AVhile negotiations were pending, the House passed a bill to admit Missouri without slavery, and in this form, on the succeeding day, it was sent to the Senate. Here the prohibitory clause was stricken out,. and the Thomas compromise in- 112 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. serted, and as thus amended it was remanded to the House. At this point, the joint committee reported and suggested, 1. That the Senate should recede from its amendment to unite the Maine and Missouri bills ; 2. That the House should recede from its at- tempt to exclude slavery ; and 3. That slavery should be prohibited from all territory north of 36° 30'. This was accepted as a solution of the difficult problem. The measure passed both Houses just before the adjournment of Congress, and has since become famous as the so-called Missouri Comj)romise. John Randolph, however, was indignant, stigma- tizing it as a ''dirty bargain," and the northern mem- bers who abetted it as " dough faces." From this point a new departure in American pol- itics took place. "At the Ithureal touch of the Missouri discussion, the slave interest, hitherto hardly recognized as a distinct element in the American so- cial system, had started up portentous and dilated — disavowing the very fundamental principles of mod- ern democracy, and again, as in the Federal Con- vention, threatening the dissolution of the Union, unless allowed to dictate its own terms." — Hildreth. April 4. Mr. Trimble, of Kentucky, in discuss- ing the Spanish treaty and in opposition to the need- less gift of Texas, predicted the war with Mexico, when he said, "AVe have fought one war for inde- pendence ; another for ' free trade and sailors' rights ; ' and another must be fought for barriers and bounda- ries, if you ratify this treaty." March 27. The President communicated to Con- gress the fact that England, Russia and France had JAMES MONROE. 113 interj^osed to prevent a rupture with Spain, because the latter had failed to ratify the treaty for the ces- sion of Florida. He recommended forbearance, it appearing likely that Spain would soon act in the matter. October 20. Spain delayed to ratify the Florida treaty. At this time it was announced, that the terms of cession had been accepted. It fixed the Eastern boundary of Mexico at the river Sabine, and thus transferred Texas to the Spanish rule. 1821. February 14. The Electoral votes were counted. February 23. The President announced the ex- change of ratification concerning the Spanish cession of Florida. March 2. The Third Missouri Struggle. It was decided by a joint resolution in Congress, Missouri having presented a State Constitution, to admit her, as soon as certain fundamental changes should be made in that instrument, so as to guarantee to the citizens of every State the same rights in Missouri that they enjoyed at home. This radical correction was called out by the clause in her Constitution which excluded ''free negroes and mulattoes from coming to and settling in this State, under any pretext what- ever." "When this change should have been made by her Legislature, the President was authorized, in case such notice was received on or before the first Monday of November next, to declare the admission of Missouri as consummated. The object of this 8 114 THE TRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. course was to prevent the question from again coming up in Congress, and endangering the stability of the Union* March 3, A bill passed both houses to enable the President to take possession of Florida, and for its temporary government. Jackson was appointed the first Governor. March 5. (The 4th being Sunday.) Monroe and Tompkins inaugurated the second time. June 26. The Legislature of Missouri enacted the fundamental condition of admission and notified the President. August 10. The President by his proclamation declared the admission of Missouri as a State to the Union to be complete, and thus ended a contest of two years and a half. Henry Clay on account of his untiring exertions in behalf of Union and concil- liation gained for himself the title of the Great Pa- cificator. 1822. March 19. The United States acknowledged the independence of the South American governments which had revolted from Spain. The Indian Factory system was abolished. It w^as attempted this year to make a Slave State out of Illinois by a proposed amendment to the Con- stitution, but after fifteen months of agitation under the lead of Governor Cole, it was voted down by a majority of 2,000. 1823. -J-anuary 8. The President sent to the Senate the JAMES MONROE. 115 award of the Emperor Alexander with reference to the true meaning of the first article of the treaty of Ghent. He decided that the United States were en- titled to restitution for the deportation of slaves during the war of 1812. A number of other vexing questions were mitigated by this award, such as the boundaries of the Northeast and Northwest, Oregon, Canadian difficulties, and the liberation of slaves carried by mutiny or stress of weather to English ports. Each party had agreed to consider the de- cision as final and conclusive. December 2. The celebrated "Monroe doctrine," at the suggestion, it is believed, of John Q. Adams, was announced in the message to Congress in these words : "The citizens of the United States cherish sentiments the most friendly in favor of the liberty a'nd happiness of their fellow-men on the other side of the Atlantic. In wars of the European powers in matters relating to them- selves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy to do so. It is only when our rights are invaded, or seriously menaced, that we resent injuries, or make preparation for our defense. With the movements of this hemisphere we are, of necessity, more intimately con- nected, and by causes which must be obvious to all enlight- ened and impartial observers. The political system of the allied powers is essentially different in this respect from that of America. This difference proceeds from that which exists in their respective governments ; and to the defense of our own, which has been achieved by the loss of so much blood and treasure, and matured by tbe wisdom of our most en- lightened citizens, and under which we have enjoyed unex- ampled felicity, this whole nation is devoted. We owe it, therefore, to candor, and to the amicable relations existing 116 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. between the United States and those powers, to declare that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety. With the existing colo- nies, or dependencies of any European power, wo have not interfered; but with the governments which have declared their independence we have, on great consideration and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any inter- position for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny by any European power, in any other light than as the manifestation of an un- friendly disposition towards the United States." This was an explicit statement of the doctrine, "America for Americans," and was meant to be an exemplification of the policy of Washington — "No entangling alliances." It was called out by the Holy Alliance, which designed, among other objects, to extend a fostering care to the young American re- publics of Spanish origin. The United States being joined in this protest by England, the project of the Allies was abandoned. 1824. March- April. The revision of the Tarifi; increas- ing the duties was carried through a long debate, and passed the House by a vote of 107 to 102 on the 16th of April. Clay advocated a Protective Tariff for the encouragement of trade and commerce, and the turning of a lager proportion of our national resources towards domestic manufactures. Webster was opposed to this plan and advocated free trade. For if protection is all, "suppose all nations to act upon it : they would be prosperous, then, according JAMES MONROE. 117 to the argument, precisely in the proportion in which they abolished intercourse -with one another," The vote for the measure now stood, 95 grain growing districts against 57 planting ; the former favored it, beause they believed it would benefit agriculture, and the latter because they thought it injurious. It is worthy of notice that the Southern States which had formerly voted for a protective tariff, now voted against it. April 19. The ''A. B." plot was published in a Washington paper implying ofiicial misconduct in the Treasury department with reference to the West- ern banks. Its object was to destroy the chances of Crawford, who was a presidential candidate. The charges were investigated and found to be groundless. August 13. La Fayette visited America, and was everywhere received with the utmost cordiality. Not only the arches, but every heart said '* Welcome La Fayette." He spent a year in visiting the States, and then returned to Europe in the ship Brandy- wine, w^hich had been especially assigned for this purpose. This frigate had been named to honor the battle in which he had first unsheathed his sworvl for liberty. Congress voted an appropriation of $200,- 000 and a township of land. Pie replied that this immense and unexpected gift " called for the warmest acknowledgments of an old American soldier and adopted son of the United States — two titles dearer to his heart than all the treasures of the world." Surely republics are not always ungrateful. December. Four different plans for the election of President and Vice President were introduced re- 118 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS, spectively as amendments to the Constitution by Sen« ators Benton, Dickerson, Hayne and Van Buren. October 4. Mexico established a republican gov- ernraent on the plan of the United States. VIII. POLITICAL PARTIES. During the "Era of good feeling," the old party lines were almost entirely obliterated. The British faction, and the French party had gone out together. The old landmarks had been uprooted by the meas- ures preceding and following the war of 1812, and the old Republican, or States Kights, party was left in undisturbed and scarcely opposed possession of the general conduct of government. It appears that in 1820 there was no organized opposition to the re- nomination of Monroe, and his election wanted but one electoral vote of being unanimous. The atten- tion of the country was directed more particularly to the development of our great national resources. We may, thus, enumerate as the second division of political history, the period of twenty years from Jefferson to the first term of Monroe's administration. The "era of good feeling" dates more destinctively from the second election of Monroe, in 1820. The presidential contest in 1824 became personal rather than political. Crawford, Adams and Cal- houn, at that time members of the Cabinet, Clay, Speaker of the House, and Gen. Jackson, all mem- bers of the same party, were chief contestants for nomination. These had all previously been in Presi- JAMES MONROE. 119 dential caucuses, but, at this time, all but Crawford were opposed to a caucus selection of candidates, and for this reason. It was understood that a plu- rality of those who would attend the caucus were in favor of Crawford, and, therefore, if the four other candidates submitted to this mode, their chances were already decided in advance. On this account there was but one caucus held, and Crawford was selected without opposition. The remaining candi- dates were put in nomination by legislative and other political machinery. This famous "scrub race" for the presidency resulted in the defeat of all the can- didates, as far as popular and electoral votes were concerned, and completely overthrew "King Caucus." This mode of designating candidates had fallen into great odium; and Rufus King, in commenting on the proposed amendments to the Constitution, gave a scathing review of the caucus system. He de- nounced it as *'a new, extraordinary, self-created, central power, stronger than the power of the Consti- tution, which has risen up at the seat of govern- ment." Conventions of delegates fresh from the the people, being a part of the people, knowing the popular heart, and respecting the popular will in designating candidates, were substituted, and, as long as they were true to tlie people, gave great satisfaction. The v/ords of Jefferson in a letter to Johu Adams stating the leading characteristics of the two parties are worthy of preservation. At the origin of the government *'we broke into two parties, each wish- ing to give the government a different direction ; the one — the republican — to stengthen the most popular 120 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. branch, the other — the federal— the more i^ermanent branches and to extend their permanence.'^ IX. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Senator Benton in 1822 remarked about the finan- cial management, "That at this time, the word 'economy' had an existence in fact as well as in name. It was my first year in Congress ; and while 'economy' was claimed as a distinctive republican virtue, (for the name of democrat had not been taken), I owe it to candor, and to justice, to say that I saw the same regard for economy in the federal members, (for neither had they at that time changed their name), that I did in the republican. Less than nine millions a year for working the government at that time." Year. Public Debt. Expenditures. Exports. Imports. 181V $123,491,965 $40,877,646 $87,671,560 $ 99,250,000 1818 103,406,633 35,164,875 93,281,133 121,750,000 1819 95,529,648 24,004,199 70,141,501 87,125,000 1820 91,015,566 21,763,024 69,661,669 74,450,000 1821 89,987,427 19,090,572 64,974,382 62,585,724 1822 93,546,676 17,676,592 72,160,281 83,241,541 1823 90,875,877 15,314,171 74,699,030 77,579,267 1824 90,267,777 31,898,538 75,986,657 89,549,007 OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS England : George IV. Regent ; Death of George III., January 19, 1820, and accession of George IV., coronation July 19, 1821. Napoleon died May 5, 1821. CHAPTER VI. THE ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. Republican. One Term, 1825 to 1829. I. CABINET. PRESIDENT. 1825. John Quincy Adams, Massachusetts. VICE PRESIDENT. 1825. John C. Calhoun, South Carolina. SECRETARY OF STATE. 1825. Henry Clay, Kentucky, SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. 1825. Eichard Rush, Pennsylvania. SECRETARIES OF WAR. 1825. James Barbour, Virginia. 1827. Peter B. Porter, New York. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 1825. Samuel L. Southard, New Jersey. POSTMASTER GENERAL. 1825. John McLean, Ohio. ATTORNEY GENERAL. 1825. William Wirt, Virginia. II. SENATORS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO TEMPORE OP THE SENATE. 1826. May, Nathaniel Macon, North Carolina. 1828, May, Samuel Smith, Maryland. 122 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- TATIVES. XIX. Congress, Jolin ^Y. Taylor, New York. XX. " Andrew Stevenson, Virginia. IV. THE TENTH ELECTION. Popular Vote : For President, John Quincj Ad- ams, 105,321 ; Andrew Jackson, Tennessee, 152,899; William H. Crawford, Georgia, 47,275 ; Henry Clay, 48,087. Electoral Vote : For President, Jackson, 99 ; Ad- ams, 84; Crawford, 41; Clay, 37. For Vice President : John C. Calhoun, South Car- olina, 182 ; K"than Sanford, New York, 30 ; Nathan- iel Macon, 24; Andrew Jackson, 13; Martin Van Buren, 9 ; Henry Clay, 2. Total, 261. Twenty- four States voted. The only officer elected by the electoral vote was Calhoun as Vice President, and the selection of Pres- ident from the three candidates having the greatest number of votes devolved upon the House of Repre- sentatives. Webster, one of the tellers, announced the result to be, 13 States for Adams, 7 for Jackson, and 4 for Crawford. This result was secured by the friends of Clay. The latter being excluded from the vote, determined to give his influence for the election of Adams. This gave rise to the charge of corrupt bargain between Adams and himself, which his subsequent appoint- ment as Secretary of State seemed to confirm. There is, however, most positive proof that this charge was JOHN QUIN'CY ADAMS. 123 wholly unfounded ; but the rumor politically injured both the President and Clay. It is due the magna- nimnity of Adams to say, that he offered a seat in the Cabinet to Crawford also, which the latter saw fit to decline. V. HISTORICAL EECOED. 1825. March 4. Inauguration of Adams and Calhoun. December 15. A proposition to amend the Con- stitution, with reference to the mode of electing the president and vice j)resident, was referred to a select committee, of which Senator Benton was chairman. His report suggested. 1st, The abolition of the elec- toral system, and the substitution of the direct vote of the people by districts ; 2d, An election by the House from the two candidates having the greatest number of votes, when there was no majority ; and 3d, Uniformity in the mode of election. October. The Legislature of Tennessee put in nomination as candidate for presidential election in 1828, the name of Andrew Jackson. This year was marked by a spirit of speculation, both at home and in England. A '' corner" in cot- ton inflated the price from 12 to 32 cents per pound. The prices of West India goods advanced in like ratio ; but a sudden reduction to old rates shattered the fortunes of those who rested on these fictitious values. 124 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 1826. February 13. The Boston American Temperance Society was formed. February 15. Mr. McDuffie, of South Carolina, introduced a bill in the House for the amendment of the Constitution in the manner of electing the presi- dent and vice president so as to secure a uniform sys- tem of voting by districts in all the States, and to take the election entirely from both Houses of Con- gress. The late election of the President by the House, which seemed to violate a fundamental principle of representative governments, a minority candidate having been preferred, called for reform in this direc- tion. The measures finally passed both Houses by good majorities, but falling below a two-thirds vote, no further steps could be taken, and the amendment failed. February 23. The principal debate of the session in the Senate was had upon the proposed mission to Panama. The United States were invited by the Eepublics of South America to deliberate with them upon measures for common advantage and im- provement. This proposition was warmly seconded by Adams and Clay, and its consideration elicited in both Houses some splendid specimens of oratory, wit and invective. The South opposed the measure, because such participations would recognize negro equality, inasmuch as some of these nations had ad- mitted the negro race to the rights of citizenship, employing some as generals in their armies, and electing others as senators. This meeting, it was JOHN QUIXCY ADAMS. 125 said, would involve ^'entangling alliances." Kan- dolph even went so far as to assert that the invitation had been "manufactured here at Washington, if not by the pens, under the eye of our own ministers, to subserve their purposes." It was this remark which led to the duel between Clay and Kandolph, a month or two later. The motion, however, prevailed, and two ministers were appointed, but the measure was shorn of the advantages the administration hoped to derive from it, both by the death of one of these and the unavoidable detention of the other, and the failure of the Panama Congress to arrive at any sub- stantial results. April 8. Eandolph had denounced the President and his cabinet as "a puritanic, diplomatic, black- legged administration." This course, in connection with the charge that Clay had forged the Panama invitation, led him to challenge Randolph. This was promptly accepted, and resulted in two shots and a reconcilliation. 1828. February 12. The Tariff was again revised, and duties were made very high. The bill passed both houses after long and acrimonious debate, by good majorities, and received the President's signature. The South became indignant, and the people of South Carolina petitioned their Legislature *'to save them, if possible, from the conjoined grasp of usurpation and poverty." They declared, "we exist as a mem- ber of the Union merely as an object of taxation. The Northern and Middle States are to be enriched 126 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADxMINISTRATIONS. by the plunder of the South. The citizens of South Carolina will be condemned to work as the tributaries of the Northern and middle sections of the Union. It is so now ; and it is triumphantly determined to extend the system indefinitely. New England had hitherto been opposed to protec- tion ; but having been originally compelled to accept it by a vote of the South, she was now unwilling to relinquish the benefits time had shown to be connected with a high tarifit*. Notable, too, was the conversion of Daniel Webster, who now became an eloquent advocate of the tariif policy. He excused his course by saying that " this has now become the established policy of the nation, and that the Eastern States have adapted themselves thereto, and that it harmonized w^ith their best interests that it should be maintained,'* This complete change between the North and the South resembled, in one particular, the rather harm- less contest of two partially intoxicated men with great coats on, who struggled till each had fought himself into the coat of the other. The reason for the change appears to be, that the South, having become almost entirely an agricultural people, was anxious to buy goods at the lowest price without addi- tion of duties; and the North, having become largely ifiterested in manufactures, desired to make a profit on their goods, and to be freed from foreign competi- tion by the imposition of heavy duties. 1829. January 12. The Senate received a protest from the Legislature of Georgia against the Tariff Act of 1828. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 127 February 10. South Carolina also sent a protest against the Tariff of 1828. This Administration was distinguished for remark- able activity in agriculture, manufacture, trade and commerce. The first railroad was finished, and the Erie Canal completed by the State of New York. Measures for internal improvements received favora- ble attention from the Government. VI. POLITICAL PARTIES. It soon became evident that the Presidential con- test for the next term lay between Adams and Jack- son. The opposition movement was fully organized as early as 1827. It is believed that Martin Van Buren and C. C. Cambreling made a Sourthern tour in order to unite all interests to secure the election of Jackson in 1828. The last election showed that if the friends of Jackson and Crawford were united, they could elect their candidate. The canvass against Adams was quite spirited, and Clay and Adams were denounced as guilty of "coalition, bargain and cor- ruption." The Panama mission, on account of its failure, had gained no strength for the Administra- tion, while the high tariff policy of 1828 encountered very fierce opposition in the South, and led to the nul- lification acts by South Carolina in 1832. Adams, also, was chargeable with the supposed scheme of taking New England out of the Union during the war of 1812. Jackson, too, did not escape his share of scrutiny, and received a liberal amount of criti- cism and abuse. It may be said that parties were 128 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. being reorganized during this Administration. The Administration candidates were Adams and Rush; the opposition, Jackson and Calhoun. The ''era of good feeling" began the third stage of political history. Party lines on different issues were drawn anew during the eight years of this third period, and the Jackson Democracy was formed, which entered upon its long career of rule in 1828. VII. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. There was a surplus at one time in the Treasury of $5,000,000. The public debt decreased $22,794,- 734, an abundant proof that economy and wisdom characterized the financial conduct of this adminis- tration. Year. Public Debt. Expenditures. Exports. Imports. 1825 1826 1827 1828 $83,788,432 81,054,059 73,987,357 67,475,043 $23,"585,804 24,103,398 22,656,704 25,459,479 $99,535,388 77,595,322 82,324',727 72,264.686 $96,340,075 84,974,477 79,484,063 88,509,824 IX. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. England : Great panic, 70 banks suspended in Dec. 1825, the Bank of England, however, remained firm. France : Charles X. ; (brother) 1821 to 1830; re- vival of absolutism, censorship and the Jesuits. Russia : Death of Alexander I. December 1, 1825, accession of Nicholas I. (brother), coronation Sept. 8, 1826; War with Persia 1826; Treaty with England and France to erect Greece into a kingdom July 1827. CHAPTER VII. THE ADMINISTRATION OF ANDREW JACKSON. Democratic. Two Terms, 1829 ^o 1837. I. CABINET. PRESIDENT. 1829. Andrew Jackson, Tennessee. VICE PRESIDENTS. 1829. John C. Calhoun, South Carolma. 1833. Martin Van Buren, New York. SECRETARIES OF STATE. 1829. Martin Van Buren, New York. 1831. Edward Livingston, Louisiana. 1833. Louis McLane, Delaware. 1834. John Forsyth, Georgia. SECRETARIES OP THE TREASURY. 1829* Samuel D. Ingham, Pennsylvania. 1831. Louis McLane, Delaware. 1833. William J. Duane, Pennsylvania. 1833. Roger B. Taney, Maryland. 1834. Levi Woodbury, New Hampshire. SECRETARIES OP WAR. 1829. John H. Eaton, Tennessee. 1831. Lewis Cass, Michigan. SECRETARIES OP THE NAVY. 1829. John Branch, North Carolina. 1831. Levi Woodbury, New Hampshire. 1834. Mahlon Dickerson, New Jersey. 9 130 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. rOSTMASTERS GENERAL. 1829. William T. Barry, Kentucky. 1835. Amos Kendall, Kentucky. ATTORNEYS GENERAL- 1829. John MTlierson Berrien, Georgia. 1831. Roger B. Taney, Maryland. 1834. Benjamin F. Butler, New York. II. CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT. 1835. December 28, Roger B. Taney, Maryland. III. SENATORS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO M TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 1832. July, Littleton W. Tazewell, Virginia. 1832. December, Hugh L. White, Tennessee. 1834. June, George Poindexter, Massachusetts. 1835. March, John Tyler, Virginia. 1836. July, William R. King, Alabama. IV. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- TATIVES. XXI. Congress, 1829, Andrew Stevenson, Virginia. XXII. '* 1833, Andrew Stevenson, Virginia. XXIII. '' 1834, Andrew Stevenson, Virginia. '' 1834, Henry Hubbard, N. H. 1834, John Bell, Tennessee. XXIV. '' 1835, James K. Polk, Tennessee. V. THE ELEVENTH ELECTION. Popular Vote : For President, Andrew Jackson, ANDREW JACKSON. 131 Tennessee, 647,231 ; John Quincy Adams, Massa- chusetts, 509,097. Electoral Vote : For President, Andrew Jackson, 1 78 ; John Quincy Adams, 83. For Vice President, John C. Calhoun, South Carolina, 171 ; Richard Rush, Pennsylvania, 83; William Smith, S. C, 7. Total, 2G1. Twenty-four States voted. VI. THE TWELFTH ELECTION. Popular Vote : For President, Andrew Jackson, 087,502; Henry Clay, 497,081; (John Floyd, Va. and William Wirt, Md.,) 33,108. Electoral Vote: For President, Andrew Jackson, 219; Henry Clay, 49; John Floyd, 11; William Wirt. 7. For Vice President, Martin Van Buren, 189; John Sergeant, Pennsylvania, 49; William Wilkins, Pennsylvania, 30; Henry Lee, Massachu- setts, 11 ; Amos Ellmaker, Pennsylvania, 7. Total, 286. Twenty-four States voted. VII. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 1830. Whites, 10,537,378 ; Free colored, 319,599 ; Slaves, 2,009,043. Total, 12,866,020. The Ratio of Representation was fixed at 47,000, giving a membership of 240. VIII. HISTORICAL RECORD. 1829. March 4. Gen. Jackson, in liis inaugural address 132 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. affirmed, that "the recent demonstration of public sentiment inscribes on the list of executive duties, in characters too legible to be overlooked, the task of Eeform." He did not forget to practice on this pre- cept, and *' during the first year of his Administra- tion, there were nearly seven hundred removals from office, not including subordinate clerks. Du- ring the forty years preceding, there had been but sixty-four." March 9. The Postmaster General for the first time became a Cabinet officer. December 8. In his first message to Congress, Jackson recommended an amendment to the Consti- tution so as to remove all intermediate agencies in the election of the president and vice president. "It Avas never designed," he affirmed, "that their choice should in any case, be defeated either by the intervention of electoral colleges, or by the agency confided under certain contingencies, to the House of KepresentativeSi Experience proves, that in propor- tion as agents to execute the "will of the people are multiplied, there is danger of their wishes being frus- trated. Some may be unfaithful. All are liable to err. So far, therefore, as the people can with con- venience speak, it is safer for them to express theii* own will" 1830. January 19. Mr. Hayne, of South Carolina, in speaking on Mr. Foot's resolution "to inquire into the expediency of suspending the sales of the public lands," gave a turn to the debate, which called out ANDREW JACKSON. 133 the celebrated discussion betwen Daniel Webster and himself, on the new doctrine of nullification and its sequence, the dissolution of the Union. Hayne spoke in opposition to Mr. Fooot's resolution, and argued that the "sale of lauds for money either to accumulate in the Public Treasury, or to be divided among the States," would lead to corruption and con- solidation. "Webster replied, that not consolidation, but disunion, was the danger, "and referred to lan- guage and proceedings in South Carolina, uncivic in their import, and tending to this dire calamity." Webster, in this debate, gained for himself the title of " Defender of the Constitution." March 30. A Treaty of Indemnity was formed TvTth Denmark. April 6. The Mormon Church was formally estab- lished at Manchester, Ontario county, New York. April 13. A banquet was given in Washington City, to honor the birthday of Mr. Jefferson, but secretly to spread the doctrine of nullification, and lend it the great name of Jefferson. This doctrine was unfolded in twenty-four set toasts, and numerous speeches besides. When Jackson, who was present, was called upon for a volunteer, he gave that since famous maxim, "Our Federal Union: it must be preserved ; " which fell like a bolt out of a clear sky. Calhoun followed with the toast, "The Union : next to our liberty the most dear ; may we all remember, that it can only be preserved by respecting the rights of the States, and distributing equally the benefit and the burden of the Union." Thus it was attempted by the nuUifiers, in the language of Madison, "to make 134 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. the name of Mr. Jefferson the pedestal of their colos- sal heresy." The name of Jefferson has been fully vindicated from teaching any such doctrine. The word ''nullification" does not occur in the Virginia Resolutions, which were designed to declare that an act of Congress, when unconstitutional, was null and void, but to be respected until it was constitutionally repealed; May 7. A Treaty was made with the Ottoman Emj)ire, by which important privileges were secured. October 5. Trade with the British West Indies, which was lost during the Revolution, was now regained by a Treaty with England. The Secretary of State, acting on the instructions of Jackson in this matter, *'to ask nothing but what is right, and to submit to nothing that is wrong," opened the door to favorable negotiations. Congress, by an act passed May 29th, authorized the President to offer reciprocal trade as an inducement. December 7. Jackson made an early attack upon the United States Bank in his annual message to Con- gress, in these words : " Nothing has occurred to les- sen in any degree the dangers which many of our cit- izens apprehend from that institution as at present organized." He took ground against the recharter of the bank. During this year it became known to Jackson that the old Administration paper, "The Telegraph," would espouse the cause of Calhoun as leader of a new political faction. The President, acting on the motto that *' forewarned is forearmed," took irame- ANDREW JACKSON. 135 diate steps to establish an organ, (since known as the "Globe"), with Francis P. Blair as editor. 1831. February 2. Senator Benton introduced a bill for the non-renewal of the United States Bank, about to expire by limitation March, 4, 1836 — which was lost by a vote of 22 to 20. In March Calhoun published a pamphlet to explain the cause of the rupture between Jackson and him- self. This quarrel among the party chiefs was fol- lowed by the resignation of the entire Cabinet, with the single exception of the Postmaster General. During this year, the Mormons, to the number of 1,000 settled in Kirtland, Ohio, and also in Missouri, where they intended to locate their ''Zion or New Jerusalem." 1832. January 9. The President of the United States Bank, N, Biddle, petitioned the Senate for a renewal of the Bank charter. March. The United States, by a treaty of indem- nity, received 8140,000 from Portugal. The Sacs and Foxes, under lead of the celebrated Black Hawk, fell upon the settlers along the Wiscon- sin and Illinois State line, and defeated Stillman's volunteers at Kock River. May 14. Battles fought as follows : Pickatolica River, June 15 ; two skirmishes at Kellogg's Grove, June 16 ; Galena, June 18 ; Kel- logg's Grove, June 24; Blue Mounds, July 21 ; At- tack on the steamer "Warrior, August 1. The Black Hawk War was terminated by the Battle of Bad Axe, 136 THE FKESIDENTS AND Tlir.lK. AnMlMSTKATlONS. on August 2cl, at its junction with the Mississippi. The Indians, to the number of 500, suflered a crush- ing defeat in the engagement ^Yith 400 reguLirs and 000 volunteers, under the command of Gen. Atkin- son. Bhiek Hawk was captured, and the remnant was competed to remove beyond the ^Mississippi. During the summer, 22 white people were killed and 40 wounded. Indian loss, 2G3 warriors and 40 wo- men. Lincoln, as captain of a volunteer company, and Jeff. Davis, as lieutenant of the regulars, served in this contest. July 10. The bill to recharter the United States Bank passed the Senate June 11, and the House July 3, but it suffered its death blow July 10, when it was returned with the President's veto. Clay and Web- ster very strongly urged a renewal of the bank char- ter. The young Jackson Democratic party, then in the minority in both branches of Congress, was opposed to it ; but the minority, with the President's veto on this and other measures, proved strong enough to defeat the opposition. November 24. South Carolina passed an act to nullify the Tariff Bill of Congress, deeming it an unconstitutional measure. December 11. The President issued a Proclama- tion to warn the citizens of South Carolina from engaging in acts of resistance, and immediately sent troops to Charleston, under Gen. Scott, to enforce the 1 aws. ' ' If South CiU'olina considers the revenue laws unconstitutional," the message continued, '' and has a right to prevent their execution in the port of Charles- ton, there would be a clear constitutional objection ANDREW JACKSON. 187 to their collection in every other port, and no revc- puo could bo collected anywhere ; for all imposts must be c:j[ual." December 28. Calhoun resigned the Vice Presi- dency in order to take a seat in the Senate, and a more active part in politics. During this year, Prof. Morse perfected the electric tcjegraph. Texas revolted from Mexico, and endeav- ored to establish her independence, 1833 January IG. Jackson published his celebrated Nul- lification message. February 26. The Senate (Clay's) Compromise Tariff Bill (which had been substituted for Mr. Ver- planck's Tariff bill,) passed the House, and was then sent to the Senate for concurrence. Clay's bill met with a fatal objection in the Senate on account of a clause for raising revenue, which made it necessary to send it to the House for origination. Clay, now, as heretofore, advocated a compromise measure to allay the discontent of the South. The bill provided for an annual reduction of one-tenth of the present duties for seven years, at the end of which time ' ' all the remaining duty above twenty per cent, should be equally divided into two parts, and one part struck off at the end of one year thereafter, and the other half at the end of another year, so that at the end of nine years al'l duties should be reduced to twenty per cent, on the value, with a list of free articles, and no more revenue to be raised than necessary for the economical support of the government. The act to 138 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. be permanent/' Some friends of Clay informed him tliat this was a denial of " the American System, and would cost him the presidency." He very nobly re- plied, "I would rather be right than President.'* This bill passed both Houses, and was accepted by the South as a finality on the Tariff question. March 4. Inauguration of Jackson and Van Bu- ren. At the first, Jackson's nomination had been received with ridicule, and contempt ; but his mas- tering and unconquerable will and intuitive judg- ment subjected to an intense love of the Union and most unflinching integrity, made him a very popular candidate, and secured him a handsome reelection. September 22. During the recess of Congress, Jackson issued an order for the removal of Deposits from the United States Bank, The Secretary re- fusing to comply, he immediately removed him, and appointed in his stead Roger B. Taney, as Secretary of the Treasury, by whom the order was issued. In its proper sense, it was not a removal, but a cessa- tion of deposits. The funds in the Bank were left to be withdrawn in the ordinary course of public ex- penditures ; but new collections of revenue and pub- lic moneys were to be deposited elsewhere in the local banks for safe keeping. When Congress convened, it refused to ratify Taney's nomination, and on March 28, 1834, the President himself was censured by the Senate for what was considered an arbitrary removal of the deposits, and the resolution itself was permanently entered on the pages of the journal. For this important service, Taney was rewarded with appointment of Chief Justice a short time after. ANDREW JACKSON. J 39 1834, February. A treaty of indemnity was made with Spain. The "Panic Session" of Congress— 1834-35— was produced by the great fight between the Administra- tion and the United States Bank. The bank had contracted its operations, refusing to grant and extend loans, so that, as a consequence, great financial dis- tress ensued. Congress was almost wholly occupied with the reception of distress memorials, which poured in up'jn it from all sections of the country. Jackson was severely denounced, and in many instances a renewal of the bank charter was requested. To rem- edy, in part, this distress, the gold currency bill was passed. April 15. Jackson sent his Protest to the Senate, against its vote of censure and entry on the Journal. 1835. January 30, (Friday.) A lunatic attempted to shoot the President, but his pistols failed to fire. December 19. The Government attempted to re- move the Seminoles beyond the Mississippi, much against their will. The Indians, counselled by their chief sachem, Micanopy, and led by their principal chief, Osceola, commenced a most distressing warfare upon the settlements in Georgia and Florida, which they were able to continue with varying success for seven years. 1836. February 8. The President announced in a mes- sage, that ''the Government of Great Britain had offered its mediation for the adjustment of the dispute 140 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. between the United States and France." The subject of *' French Spoliation" had assumed a warlike appearance, but through the friendly mediation of England the President ^vas able to announce, May 10, '* that the four instalments under our treaty with France have been paid to the agent of the United States." June 15. Arkansas, the twenty-fifth State, was admitted to the Union. 1837. January 16. Senator Benton, after repeated effort and failure, finally succeeded in carrying his expung- ing resolutions, and black lines were drawn on the page of the Journal round the words of censure which had been passed March 28, 1834, and read in these words : " Resolved, That the President, in the late executive pro- ceedings in relation to the revenue, has assumed upon him- self authority and power not conferred by the Constitution and laws, but in derogation of both." January 26. Michigan, the 26th State, admitted to the Union. March 1. The House voted to acknowledge the independence of Texas. March 3. Jackson published his Farewell Ad- dress : ''I thank God that my life has been spent in a land of liberty, and that he has given me a heart to love my country with the affection of a son. And, filled with gratitude for your constant and unwaver- ing kindness, I bid you a last and affectionate fare- well." ANDREW JACKSON. 141 IX. POLITICAL PARTIES. The election of Jackson proved a revolution of par- ties, and party lines became distinctly fixed by the great debates on Nullification, the United States Bank and the Tariff Policy. In the election of 1832 three parties divided the suffrages of the nation. 1. The United States Anti-Masonic party held a convention in Philadelphia, Sept. 1830, 96 delegates from 11 States being present — the first national polit- ical convention that ever assembled in this country. The following resolution was adopted : Resolved^ That it is recommended to the people of the United States, opposed to secret societies, to meet in convention on Monday, the 26tli day of September, 1831, at the city of Baltimore, by delegates eaiial in number to their representatives in both Houses of Congress, to make nominations of suitablo candidates for the offices of President and Vice President, to be supported at the next election, and for the transaction of such other business as the cause of Anti-Masonry may require. In compliance with this request, 112 delegates, from 13 States, attended the convention, and nominated William Wirt, of Maryland, and Amos Ellmaker, of Pennsylvania, as their candidates. The supposed abduction of William Morgan, a short time previ- viously, for publishing the secrets of the masonic order, gave rise to this party. 2. The " National Kepublican " party met at Bal- timore Dec. 12th. 1831. Henry Clay and John Ser- geant were unanimously chosen by a vote of 157 delegates, from 17 States and the District. They adopted no platform, but issued an Address, in which the Administration was sharply criticised In conformity to a recommendation, the young men of the Republican party held a meeting of ratification 142 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. at Washington, May lltli, 1832, over which William Cost Johnson, of Maryland, presided. The following resolutions, among others, were adopted, intended to express the party principles : Besohed, That an adequate Protection to American Industry is in- diepensiblo to the prosperity of the country ; and that an abandonment of the policy at this period would bo attended with consequences ruin- ous to the best interests of the Nation. Eesolved, That a uniform system of Internal Improvements, sus- tained and supported by the general government, is calculated to se- cure, in the highest degree, the harmony, tho strength and perma- nency of the Republic. Resolved, That the indiscriminate removal of public officers for a mere difference of political opinion, is a gross abuse of power; and that the doctrine lately boldly preached in the United States Senate, that " to tho victors belong the spoils of tho vanquished," is detrimen- tal to tho interest, corrupting the morals, and dangerous to the liber- ties of the country. 3. The Democratic or Jackson National Conven- tion assembled at Baltimore in May, 1832, to deter- mine what name should be placed with Jackson's^ there having been no opposition to his re-election* Business was commenced by the passage of the fol- lowing resolution, which appears to have been the origin of the since famous two-thirds rule : Resolved, That each State bo entitled in the nomination to be made for the vice presidency, to a number of votes equal to tho number to which they will be entitled in the electoral colleges, under the new ap- portionment in voting for president and vice president ; and that two- thirds the whole number of tho votes in the convention shall be neces- sary to constitute a choice. Martin Van Buren, on the first ballot, received the nomination by more than a two-thirds vote. The chairman of the committee, appointed to draft an Address, reported that. The Committee, having interchanged opinions on the subject sub- mitted to them, and agreeing fully in the principles and senti- ments which they believe ought to bo embodied in an address of this description, if such an address were be made, nevertheless deem it ad- visable under existing circumstances, to recommend the following reso- lution : Resolved, That it be recommended to the several delegates ia the con- vention, in place of a general address from this body to the people of tho United Stares, to make such explanations by address, report, or otherwise, to their respective constituents, of the object, proceeding and result ot thu meeting, as they deem expedient. ANDREW JACKSON. 143 South Carolina— electors chosen by the Legisla- ture — was still nettled by the Tariff bill, and refused to vote for any of the regular candidates. She com- plimented John Floyd, of Virginia, and Henry Lee, of Massachusetts, by casting her 11 votes for them. The Election of 1836. 1. The Democratic Na- tional Convention met at Baltimore in May, 1835, confirmed the two-thirds rule, unanimously selected Van Buren, and gave over two-fifths majority to R. M. Johnson, for first and second place on the presi- dential ticket. They adopted no platform. 2. The opposition was somewhat divided. Whig State Convention at Harrisburg, in 1836, ex- pressed a choice for William H. Harrison and Fran- cis Granger. This nomination was confirmed by the Democratic Anti-Masonic Convention, which was held at the same place. A Maryland Whig Conven- tion designated Harrison and Tyler. New York, Ohio and other States declared for Harrison. The Legislatures of Tennessee and Alabama, represent- ing the anti-Jackson element ir, those States, voted for Hugh L. White. Massachusetts complimented her favorite son, Daniel Webster, by giving him 14 electoral votes for President. South Carolina gave her votes to Willie P. Mangum, who was not a can- didate, and Virginia gave 23 votes to William Smith, of South Carolina. The Opposition, thus, being conducted under the leadership of so many chiefs, lacked that strength which concentration would have given it, and Van Buren was elected by a mere pop- ular majority, The name **Whig" was first applied to the opposi- 144 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. tion in New York City in the City election of 1834, and the National Eepublicans soon after permanently adopted the term. The designation ''Locofoco," given to the Demo- cratic party, also originated in New York City. There arose, in 1835, two factions in its ranks, and the wing called *' Equal Eights," meeting in Tam- many Hall to select other candidates, there arising a division, the lights were suddenly extinguished ; but the "Equal Rights" men having apprehended such an event had come with candles and locofoco matches, and were thus enabled to immediately re- light the Hall. X. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The question, '' is it desirable to have a large pub- lic debt," was answered in the negative by Jackson, as may be inferred from the fact, that the public debt was almost totally extinguished in 1836, when its minimum was reached. In this respect, this financial year will stand without a parallel for many years to come. The war debt of 1812 was paid in less than twenty years. Tear. Public Debt. Expenditures. Exports. Imports. 1829 1830 1831 1832 1833 1834 1835 1836 $58,421,413 48,565,406 39,124,191 24,322,235 7,001,032 4,760,081 351,289 291,089 $25,044,358 24,585,281 30,038,446 34,356,698 24,257,298 24,601,982 27,573,141 30,934,664 $72,358,671 73,849,508 81,310,583 87,176,943 90,140,443 104,336,973 121,693,577 128,663,040 $74,492,527 70,876,920 103,191,124 101,029,266 108,118,311 126,521,332 149,895,742 189.980,085 ANDREW JACKSON. 145 XI. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. England : Death of George IV. and accession of William IV., June 26, 1830, coronation September 9, 1831 ; Siitteeism abolished in India by decree of England, December 14, 1829; Irish Keform Bill passed August 7, 1832; Slavery abolished in the British Empire, by William IV., owners to receive a compensation of £20,000,000, August 28, 1833, to take effect August 1, 1844. France : Three Days Eevolution, July 27, 1829 ; Polignac Ministry, August 8, 1829; abdication of Charles X,, June 2, accessison of Louis Philiipe, August 7, 1830. The restoration of the Bourbons marked an era to restore absolutism in Church and State. Standinsj armies in every State but England maintained order, the standing armies, 4,305,000 in number, kept in subjection a population of 272,000,000. Poland: Declared free by the Polish diet, Jan. 25— invaded by a Russian army of 140,000 men — surrender of Warsaw Sept. 7 — and the war with Rus- sia terminated October 20, 1831 ; declared a part of Russia by the imperial ukase of Nicholas I. Feb. 26, 1832. Greece : (Independence declared 1832, Capo d' Is- trias, President, 1827.) Count d'lstrias assassinated on account of subserviency to Russia, October 9, 1831 ; The election of Prince Otho, of Bavaria, as King, was approved August 8, 1832. 10 CHAPTER VIII. THE ADMINISTRATION OF MARTIN TAN BUREN. Democratic. One Term, 1837 to 1841. I. CABINET. PRESIDENT. 1837. Martin Van Buren, New York. VICE PRESIDENT. 1837. Richard M. Johnson, Kentucky. SECRETARY OF STATE. 1837. John Forsyth, Georgia. SECRETARY OF TUB TREASURY. 1837. Levi Woodbury, New Hampshire. SECRETARY OF WAR. 1837. Joel R. Poinsett, South Carolina. SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 1837. Mahlon Dickerson, New Jersey. 1838. James K. Paulding, New York. POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 1837. Amos Kendall, Kentucky. 1840. John M. Niles, Connecticut. ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 1837. Benjamin F. Butler, New York. 1838. Felix Grundy, Tennessee. 1840. Henry D. Gilpin, Pennsylvania. MARTIN VAN BUREN. 147 II. SENATOR ELECTED PKESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 1840. Samuel L. Southard, New Jersey. III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- TATIVES. XXV. Congress, James K. Polk, Tennessee. XXVI. " James K. Polk, Tennessee. IV. THE THIRTEENTH ELECTION. Popular Vote : For President, Martin Van Buren, 761,549 ; William H. Harrison, Hugh L. White, Daniel Webster and Willie P. Mangum — the oppo- sition— 736,656. Electoral vote: For President, Van Buren, 170; Harrison, 73 ; White, 26 ; Webster, 14 ; Mangum, 11. For Vice President, Kichard M. Johnson, 147; Francis Granger, N. Y., 77 ; John Tyler, 47 ; Wm. Smith, 23. Total, 294, Twenty-six States voted. There was no election for Vice President, and the choice devolved, for the first time, on the Senate. A two-thirds vote from the two candidates having the greatest number of votes is necessary to election. The Senate confirmed the popular will by electing Richard M. Johnson, who lacked but one electoral vote of a majority. Johnson received 33 votes; Granger, 16. V. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 1840. Whites, 14,195,695 ; Free colored, 386,303 ; Slaves, 2,487,455. Total, 17,069,453. 148 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. The Katio of Kepresentation was fixed at 70,680, making the membership 233. VI. HISTORICAL RECORD. 1837. May 10. All deposit banks suspended specie pay- ment in New York City. The Legislature subse- quently passed a bill to make the suspension valid for one year. The banks generally followed the exam- ple. This result, it is said, was secured by the politi- cians working in co-operation with the United States Bank, in order to demonstrate the necessity and util- ity of rechartering the bank; May 15. An extra session of Congress was called, to meet on the first day of September, '' on account of great and weighty matters claiming their atten- tion." October. Osceola, while visiting the American camp, under a flag of truce, during the progress of the Indian war, was arrested and incarcerated in Fort Moultrie, where he died shortly afterwards. October 4. The sub-Treasury bill passed the Sen- ate, but was rejected by the House. December 27. Mr. Calhoun introduced into the Senate six resolutions, which were "framed to declare the whole power of Congress upon the subject of slavery, and were presented for a 'test' vote, and as the future 'platform' and permanent 'settlement' of the law on the slavery question." Calhoun now expressed himself as opposed to the Missouri Com- promise, on account of the encouragement which it MARTIN VAN BUREN. 149 afforded the abolitionists. This debate became one of the most interesting that was ever had upon this sub- ject in Congress. December 29. The " Patriot's AVar " broke out in Canada. The American steamer Caroline was burnt by the Eoyalists and sent over Niagara Falls, because it had engaged in conveying munitions of war to the rebels. At this time, too, the question of the North- east boundary between Maine and New Brunswick as- sumed a warlike aspect. During the winter of 1838-39, the Mormons, being expelled from Missouri, removed to Illinois. The Bank fight, which Jackson had so successfully waged, culminated, this year, in a great financial cri- sis. Property greatly depreciated in value ; failures became of frequent occurrence ; losses in New York city amounted to over $100,000,000 during the months of March and April. Eight States wholly or in part failed, and even the United States Govern- ment itself became unable to pay its debts. The direct causes are said to have been: 1. The specie circular of Jackson, requiring payment for public lands to be made in gold and silver, soon gathered all the specie into the U. S. Treasury. 2. A general spirit of speculation, based very largely on the credit system. 3. An act of Congress, which directed the surplus public money, amounting to $28,000,000, to be withdrawn from the local banks, and . divided among the several States. 4. During the season of high prices and speculation, European goods had been overbought, and now required to be paid in specie. 5. The great fire* in New York city (Dec. 150 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 16th, 1835,) which burned 600 valuable stores, and destroyed property worth over $18,000,000. January 16. The Vermont anti-slavery resolu- tions were laid on the table by a vote of the Senate. February 14. J, Q. Adams presented 350 anti- slavery and anti-Texas-annexation petitions in the House, and all relating to slavery or annexation were voted to be laid on the table. Texas, being at war with Mexico, had asked admission to the Union. At this time this was denied, because, to annex Texas was to annex war. March 10. Personal and political debate between Clay and Calhoun occurred on the Independent Treas- ury Bill. April 15. One hundred and forty-three delegates from the principal banks in the United States met in New York city to consider the financial situation and the expediency of an early resumption of specie pay- ment. It was voted to resume on January 1st, 1839; May 10. The New York city banks determined to act alone, and recommended immediate resumption to all the State banks* Their example was followed, in less than sixty days, by all the banks in the country, and the financial distress was partly relieved. August 13. The U. S. Bank — it had been incor- porated as a Philadelphia bank — was compelled to follow the example already set, and resume specie payment. August 18. The American Scientific and Explor- ing Exj^edition sailed from Hampton Koads for the circumnavigation of the world. December 12. The House adopted the rule to lay MARTIN VAN BUREN. 151 every petition relating to slavery on the table, ''with- out being debated, printed or referred." 1839. October 9. The final suspension of the U. S. Philadelphia bank put an end to the protracted strug- gle with the Democratic party for recharter. The U. S. Bank, having been granted a State charter by Pennsylvania, had nominally transferred itself to the Philadelphia Bank, and attempted to continue its former business and to circulate its old notes. Con- gress, the year previous, passed an act to make this offense — called^ "exhumer and resurrectionist of de- funct notes" — punishable with fine and imprisonment. The Bank had denounced the attempt of the Admin- istration to substitute specie for paper currency, as "humbug," "an experiment," and " tampering with the currency." Senator Benton claimed that this " experiment," by creating a demand for specie, had caused it to flow into the country during the six pre- ceding years to the amount of $80,000,000. 1840. June 30. The Independent Treasury Bill was passed. This act has been called the ''crowning mercy of Van Buren's Administration." 1841. The frequent anti-slavery petitions which were poured in upon Congress, gave a new and alarming aspect to the slavery agitation in the country. 152 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. VII. POLITICAL PARTIES. Three parties prepared to enter the contest of 1840. 1. The Abolition party met at Warsaw, N. Y., November 13, 1839, and adopted the following de- claration : Eesolved, That, in our judgment, every consideration of duty and expediency whiicli ought to control the action of Christian freemen, requires of the Aholitionists of the United States to organize a distinct and independent political party, embracing all the necessary means for nominating candidates for oflace and sustaining them by public suffrage. James G. Birney, of N. Y., and Francis J. Le- moyne, of Penn,, were then nominated. These both declined the candidature, but notwithstanding, 7,609 votes were cast for them in the Free States. 2. The Whig party met in National Convention at Harrisburg, December 4, 1839, and on the first ballot the vote stood: for Harrison, 149, Clay 90, Gen. Scott 16. Ballots had been repeatedly taken in committee for three days, but no candidate could be agreed upon, and it was left to the convention to make its own selection. John Tyler received a unani- mous nomination for the vice presidency. No plat- form was adopted. The Whig party claimed to be the supporter and representative of individual and national independence, of free suffrage, of progress and conservative measures; meaning by the latter term a policy proceeding directly from the real ma- jority as expressed through their lawful representa- tives. 3. The Democratic party held a National Con- vention at Baltimore, May 5, 1840, and unanimously named Van Buren for reelection, but made no choice for the vice presidency. They adopted the following platform ; MARTIN VAN BUREN. 153 1. Resolved, That the Federal QoTernment is one of limited powers, derived solely from the Constitution, and the grants of power shown therein ought to be etrictly construed by all the departments and agents of the government, and that it is inexpedient and dangerous to exercise doubtiul constitutional powers. 2. Resolved, That the Constitution does not confer upon the Gen- eral Government the power to commence or carry on a general system of internal improvement. 3. Resolved, That the Constitution does not confer authority upon the Federal Government, directly or indirectly, to assume the debts of the Fcveral States, contracted for local internal improvements or other purposes ; nor would such assumption bo just or expedient. 4. Resolved, That justice and sound policy forbid the Federal Gov- ernment to foster one branch of industry to the detriment of another, or to cherish the interest of one portion to the injury of another por- tion of our common country— that every citizen and every section of the country has a right to demand and insist upon an equality of rights and privileges, and to complete and ample protection of persons and property from domestic violence or foreign aggression. 5. Resolved, That it is the duty of every branch of the government to enforce and practice the most rigid economy in conducting our pub- lic affairs, and that no more revenue ought to be raised than is required to defray the necessary expenses of the government. 6. Resolved, That Congress has no power to charter a United States Bank, that we believe such an institution one of deadly hostility to the best interests of the country, dangerous to our republican institu- tions and the liberties of the people, and calculated to place the business of the country within the control of a concentrated money power, and above the laws and the will of the people. 7. Resolved, That Congress has no power, under the Constitution, to interfere with or control the domestic institutions of the several States; and that such States are the sole and proper judges of every- thing pertaining to their own affairs, not prohibited by the Constitu- tion; that all efforts, by abolitionists or others, made to induce Con- gress to interfere with questions of slavery, or to take incipient steps in relation thereto, are calculated to lead to the most alarming and dangerous consequences, and that all such efforts have an inevitable tendency to diminish the happiness of the people, and endanger the stability and permanence of the Union, and ought not to be counte- nanced by any friend to our Political Institutions. 8. Resolved, That the separation of the moneys of the government from banking institutions is indispeneible for the safety of the funds of the government and the rights of the people. 9. Re-olved, That the liberal principles embodied by Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence, and sanctioned in the Constitution, which makes ours the land of'liberty and the asylum of the oppressed of every nation, have ever been cardinal principles in the Democratic faith : and every attempt to abridge the present privilege of becoming citizens, and the owners of soil among us, ought to be resisted with the same spirit which swept the Alien and Sedition Laws from our statute book. The following preamble and resolution, which was adopted, will explain why no candidate for the vice presidency was selected ; 154 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Whereas, Several of tho States which hare nominated Martin Van Buron as a candidate for the presidency, Lave put in nomination dif- ferent individuals as candidates for vice president, tlius indicating a diversity of opinion as to the person best entitled to tho nomination; and whereas some of the said States are not represented in this conven- tion, therefore, jRt'soh-ed, That the Convention deem it expedient at the present time not to choose between the Individuals in nomination, but to leave the decision to their Kepublican follow-citizens in the several States, trusting that before tho eletion shall take place, their opinions will bo- corao so concentrated as to secure the choice of a vice president by tho Electoral College. The campaign of 1840 proved one of great vigor and unbounded enthusiasm. The opposition assailed the Administration, laying to its charge the financial disasters which had involved so many in ruin and bankruptcy. The war with the Florida Indians had been conducted with great extravagance, and was barren of important results. Van Buron was repre- sented as "a Northern man with Southern principles." On the other hand, it was asserted that Gen. Har- rison had lived in a loaj cabin. This fact was made to play an important part in the canvass, and log cabins were erected in the public parks of some of the wealthiest cities, ornamented with coon-skins, after the fashion of frontier huts, to show the comjjlete identification of the pai'ty with the common people and their interests. Monster meetings, covering many acres of ground, were held in many parts of the Union. Eloquence and song — ** Tippecanoe and Tyler too" — with, perhaps, a. little cider drinking, united to extol the merits of the Whig candidates. Gen. Harrison himself addressed an open-air meeting at Dayton, Ohio, estimated to number about 80,000 people. On this tide of popular favor, Harrison and Tyler were carried into office by an overwhelming majority. MARTIN VAN BURJ2N. 155 VIII. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. In regard to the financial prospects of the country, the President, in his last message, said, " the industry, enterprise, perseverance and economy of the Ameri- can people cannot fail to raise the whole country, at an early period, to a state of solid and enduring pros- perity, not subject to be again overthrown by the sus- pension of banks, or the explosion of a bloated credit system." The debt increased $4,833,988. Year Public Debt. Expenditures. Exports. Imports. 1837 1838 1839 1840 $1,878,223 4,857,660 11,983,737 5,125,077 $37,265,037 39,455,438 37,014,936 28,226,553 $117,419,370 108,486,616 121,088,416 132,085,930 $140,989,217 113,717,404 162,092.132 107,641,519 IX. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. England: Death of William IV., accession of Victoria, (Hanover separated from), June 20, 1837, Coronation, June 28 — Canadian rebellion suppressed by battle of Prescott, U. C, Nov. 17, 1838 ; penny postage, January 10 ; Marriage of Queen with Prince Albert, February 10 —Victoria's life attempted by Edward Oxford, June 10, 1840 ; Union of Upper and Lower Canada, February 10, 1841. France: War with Mexico declared July 12, 1838, concluded by Peace at Vera Cruz March 9, 1839 ; Louis Napoleon taken prisoner in an attempt with 50 followers to restore the Empire, near Boul- ogne, Aug. 6, and sentenced to imprisonment for life at Ham, Oct. 6 — Louis Phillipe's life attempted by Darmes Oct. 15, 1840. CHAPTER IX. THE ADMINISTRATION OF HARRISON AND TILER Whig, then Liberal, and finally/ Democratic, to 1845. I. CABINET. PRESIDENTS. 1841. William Henry Harrison, Ohio, (died April 4th, 1841.) 1841. John Tyler, Virginia. VICE PKESIDENT. 1841. John Tyler, Virginia. SECRETARIES OP STATE. 1841. Daniel Webster, Massachusetts. 1843. Hugh L. Legare, South Carolina. 1843. Abel P. Upshur, Virginia. 1844. John Nelson, Maryland. 1844. John C. Calhoun, South Carolina. SECRETARIES OP THE TREASURY. 1841. Thomas Ewing, Ohio. 1841. AYalter Forward, Pennsylvania. 1843. Caleb Cushing, Mass., (rejected by Senate.) 1843. John C. Spencer, New York. 1844. George M. Bibb, Kentucky. SECRETARIES OP WAR. 1841. John Bell, Tennessee. 1841. John McLean, Ohio, (declined.) 1841. John Ci Spencer, New York. 1843. James M. Porter, Pa. , (rejected by the Senate.) 1844. William Wilkins, Pennsylvania. WILLIAM H. HARRISON. 157 SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 1841. George E. Badger, North Carolina. 1841. Abel P. Upshur, Virginia. 1843. David Henshaw, Mass., (rejected by Senate.) 1844. Thomas W. Gilmer, Virginia. 1844. John Y. Mason, Virginia. POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 1841. Francis Granger, New York. 1841. Charles A. Wickliffe, Kentucky. ^ ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 1841. John J. Crittenden, Kentucky. 1841. Hugh S. Legare, South Carolina. 1844. John Nelson, Maryland. II. SENATOR ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO TEM- PORE OF THE SENATE. '1842. May, Willie P. Mangum, North Carolina. III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- TATIVES. XXVII. Congress, Kobert M. T. Hunter, Virginia. XXVIIT. " John AVhite, Kentucky. " John W. Jones, Virginia. *' George W. Hopkins, Virginia. V. THE FOURTEENTH ELECTION. Popular Vote . For President : Wm. H. Harri- son, 1,275,011; Martin Van Buren, 1,128,702; James G. Birney, 7,059. 158 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Electoral Vote : For President : Harrison, 234 ; Van Buren, 60. For Vice President : John Tyler, 234; Richard M. Johnson, 48; L. W. Tazewell, S. C, 11; James K; Polk, 1. Total, 294. Twenty- six States voted. V. POPULATION AND KEPRESENTATION. 1840. Whites, 14,195,695 ; Free Colored, 386,303 ; slaves, 2,487,455. Total, 17,069,453. The Ratio of Representation was fixed at 70,680 giving a membership of 233. VI. HISTORICAL RECORD. 1841. March 17. President Harrison issued a call for an extra session of Congress to convene May 31st. April 4. Sudden and unexpected death of Har- rison. April 6. Tyler was inaugurated President. He requested the Cabinet to remain as his own, and con- curred in the call for the extra session of Congress. April 6. The foundations of the Mormon temple were laid at Nauvoo, Illinois. April 10. The first number of the N. Y. Tribune, price one cent, a Whig paper, Horace Greeley Editor, was issued. May 31. Congress convened. Mr. Wise moved that the Rules of the last House be adopted for 10 days. John Quincy Adams amended, by inserting, '' except the 21st rule which is hereby rescinded." This rule, which excluded Abolition petitions, was JOHN TYLER. 159 now rescinded and the right of petition was gained, by a vote of 112 to 104. The Whig majority in the Senate numbered 7, in the House, 40. The Whigs hastened to undo the obnoxious measures which hith- erto had been ineffectually opposed. June 9. The Sub-Treasury Bill was repealed by the Senate. It passed the House August 9, and re- ceived without delay the President's signature. July 8. The ''Hour Rule" was adopted by the House. Clay attempted its introduction in the Sen- ate, but it was rejected as an effort to put a gag law upon the liberty of debate. August IG. The Bill to incorporate the ''Fiscal Bank of the United States " w^as vetoed by Tyler. September 9. The Bill to establish the "Fiscal corporation of the United States " was also vetoed by the President. September 11. It appearing that the President was dealing doubly with the Whig party, his entire Cab- inet, with the exception of Webster, resigned. The latter remained with the expectation that he could keep together '^ a Whig President, a Whig Congress, and a Whig people." The President's betrayal of his party "^vas loudly denounced all over the country, and the AVhig members of Congress at the close of the session held a meeting in which they resolved, " that all political connection between the President and the Whigs were at an end." The practice of "pairing votes" was first made common in the 27th Congress. Adams criticised it as a pernicious practice. 160 THE PRESIDENTS ANX» THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 1842. March 21. Joshua R. Giddings was censured for introduciug some resolutions in the House relating to slavery in connection with the affair of the ' ' Creole." He resigned his seat, but was immediately reelected. April 19. The Seminole War which had been waged for seven years with variable fortunes in 33 engagements, among the swamps and everglades of Florida, was now closed by the Battle of Pilaklikaha Big Hammock. The war cost the United States over $40,000,000. August 19. The northeast boundry between Can- ada and the United States was adjusted by Lord Ash- burton and Webster. 1843. June 17. Webster delivered an oration at the ded- ication of Bunker Hill Monument. The ' •' Dorr Rebellion " this year in Rhode Island grew out of an attempt to abolish the old constitution (of Charles II.) which limited the right of suffrage to property owners. The "Law and Order" party and the ''Suffrage" party, each elected its own set of State officers. The latter elected Thomas W. Dorr governor, who undertook to hold the State arsenal, but after two efforts in this direction. Dorr was over- powered by the United States troops, arrested, tried for treason and condemned to imprisonment for life. He was pardoned in 1845. The "Law and Order" party yielded, and a short time afterwards, a new con- stitution was peaceably secured. JOHN TYLER. 161 1844. February 28. Secretaries Upshur and Gilmer were killed by the bursting of a big gun on the steamer Princeton, while making a pleasure trip on the Poto- mac. Many others of the pleasure party were seri- ously injured. April 12. Secretary Calhoun made a treaty for the annexation of Texas, but it was rejected by the Senate. Texas had been settled by adventurers from the States, mainly, as it is believed, with a view to annexation and a more extended field for the spread of slavery. Its annexation was considered essential as *'a new make-w^eight in Mr. Calhoun's scheme of a perpetual balance of power between the free and the slave States." July 4. Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, was shot by a mob while in jail at Nauvoo. During this year Professor Morse's invention of the electric telegraph was successfully tested on a wire of forty miles length between Washington and Balti- more. He had first asked an appropriation from Con- gress in 1838, but was steadily refused until the last day of the session of 1843, when it was voted to grant him $30,000 for the purposes of experiment. 1845. March 2. The bill to annex Texas finally passed, and on the last day of Tyler's term, it received his signature. March 3. Iowa and Florida admitted as States. 11 162 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. VII. POLITICAL PARTIES. The hope of "Whig domination was frustrated by the death of Harrison and the defection of Tyler. The annexation of Texas was prepared with special reference to the election of 1844, and had two direct objects in view ; 1, To defeat the nomination of Van Buren in the Democratic Convention, he being at the time the popular choice of his party, and to open the door to Calhoun ; and 2, To defeat Clay before the people. The plan in its direct aims succeeded, but it failed to elevate Calhoun to the fulfillment of his life-long aspirations. For some reasons, Calhoun re- fused to submit his name to the Democratic Conven- tion, and in a political address to his friends, he pro- nounced the convention system, as then conducted, a hundred times worse than the caucus system which it had displaced. Three parties entered the field. 1. The Liberty party met in National convention at Buffalo, Aug. 30, 1843, and designated James G. Birney and Thomas Morris, of Ohio, as the candidates. The party polled enough votes to hold the balance of power in Michigan and New York. The following avowal of principles was adopted : Resolved, That human brotherhood is a cardinal principle of true Democracy, as well as of pure Christianity, which spurns all inconsist- ent limitations ; and neither the political party which repudiates it, nor the political system which is not based upon it, can be truly Demo- cratic or permanent. Resolved, That the Liberty Party, placing itself upon this broad principle, will demand the absolute and unqualified divorce of the General Government from slavery, and also the restoration of equality of rights among men, in every State where the party exists, or may exist. Resolved, That the Liberty Party has not been organized for any temporary purpose by interested politicir.us, but has arisen from among the people in consequence of a conviction, hourly gaining ground, that no other party in the country represents the true princi- pies of American liberty, or the true spirit of the Constitution of the United States. JOHN TYLER. 163 J^eeolved, That the Liberty Party has not been organized merely for the overthrow of slavery; its first decided effort must, indeed, be directed afraicst elaveholdiug aa the grosseRt and most revolting manifestation of despotism, but it ■will also carry out the principle of equal rights into all its practical consequences and applications, and support every just measure conducive to individual and social freedom, Resolved, That the Liberty Party is not a sectional party Dut a na- tional party ; was not originated in a desire to accomplish a single ob- ject, but in a comprehensive regard to the great interests of the whole country ; is not a new party, ncr a thjrd party, but is the party of 177G, reviving the principles of that memorablo era, and striving to carry them into practical application. lietolved. That it was understood in tho times of the Declaration and tho C'^nstitution, that the existence of slavery in some of tho States, was iu derogation of the principles of American Liberty, and a deep stain upon the character of the country, and the implied faith of the States and the Nation was pledged, that slavery fihould never be ex- tended bejond its then exinting limits, but should be gradually, and yet, at no distant day, wholly abolished by State authority. Resolved^ That the faith of the States and the Nation thus pledged, was most nobly redeemed by the voluntary abolition of slavery in sev- eral of tho States, and by the adoption of the Ordinance of 1787, for the government of the Territory north-west of tho river Ohio, then the only Territory in tho United States, and consequently the only Terri- tory subject in this respect to the control of Congress, by which ordi- nance slavery was forever excluded from the vast regions which now compose the State s of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and the Terri- tory of Wiscon-in, and an incapacity to bear up any other than free- men, was impressed on the soil itself. Resolved, That the faith of the States and Nation thus pledged, has been shamefully violated by the omission on tho part of many of the States, to talie any measures whatever for the abolition of slavery within their respective limits; by tho continuance of slavery in the District of Columbia, and in the Territories of Louisiana and Florida; by the legislation of Congress ; by the protection afforded by national legislation and negotiation to slavcholding in American vessels, on the high seas, employed in tho coastwise Slave Traffic ; and by tho exten- sion of slavery far beyond its original limits, by acts of Congress, ad- mitting new Slave States into the Union. Resolved, That the fundamental truths of the Declaration of Inde- pendence, that all men are endowed by their Creator with certain in- alienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of hap- piness, was made the fundamental law of our National Government, by that amendment of the Constitution which declares that no person shall bo deprived cf life, liberty or i)roperty, without due process of law. Resolved, That we recognize as sound, the doctrine maintained by slavcholding jurists, that slavery is against natural rights, and strictly local, and that its existence and continuance rests on no other support than State legislation, and not on any authority of Congress. Resolved, That the General Government has, under tho Constitution* no power to establish or continue slavery anywhere, and tht reforo that all treaties and acts of Congress establishing, continuing or favoring slavery in the District of Columbia, in the Territory of I'lorida, or on the high sea?, are unconstitutional, and aU attempts to hold men as property within tho limits of exclusive national jurisdiction, ought to be prohibited by law. Resolved, That the provision of the Constitution of th* United States which confers extraordinary political powers on the owners of slaves, and thereby constituting the two hundred and fifty thousand slave- 164 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. holders in the Slave States a privileged aristocracy ; and the provision for the reclamation of fugitive slaves from service, are Anti-Kepublicau in their character, dangerous to the liberties of the people, and ought to be abrogated. Resolved, That the practical operation of the second of these provis- ions, is seen in the enactment of the act of Congress respecting per- sons escaping from their masters, which act, if the construction given to it by the Supreme Court of the United States in the case of i'rigg vs. Pennsylvania bo correct, nullifies the habeas corpus acts of all the States, takes away the whole legal security of personal freedom, and ought, therefore to be immediately repealed. Resolved, That the peculiar patronage and support hitherto es- tended to slavery and slaveholding, by the General Government, ousht to be immediately withdrawn, and the example and inHuence of Na- tional authority ought to be arrayed on the side of Liberty and Free Labor. Resolved, That the practice of the General Government, which pre- vails in the Slave States, of employing slaves upon the public works, instead of free laborers, and paying aristocratic masters, with a view to secure or reward political services, is utterly indefensible and ought to be abandoned. Resolved, That freedom of speech, and of the press, and the right of petition, and the right of trial by jury, are sacred and inviolable ; and that all rules, regulations and laws, in derogation of either are oppress- ive, unconstitutional, and not to be endured by free people. Resolved, That we regard voting, in an eminent degree, as a moral and religious dutj', which, when exercised, should bo by voting for those who will do all in their power for Immediate Emancipation. Eesohed, That this Convention recommend to the friends of Liberty in all those Free States where any inequality of rights and privileges exists on account of color, to employ their utmost energies to remove all such remnants and effects of the Slave system. Whereas, The Constitution of these United States !s a series of agreements, covenants or contracts between the people of the United States, each with all and all with each ; and. Whereas, It is a principle of universal morality, that the moral laws of the Creator are paramount to all human laws ; or in the lan- guage of an Apostle, that " we ought to obey God rather than men ; " and. Whereas, The principle of common law — that any contract, cove- nant, or agreement, to do an act derogatory to natural right, is vitiated and annulled by its inherent immorality— has been recognized by one of the justices of the Supremo Court of the United States, who in a recent case expressly holds that "any contract that rests upon such a basis is void; " and, WTiereas, The third clause of the second section of the fourth article of the Constitution of the United States, when construed as providing for the surrender of a Fugitive Slave, does " rest upon such a basis," in that it is a contract to rob a man of a natural right—namely, his natural right to his own liberty ; and is, therefore, absolutely void. Therefore, Resolved, That we hereby give it to be distinctly understood by this nation and the world, that, as abolitionists, considering that the strength of our cause lies in its righteousness, and our hope for it in our conformity to the laws of God, and our respect for the eights OF MAN, we owe it to the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, as a proof of our allegiance to Him, in all our civil relations and offices, whether as private citizens or public functionarioa sworn to support the Constitu- JOHN TYLER. 165 tion of the United States, to regard and to treat the third clause of the fourth article of that instrument, whenever applied to the case of a fu- gitive slave, aa utterly null and void, and consequently as forming no part of the Constitution of the United States, whenever we are called upon or sworn to support it. Fesolved, That the power given to Congress by the Constitution, to provide for calling out tho militia to suppress insurrection, does not raako it tho duty of the Government to maintain Slavery by military force, much less does it make it the duty of tho citizens to form a part of such military force. When freemen unsheath the sword it should be to strike for Liberty, not for Despotism. Resolved, That to preserve the peace of the citizens, and secure the bles8ingi3 of freedom, tho Legislature of each of the Free States ought to keep in force suitablo statutes rendering it penal for any of its in- habitants to transport, or aid in transporting from such State, any person sought to bo thua transported, merely because subject to the slave laws of any other State ; this remnant of independence being ac- corded to tho Free States by the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Prigg vs. the State of Pennsylvania. 2. The Whig Party assembled in National Con- vention at Baltimore, May 1, 1844, and nominated Clay by acclamation, and Frelinghuysen, of New Jersey, on the third ballot. The ten thousands who were present went to their homes with the greatest enthusiasm and the utmost confidence, that Clay would at last be elected to the presidency The fol- lowing brief platform, expressive of the party prin- ciples, was adopted : Resolved, That these principles may be summed as compriaing a well regulated National currency— a tariif for revenue to defray the neces- sary expenses of tho Government, and discriminating with special reference to tho Protection of tho Domestic Labor of the country— the Distribution of the proceeds from the sales of tho Public Lands— a single term for the Presidency— a reform of executive usurpations— and generally such an administration of the affairs of tho country, as shall impart to every branch of the public service the greatest practical eCSciency, controlled by a well-regulated and wise economy. 3. The Democratic National Convention con- vened at Baltimore, May 27, 1844, and nominated James K. Polk and Silas Wright for Standard bearers. Van Buren was the choice of a majority for presidential candidate, but the two-thirds rule being in force, the minority triumphed, and he was withdrawn after the 8th ballot. Mr. Wright declin- 166 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. ing tlie nomination, George M. Dallas was subse- quently substituted. They re-affirmed the platform of 1840, with the following additions : 10. Resolved, That the proceeds of the Public Lands ought to be facredly applied to the national objecta epecified in the Constitu- tion, and that wo are opposed to the laws lately adopted, and to any law for the Distribution of such proceeds among the States, aa alike inexpedient in policy and repugnant to the Constitution. 11. Resolved, That we are decidedly opposed to taking from the President the qualified veto power by which he la enabled, tinder re- strictions and responsibilities amply sufficient to guard the public in- terest, to suspend the passage of a bill, whose merits cannot secure the approval of two-third3 of the Senate and House of Representatives, until the judgment of the people can be obtained thereon, and which has thrice saved the American People from the corrupt and tyranical domination of the Bank of the United States. 12. Resolved, That our title to the whole of the Territory of Oregon is clear and unquestionable; that no portion of the same ought to be ceded to England or any other power ; and that the reoccupation of Oregon and the reannexation of Texas at the earliest practicable period are great American measures, which this Convention recommends to the cordial support of the Democracy of the Union. A combination of office-holders, which did not merit the name of a party, nominated Tyler for reelection. President Tyler accepted the compliment, but the movement lacking popular support, he withdrew from the canvass. Thus did the attempt of the administra- tion to form a Tyler party prove abortive, and the President was alike rejected politically by both the Whigs and the Democrats. YIII. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. A deficit of $14,000,000 was reported in the Trea- sury in 1843. The result of three measures: 1; The Compromise Tariff Act of 1833 ; 2, The distri- bution of surplus revenue in 1837; and 8, The sur- render of the land revenue to the States. JOHN TYLER, 167 Tear. Public Debt. Expenditures. Exports. Imports. 1841 1842 1843 1844 $ 6,737,498 15.028,486 27,203,450 24,748.188 $31,787,.530 32,936,876 12,118,105 33,642,010 $121,851,803 104,691,531 84,346,480 111,200,046 §127,946,177 100,152,087 64,753,799 108,435,035 XI. OUTLINE OF CONCTTKEENT EVENTS. England : Attack on Canton abandoned and ran- som of $6,000,000 was paid by the Chinese, May 30, 1841 ; Protestant Bishopric of Jerusalem (including Syiia, Chald^a, Egypt and Abysinia) was formed under the protectorate of Great Britian and Prussia and Rev. S. M. Alexander consecrated first Bishop, Nov. 7, 1841 ; Treaty of Nankin with China, Aug. 29, 1842; Free Church Established in Scotland, May 18, 1843; Independence of the Sandwich Islands guaranteed by England and France in treaty of Lon- don, Nov. 28, 1843 ; commercial panic 1843 ; Pur- chase of Danish India possessions, Feb. 22, 1845. Scandenavia : (Denmark and Sweden, independent Sovereignties, with Norway foot ball between them — Norway declared her independence May 17, 1814 and elected Christian Frederick King, but was forcibly annexed to Sweden, guaranteed a free constitutional government, and elected the King of Sweden Viceroy with power of veto ; Titles of Nobility abolished and vetoed 1815, passed and vetoed again in 1818, and became law by thu'd passage in 1821.) Death of Charles John XIV., King of Sweden, and accession of Oscar (son), March 8, 1844. CHAPTER X. THE ADMIMSTRATION OF JAMES K. POLK. Democratic. One Term, 1845 to 1849. I. CABINET. PRESIDENT. 1845. James K. Polk, Tennessee* VICE PRESIDENT. 1845. George M. Dallas, Pennsylvania. SECBETARY OF STATE. 1845. James Buchnanan, Pennsylvania. SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. 1845. Robert J. Walker, Mississippi. SECRETARY OF WAR. 1845. William L. Marcy, New York. SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 1845. George Bancroft, Massachusetts. 1846. John Y. Mason, Virginia. POSTMASTER GENERAL. 1845. Cave Johnson, Tennessee. ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 1845. John Y. Mason, Virginia. 1846. Nathan Clifford, Maine. 1848. Isaac Toucey, Connecticut. II. SENATOR ELECTED PRESIDENT PEG TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 1846. David R. Atchinson, Missouri. JAMES K. POLK. 169 III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- TATIVES. XXIX. Congress, John "VY. Davis, Indiana. XXX. " Kobert C. Winthrop, Massachu- setts. Armisted Burt, South Carolina. IV. THE FIFTEENTH ELECTION. Popular vote: For President, James K. Polk, 1,337,243 ; Henry Clay, 1,299,062 ; James G. Bir- ney, 62,300. Electoral vote : For President, Polk, 170 ; Clay, 105. For Vice President, George M. Dallas, 170; Theodore Frelinghuysen, New Jersey, 105. Total, 275. Twenty-six States voted. V. HISTORICAL RECORD. 1845. March 4. The President in his inaugural address committed himself to the policy of Tyler with refer- ence to Texas, when he said, ''It is confidently be- lieved that our system of annexation may be safely extended to the utmost bounds of our territorial lim- its ; and that, as it shall be extended, the bonds of our Union, so far from being weakened, will become stronger." June 4. Mexico declared war against the United States. The direct cause was the annexation of Texas, while in a state of revolt. It was an efibrt to lengthen the. Southern lever and increase the slave power. 170 THE PRESIDENTS AND- THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Mr. Benton subsequently, in a speech before the Sen- ate and in the hearing of Calhoun, charged him -with ])eing the author of the war. The Whigs opposed the Mexican war, as long as there was any hope of averting it, on the ground that the declaration of war by the President contained a false statement of the origin of the difficulties. In the documents of the President it was repeatedly asserted that Mexico had begun the war by invading our territory and shedding the blood of our citizens on our own soil. July 4. The Legislature of Texas accejDted the conditions of annexation. December 27. Texas, the tTwenty-eighth State, admitted to the Union. 1846. January 13. Gen. Taylor was ordered to advance to the Eio Grande. Texas having been annexed, it became a duty to defend her from foreign aggressions. February 3. Brigham Young was elected " Seer" on the assassination of Jos. Smith. Being persecuted by their neighbors, the Mormons set out from Nauvoo for Utah on an Exodus of a thousand miles. April 26. A band of Mexicans crossed the Rio Grande, surprised a small body of dragoons, and either killed or captured the entire number. This was the beginning of bloodshed. May 11. Mexico considered the occupation of Texas by a United States army, an invasion of Mex- ican territory. The United States regarded Texas as a part of the Union to be protected and defended. Accordingly, when it was announced at Washington, JAMES K. POLK. 171 that blood had been shed upon American soil, the most intense excitement was produced. Congress im- mediately declared war and voted to raise an army of 80,000 volunteers and appropriated $10,000,000 for its equipment. It was confidently believed, that the war would be over in 90 or 120 days. An intrigue was secretly begun the same day with Santa Anna, who was then an exile in Havanna, for the purchase of peace and the annexation of Texas. In further- ance of this plan, he was permitted to return to Mex- ico through our lines, and it was understood he should receive $2,000,000 with which to secure this result. But strange to relate, Santa Anna was no sooner safely within the Mexican Capitol, and holding once more the reins of power firmly in his grasp, than he became the fiercest spirit for war, the ablest leader in conducting it, and almost the sole obstacle to its speedy termination. The plan of operations for the conduct of the war at the outset, consisted in occupying the disputed ter- ritory, but at the close of the year this was aban- doned, and a more active policy substituted. It was then determined to send Gen. Scott with nine regi- ments for the capture of Mexico itself. This new plan proved very efiective. The "Army of Occu- pation," commanded by Gen. Taylor, continued its operations along the Rio Grande, and completely pro- tected the annexed territory; the ''Army of the West," led by Gen. Kearney, pushed its way unob- structed into New Mexico and California ; while the " Army of the Centre," under Gen. Scott marched triumphantly from Vera Cruz to Chapultepec. Thus 172 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. in a series of brilliant and uninterrupted victories was achieved the peace and annexation, which intrigue and money had failed to purchase. June 12. A treaty was formed with' Great Brit- ain, fixing the northwestern boundry of Oregon at 49°, and stipulating to both parties the free naviga- tion of the Columbia Eiver. Considerable trouble had been occasioned by the joint occupancy of Oregon, and the British claim to right of territory. By the convention of 1818, the joint occupancy was limited to 10 years, and in 1828, it was extended indefinitely until notice of termination should be given. Our right to the territory rested upon : 1st, The discovery of the Columbia by Capt. Gray ; 2d, The purchase of Louisiana in 1803 ; 3rd, The complete exploration of the Columbia by Clark and Lewis in 1805 ; 4th, The settlement at Astoria in 1811 ; and 5th, The Spanish treaty of 1819-21. Thus our claim, based on priority of discovery, reinforced by the French and Spanish cessions, was admitted, and all farther dispute amicably settled. July 5, Capt. Fremont declared the independence of California. August 10. An ineffectual attempt was made to pass the Wilmot proviso for the prohibition of slavery from all territory to be acquired from Mexico. August 26. New Mexico was taken by Gen. Kearney without a single blow, the Spanish officials having been bribed to make only a show of resistance. In January of the following year, the Mexicans at- tempted to retake New Mexico, but accomplished JAMES K. POLK. 1Y3 nothing beyond the massacre of some American resi- dents. December 28. Iowa, the 29th State was admitted. 1847. August 12i The bill to organize Oregon as a ter- ritory with the prohibition of slavery was finally passed. 1848. February. During this month, gold was acciden- tally discovered in a mill race in California. The news spread like wild fire, and adventurers rushed thither from all parts of the world. February 2. Santa Anna having been expelled, the republican party in Mexico readily consented to make peace. A treaty was formed at Guadalupe Hidalgo between the Mexican Congress and Ameri- can Commissioners, by which, the independence of Texas — running its western boundary along the lower Rio Grande del Norte from El Paso to its mouth — and the cession of New Mexico and Upper California, were stipulated. For this exchange the United States agreed to pay $15,000,000 to Mexico, and assume claims in the sum of $3,500,000 due from Mexico to certain citizens of the United States. February 23. John Quincy Adams being stricken with paralysis, expired February 23, while in the House of Representatives. ' ' This is the last of earth, I am content" — his dying words. May 29. Wisconsin, the thirtieth State, admitted. July 4. President Polk proclaimed peace, the Mexican treaty having been ratified by Congress. L 174 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. An offer of a $100,000,000 for the Island of Cuba, which President Polk directed our minister at Spain to make, was rejected. 1849. March 3. The Department of the Interior was created. This administration was an active one. It was characterized by a split in the Democratic ranks. "The Globe," the old administration paper, became obnoxious to Calhoun, and a plan for supplanting it was instituted. It is supposed that Polk, for aiding this change, received the electoral vote of South Car- olina. The $50,000, with which the " Daily Union" was started, came, it has been ascertained, by a cir- cuitous route from the U, S. Treasury, The Presi- dent also widened a political breach between the friends of Gov. Wright (by whose aid he carried the State of New York) and William L. Marcy. VI. BATTLES OF THE MEXICAN WAK. 1846. May 3. Fort Brown, on the Kio Grande, was bom- barded from Metamoras, on the opposite side, during 160 hours, v/hen it was relieved by Gen. Taylor. Major Brown, in command of the post, was mortally wounded. May 8. Palo Alto. The Mexicans, 6,000 strong, under Gen. Arista, were worsted by Gen. Taylor with 2,000 men in a five hours contest* Am. loss, 53 killed and wounded ; Mexican, about 600. May 9. Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor again JAMES K. rOLK. 175 defeated Gen. Arista in a shorter but more sanguin- ary battle. Am. loss, 110 killed and wounded; Mexican, 1,000 killed and wounded, and 100 taken prisoners. September 21. Monterey. Taylor, with 6^000 men began the siege of this town, which was defended by Gen. Ampudia, with 9,000 Mexicans, and took the entire garrison on the 24th. Am. loss, 561 killed and wounded; Mexican, 1,000 killed and wounded, the balance taken prisoners. December 25. Bracito. Col. Doniphan, at the head of a thousand Missouri men, in his remarkable march through the enemy's country of a thousand miles, celebrated Christmas by crossing this river in the face of a superior force. 1847. January 8, San Gabriel ; January 9, The Mesa ; January 23, Encarnacion ; and January 24, Canada. February 22, 23. Buena Vista. Taylor, with 5,000 men, had a fierce conflict with Santa Anna at the head of 20,000 men at this place, near the Luis Potosi. The Mexicans retreated, leaving over 500 dead on the field of battle, and losing about 2,000 men besides. Am. loss, 23 missing, 456 wounded, and 267 killed. February 28. The Pass of Sacramento. Col. Doniphan took possession of Chihuahua, and contin- ued his march until he reinforced Gen. Taylor in the month of May. March 9. Vera Cruz. Gen. Scott landed at Vera Cruz with 13,000 men, and with the aid of Com. 176 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Conner, commenced the investment of the city. He opened a brisk cannonade June 18, which was contin- ued until the 27th, when the garrison capitulated; 5,000 were taken prisoners with 500 pieces of artillery. April 2. Alvarado. April 18. Cerro Gordo. Scott on his way to the Capitol with 8,500 men encountered 15,000 men under Santa Anna at this difficult mountain pass, but gained the position in a hot and short action. Am. loss, 431 killed and wounded; Mexican, 1,000 killed, 3,000 prisoners, 43 pieces of cannon, 5,000 stand of arms, and all their munitions of war. April 18. Tuspan surrendered. August 20. ContreraSi Scott, in his victorious march to the Capitol made an impetuous night attack upon the strongly fortified camp held by 6,000 men under Gen. Valencia, and carried it in a 17 minute action, capturing 3,0C0 men, 80 officers and 35 pieces of cannon. August 20. San Antonio captured by Gen. Worth. ' August 20. Cherubusco, (four miles northeast of Contreras, near Mexico.) Santa Anna ineffectually endeavored to relieve Cherubusco with his army of 12,000 men, but was compelled by Scott, to fall back on the city. Gen's. AYorth, Pillow and Twiggs, each capturing one of the defenses of these heights, the enemy sent a flag of truce and was granted a three days' armistice preparatory to peace, but the time was treacherously used for warlike preparations. September 8. El Molino del Key (the King's Mills), Scott here engaged the entire Mexican Army close to the city and at first was repulsed, but shortJy JAMES K. rOLK. 1Y7 afterwards renewing the conflict gained the day. A brilliant achievement, 14,000 Mexicans driven from their fortifications by 4,000 Americans! The Mexi- cans left a thousand dead on the field. Am. loss, 800 killed and wounded. September 12-14. Chapultepec (a fortress on a rocky eminence 150 feet high and the location of the Mexican Military School.) Gen. Scott, on the 12th, directed a heavy bombardment against the last citadel and only hope of Mexico, and carried it by a furious and deadly assault on the 13th, and the next morning at 7 o'clock the stars and stripes waved proudly from tlie National Palace of Mexico. September 15 — October 13. Siege of Puebla foi 28 days. At this place in the mountain fastnesses of the Cordilleras, Col. Childs had been left in charge of our invalids and wounded. Here Santa Anna, as he fled with the remnant of the Mexican army, sud- denly appeared and- undertook its capture. Fortu- nately Gen. Lane, who was proceeding v/ith reinforce- ments for Gen. Scott, having met and defeated Santa Anna at Huamantla, Oct. 9th, advanced just in time to relieve Col. Childs on the 13th. October 18. Atlixco. A skirmish at this place closed the Mexican war,* and Santa Anna fled a hope- less fuo-itive towards the Gulf coast. -Duration of hostilities from the defense of Fort Brown to Atlixco, one year, five months, and fifteen days ; from first bloodshed to treaty of peace, one year, nine months and four days. It was determined at the outset to adopt the Fabian policy, and General Taylor was 6ent to Texas with an "army of occupation ;" but when it was remembered that the Spaniards could beat the world on "masterly inactivity," (as had been shown in wars with the Moors), the plan was modified, and General Scott was sent to storm tho walls of Mexico and capture peace and autexation. 12 178 THE TRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. VII. POLITICAL PAHTIES. Ill the election of 1848, three parties contended for the honor and advantage of giving a president to the United States. 1 . The Democratic party met at Baltimore, May 22, 1848. As New York sent two delegations, ("Barnburners" for Van Buren, and "Hunkers" for Dickinson), the convention decided to admit both factions, but this plan satisfied neither, and both re- fused to participate in the deliberations. The con- vention then organized, confirmed the two-thirds rule, and nominated Gen. Cass, on the fourth ballot, for President, and Gen. Butler unanimously on the third for Vice President. They adopted the follow- ing platform : 1. Besolved, That the American Democracy place their trust in the intelligence, the patriotism, and the discriminating justice of the American people. 2. ResoU-ed, That we regard this as a distinctive feature of cur political creed, which wo aro proud to maintain before the world, as the great moral element in a form of government springing from and upheld by the popular will; and we contrast it with the creed and practice of federalism, under whatever name or form, which seeks to palsy the will of the constituent, and which conceives no imposture too monstrous for the popular credulity. 3. Resolved, Therefore, that, entertaining these views, the Demo- cratic party of this Union, through the delegates assembled in general convention of the States, coming together in a spirit of concord, of devotion to the doctrines and faith of a free representative government, and appealing to their fellow-citizens for the rectitude of theii' inten- tions, lenew and reassert before the American people, the declaration of principles avowed by them, on a former occasion, when in general convention, they presented their candidates for the popular sufl'rago. Resolutions 1, 2, 3 and 4, on page 153, were re- aflirmed. 8. Resolved, That it is the duty of every branch of the government to enforce and practice the most rigid economy in conducting our public affairs, and that no more revenue ought to be raised than is re- quired to defray the necessary expenses of the government, and for the gradual but certain extinction of the debt created by the prosecution of a just and necessary war, after peaceful relations shall have been restored. JAMES K. POLK. 179 The 5th, on page 153, was enlarged by the follow- ing addition : And tLat tLe reaults of Democratic LegiBlAtion, in this and all other finanicial measurea upon which iBBues have been made between the two political parties of the country, have demonstrated to candid and practical men of all parties, their Boundness, safety and utility in all business pursuits. Also resolutions 7, 8 and 0, on page 153, were here inserted. 1.3. Ee$ohed^ That the proceeds of the Public Lands ought to ba eacredly applied to the National objects specified in the Uonstitution ; and that we are opposed to any law for the distribution of such pro- ceeds among the States as alike inexpedient in policy and repugnant to the Constitution. 14. Kesohed, That we are decidedly opposed to taking from the Presi- dent the qualified veto power, by which he is enabled, under restric- tions and responsibilites amply sufficient to iruard the public Interests, to Kuspend the passage of a bill whose merits cannot secure the ap- proval of two-thirds of the Senate and Uouse of Eepresentatives until the judgment of the people can be obtained thereon, and which has saved the American people from the corrupt and tyranical domination of the Bank of the United States, and from a corrupting system of general internal improvements. 15. lieiohed, That the war with Mexico, provoked on her part, by years of insult and injury, was commenced by her army crossing the liio Grande, attacking the Amf-rican troops and Invading our sister State of Texas, and that upon all the principles of patriotism and the Laws of Nations, it is a just and necessary war on our part, in which every American citizen should have shown himself on the side of his Country, and neither morally nor physically, by word or by deed, have given " aid and comfort to the enemy."' 16. liesohed. That we would be rejoiced at the asBurances of a peace with Mexico, founded on the just principles of indemnity for the past and security for the future ; but that while the ratification of the lib- eral treaty offered to Mexico remains in doubt, it is the duty of the country to sustain the administration and to sustain the country in every measure necessary to provide for the Tigorous prosecution of the war, should that treaty be rejected. 17. Betohed, That the officers and soldiers who have carried the arms of their country into Mexico, have crowned it with imperishable glory. Their unconquerable courage, their daring enterprize, their unfaltering perseverance and fortitude when assailed on all sides by innumerable foes and that more formidable enemy— the diseases of the climate— exalt their devoted patriotism into the highest herosim, and give them a right to the profound gratitude of their country, and the admiration of the world. 18. RenrAved, That the Democratic National Convention of thirty States composing the American Republic tender their fraternal con- gratulations to the National Convention of the Kepublic of France, now assembled as the free-suffrage Eepresentative of the Sovereignty of thirty-five millions of Republicans to establish government on those eternal principles of equal rights for which their Lafayette and our Washington fought side by side in the struggle for our National Independence; and we would especially convey tj them and to th» 1»U THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. whole people of France, our earnest wishes for the consolidation of their liberties, through the wisdom that shall guide their councils, on the basis of a Democratic Constitution, not derived from the grants or concessions of kings or dynasties, but originating from the only trno Bource of political power recognized in the States of this Union ; the inherent and inalienable right of the people, in their sovereign ca- pacity, to make and to amend their forms of government in such man- ner as the welfare of the community may require. 19. Resolved, That the recent development of this grand political truth, of the sovereignty of the people and their capacity and power for self-government, which is prostrating thrones and erecting Repub- lics on the ruins of despotism in the old world, we feel that a high and Bacred duty is devolved, with increased responsibility, upon the Demo- cratic party of this country, as the party of the people, to sustain and advance among us Constitutional Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, by continuing to resist all monopolies and exclusive legislation for the benefit of the few at the expense of the many, and by a vigilant and constant adherence to those principles and compromises of the Consti- tution which are broad enough and strong enough to embrace and up- hold the Union as it was, the Union as it is, and the Union as it shall bo in the full expansion of the energies and capacity of this great and progressive people. 20. Eesolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded through the American Minister at Paris, to the National Convention of the Re- public of France. 21. ResoU-ed^ That the fruits of the great political triumph of 18i4, which elected James K. Polk and George M. Dallas President and Vice President of the United States, have fulfilled the hopes of the Democ- racy of the Union in defeating the declared purposes of their opponents in creating a National Bank, in preventing the corrupt and unconsti- tutional distribution of the Land Proceeds from the common treasury of the Union for local purposes, in protecting the Currency and Labor of the country from ruinous fluctuations; and guarding the money of the country for the use of the people by the establishment of the Consti- tutional treasury ; in the noble impulse given to the cause of Free Trade by the repeal of the traiff of '42, and the creation of the more equal, honest and productive tariff of 1846; and that, in our opinion, it would be a fatal error to weaken the bands of a political organiza- tion by which these great reforms have been achieved, and risk them in the hands of their known adversaries, with whatever delusive ap- peals they may solicit our surrender of that vigilance which is the only safeguard of liberty. 22. Eesolved, That the confidence of the Democracy of the Union, in the principles, capacity, firmness and integrity of James K. Polk, manifested by his nomination and election in 1844, has been signally justified by the strictness of his adherence to sound Democratic doc- trines, by the purity of purpose, the energy and ability which have characterized his administration in all our afi'aira at home and abroad ; that we tender to him our cordial congratulations upon the brilliant success which has hitherto crowned his patriotic efforts, and assure him in advance, that at the expiration of his presidential term, he will carry with him to his retirement, the esteem, respect, and admiration of a grateful country. 23. Resolved, That this Convention hereby present to the people of the United States, Lewis Cass, of Michigan, as the candidate of the Democratic party for the office of President, and William 0. Butier, of Kentucky, for Vice President of the United States. 2. The Whisj National Convention was held at JAMES K. POLK. 181 Philadelphia, June 7, 1848, and nominated on the 4th ballot, Gen. Zachary Taylor, and on the 2d, Millard Fillmore as its candidates. The motion to proceed to ballot for candidates for president and Yice president was amended as follows, by Lewis D. Campbell, of Ohio, but the amendment did not prevail : J\esoIvecl, That no candidate shall be entitled to receive the nomina- tion of this convention for president or vice president, unless he has given assurances that ho will abide by and support tho nomination ; that if nominated he will accept the nomination ; that he will consider himself tho candidate of the Whigs, and use all proper influence to bring into practical operation the principles and measures of the Whig Party. Mr. Fuller, of New York, then offered the follow- ing resolution, which was likewise tabled : Hesolved, That as the first duty of representatives of the Whig Party is to preserve the principles and integrity of tho party, the claims of no candidate can be considered by this convention unless such candidate stands pledged to support, in good faith, the nomi- nees, and to be the exponent of Whig Principles. The Convention then proceeded to ballot for Presi- dent. After Gen. Taylor's selection Charles Allen, of Massachusetts, moved the following resolution, which the President (John M. Morehead, of N. C.) immediately declared out of order : H^esolvecl, That the Whig Party, through its representatives, here, agrees to abide by tho nomination of Gen. Zachary Taylor, on condi- tion that he will accept tho nomination as the candidate of tho Whig Party, and adhere to its great fundamental principles— no extension of elave territory by conquest— protection to American industry, and op- position to executive usurpation. When the Covention had nominated the Vice Presi- dent, the following motion was made by Mr. McCul- lough, of New Jersey, which was also ruled out of order : Resohed, That Gen. Zachary Taylor, of Louisiana, and Millard Fill- more, of New York, be, and they are hereby unanimously nominated as the Whig candidates for President and Vice President of the United States. ]Mr. R. D. Tilden, of Ohio, in moving a resolution 182 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. added that something like it would be necessary to secure the vote of Ohio for the candidates, and his motion, too, like all others affirming Whig or Anti* Slavery principles, was ruled out of order without debate : Eesoh-e'J, That wbilo all power is denied to dongrees, under tlie Constitutiou, to control, or in any way interfere witlTtLe JcstitutJon of Slavery within the several States of this Union, it nevertheless has the power and it is the duty of Congress to prohibit the introduction or existence of slavery in any territory now possessed, or which may hereafter be acquired by the United States. Thus the Convention was unable to adopt a plat- form, but at a Ratification Meeting in Philadelphia, June 0, the following declaration of Whig policy and principle — reported by W. S. Price, of Penn- sylvania — was adopted : 1. Resolved, That the Whigs of the UnUed States,' bore assembled by their representatives, heartily ratify the nominations of General Zachary Taylor as President, and Millard Fillmore as Vice President of the United States, and pledge themselves to their support. 2. Resolved, That in the choice of Gen. Taylor as the Whig candi- date for President we are glad to discover sympathy with a great pop- ular sentiment throughout the nation— a sentiment which, having its origin in admiration of great military success, has been strengthened by the development, in every action and every word, of sound conserv- ative opinions, and of true fidelity to the great example of former days, and to the principles of the Constitution as administered by its found- ers. 3. Resolved, That Gen. Taylor, in saying that, had he voted in 1844, he would have voted the Whig ticket, gives us the assurance— and no better is needed from a consistent and truth-speaking man — that hia heart Avas with us at the crisis of our political destiny, when Henry Clay was our candidate, and when not only Whig principles were well defined and clearly asserted, but Whig measures depended on success. The heart that was with us then is with us now, and we have a soldier's word of honor, and a life of public and private virtue, as the security. 4. Resolved, That we look on Gen. Taylor's administration of the Government as one conducive of Peace, Prosperity and Union. Of Peace — because no one better knows, or has greater reason to deplore, what he has seen sadly on the field of victory, the horrors of war, and especially of a foreign and aggressive war. Of Prosperity— now mora than ever needed to relieve the nation from a burden of debt, and re- store industry — agricultural manufacturing and commercial — to its ac- customed and peaceful functions and influences. Of Union — because we have a candidate whose very position as a Southwestern man, reared on the banks of the great stream whose tributaries, natural and artifi- cial, embrace the whole Union, renders the protection of the interests of the whole country his first trust, and whoso varied duties in past life Lave been rendered, not on the eoil, or under the flag cf any State JAMES K. POLK. 183 or section, but over the wide frontier, and under the broad banner of the Nation. 5. Resolved, That standing, as the Whig Party does, on the broad and firm platform of the Constitution, braced up by all its inviolable and sacred guarantees and compromises, and cherished in the affections because protective of tho interests of the people, wo are proud to have as the exponent of our opinions, one who is pledged to construe it by tho wise and generous rules which Washington applied to it, and who has eaid, (and no Whig desires any other assurance) that he will make Washington's administration tho model of his own. 6. Resolved, That as Whigs and Americans, we are proud to ac- knowledge our gratitude for the great military services which, begin- ning at Palo Alto, and ending at Buena Vista, first awakened tho American people to a just estimate of him who is now our Whig candi- date. In tho discharge of a painful duty— for bis march into the enemy's country was a reluctant one; in the command of regulars at one time, and volunteers at another, and of both combined ; in the de- cisive though punctual discipline of his camp, where all respected and beloved him ; in the negotiation of terms for a dejected and desperate enemy ; in the exigency of actual conflict, when the balance was peril- ously doubtful — we have found him the same — brave distinguished and considerate, no heartless spectator of bloodshed, no trifler with human life or human happiness ; and we do not know which to admire most, his heroism in withstanding the assaults of the enemy in the most hopeless fields of Buena Vista— mourning in generous sorrow over the graves of Ringgold, of Clay or of Hardin— or in giving in the heat of bat- tle terms of merciful capitulation to a vanquished foe at Monterey, and not being ashamed to avow that ho did it to epare women and children, helpless infancy, and more helplebs age, against whom no American soldier ever wars. Such a military man, whose triumphs are neither remote nor doubtful, whose virtues these trials have tested, we are proud to make our Candidate. 7. Resolved, That in support of this nomination we ask our Whig friends throughout the nation to unite, to co-operate zealously, reso- lutely, with earnestness in behalf of our Candidate, whom calumny cannot reach, and with respectful demeanor to our adversaries, whose Candidates have yet to prove their claims on the gratitude of the Nation. 3. The ''Barnburners" would not accept the de- cision of the convention — it became acceptable to the " Hunkers" — and so they held a convention of their own at Utica, June 22d, and nominated Martin Van Buren and Gen. Henry Dodge, of Wisconsin, as their candidates. Gen; Dodge subsequently declined the honor. A more general convention, in which seven- teen States and the District were represented, con- vened at Buffalo, August 9th, and confirming the selection of Martin Van Buren, substituted Charles Francis Adams for the position vacated by Gen. 184 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Dodge. This free Democratic party received the name of the "Free Soil Party," on account of the last plank in their platform. At this stage the " Lib- erty Party " although it had already put candidates into the field — John P, Hale of N. H., Leicester King of Ohio — withdrew from the canvas and gave their hearty co-operation to the '' Free Soil Party/' The foUowiug, called the "Bufialo/' Platform was adopted : Whereas, We have assembled in Convention, as a Union of freemen, for the sake of freedom, forgetting all past political difference in a common resolve to maintain the rights of free labor against the ag- gression of the Slave Power, and to secure free soil to a free people ; and, Jl'Tiereas, The political Conventions recently assembled at Baltimore and Philadelphia, the ono stifling the voice of a great constituency, en- titled to be heard in its deliberations, and the other abandoning its distinctive principles for mere availability, have dissolved the National party organization heretofore existing, by nominating for the chief magistracy of the United States, under the slaveholding diction, can- didates, neither of whom can be supported by the opponents of Slavery Extension without a sacrifice of consistency, duty and self-respect ; and, Whereas, These nominations so made, furnish the occasion and demonstrate the necessity of the union of the people under the banner of Free Democracy, in a solemn and formal declaration of their inde- pendence of the slave power, and of their fixed determination to rescue the Federal Government from its control, Resolved, therefore. That we, the people here assembled, remember- ing the example of our fathers, in the days of the first Declaration of Independence, putting our trust in God for the triuniph of our cause, and invoking his guidance in our endeavors to advance it, do now plant ourselves upon tho National platform of Freedom in opposition to the sectional platform of Slavery. Resolved, That Slavery in the several States of this Union which recocrnize its existence, depends upon State laws alone, which cannot bo repealed or modified by the Federal Government, and for which laws that government is not responsible. We therefore propose no in- terference by Congress with Slavery within the limits of any State. Resolved, That the Proviso of Jefferson, to prohibit the existence of Slavery after 1800, in all the Territories of the United States, Southern and Northern ; the votes of six States and sixteen delegates, in the Congress of 178i, for the Proviso, to three States and seven delegates against it ; the actual exclusion of Slavery from the Northwestern Ter- ritory, by the Ordinance of 1787, unanimously adopted by the States in Congress ; and the entire history of that period, clearly shows that it was the settled policy of the Nation not to extend, nationalize or encourage, but to limit, localize and discourage Slavery ; and to this policy, which should never have been departed from, the Government ought to return. JAMES K. rOLK. 185 Resolved, That our fathers ordained tho Constitution of the United States, in order, among other great national objects, to establish jus- tice, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty ; but expressly denied to the Federal Government, which they created, all constitutional power to deprive any person of life liberty or prop- erty, without due legal process. Resolved, That in the judgment of this Convention, Congress has no more power to make a Slave than to make a King : no more power to institute or establish Slavery than to institute or establish a Monarchy : no such power can be found among those specifically conferred by the Constitution, or derived by just implication from them. Re-olved, That it is the duty of the Federal Government to relieve itself from all responsibility for the existence or continuance of slavery wherever the government possesses constitutional authority to legis- late on that subject, and it is thus responsible for its existence. Resolved, That tho true, and in the judgment of this Convention, the only safe means of preventing the extension of Sla^ry into Terri- tory now Free, is to prohibit its extension in all such Territory by au act of Congress. Resolved, That we accept the issue which the slave power has forced upon us ; and to their demand for more Slave States, and more slave Territory, our calm but final answer is, no more Slave States and no more Slave Territory. Let the soil of our extensive domains be kept free for the hardy pioneers of our own land, and the oppressed and banished of other lands, seeking homes of comfort and fields of enter- prise in the new world. Resolved, That the bill lately reported hy the committee of eight in the Senate of the United States, was no compromise, but an absolute surrender of the rights of the Non-Slaveholdera of all tho States ; and while we rejoice to know that a measure which, while opening the door for the introduction of Slavery into Territories now free, would also have opened the door to litigation and strife among the future inhabit- ants thereof, to the ruin of their peace and prosperity, was defeated in the House of Representatives, its passage, in hot haste, by a majority, embracing several Senators who voted in open violation of the known will of their constituents, should warn the people to see to it, that their representatives be not euEfered to betray them. There must be no more Compromise with Slavery ; if made they must bo repealed. Resolved, That we demand freedom and established institutions for our brethren in Oregon, now exposed to hardships, peril and massacre by the reckless hostility of the Slave Power to the establishment of Free Government and Free Territories ; and not only for them, but for our new brethren iu California and New Mexico. Resolved, It is due not only to this occasion, but to the whole people of the United States, that we should also declare ourselves on certain other questions of National Policy ; therefore, Resolved, That we demand Cheap Postage for the people ; a retrench- ment of the expenses and patronage of the Federal Government ; the abolition of all unnecessary offices and salaries ; and the election by the people of all civil officers in the service of the government, so far as the same may be practicable. Resolved, That Eiver and Harbor improvements, when demanded by the safety and convenience of commerce with foreign nations, or among the several States, are objects of national concern, and that it is the duty of Congress, in the exercise of its constitutional power, to pro- vide therefor. Resolved, That the free grant to actual settlers, in consideration of the expenses they incur in making settlements in the wilderness, which are usually fully equal to their actual cost, and of the public benefits 186 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. resnlting therefrom, of reasonable portions of the public lands, under suitable limitations, is a wise and just measure of public policy, which will promote in various ways the interests of all the States of this Union ; and we therefore recommend it t© the faverable consideration of the American people. Resolved, That the obligations of honor and patriotism require the earliest practical payment of the national debt, and we are therefore in favor of such a tariff of duties as will raise revenue adequate to de- fray the necessary expenses of the Federal Government, and to pay annual instalments of our debt and the interest thereon. KesoJved, That we inscribe on our own banner, "Free Soil, Free Speech, Free Labor, and Free Men," and under it we will fight on, and fight ever, until a triumphant victory shall reward our exertions. The term "Hunkers" was used to designate the conservative wing of the Democratic party, while the word ''Barnburners" was applied to the other wing in allusion to the thick-headed farmer who burned his bams in order to free them from rats and mice. The Liberty League, forming a split in the Liberty party, held a State Convention at Port Byron, I^. Y., in June, 1845, in which an address setting forth the unconstitutionality of slavery was read and printed but not adopted. In June, 1847, another convention was assembled at Macedon, N. Y., by the men who accepted the sentiments of the rejected address, and nominated Gerrit Smith and Elihu Burritt as its nominees. It was then sought to gain the support of the " Liberty Party " or Buffalo Convention, (which was held in October following) for these candidates, but in vain. The motto of this little party was, ''Duty is ours, results are God's." The League met again at Auburn, N. Y., in January, 1848, and called a National Convention to assemble at Buffalo in Jan- uary following, and adopted two addresses, one to the colored people of the free States and the other to the people of the United States. Mr. Smith was renom- inated, and Elihu Burritt having declined the com- JAMES K. POLK. 187 pliment, C. C. Foot, of Michigan, was substituted. In a speech given by Mr. Smith, occurred ttese words : '- God gave civil government, I had well nigh said, to be on terms of companionship with the poor. Certain it is that he gave it chiefly for the pur- pose of protecting the rights of those who are too poor, ignorant and weak to protect themselves." And in the following words, he magnified the occupation of assisting slaves to secure their freedom, when he said, ''As I live and as God lives, there is not on earth a more honorable employment. There is not in all the world a more honorable tombstone than that on which the slaveholder would inscribe * Here lies a slave-stealer.' " On account of the extreme views which were enter- tained by the Liberty League it failed to develop any popular strength ; but through the great ability of its leaders, by their power of voice and pen, it became very efficient in disseminating abolition sentiments and in exposing the horrors of that relic of barbar- ism — slavery. yill. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The public debt was nearly doubled on account of the war, or more exactly, an increase of $23,778,691. *'In levying a tariff of duties for the support of govern- ment, the raising of revenue should be the object, and protection the incident." — Polk's message. Year. Public Debt. Expenditures. Exports. Imports. 1845 1846 1847 1848 $17,093,794 16,750,926 38,926,623 48,526,897 §30,490,408 27,632,282 60,520,851 60,655,143 $114,646,600 113,488,516 158,648,622 154,032,131 5117,254,564 121,691,797 146,545,633 154,998,923 188 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. IX. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. England : Sir John Franklin, (with Captains Croz- ier and Fitzjames,) sailed in the Erebus and Terror on an Artie Expedition from which he never returned, May 24, 1845. Corn Laws repealed, June 26, 1846. A fund of $50,000,000 voted for the relief of Irish sufferers by the great famine, May 15, 1847. Smith O'Brien, with others, condemned to death for inciting the Irish to rebellion, Oct. 9, 1848, but sentence changed to transportation for life, July 9, 1849, and a full pardon granted, May 3, 1856. France : Lecompte attempted to kill Louis Phil- ijDpe, April 16; Louis Napoleon escaped from the fortress of Ham, May 25 ; Louis Philippe's life at- tempted by Joseph Henri, July 29, 1846 ; commence- ment of Eevolution and resignation of M. Guizot, Feb. 22 ; abdication of Louis Phillippe in favor of the Count de Paris (grandson) and escaped with his family, Feb. 24 ; the Republic proclaimed and a pro- visional government (composed of Dupont de I'Eure, Lamertine, Arago, Marie, Gamier Pages, Leru Rol- lin, and Cremieux), established Feb, 26 ; perpetual banishment of Louis Philippe declared by the Na- tional Assembly, May 30; Louis Napoleon elected member of the Assembly, June 13 ; Gen. Cavaignac elected President of the Council, June 28 ; Louis Na- poleon declared President elect of the Republic, Dec. 20, 1848. Rome : Cardinal Mastai Ferreti elected Pope under title of Pius IX, June 16, 1846; Roman Re- public proclaimed Feb. 5, 1849. Insurrections in Spain, Sicily, Portugal and Venice, 1846-48. CHAPTER XI. THE JiDMINISTRATlON OF TAILOR AND f ILLMOEE Whiff, One Term, 1849 to 1853. I. CABINET. PRESIDENTS. 1849. Zachary Taylor, Louisiana. (Died July 1850.) 1850. Millard Fillmore, New York. VICE PRESIDENT. 1849. JMillard Fillmore, New York. SECRETARIES OP STATE. 1849. John M. Clayton, Delaware. 1850. Daniel Webster, Massachusetts. 1852. Edward Everett, Massachusetts^ SECRETARIES OP THE TREASURY. 1849. William M. Meredith, Pennsylvania. 1850. Thomas Corwin, Ohio. SECRETARIES OP WAR. 1849. George W. Crawford, Georgia. 1850. Edmund Bates, (declined.) 1850. Charles M. Conrad, Louisiana. SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 1849. William B. Preston, Virginia. 1850. William A. Graham, North Carolina. 1852. John P. Kennedy, Maryland. 190 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. SECRETARIES OF THE INTERIOR. 1849. Thomas Ewing, Ohio. 1850. James A. Pearce, Maryland. 1850. T. McKennon, Pennsylvania. 1850. Alexander H. H. Stewart, Virginia. POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 1849. Jacob CoUamer, Vermont. 1850. Nathan K. Hall, New York. 1852. Samuel D. Hubbard, Connecticut. ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 1849. Reverdy Johnson, Maryland. 1850. John J. Crittenden, Kentucky. II. SENATOKS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO TEM- PORE OF THE SENATE. 1850. July, William B. King, Alabama. December, David E. Atchison, Missouri. III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- TATIVES. XXXI. Congress, Howell Cobb, Georgia. XXXII. " Linn Boyd, Kentucky. IV. THE SIXTEENTH ELECTION. Popular vote: For President, Zachary Taylor, Louisiana, 1,360,099; Lewis Cass, Michigan, 1,220,- 544 ; Martin Van Buren, New York, 291,263. Electoral vote: For President, Zachary Taylor, 163 ; Lewis Cass, 127. ZACHARY TAYLOR. 191 For Vice President : Millard Fillmore, New York, 163 ; William O. Butler, Kentucky, 127 Total, 290. Thirty States voted. V. POPULATION AND REPEESENTATION. 1850. AYhites, 19,195,695; Free colored, 434,- 495; Slaves, 3,204,313. Total, 23,191,876. The ratio of representation was fixed at 93,420, giving a membership of 234 VI. HISTORICAL RECORD. 1849. March 5. (The 4th being Sunday.) Taylor was inaugurated. August 11. President Taylor published a procla- mation against the so-called "fillibusters'' who were designing to capture and annex Cuba, forbidding them to engage in the enterprise. Gen. Lopez, a Cuban exile, however, succeeded in enlisting 600 men, with whom he was able to land and capture the town of Cardenas, but could not hold it beyond a few days. December 3. The 31st Congress convened and now began a remarkable contest for the speakership. Howell Cobb, finally, on the 63d ballott, was elected, and the advantage of organizing the House and its committees was secured for the South. During this year Mr. C. Goodyear invented hard rubber as a substitute for horn and shells in manufac- ture. His invention of vulcanized rubber — a combi- 192 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS, nation of vulcanized rubber and sulphur — was first patented in 1839. 1850, January 1. A prominent South Carolina paper published a striking article to prove the failure and inutility of the Union. It wrote, "when the future historian shall address himself to the task of portray- ing the rise, progress and decline of the American Union, the year 1850 will arrest his attention, as denoting and presenting the first marshalling and ar- raying of those hostile forces and opposing elements which resulted in dissolution ; and the vv^orld will have another illustration of the great truth, that forms and modes of government, however correct in theory, are only valuable as they conduce to the great ends of all government — the peace, quiet, and conscious security of the governed." The plan of disrupting the Union was already clearly formed, but the catas- trophe, by a combination of circumstances, was de- layed ten years, and its failure to accomplish dissolu- tion will defer forever, it is hoped, the "task" of portraying the "decline of the American Union." With the same end in view, the "Southern Press" was instituted at Washington by a subscription of $30,000 from the forty-two members of Congress who had signed a Southern Manifesto the year previous. (This address professed to give a " clear, correct, but brief account, of the whole series of aggressions and encroachments" on Southern rights, with a statement of the dangers to which the States were subjected. March 4. Calhoun made his last and most elabo- ZACHARY TAYLOR. 193 rate appeal for Southern rights upon the motion to aclmii California with a free Constitution. He pro- ceeded to show, in a speech that was read for him, that all the cords which bound the union together, except the single one of political party principle, had been snapped asunder, and that this one too was very nearl/broken, or, ** if not entirely, in a great measure. Kor is there one of the remaining cords " — of a poli- cal nature — '' which have not been greatly weakened. To this extent the Union has already been destroyed by agitation, in the only way it can be, by snapping asunder, and weakening the cords which bind it together." The cord of political parties, here referred to as the last, has since been completely sundered by the Dred Scott decision, the repeal of the compromise measure of 1820, and which, by separating the coun- try into a North and a South, has created parties upon the basis of slavery, and made its extension or non- extension, the shibboleth of political creeds and plat- forms. In answer to the question, ''how, then, can the Union be saved ? " he proposed an amendment to the Constitution. His plan, as it afterwards appeared, consisted of a dual presidency, one for the free, and the other for the slave States. Any act of Congress before becoming valid required the concurrent appro- val and signature of both Presidents. Senator Ben- ton replied that no such amendment could be made, and then that if it could, the Union would not last through a single session of CongTess, "any more than two animals could work together in the plow with their 13 194 THE TKESIOENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. lieads yoked together in oj^posite directions." Its ef- fect, practically, would be the dissolution of the Union. March 31. 'Death of Calhoun at Washington. iVpril 19. The Bulwer-Clayton treaty between England and the United States for the opening of water communication between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans was signed at AYashington and ratified Jiuy 4th. ^fay 4. Great fire at San Francisco. Almost the entire city, consisting chiefly of wooden structures, was swept away. Loss, $4,000,000. July 0. * Death of President Taylor. * ' The nation mourns his loss." July 10. Fillmore inaugurated President. Ausfust 13. The bill to admit California as a free State was now passed as one of the parts of the com- promise measure. It became the sixteenth free State, and thus de- stroyed the political equipoise which had hitherto ex- isted between theXorth and the South, the slave States now numbering but fifteen. Fortius reason, its admission was made a *'test" question, and was preceded by eight months of weary and exciting debate. Clay, the ''Great Pacificator," had brought in his celebrated compromise bill to allay the storm and restore peace to the distracted nation. These measures were embraced in the so-called " Om- nibus Bill," which was a consolidation of all past compromises on the question of slavery, composed of thirty-nine sections. The bill as a whole was rejected, because it included so many incongruous objects, but the main lieads being incorporated into separate l^Jls were passed in the following order. : MILLARD FILLMORE. 196 1. The Bills to form the Territories of Utah and New j\Iexico without any reference to slavery — passed August 10th. 2. The Bill to admit California as a free State — passed August 13th. 3. The Bill to pay Texas $10,000,000 for surren- der of its claims to the Territory of New Mexico — . passed August 14th. 4. The Bill to return fugitives from justice and persons escaping from the service of their masters — passed August 23rd, 5. The Bill to abolish the slave trade in the Dis- trict of Columbia — passed September 14th. The debate on the compromise Bill has been made impressively solemn by the fact, that it called out the final utterances of those great men, Webster, Clay and Calhoun on the nature and stability of our federal union. These intellectual giants, whose brilliancy has given a world-wide fame and lustre to American oratory, were destined to soon lay aside the duties of that elevated sphere in which they had so long moved, and transmit to other hands the keeping of those high trusts to which their whole lives had been devoted. As soon as the bill to admit California had passed the Senate, the Southern Senators offered a protest against it, in -which they set forth the ground of their complaint and urged that ''it was destructive of the safety and liberties of those rights which have been com- mitted to our care, fatal to the peace and equality of the States which we represent, and must lead, if persisted in, to the dissolution of that confederacy, in which the slaveholding States have never sought more than 196 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS, equality, and in which they will not be content to re- main with less/' " It is remarkable that the protest is not on account of any power exercised by Congress over the subject of slavery in a territory, but for the non-exercise of such power and especially for not ex- tending the Missouri compromise line to the Pacific ocean ; and which non-extension of that line was the cause for the dissolution of the Union" — Benton. Senator Winthrop opposed its reception, because, as he said, the only protest a Senator can enter on the loages of the Journal is his peremptory *'No," and Senator Benton likewise declared that Senators had no right to spread on the pages of the Journal any reasons for their vote. Thereupon, its reception was refused, and the Bill to admit California was sent to the House where it speedily passed, and having re- ceived the President's signature, it became, on the 9th of September, the thirty-first State of the Union. 1^51. May 8. The Southern Right'^s Convention met at Charleston, and advocated the dissolution of the Union. May 17. Lopez landed a second band of "filli- busters " in the Northern part of Cuba, but was again defeated in his object. July 4. The corner-stone of the extension to the Capitol at Washington was laid by the President with imposing ceremonies. Webster delivered an oration in which he portrayed the rapid progress of the States since the Union was formed. August — September. Gen. Lopez, with 480 men, MILLARD FILLMORE. 197 made his third attempt to capture Cuba, but being captured, a part of them, including Lopez, were exe- cuted at Havanna. About ninety five of them, who had been deported to Spain, were subsequently par- doned by the Queen and returned to New York, March 13th, 1852. December 5. Kossuth visited America, and re- ceived a public reception from Congress. He made some impassioned appeals for his down-trodden Hun- gary and awakened a lively sympathy for that un- happy land. Before he returned, he secured over $100,000 for his country's cause. December 14. A part of the Congressional Library was destroyed by fire. During this year. Uncle Tom's Cabin was published as a serial in a newspaper at Washington. 1852. May 26. A difficulty arose with England about tlie Northern fisheries. It was alleged that Ameri- can fishermen violated the treaty of 1818, which for- bade them to cast their nets in British bays within three miles from the shore. War vessels of both nations were sent to these localities, but all dispute was removed by a settlement made in October of the following year. June 29. Henry Clay expired at Washington in the 75th year of his age. October 21. Daniel Webster died at jMarshfield, N. H., in the 70th year of his age. December 1. Edward Everett, Secretary of State, in response to an invitation of England and France 198 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. to become a party to a " Tripartite treaty," forbidding any disturbance of Spain in her peaceable possession of Cuba, replied, that the position of Cuba rendered that island one of peculiar interest to the United States ; and although we should not violate any law of neutrality in our own conduct, yet, we should act in respect to it, without any dictation from foreign powers. He also stated that we should not see Cuba pass from Spain to any other European power with indifference. 1853. February 2. A bill was introduced to organize the Territory of Nebraska. It was strenously opposed by the South, and, on the last day of the session, it was voted * ' that it do lie on the table." This was the commencement of the "Kansas-Nebraska Struggle." VII. POLITICAL PARTIES. The election of 1852 was shaped entirely with re- ference to the subject of slavery. The preponderance of population in the North, and the prospective and unequal increase of free over slave States, made the South extremely solicitous about the balance of power. It was expected that the compromise measure would produce ''peace, permanent peace, in the land." Instead, however, of producing peace and proving a " finality," it raised the storm anew and made the contest all the more exciting. The North became intensely restive under the attempted enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Bill, a large number being engaged MILLARD FILLMORE. 199 in assisting fugitives to flee to Canada ; while the South complained, because it had not been fully protected in the enjoyment of its peculiar institution. Under these circumstances, there came into existence two extreme factions— one in the North and the other in the South — which did not believe the Union was worth saving. But the two great parties — Whig and Democratic — expressed their determination to stand by the Union in its integrity and to accept the Com- promise measures as a "finality" on the subject of slavery. A third party, called "Free Soil," also entered the field. 1. The Democratic National Convention met at Baltimore, June 1st, 1852. The two-thirds rule was reafiirmed, and on the forty-ninth ballot, Franklin Pierce was selected as candidate for the Presidency, and on the second, William R. King was unanimously nominated for the Vice Presidency. The prominent candidates had all pledged themselves in advance, to support and enforce the compromise measures and to veto any attempt of Congress to annul their validity. The platform adopted was composed of resolutions 1, 2 and 3 of the platform of 1848, (see page 178), pre- ceding resolutions 1, 2, 3 and 4 of that of 1840, (see page 153), with the following additions: 8. Resolved, That it is the duty of every branch of the Government to enforce and practice the most rigid economy in conducting our pub- lic affairs, and that no more revenue ought to be raised than is required to defray the necessary expenses of the Government, and for the grad- ual but certain extinction of the public debt. 9. Resolved, That Congress has no power to charter a National Bank, that we believe such an institution one of deadly hostility to the best interests of the country, dangerous to our republican institutions and the liberties of the people, and calculated to place the business of the country within the control of a concentrated money power, and that above tho laws and the will of the people ; and that the results of Dem- 200 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. cratic legislation, in this and all other financial measures, upon which issues have been made between the two political parties of the country have demonstrated to candid and practical men of all parties, their soundness, safety, and utility, in all business pursuits. 10. Resolved, That the separation of the moneys of the Government from Banking Institutions, is indispensable for the safety of the funds of tho Government, and the rights of the people. 11. Eesolved, That the liberal principles embodied by Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence, and sanctioned in the Constitution, which makes ours the land of liberty, and the asylum of the oppressed of every nation, have ever been cardinal principles in the Democratic faith ; and every attempt to abridge the privilege of becoming citizens and the owners of the soil among us, ought to be resisted with the same spirit that swept tho alien and sedition laws from our statute book. 12. Eesolved, That Congress has no power under the Constitution to interfere with, or control the domestic institutions of tho several States, and that such States are tho sole and proper judges of every- thing appertaining to their own affairs, and prohibited by tho Consti- tution ; that all efforts of the Abolitionists or others, made to induce Congress to interfere with questions of Slavery, or to take incipient steps in relation thereto, aro calculated to lead to the most alarming and dangerous consequences ; and that all such efforts have an inevita- ble tendency to diminish the happiness of the people, and endanger the stability and permanency of the Union, and ought not to be coun- tenanced by any friend of our political institutions. 13. Resolved, That the foregoing proposition covers, and is intended to embrace, the whole subject of Slavery agitation in Congress; and therefore the Democratic party of the Union, standing on this National Platform, will abide by, and adhere to, a faithful execution of tho acts known as the Compromise measures settled by tho last Congress— the act for reclaiming fugitives from servico or labor included ; which act, being designed to carry out an express provision of tho Constitution, cannot, with fidelity thereto bo repealed, nor so changed as to destroy or impair its efficiency. 14. Eesolved, That the Democratic party will resist all attempts at renewing in Congress, or out of it, the agitation of the Slavery ques- tion, under whatever ehapo or color tho attempt may be made. Here were placed resolutions 13 and 14 of the platform of 1848. [See page 179.] Resolved, That the Democratic party will faithfully abide and up- , hold the principles laid down iu the Kentucky and Virginia Resolu- tions of 1702 and 1798, and in the report of Mr. Madison to the Vir- ginia Legislature in 1799; that it adopts those principles as consti- tuting one of the main foundations of its political creed, and is resolved to carry them out in their obvious meaning and import. Resolved, That the war with Mexico, upon all the principles of patri- otism and the law of nations, was a just and nessary war on our part, in which no American citizen should have shown himself opposed to his country, and neither morally nor physically, by word or deed given aid and comfort to the enemy. Resolved, That wo rejoice at the restoration of friendly relations with our sister Republic of Mexico, and earnestly desire for her all the blessings and prosperity which we enjoy under Republican Institu- tions, and we congratulate the American people on the results of that war which hava so manifestly justified the policy and conduct of the Democratic party, and insured to the United States indemnity for the past and security for the future. MILLARD FILLMORE. 201 IJesolved, That, in view of the condition of popular institutions in the old world, a high and sacred duty is devolved with increased re- Bponsibility upoa the Democracy of this country, as the party of the people, to uphold and maintain the rights of every State, and thereby the Union of States, and to sustain and advance among them constitu- tional liberty, by continuing to resist all monopolies and exclusive leg- islation for the benefit of the few at the expense of the many, and by a vigilant find constant adherence to those principles and compromises of the CONSTITUTION, which are broad enough and strong enough to embrace and uphold the Union as it is, and the Union as it should be, in the full expansion of the energies and capacity of this great and progressive people. 2. The Whig National Convention convened at Baltimore, June 16, and entered into an exciting contest for precedence in organization. It was moved that the committee on platform should consist of one delegate from each State ; to this was added an amendment, that "each member should be au- thorized to cast the number of votes to which said State is entitled in the Electoral College." Mr. Dawson, of Georgia, opposed this amendment, and said that ''this was the first attempt which has ever been made to convert the country into the wildest kind of democracy — the democracy of numbers." He believed that Ehode Island or Delaware was en- titled to the same political power as New York or Pennsylvania, and regreted that even some conserva- tive men were voting that ''numbers shall govern and not the sovereignty of States." He believed this to be "the wildest effort that was ever made to alienate one section from another." He had always been a Whig, but now, he vehemently declared, " whenever the party abandons those great principles, so help me God, I will abandon it." Hereupon the Northern members yielded, and rejected the amend- ment, but the "National Era," in commenting upon the servility of the Northern delegates, ssdS. that 202 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. ''their wrath is always greater than their endurance. They are remarkable for kicking out o*f the traces, but still more remarkable for kicking in." The first seven resolutions of the platform were then unani- mously adopted, but on the reception of the eighth the vote stood 227 to QQ. Kufus Choate, in advo- cating the adoption of this resolve, said that ''in the first place, our predecessors of the Democratic Con- vention in this hall have made it indispensible. If W€ do not make it as comprehensively and unequiv- ocally as they have, we shall be absorbed and scat- tered — absorbed by the whirlpool, scattered by the whirlwind of the sentiment of Nationality which they have had the sagacity to discover and hide under." After the adoption of this platform, the Conven- tion proceeded to ballot for candidates, the three most prominent being Scott, Fillmore and Webster. Gen. Scott was chosen on the 53d ballot, as presi- dential nominee, and William A. Graham on the 2d, as candidate for the vice presidency. After this se- lection, the Whig party passed out of existence, to be hung up in the halls of history by the side of the Federal party of happy memory. The Federal party became extinct during the " era of good feeling," chiefly due to its opposition to the war of 1812 ; the Whig party opposed the war with Mexico, and now, after an inefficient effort to throw ofi" the bonds of dissolution, its turn to depart had come. The follow- ing is the platform : The Whigs of the United States, in convention assembled, adhering to the great conservative principles by which they are controlled and governed, and now aa ^ver relying upon the intelligence of the Ameri- MILLARD FILLMORE. 203 can people, with an abiding confidence in their capacity for ?elf-gov- ernmcnt, and their devotion to the Constitution and the Union, do proclaim the following as the political sentiments and determination for the establishment and maintainance of which their national organ- ization as a party was effected. First. The government of the Uuited States is of a limited char- acter, and it is confided to the exercise of powers expressly granted by the Constitution, and such as may be necessary and proper for carry- ing the granted powers into full execution, and that powers not granted or necessarily implied are reserved to the States respe^itively and to the people. Second. The State Governments should be held secure to their re- served rights and the General Government sustained on its Constitu- tional powers, and that the Union should be revered and watched over as the palladium of our liberties. Third. That while struggling freedom everywhere enlists the warm- est sympathy of the Whig party, we still adhere to the doctrines of the Father of his Countrj', as announced in his Farewell Address, of keeping ourselves free from all entangling alliances with foreign coun- tries, and of never quitting our own to stand upon foreign ground ; that our mission as a republic is not to propagate our opinions, or im- pose on other countries our forms of government, by artifice or force; but to teach by example, and show by our success, moderation and justice, the blessings of self-government, and the advantages of free Institutions. Fourth. That, as the people make and control the Government, they should obey its constitution, laws and treaties as they would re- tain their self-respect, and the respect which they claim and will en- force from foreign powers. Fifth. Governments should be conducted on principles of the strictest economy ; and revenue suflBcient for the expenses thereof, in time of peace, ought to be derived mainly from a duty on imports, and not from direct taxes ; and on laying such duties sound policy re- quires a ju&t discrimination, and, when practicable, by specific duties, whereby suitable encouragement may be afi'orded to American industry, equally to all classes and to all portions of the country. Sixth. The Constitution vests in Congress the power to open and repair harbors, and remove obstructions from navigable rivers, when- ever such improvements are necessary for the common defense, and for the protection and facility of commerce with foreign nations, or among the States— said improvements being in every instance national and general in their character. Seventh. The Federal and State Governments are parts of one sys- tem, alike necessary for the common prosperity, peace and security, and ought to be regarded alike with a cordial, habitual and immovable attachment. Eespect for the authority of each, and acquiescence in the just constitutional measures of each, are duties required by the plainest considerations of National, State and individual wellfare. Eighth. That the series of acts of the 32d Congress, the Act known as the Fugitive Slave law included, are received and acquiesced in by the Whig party of the United States as a settlement in principle and substance of the dangerous and exciting questions which they em- brace ; and, so far as they are concerned, we will maintain them, and insist upon their strict enforcement, until time and experience shall demonstrate the necessity of further legislation to guard against the evasion of the laws on the one hand and the abuse of their powers on the other— not impairing their present efficiency ; and we deprecate all further agitation of the question thus settled, as dangerous to our pe^^ce, and wiU discounteuaace all effQrt^ to continue or renew such 204 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. agitation, whenovor, wborever, or bowover tho attempt may be made; au.l wo will maiutaiu tho system as essential to tho nationality of the Whig party, and tho integrity of tho Union. ^ 3. The Free Soil Democracy assembled m Na- tional Convention at Pittsburg, August 11, 1852, in ■which all the Free States participated together -svith Delaware, Virginia, Kentucky and ]Mar3^1and. The candidates nominated were John P. Hale, of New Hampshire, and George W. Julian of Indiana. The Free Soil Democrats, did not expect to carry a single State or secure a single electoral vote, but they could not sanction the principles of either Whig or Demo- crat, and in making their ticket, they acted for con- science's sake and to offer a " testimony" against the deplorable condition of the country, hoping that in the end, their party might become the entering wedge ''to rive apart or break assunder, the long and ill- starred connection between slavery and the Govern- ment." The following platform was adopted : Having assomMcd in National Convention as tho Democracy of tho United States, united by a common resolve to maintain right against wrong, and Freedom against Slavery: confiding in tho intelligence, patriotism, and discriminating justice of tho American people, putting our trust in God for tho triumph of our cause, and invoking hia guidance in our endeavors to advance it, w^o now submit to tho candid judgment of all men, the following declaration of principles and measures : 1. That governments, deriving their just powers from tho consent of the governed, are instituted among men to secure to all those inalien- able rights of life, liberty, and tho pursuit of happiness, with Avhich they are endowed by their Creator, and of which none can bo depiived by valid legislation, except for crime. 2. That tho true mission of American Democracy is to maintain tho Liberties of the People, tho Sovereignty of tho States, and tho per- petuity of tho Union by the impartial application to public atlairs, without sectional discriminations of the fundamental principles of human rights, strict justice and an economical administration. 3. That tho Federal Government is one of limited powers, derived solely from tho Constitution, and the grants of power therein ought to be strictly construed by all tho departments and agents of tho Gov- ernment, and it is inexpedient and dangerous to exorcise doubtful con- stitutional powers. 4. That the Constitution of the United States, ordained to form a more perfect Union, to establish Justice and secure the blessings of MILLARD riLLMORE. Liboity, expressly denies to tlio General Qovcrnraent all power to de- prive any person of life, liberty or property without duo process of law ; and, therefore, the Government liavinR no nioro power to make a elavo than to make a king, and- no more power to establsh Slavery than to cetablish a Monarchy, should at onco proceed to relievo itself from all rrsponsibility for tho existence of Blavery, wherever it posseEse.i constitutional power to legislate for its extinction. 5. That, to the persevering and importunate demands of the Slave power for more Slave States, new Slave Territories and tho nationaliza- tion of Slavery, our distinct nnd final answer is— no more Slave States, no Slave Territory, no nationalized Slavery, and no national legisla- tion for tho extradition of Slaves. C. That Slavery is a sin against God, and a crlmo against man, which no human enactment nor usage can make right ; and that Chris- tianity, humanity, and patriotism allko demand its abolition. 7. That the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 is repugnant to tho Con- Btitution, to tho principles of the common law, to tho epirit of Chris- tianity, and to tho Bontiments of tho civilized world. Wo therefore deny its binding force on tho American people, and demand its imme- diate and total repeal. 8. That the doctrine that any human law is a finality, and not sub- ject to modification or repeal, is not in accordance with tho creed of tho founders of our Government, and is dangerous to tho liberties of tho people. 9. That tho Acts of Congress, known as tho Compromifio Measures of 1850, by making tho admission of a sovereign State contingent upon the adoption of other measures demanded by tho special interests of Slavery; by their omission to guarantee freedom in the free Territo- ries: by their attempt to impose unconstitutional limitations on tho powers of Congress and tho people — to admit new States; by their provisions for tho assumption of five millions of tho State debt of Texas, and for tho payment of five millions moro, and tho cession of a large territory to tho same State under menace, as an inducement to the relinquishment of a groundless claim, and by their invasion of tho sovereignty of tho States and tho liberties of tho people through the enactment of an unjust, oppressive, and unconstitutional Fugitive Slavo Law, aro proved to bo inconsistent with all tho principles and maxims of Democracy, and wholly Inadequate to tho settlement of the questions of which they are clamed to bo an adjustment. 10. That no permanent settlement of tho Slavery question can bo looked for except in the practical recognition of tho truth that Slavery is sectional and Freedom National ; by tho total separation of tho Gen- eral Government from Slavery, and tho exercise of its legitimate and constitutional influence on the side of Freedom ; and by leaving to tho States tho whole subject of Slavery and tho extradition of fugit- ives from service. 11. That all men havo a natural right to a portion of the soil ; and that as the uso of tho soil is indispensable to life, tho right of all men to tho soil is as sacred as their right to life itself. 12. That tho Public Lands of the United States belong to tho People, and should not be sold to Individuals nor granted to corporations, but should bo held as a sacred trust for the benefit of tho people, nnd should bo granted in limited quantities, free of cost, to landless settlers. 13. That a due regard for tho Federal Constitution, a sound admin- istrative policy, demand that tho funds of tho General Government be kept separate from Banking institutions ; that inland and ocean postage should be reduced to tho lowest possible point ; that no moro revenue should be raised than is required to defray tho strictly necessary ex- penses of tho public Bcrvice, and to pay o£f tho public debt ; and that 206 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. the power and patronage of the Government should be diminished, by the abolition of all unnecessary offices, salaries, and privileges, and by the election, by the people, of all civil officers in the service of the United States, so far as may be consistent with the prompt and efficient transaction of the public business. 14. That River and Harbor Improvements, when necessary to the safety and convenience of commerce with foreign nations, or among the several States, are objects of national concern ; and it is the duty of Congress, in the exercise of its constitutional powers, to pro?ide for the same. J^5. That emigrants and exiles from the old world should find a cor- dial welcome to homes of comfort and fields ot enterprise in the new; and every attempt to abridge their privilege of becoming citizens and owners of the soil among us, ought to be resisted with inflexible deter- mination. 16. That every nation has a clear right to alter or change its own government, and to administer its own concerns in such manner as may best secure the rights and promote the happiness of the people ; and for- eign interference with that right is a dangerous violation of the law of nations, against which all independent governments should protest, and endeavor by all proper means to prevent ; and especially is it the duty of the American Government, representing the Chief Republic of the world, to protest against, and by all proper means to prevent the inter- vention of kings and emperors against Nations seeking to establish for themselves Republican or constitutional governments. 17. That the Independence of Hayti ought to be recognized by our Government, and our commercial relations with it placed on the foot- ing of the most favored nations. 15. That as by the Constitution, "the citizens of each State shall be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of citizens in the several States," the practice of imprisoning colored seamen of other States, while the vessels to which they belong lie in port, and refusing the ex- ercise of the right to bring such cases before the Supreme Court of the United States, "to test the legality of such proceedings, is a flagrant vio- lation of the Constitution, and an invasion of the rights of the citizens of other States utterly inconsistent with the professions made by the slaveholders, that they wish the provisions of the Constitution faith- fully observed by every State in the Union. 19. That we recommend the introduction into all treaties hereafter to be negotiated between the United States and foreign nations, of some provision for the amicable settlement of difficulties by a resort to de- cisive arbitrations, 20. That the Free Democratic Party is not organized to aid either the Whig or Democratic wiog of the great Slave Compromise party of the nation, but to defeat them both ; and that repudiating and renoun- cing both, as hopelessly corrupt, and utterly unworthy of confidence, the purpose of tha Free Democracy is to take possession of the Federal Government, and administer it for the better protection of the rights and interests of the whole people. 21. That we inscribe on our banner, Free Soil, Free Speech, Free Labor and Free men, and under it will fight on and fight ever until a triumphant victory shall rev/ard our exertions. 22. That upon this Platform the Convention presents to the Ameri- can people as a candidate for the office of President of the United States, John P. Hale, of New Hampshire, and as a candidate for the office of Vice President of the United States, George W. JuUan, of Indiana, and earnestly commend them to the support of all freemen and all parties. MILLARD FILLMORE. 207 VIII. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The increase of public debt is hardly perceptible, being only $425,999 ; while the decrease in annual ex- penditures amounts to 813,942,535. Year 1849 1850 1851 1852 Public Debt. $64,704,693 64,228,238 62,560,395 65,130,692 Expenditures. Exports. $56,386,422 $145,755,820 44,604,718 151,898,790 48,476,104 218.388,011 46,712,6081 209,658,366 Imports. $147,857,439 178,138,318 216,224.932 212.945;442 IX. OUTLINE OF COXCURRENT EVENTS. England : The Pope's Bull establishing a Roman Catholic hierarchy in England, declared null and void, July 4, 1851. * France : Proposal of President to restore universal suffrage, rejected by the National Assembly, Xov. 13; Louis Napoleon, by a "coup d' etat" dissolved the Assembly, established universal suffrage, proposed an election of President for ten years, and declared Paris in a state of siege, Dec. 2 ; troops quelled oppo- sition Dec. 3-4 ; President elected for ten years by a vote of 7,481,231 to 640,737, Dec. 21-22, 1851. Napoleon inaugurated President at Notre Dame, Jan. 1 ; a new constitution promulgated Jan. 15 ; titles of nobility restored, Jan. 25 ; Senate petitioned for resto- ration of the Empire, Sept. 13 ; Empire restored by a vote of 7,839,552 to 254,501, (63,669 blanks,) Nov. 21 ; President proclaimed Emperor with the title of Napoleon III., Dec. 2, 1852 ; marriage with Eugenie de Montijo, Jan. 29, 1853 Rome : Papal authority restored by France, July 15, 1849 ; return to Rome of Pius JX, April 12, 1850. CHAPTER XII. THE ADMINISTRATION OF FRANKLIN PIERCE, Democratic. One Term, 1853 to 1857. I. CABINET. PRESIDENT. 1853. Franklin Pierce, New Hampshire. VICE PRESIDENT. 1853. William R. King, Alabama, (died April IStli, 1853.) SECRETARY OF STATE. 1853. William L. Marcy, N^w York. SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY, 1853. James Guthrie, Kentucky. SECRETARY OF WAR. 1853. Jefferson Davis, Mississippi. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 1853. James C. Dobbin, North Carolina. SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR. 1853. Robert McClelland, Michigan. POSTMASTER GENERAL. 1853. James Campbell, Pennsylvania. ATTORNEY GENERAL. 1853. Caleb Cushing, Massachusetts. II. SENATOR ELECTED PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 1856. Jesse D. Bright, Indiana* FRANKLIN TIERCE. 209 III. SPEAKEKS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- TATIVES. XXXIII. Congress, Linn Boyd, Kentucky. XXXIV. " Nathaniel P. Banks, Mass. IV. THE SEVENTEENTH ELECTION. Popular Vote : For President, Franklin Pierce, New Hampshire, 1,601,274; Winfield Scott, New Jersey, 1,386,580; John P, Hale, New Hampshire, 155,825. Electoral Vote : For President, Franklin Pierce, 254; Winfield Scott, 42. For Vice President : "William R. King, Alabama, 254; William A. Graham, North Carolina, 42. Total, 296. Thirty-one States voted. V. HISTORICAL RECORD. 1853. March 4. Franklin Pierce was inaugurated the Fourteenth President of the United States. William P. King was sworn in as Vice President, at Cumbre Island, Cuba, March 24, whither he had gone for his health. Pierce, in his inaugural address, made the following statement of his political faith : ''I believe that involuntary servitude, as it exists in different States of this confederacy, is recognized by the Constitution. I believe that it stands like any other admitted right, and that the States where it ex- ists, are entitled to efficient remedies to enforce the 14 210 THE TRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. constitutional provisions. I hold that the laws of 1850, commonly called the 'Compromise Measures/ are strictly constitutional, and to be unhesitatingly carried into effect. I believe that the constituted authorities of this Republic are bound to regard the rights of the South in this respect, as they would view any other legal and constitutional right, and that the laws to enforce them should be resj^ected and obeyed ; not with a reluctance encouraged by abstract opinions as to their propriety in a different state of society, but cheerfully and according to the decision of the tribu- nal to which their exposition belongs ; such have been, and are, my convictions, and upon them shall I act. I fervently hope the question is at rest, and that no sectional, or ambitious, or fanciful excitement, may again threaten the dui:ability of our institutions, or obscure the light of our prosperity." May 30. Dr. Kane set out in the *' Advance" on an expedition to the Arctic regions for the discovery of Sir John Franklin. (He returned October 11, 1856). July 8. Commodore Perry arrived at Japan. July. Martin Koszta, a Hungarian, who had taken steps to be naturalized in the United States, while at- tending to some business at Smyrna, w^as arrested by order of the Austrian Consul-General and taken on board an Austrian ship. Captain Ingraham, in com- mand of the U. S. sloop-of-war, " St. Louis," being appealed to, promptly secured his release. July. The ** Crystal Palace" was opened in New York City — destroyed by fire in October, 1858. December 5. The President, in his annual mes- sage, with reference to the outlook, said that " when FRANKLIN PIERCE. 211 tlie grave shall have closed over all who are now en- deavoring to meet the obligations of duty, the year 1850 will be recurred to, as a period filled with anxious apprehensions. A successful War had just termina- ted. Peace brought with it a vast augmentation of territory. Disturbing questions arose, bearing upon the domestic institutions of one portion of the con- federacy, and involving the constitutional right of the States. But notwithstanding differences of opinions and sentiment which then existed in relation to de- tails and specific provisions, the acquiescence of dis- tinguished citizens, w^hose devotion to the Union can never be doubted, has given renewed vigor to our in- stitutions, and restored a sense of repose and security to the public mind throughout the Confederacy. That this repose is to suffer no shock during my official term, if I have the power to avert it, those who placed me here may be assured." December 30. A dispute about boundaries arose under the treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo, on account of the inaccuracy of the map which was used when it was formed. General Gadsen negotiated a settle- ment whereby the United States paid Mexico $10,- 000,000, for a section additional to the territories of New Mexico and Arizona. The *' Gadsen Purchase '' included the Mesilla- Valley road to California, and secured the free navigation of the Gulf of California and the Kiver Colorado) to both parties. Santa Anna was President of the Kepublic of Mexico at this time. 1854. March 8. A commercial treaty was formed with Japan by Com. Perry, by which two ports were open • 212 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. to American commerce. This was the first concession that Japan ever made to any western nation. April 28. Neutrality on the Eastern question was announced by the United States Government. May 24. The Kansas-Nebraska Bill was finally passed and receiving very promptly the President's signature, Kansas and Nebraska were organized into territories, and the subject of slavery was left for the settlers to decide whether they would ''vote it up, or vote it down." This was an abrogation of the Mis- souri Compromise of 1820. June 7. The Beciprocity Treaty was concluded at Washington with England, concerning the Newfound- land fisheries, so as to make commerce between Can- ada and the United States very nearly free. July 13. Grey town, Central America, was bom- barded by a United States man-of-war in retaliation for an insult ofiered to the American Consul. October 9, A short time after the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, the President directed James Buchanan, John Y. Mason, and Pierre Soule, Amer- ican ministers at London, Paris and Madrid, to meet in some European city and devise plans for securing the annexation of Cuba. A meeting was held by them at Ostend, and after three days* secret conclave, they adjourned to Aix-la-Chapelle, where they more fully matured the document known as the ' ' Ostend Manifesto." This circular, which was transmitted to the President, set forth the necessity for its acquisi- tion on our part, the pecuniary advantages of such transfer to Spain, and finally, the possibility of forcible accession, if other means failed^ The pub- FRANKLIN PIERCE. 213 lication of this Manifesto was at first received "with incredulity and astonishment in Europe, but sub- sequent dispatches confirmed its accuracy, and left an unenviable impression of unfairness upon the European mind. During this year Elias Howe succeeded in inter- esting parties in the utility of his invention, the sew- ing machine. He had first made it public in 1847, but meiited recognition followed rather tardily. 1855. During this year "William Walker, the "fillibus- ter," made an attempt to capture Nicaragua at the head of a company of adventurers enlisted in Cali- fornia; The Nicaraguans being assisted by the peo- ple of Costa Rica were enabled to expel Walker. 1856. February 20. An unparalleled struggle for the Speakership took place in the House, and was con- tinued for nine Aveeks, until the plurality rule was adopted, when the House proceeded to its 133rd bal- lot and elected Nathaniel P. Banks, by a plurality of three votes. This was a triumph of the party in op- position to the administration. May 21. The " Border Warfare" was waged be- tween settlers, and "border ruffians" from Missouri, for the possession of Kansas. It began with the Sack of Lawrence. A force of 800 men well armed, marched into the town, and destroyed property worth about C150,000, but without loss of life. ''The so- called ' Kansas War ' proved a desultory, wasteful, but not very bloody conflict. It was waged with al- 214 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. ternations of activity and quiet throughout the next year. One of its most noted incidents is known as the 'battle of Black Jack/ wherein 28 Free State men, led by old John Brown, of Osawatomie, fought and defeated on the open prairie, 56 * border ruffians,' headed by Capt. H. Clay Pate, from Vii^ginia, who professed to be an officer under Marshall Donaldson. It terminated in the surrender of Pate and all that re- mained of his baud, 21 men, beside the wounded, with 23 horses and mules, wagons, provisions, camp equipage, and a considerable quantity of plunder, ob- tained just before by sacking a little Free-State set- tlement, known as Palmyra." — Greeley. May 22. Senator Sumner was assaulted for words spoken in debate, by Preston S. Brooks, while sitting in his chair, after the Senate had adjourned. The nature of the injuries received were such as to unfit him for active duty during the following ten years. May 28. The British Minister was ordered to de- part from Washington. England, while engaged in the Eastern war was greatly in want of soldiers and attempted to enlist men in the United States in viola- tion of treaty stipulations. June 5. The village of Osawatomie was sacked and burned. . September 1. Leavenworth was taken and pillaged by a large force from Missouri. December. President Pierce, in his Annual Mes- sage to Congress, in commenting on the deplorable condition of affairs, said: "Extremes beget ex- tremes. Violent attack from the North finds its in- evitable consequence in the growth of a spirit of FRANKLIN PIERCE. 215 angry defiance at the South. Thus, in the progress of events, we have reached that consummation — which the voice of the people has now so pointedly rebuked — of the attempt of a portion of the States, by a sec- tional organization and movement, to usurp the con- trol of the government of the United States." 1857. February 12. George Peabody gave $300,000 for a free literary and scientific Institute to be erected at Baltimore. VI. POLITICAL PARTIES. The repudiation of the Missouri Compromise, by the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, shaped parties entirely with reference to the subject of slavery. The renewed compromise of 1850 instead of. producing peace, was no sooner passed into a law, than it was swept away, and the entire country changed into an arena for the contest between free- dom and slavery. Three distinct parties organized for the fall campaign of 1856. 1. The first to enter the list was the "American," or ''Know-Nothing" party, which met in National Council at Philadelphia, February 1 9th, with a re- presentation from all the States, save South Carolina, Georgia, Vermont, and Maine. After an exciting debate of three days duration, the following, called the "American Platform," was adopted : 1. An humble acknowledgment to the Supreme Being, for his pro- tecting care vouchsafed to our fathers in their successful Rerolutlonary struggle, and hitherto manifested to us, their descendants, in tho pre- servation of the liberties, the independence, and the union of these States. 216 THE PRESIDEx\TS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 2. Tho perpetuation of the Federal Union and Constitution, as the palladium of our civil and religous liberties, and the only sure bulwarks cf Amtrican Independence. 3. Americans must rule America; and to this end native-horn citizens should be selected for all State, Federal and municipal offices of govern- ment employment, in preference to all others. Nevertheless, 4. Persons born of American parents residing temporarily abroad, should be entitled to all tho rights of native-born citizens. 5. No person should bo selected for political station, (whether of native or foreign birth), who recognizes any allegiance or obligation of any description to any foreign prince, potentate or power, or who re- fuses to recognize the Federal and State Constitutions (each within its sphere) as paramount to all other laws, as rules of political action. G. The unqualified recognition and maintenance of tho reserved rights of the several States, and the cultivation of harmony and frater- nal good will between the citizens of tho several States, and to this end, non-interference by Congress with questions appertaining solely to the individual States, and non-intervention by each State with tho affairs of any other State, 7. The recognition of the right of native-born and naturalized citi- zens of the United States, permanently residing in any territory thereof, to frame their constitution and laws, and to regulate their domestic and social affairs in their own mode, subject only to the provisions of the Federal Constitution, with th& privilege of admission into the Union whenever they have tho requisite population for one Representative in Congress : Provided, always, that none but those who are citizens of the United States, under tho Constitution and laws thereof, and who have a fixed residence in any such Territory, ought to participate in the for- mation of the Constitution, or in the enactment of laws for said Terri- tory or State. 8. An enforcement of tho principles that no State or Territory ought to admit others than citizens to the right of suffrage or of holding poli- tical oQices of the United States. 9. A change in the laws of naturalization, making a continued resi- dence of twenty-one years, of all not heretofore provided for, an indis- pensable requisite for citizenship hereafter, and excluding all paupers, and persons convicted of crime, from landing upon our shores ; but no interference with the vested rights of foreigners. 10 Opposition to any union between ChurcTi and State ; no inter- ference with religious faith or worship, and no test oaths for office. 11. Free and thorough investigation into any and all alleged abuses of public functionaries, and a strict economy in public expenditures. 12. The maintenance and enforcement of all laws constitutionally enacted until said laws shall be repealed, or shall be declared null and void by competent judicial authority. 13. Opposition to the reckless and unwiso policy of the present Ad- ministration in the general management of our national affairs, and more especially as shown in removing " Americans " (by designation) and Conservatives in principle from office, and placing foreigners and Ultraists in their places ; as shown in a truckling subserviency to the stronger, and an insolent and cowardly bravado toward the weaker powers; as shown in reopening sectional agitation, by the repeal of the Missouri Compromise ; as shown in granting to unnaturalized foreign- ers the right of suffrage in Kansas and Nebraska ; as shown in its vacil- lating course on the Kansas and Nebraska question ; as shown in the corruptions which pervade some of the Departments of the Government ; as shown in disgracing meritorious naval officers through prejudice or caprice ; and as shown in the blundering mismanagement of our foreign relations. FRANKLIN PIERCE. 217 14. Therefore, to remedy existing evils, and prevent the disastroua consequences otherwise resulting therefrom, we would build uj) tlio "American Party " upon tho principles herein before stated. 15. That each State Council shall have authority to amend their several constitutions, eo as to abolish the several degrees and substitute R pledge of honor, instead of other obligations, for fellowship and ad- mission into the party. IG. A free and open discussion of all political principles embraced in cur Platform. On the 22d of February, the American National Nominating Convention, composed mainly of the same delegates who had framed the platform, to the number of 227, met in the same city ; but before proceeding to make nominations, Mr. Killinger, of Pennsylvania, moved the following resolution, which was laid on the table by a vote of 141 to 59 : Resolved, That the National Council has no authority to prescribe a Platform of Principles for this nominating Convention, and that we will nominate for President and Vice President no man who is not in favor of interdicting the introduction of Slavery into Territory North of 3G° 30' by Congressional action. The convention then selected Millard Fillmore and Andrew Jackson Donelson, of Tennessee, for its can- didates. The minority, which had vainly opposed the adop- tion of the platform, being dissatisfied, seceded and held a convention at New York City, June 12, 1856, known as the " National Convention of North- Ameri- cans." N. P. Banks, on the 10th ballot, received the nomination for President, and Mr. J. Johnson, of Pennsylvania, for Vice President. A committee was then appointed to confer with a similar committee from the National Republican Convention then in session at Philadalphia, but nothing definite was reached, except that the " North Americans," having reassembled on the 20th, withdrew their own can- didate and determined to support John C, Fremont. 218 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Mr. Johnson, however, was retained as their candi- date for Vice President. Mr. Fillmore was absent in Europe, at the time his nomination was made, but on his return early in July, he accepted the position tendered him by the American party, and in his speech on the political situation delivered at Albany, he criticized rather sharply the Republican organization, and tried to make it appear sectional in its objects as well as in its candidates. "We see," he remarked, "apolitical party presenting can- didates for the Presidency and Vice Presidency, selected, for the first time, from the Free States alone, with the avowed purpose of electing these candidates by the suffrages of one part of the Union only, to rule over the whole United States. Can it be possible that those who are engaged in such a mea- sure can have seriously reflected upon the consequences which must inevitably follow, in case of success ? Can they have the madness or the folly to believe that our Southern brethern would submit to be governed by such a Chief Mag- istrate ? Would he be required to follow the same rule pre- scribed by those who elected him in mating his appoint- ments? If a man living South of Mason and Dixon's line be not worthy to be President or Vice President, would it be proper to select one from the same quarter as one of his Cab- inet Council, or to represent the nation in a foreign country ? Or, indeed, to collect the revenue, or administer the laws of the United States ? If not, what new rule is the President to adopt in selecting men for office that the people themselves discard in selecting him ? These are serious but practical questions ; and, in order to appreciate them fully, it is only necessary to turn the tables upon ourselves. Suppose that the South, having the majority of the electoral votes, should declare that they would only have slaveholders for Presi- dent and Vice President, and should elect such by their ex- clusive suffrages to rule over us at the North. Do you think we would submit to it ? No, not for a moment. And do you believe that your Southern brethren are less sensitive on this subject than you are, or less jealous of their rights ? If you do, let me tell you that you are mistaken. And, there- fore, you must see that, if this sectional party succeeds, it FRANKLIN PIERCE. 219 leads inevitably to the destruction of this beautiful fabric, reared by our forefathers, cemented by their blood, and be- queathed to us as a priceless inheritance." Mr. Fillmore, in one statement at least, must have spoken either as a politican, or in ignorance of the fact, that in 1828, Andrew Jackson, of Tennessee, and John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, were elected and inaugurated as President and Vice President, placed there chiefly by Southern votes ; while John Q. Adams, of IVIassachusetts, and Richard Kush, of Pennsylvania, were the candidates in opposition — two from the North against two from the South— and no one at that time saw anything wrong in the matter that would justify rebellion or secession. The Know-Nothings formed a secret organization with lodges, and councils, to which the members yielded a sworn allegiance, and began to exercise poli- tical influence as early as 1852. At first they com- bined their support on candidates of other parties, but in 1856 they considered themselves strong enough to run candidates of their own. This election marks their only appearance in the presidential field of American politics, and the votes they cast were sufiicient to hold the balance of power ; if all had ral- lied, as a part of them did, to the support of Fremont, his election would have been secured. But it is hardly to be expected that a party of this kind, in a country where nearly half the population is of foreign birth, and where all would be foreigners if they had been born earlier— it is not to be expected that such a party can gain and hold any considerable popular 220 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. strength. It secured, however, the electoral vote of Maryland. In anticipation of ''Know-Nothing" power and popularity, a society to counteract and defeat it, was formed in 1855, which called itself ''Know-Some- thing ; " but this party too, like its opponent, went to pieces, and both were absorbed by the two great parties — the Eepublican and the Democratic. 2. The Democratic party convened at Cincinnati, June 2, 1856, and nominated James Buchanan on the 17th ballot for President, and John C. Breckinridge unanimously on the 2d, for Vice President. Stephen A. Douglas, Franklin Pierce, and Gen. Lewis Cass were the chief competitors of Mr. Buchanan. The following is the Cincinnati platform : Resolved, That tho American Democracy pTace their trust in the intelligence, the patriotism, and the discriminating justice of the American people. Resolved, That we regard thia-aa a distinctive feature of our politi- cal creed, which we are proud to maintain before tho world as a great moral element in a form of government springing fi'om and upheld by the popular will; and we contrast it with tho creed and practice of Federalism under whatever name or form, which seeks to pp.ley the will of the Constituent, and which conceives no Imposture too mon- Etroua for tho popular credulity. Resolved, therefore, That entertaining these views, the Democratic party of this Union, through their delegates, assembled in general convention, coming together in a spirit of concord, of devotion to the doctrines and faith of a free representative government, and appealing to their fellow-citizens for the rectitude of their intentions, renew and reassert before the American people, the declarations of principles avowed by them, when, on former occasions, in general Convention, they have presented their candidates for tho popular suffrage. 1. That the Federal Government is one of limited power, derived solely from the Constitution, and the grants of power made therein ought to bo strictly construed by all the departments and agents of the GcYernment, and that it is inexpedient and dangerous to exercise doubt- ful constitutional powers. 2. That the Constitution does not confer upon the General Govern- ment the power to commence and carry on a general system of internal improvements. 3. That the Constitution does not confer authority upon the Fed- eral Government, directly, or indirectly, to assume tho debts of the several States, contracted for local and Internal improvements, or other State purposes, nor would such assumption be juet or expedient. 4. That justice and sound policy forbid the Federal Government to foster one branch of industry to the detriment of another, or to cherish the interests of one portion of our common country ; that every citizen FRANKLIN PIERCE. 221 and every section of tho country has a right to demand and Insist upon an equality of rights and privileges, and a comploto and ample protec- tion of persons and property from domestic violence and foreign ag- gression. 5. That it is the duty of every branch of the Government to enforcs and practice the most rigid economy in conducting our public aft'airs, and that no more revenue ought to he raised than is required to defray tho necessary expenses of tho government, and gradual but certain ex- tinction of tho public debt. G. That the proceeds of the public lauds ought to bo sacredly ap- plied to the national objects specified in tho Conetitution, and that we are opposed to any law for tho distribution of such proceeds among thi States, as alike inexpedient in policy, and repugnant to tho Constitution. 7. That Congress has ro powrr to charter a National Bank ; that we believe such an institution one of deadly hostility to tho best inter- ests of this country, dangerous to our republican institutions and the liberties of the people, and calculated to placo tho business of the country within the control of a concentrated money power and above the laws and will of the people ; and tho results of the Democratic leg- islation in this and all other financial measures upon which issues have been made between the two political parties of the country, have dem- onstrated to candid and practical men of all parties their soundness safety and utility in all business pursuits. 8. That the separation of the moneys of the Government from bank- ing institutions is indispensable to the safety of the funds of the Gov- ernment and tho rights of the people. 9. That we are decidedly opposed to taking from the President the qualified Veto power, by which he is enabled under restrictions and re- sponsibilities amply sufficient to guard the public interests, to suspend the passage of a bill whose merits cannot secure the approval of two- thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, until the judgment of the people can be obtained thereon, and which has saved tho Ameri- can people from the corrupt and tyranical dominion of the Bank of the United States, and from a corrupting system of general internal im- provements. 10. That the liberal principles embodied by Jefferson in the Declara- tion of Independence, and sanctioned in the Constitution, which makes ours the land of liberty and the asylum of the oppressed of eveiy nation, have ever been cardinal principles in the Democratic faith ; and every attempt to abridge the privilege of becoming citizens and the owners of soil among us ought to be resisted with tho same spirit which swept the alien and sedition laws from our statute books. And ichereas, Since tho foregoing declaration was uniformly adopted by our predecessors in National Convention, an adverse political and religious test has been secretly organized by a party claiming to be ex- clusively American, and it is proper that the American Democracy should clearly define its relations thereto; and declare its determined opposition to all secret political societies, by whatever name they may be called. Resolved, That the foundation of this Union of States having been laid in, and its prosperity, expansion, and pre-eminent example of free government, built upon entire freedom in matters of religious concern- ment, and no respect of persona in regard to rank, or place of birth, no party can justly be deemed national, constitutional, or in accordance with American principles, which bases its exclusive organization upon religious opinions and accidental birth-place. And hence a political crusade in the nineteenth century, and in the United States of America, against Catholics and foreign-born, is neither justified by the past his- tory nor future prospects of the country, nor in unison with the spirit of toleration, and enlightened freedom which peculiarly distinguishes the American system of popular government. Resolved, That we reiterate with renewed energy of purpose the well 222 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. considered declaration of former conventions npon the sectional issue of domestic slavery, and concerning the reserved rights of the States — 1. That Congress has no power under the Constitution to interfere with or control the domestic Institutions of the several States, and that all such States are the sole and proper judges of everything appertain- ing to their own affairs not prohibited by the Constitution ; that all ef- forts of the Abolitionists or others made to induce Congress to interfere with questions of Slavery, or to take incipient steps in relation thereto, are calculated to lead to the most alarming and dangerous consequences, and that all such efforts have an inevitable tendency to diminiBh the happiness of the people and endanger the stability and permanency of the Union, and ought not to be countenanced by any friend of our poli- tical institutions. 2. That the foregoing proposition coders and was intended to em- brace the whole subject of Slavery agitation in Congress, and therefore the Democratic party of the Union standing on this national platform, will abide by and adhere to a faithful execution of the acts known as the Compromise Measures, settled by the Congress of 1850: "the act for reclaiming fugitives from service or labor " included ; which act, being designed to carry out an express provision of the Constitution, cannot, with fidelity thereto, be repealed, or so changed as to destroy or impair its efficiency. 3. That the Democratic party will resist all attempts at renewing, in Congress or out of it, the agitation of the Slavery question, under whatever shape or color the attempt may bo made. 4. That the Democratic Party will faithfully abide by and uphold the principles laid down in the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions of 1797 and 1798, and In the report of Mr. Madison to the Virginia Legisla- ture in 1799 — that it adopts these principles as constituting one of the main foundations of its political creed, and is resolved to carry them out in their obvious meaning and Import. And that we may more distinctly meet the issue on which a sectional party, subsisting exclusively on Slavery agitation, now relies to test the fidelity of tho people. North and South, to the Constitution and the Union — 1. Resolved, That claiming fellowship with and desiring the co- operation of all who regard the preservation of the Union under the Constitution as the paramount issue, and repudiating all sectional parties and platforms concerning domestic Slaverj', which seek to em- broil the States, and incite to treason and armed resistance to law in the Territories, and whose avowed purpose, if consummated, must end in civil war and disunion, the American Democracy recognize and adopt the principles contained in tho organic laws establishing the Territories of Nebraska and Kansas, as embodying the only sound and safe solu- tion of the Slavery question, upon which the great national idea of the people of this while country can repose in its determined conservation of the Union, and non-interference of Congress with Slavery in the Ter- ritories or in tho District of Columbia. 2. That this was the basis of tho compromises of 1850, confirmed by both (he Democratic and V/hig parties in National Conventions, ratified by the people in tho election of 1852, and rightly applied to the organi- zation of tho Territories in 1854. 3. That by the uniform application of the Democratic principle to the organization of Territories, and tho admission of new States, with or without domestic Slav-^ry, as they may elect, the equal rights of all the States will be preserved intact, the original compacts of the Consti- tution maintained inviolate, and the perpetuity and expansion of the Union insured to its utmost capacity of embracing in peace and har- mony, every future American State that may be constituted or annexed with a republican form of government. Hesolved, That we recognize the right of the people of all the Territo- ries, including Kansas and Nebraska, acting through the legally and FRANKLIN PIERCE. 223 fairly expressed will of the majority of the actual residents, and when- ever the number of their inhabitants justifies it, to form a Constitution, with or without domestic Slavery, and bo admitted into the Union upon terms of perfect equality with the other States. EesoJced, finally, That in view of the condition of popular institutions in the Old World (and the dangerous tendencies cf sectional agitntion, combined with the attempt to enforce civil and reHgious disabilities against the rights of acquiring and enjoying citizenship in our own land), a high and sacred duty is involved with increased responsibility upon the Democratic Party of this country, as the party of the Union, to uphold and maintain the rights of every State and thereby the Union of the States — and to sustain and advance among us constitutional lib- erty, by continuing to reeist all monopolies and exclusive legislation for the benefit of the few at tho expense of the many, and by a vigilant and constant adherence to those principles and compromises of the Con- stitution— which are broad enough and strong enough to embrace and uphold the Union as it was, the Union as it is, and the Union aa it shall be — in the full expression of the energies and capacity of this great and progressive people. 1. Resolved, That there are questions connected with the foreign policy of this country which are inf'-rior to no domestic questi(fti whatever. The time has come for tho people of the United States to declare them- eeives in favor of free seas, and progressive free trade throughout the world, and, by solemn manifestations, to place their moral influence at the side of their successful example. 2. Resolved, That our geographical and political position with refer- ence to tho other states of this continent, no less than the interest of our commerce and tho development of our growing power, requires that we should hold sacred tho principles involved in the Monkoe doctrine. Thnr bearing and import admit of no misconstruction, and should be applied with unbending rigidity. 3. Resolved, That the great highway, which nature as well as the as- sent of States most immediately interested in its maintenance has mark- ed out for free communication between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, constitutes ono of the most important achievements realized by the Bpirit of modern times, in the unconquerable energy of our people ; and that result would be secured by a tim :ly and efficient exertion of the control which wo have the right to claim over it ; and no power on earth Bhould be suffered to impede or clog its progress by any interference with relations that it may suit our policy to establish between our Govern- ment and the government of the States within whose dominions it lies ; we can under no circumstance surrender our preponderance in the ad- justment of all questions arising out of it. 4. Resolved, That, in view of so commanding an interest, the people of tho United States cannot but sympathize with the efforts which are being made by the people of CentralAmerica to regenerate that portion of the continent which covers the passage across the inter-oceanic isth- mus. 5. Resolved, That the Democratic Party will expect of the next Ad" ministration that every proper effort be made to insure our ascendency in tho Gulf of Mexico, and to maintain permanent protection to the great outlets through whi:h are emptied into its waters the products raised out of the soil and the commodities created by the industry of the people of our western valleys and of the Union at large. Resolved, That the Administration of Franklin Piebce has been true to Democratic principles, and therefore true to the great interests of the country ; in the face of violent opposition, he has maintained the laws at home, and vindicated the rights of American citizens abroad ; and therefore wo proclaim our unqualified admiration of his measures and policy. 224 TIIK PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 3. A new party, upon the dissolution of the Whig party in 1852, on account of its affiliation with the South, and the too eager participation of its Southern members in Congress to abrogate the Missouri Com- l^romise of 1820 in the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, sprang into vigorous existence and denominated itself *' anti-Nebraska." It invited the co-operation of all men, irrespective of past political associations, with the curtailment of slavery in view, and very soon thereafter took the name of " Eepublican." Horace Greeley said that there was nothing violent, aggressive or sectional in its aims and motives, but that it dated back to 1784 and traced its paternity to Jefferson, a Southron and a slaveholder. It was fully organized for the State elections of 1854 and carried most of the free States under the influence of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, (passed May 24, 1854), but was less successful in 1856. The ''Eepublicans" held their first National Convention at Pittsburgh, Pa, February 22, 1856, and made arrangements for holding a nominating convention at Philadelphia, where tliey met for that purpose, June 17, and chose Col. Henry S. Lane, of Indiana, as chairman. Twenty-two States were represented by delegates. An informal ballot was first taken, which resulted in giving 359 votes to John C. Fremont, 196 to John McLean, 2 to Charles Sumner, and 1 to William H. Seward. The nomination of Fi-emont was thereupon made unanimous. An informal ballot was likewise taken for Vice President with the following result : William L. Dayton, 259 ; Abraham Lincoln, 110 ; N. P. Banks, 46 ; David Wilmot, 43 ; Charles Sumner, FR-^KKLIN PIERCE. 22? 35 ; Jacob Collamer, 15 ; John A. King, 9 ; Gen. S. C. Pomeroy, 8 ; Thomas Ford, 7 ; Henry Wilson, 5 ; Cassius M. Clay, 4; Henry C. Carey, 3 ; J, R. Gid- dings, 2 ; W. F. Johnson, 2 ; and A. C. M. Pen- nington, 1. The nomination of William L. Dayton was then on formal ballot made unanimous. The convention then adopted the following declaration of principles, and separated with great confidence and unanimity of purpose : Thi3 Convention of Delegates, assembled in pursaance of a call ad- dressed to the people of the United States, without regard to past polit- ical dififerences or divisions, who are opposed to the repeal of the Mis- souri Compromise, to the policy of the present Administration, to the oxtensioQ of slavery into Free Territory ; in favor of admitting Kansas as a Free State, of restoring the action of the Federal Government to the principles of Washington and JeffersoH, and who purpose to unite in presenting candidates for the offices of President and Vice President, do resolve as follows : Icesolved, That the maintenance of the principles promulgated in the Declaration of Independence and embodied in the Federal Constitution ia essential to the preservation of our Republican Institutions, and that the Federal Constitution, the rights of the States, and the Union of the States shall be preserved. Resolved, That with our republican fathers we hold it to be a self- evident truth, that all men are endowed with the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that the primary object and ulterior designs of our Federal Government were, to secure these rights to all persons within ita exclusive jurisdiction ; that, as our re- publican fathers, when they had abolished Slavery in all our national territory, ordained that no person should be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, it becomes our duty to maintain this provision of the Constitution against all attempts to violate it for the purpose of establishing Slavery in any territory of the United States, by positive legislation, prohibiting its existence or extension therein. That we deny the authority of Congress, of a territorial legis- lature, of any individual or association of individuals, to give legal ex- istence to Slavery in any territory of the United States, while the pre- sent Constitution shall be maintained. Hesolved, That the Constitution confers upon Congress sovereign power over the territories of the United States for their government, and that in the exercise of this power it is both the right and the duty of Congress to prohibit in the territories those twin relics of barbarism- Polygamy and Slavery. Resolved, That while the Constitution of the United States was or- dained and established by the people in order to form a more perfect Union, esfablish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, and eecuro the blessings of liberty, and contains ample provisions for the protection of the life, liberty and property of every citizen, the dearest constitutional rights of the people of Kansas have been fraudulently and violently taken fr^m them— their territory has 15 226 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. b^en invadod by an armed force— spurious and pretended legislative, judicial and executive oflacers have been set over them , by whose usurped authority, sustained by the military power of the Governnient, tyran- nical and unconstitutional laws have been enacted and enforced — the rights of the people to keep and bear arms have been infringed — test oaths of an extraordinary and entangling nature have been imposed, as >< condition of exercising the right of suffrage and holding office— the right of an accused person to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury has been denied— the right of the people to be secure iu their per- Bons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches »and seizures has been violated — they have heed deprived of life, liberty and property without due process of law^ — that the freedom of speech and of the press has been abridged — the right to choose their representatives has been made of noeffect — murders, robberies and arsons have been in- stigated anil encouraged, and the offenders have been allowed to go un- punished — that all these things have |)een done with the knowledge, sanction and procurement of the present Administration, and that for this high crime against the Constitution, the Union and Humanity, we arraign the Administration, the President, his advisers, agents, sup- porters, apologists and accessories, either beforo gr after the facts, be- fore the country and before tho world, and that it is Gur fixed purpose to bring the actual perpetrators of these atrocious outrages, and their accomplices, to a sure and condign punishment, hereafter. Resolved, That Kansas should be immediately admitted as a State of the Union, with her present free Constitution, as at once the most effec- tual way of securing to her citizens the enjoyrnent of the rights and privileges to which they are entitled ; and of ending the-civil strife now raging in her territory. Resolved, That the highwayman's plea, that "might makes right," embodied in the Ostend Circular, was in every respect unworthy of American diplomacy, and would bring shame and dishonor upon any government or people that gave it their sanction. Resolved, That a railroad to the Pacific Ocean, by the most central and practicable route, la imperatively demanded by the interests of the whole country, and that the Federal Government ought to render im- mediate and efficient aid in its construction ; and, as an auxiliary thereto, the immediate construction of an emigrant route on the line of the railroad. Resolved, That appropriations by Congress for the improvement of rivers and harbors, of a national character, required for tho accom- modation and security of our existing commerce, are authorized by the Constitution, and justified by the obligation of government to protect the lives and property of its citizens. The remnants of the Whigs, in order to give their party a formal sepulture, met in National Convention at Baltimore — Edward Bates, of Missouri, presiding — Sept. 13, 1856, and by the following platform pledged their support to secure the election of Fillmore : Resolved, That the Whigs of the United States, now here assembled, hereby declare their reverence for the Constitution of the United States, their unalterable attachment to the National Union, and a fixed deter- mination to do all in their power to preserve them for themselves and their posterity. They have no new principles to announce ; no new platform to establish; but are content to broadly rest— whejo their FRANKLIN PIERCE. 227 fathers rested— upon the Constitution of the United States, wishing no eafer guide, no higher law. /Resolved, That we regard with the deepest interest and anxiety the present disordered condition of our national affairs— a portion of tho country ravaged by civil war, large sections of our population embit- tered by mutual recriminations ; and wo distinctly trace these calami- ties to the culpable neglect of duty by the present national administra- tion. Resolved^ That the Government of the United States was formed by the conjunction in political unity of wide spread geographical sections materially differing, not only in climate and products, but in social and domestic institutions ; and that any cause that shall permanently ar- ray the different eections of the Union in political hostility and organ- ized parties founded only on geographical distinctions must inevitably prove fatal to a continuance of the National Union. Resolved, That the Whigs of the United States declare, as a funda- mental article of political faith, an absolute necessity for avoiding geo- graphical parties. The danger, eo clearly discerned by the Father of his country, has now become fearfully apparent in the agitation now convulsing the nation, and must be arrested at once if we would pre- serve our Constitution and our Union from dismemberment, and the name of America from being blotted out from the family of civilized nations. Resolved, That all who revere the Constitution and the Union, must look with alarm at the parties in the field in the present Presidential campaign— one claiming only to represent sixteen Northern States, and the other appealing mainly to the passions and prejudices of tho Southern States ; that the success of either faction must add fuel to the flame which now threatens to wrap our dearest interests in a common ruin. Resolved, That the only remedy for an evil so appalling is to support a candidate pledged to neither of the geographical sections nor arrayed in political antagonism, but holding both in a just and equal regard. We congratulate the friends of the Union that such a candidate exists in Millard Fillmore. Resolved, That, without adopting or referring to tho peculiar doc- trines of the party which has already selected Mr. Fillmore as a can- didate, we look to him as a well-tried and faithful friend of the Consti- tution'and the Union, eminent alike for his wisdom and firmness— for his justice and moderation in our foreign relations— for his calm and pa- cific temperament, so well becoming tho head of a great nation— for his devotion to the Constitution in its true spirit- his inflexibility in ex- ecuting the laws; but, beyond all these attributes, in possessing the one transcendent merit of being a representative «f neither of the two sec- tional parties now struggling for political supremacy. Resolved, That, in the present exigency of political affairs, we are not called upon to discuss the subordinate questions of administration in the exercising of the Constitutional powers of the Government. It is enough to know that civil war is raging, and that the Union is in peril; and we proclaim the conviction that the restoration of Mr. Fill- more to the Presidency will furnish the best if not tho only means of restoring peace. The Democrats in the October elections carried the States of Pennsylvania and Indiana, and thus removed all uncertainty about the result in November. The Republican j/arty at once entered upon a dangerous 228 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS, rivalry ; for Buclianan lacked 377,629 votes of a pop- ular majority over Fremont and Fillmore. yil. riNANCIAL STATEMENT. In connection "with finances, it appears that a re- venue of three-fourths of the annual expenditures is sufficient for current expenses. This arises from the fact that the other fourth is kept floating and in the course of settlement is transferred to the following year. The imposts on exports and imports were about equal. AVhile the expenditures increased, there was a decrease of the public debt to the amount of $34,- 166,792. Year. Public Debt. Expenditures. Exports. Imports. 1853 1854 1855 1856 $67,340,628 47,242,206 39,969,731 30,963,900 $54,577,061 75,473,119 66,164,775 72,726,341 $230,976,157 278,241,064 275,156,846 326,964,908 $267,978,647 304,562,381 261,463,520 314,639,943 VIII. OUTLINE OP CONCURRENT EVENTS. The Crimean War : In a dispute between Kussia and Turkey, England joined France, (afterwards joined by Sardinia), in war against Eussia, March 27 ; The Allies— 25,000 British, 25,000 French and 8,000 Turks— landed at Old Fort, Crimea, Sept. 14 ; Battle of Alma, Sept. 20 ; Siege of Sebastopol begun Oct. 17 ; Battle of Balaklava, Oct. 25 ; Battle of Inker- man, Nov. 5, 1854. In September, 1855, the Allies entered Sebastopol and the war was ended by the Peace of Paris, March 30, 1856. CHAPTER XIII. THE ADMINISTRATIOIf OF JAMES BUCHANAN. Democratic, One Term, 1857 to ISQI. I. CABINET. PRESIDENT. 1857. James Buchanan, Pennsylvania, VICE PRESIDENT. 1857. John C. Breckinridge, Kentucky. SECRETARIES OP STATE. 1857. Lewis Cass, Michigan. 1860. Jeremiah S. Black, Pennsylvania. SECRETARIES OP THE TREASURY. 1857. Howell Cobb, Georgia. 1860. Philip F. Thomas, Maryland. 1861. John A. Dix, New York. SECRETARIES OP "WAR. 1857. John B. Floyd, Virginia. 1861. Joseph Holt, Kentucky, SECRETARY OP THE NAVY. 1857. Isaac Tousey, Connecticut. SECRETARY OP THE INTERIOR. 1857. Jacob Thompson, Mississippi; POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 1857. Aaron V. Brown, Tennessee. 1859. Joseph Holt, Kentucky. 1861. Horatio King, Maine. ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 1857. Jeremiah S. Black, Pennsylvania. 1860. Edwin M. Stanton, Pennsylvania. 230 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. II. SENATORS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO TEM- PORE OF THE SENATE. 1857. June, Benjamin Fitzpatrick, Alabama. 1859. December, Benjamin Fitzpatrick, Alabama. 1860. June, Jesse D; Bright, Indiana. 1860. June, Benjamin Fitzpatrick, Alabama. 1861. March, Solomon Foot, Vermont; III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- TATIVES. XXXV. Congress, James L. Orr, South Carolina. XXXVI. " William Pennington, New Jersey IV. THE EIGHTEENTH ELECTION. Popular Vote : For President, James Buchanan, Pennsylvania, 1,838,169; John C. Fremont, Cali- fornia, 1,341,264; Millard Fillmore, New York, 874,534. Electoral Vote ; For President, James Buchanan, 174; John C. Fremont, 109; Millard Fillmore, 8. For Vice President : John C. Breckinridge, Ken- tucky, 174; William L. Dayton, New Jersey, 109; Andrew J. Donaldson. Tennessee, 8. Total, 291. Thirty-one States voted. V. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 1860. Whites, 26,597,471 ; Free colored, 532,090; slaves, 3,953,760. Total, 31,443,321. The ratio of Kepresentation was determined at 127,316, making the membership of Congress 242. JAMES BUCHANAN. 231 VI. HISTORICAL EECOKD. March 4. Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated the fif- teenth President of the United States. He fore- shadowed the Dred Scott decision when he used the following words in his Inaugural Address : " The whole territorial question, being thus settled upon the principle of Popular Sovereignty — a principle as ancient as free govenrment itself — everything of a practical nature has been decided. No other question remains for adj ustment, because all agree, that under the Constitution, Slavery in the States is beyond the reach of any human power, except that of the respective States themselves wherein it exists. May we not, then, hope that the long agitation on this subject is approaching its end, and that the geographical parties to which it has given birth, so much dreaded by the father of his country, will speedily become extinct." March 6. Chief Justice Taney decided in the Dred Scott Case that slaves or other persons whose ancestors had been imported to this country and sold as slaves, had no right to sue in a Court of the United States. This decision nullified the Missouri Compro- mise of 1820 and denied the right of Congress to put any bars to the territorial difiusion of slavery. August 11. The Atlantic Cable parted in 2,000 fathoms of water. The project was first entertained in 1853. August 24. A financial crisis occurred in the United States, which produced 5,123 failures, with liabilities amounting to $291,757,000 in the following month. There was a general suspension of specie payments by the banks of the country which was pre- cipitated by the bankruptcy of the ''Ohio Life and Mutual Insurance Company*" This crisis produced a great revival of religion and led to the organization 232 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. of the Fulton street "Business-Men's Noon-day Prayer Meeting." November 9. The Lecompton Constitution, with slavery, was passed by a partial vote in Kansas, As an offsett to the Fugitive Slave Law, a number of free States, passed "Personal Liberty" bills, which granted trial by jury to fugitive slaves when arrested by their masters. 1858. February 14. The Mormons" were defeated at Eco- Cannians, Utah, by United States Troops. Under the lead of Brigham Young there arose a conflict of authority with the United States Government, and an army of 2,500 men was sent out to enforce obedience to the new Governor. War was averted and Gov. Gumming, with the troops, was admitted to Salt Lake City. President Buchanan proclaimed a free pardon "to all for the sedition and treason by them committed." March 28. Nicaragua placed herself under the protection of the United States. April 10. Thomas H. Benton died at Washing- ton in his seventy-sixth year. April 30. The "English" Kansas bill passed Congress. May 11. Minnesota, the thirty-second State, was admitted to the Union. August 21. Lincoln and Douglas, as candidates for the United States Senate from the State of Illi- nois, engaged in seven joint debates, as follows : At Ottawa, August 21; Freeport, August 27; Jones- JAMES BUCHANAN. 233 boro, Sept., 15; Charleston, Sept., 18; Galesburgh, Oct., 7 ; Quincy, Oct; 13 ; and Alton, Oct; 15, on topics of State and National importance. The Re- publican vote stood 126,084; Douglas Democratic, 121,940 ; and Buchanan Democratic, 5,091 ; but on account of the unequal apportionment Douglas se- cured a majority in the Legislature and received the election of Senator. The great ability with which Mr. Lincoln conducted the argument gained him a national rejDutation. August 28. Telegrams from London, dated August 27, were received in New York. The sec- ond attempt to lay the Cable, which was made this year, had also failed — it parted after 142 miles of wire had been paid out. But the third effort proved successful and several messages passed between the President and Queen Victoria. Its completion was celebrated with great rejoicing, but unhappily the wire refused to work after these initial messages had been exchanged. 1859. February 14. Oregon, the thirty-third State, was admitted to the Union June 30. The value of domestic gold received at the Mint and its branches was reported to be $470,- 841,478.46; of this amount $451,310,840.26 came from California. The principal mint is located at Philadelphia, and its four branches respectively, at New Orleans, Dahlonega, Ga, Charlotte, N. C, and San Francisco. The Essay office is established at New York, Total coinage, $650,969,907.84. 234 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. October 16. John Brown, with twenty comrades, seized the United States Arsenal at Harper's Ferry, Va*, and proclaimed freedom to all blacks in the vicinity. Col. Eobert E. Lee, of Viiginia, captured six of the band, including John Brown. These were tried on a charge of treason, and John Brown and two negroes were hung at Charleston, Va., De- cember 2. In the encounter, two of the insurgents were able to escape, and thirteen were kiUed ; while four of the attacking party were killed, November 30. South Carolina announced by res- olution of her Legislature, that she was ready to form with other States a Southern Confederacy. 1860. June 22. The President signed a veto to the *' Homestead BiU." The Senate, on the 23d, failed to pass it over the veto and the bill was lost. July 6. Dr. Hayes sailed from Boston on an ex- pedition to the Arctic Regions. November 7. When the news, that Lincoln had been elected, was received in Charleston, S. C, cheers were given for the Southern Confederacy, and the " Palmetto Flag" was unfurled from the masts of vessels in the harbor. September 3. William Walker, as the result of a third attempt to gain ascendency in Central Amer- ica, was shot by order of Court-martial at Truxillo. November 10. South Carolina passed a bill for the equipment of 10,000 men, uud commanded an election of delegates to consider the necessity of immediate secession, James Chester resigned his JAMES BUCHANAN. 235 seat in the United States Senate as member from South Carolina, November 11. Senator Hammond, of S. C, also resigned, November 18. Georgia determined to arm her citizens and appropriated $1,000,000 for that pur- pose. Major Anderson was sent to Fort Moultrie. December 1. An election of delegates to consider secession was ordered by the Legislature of Florida. December 3. Session of Congress. The Presi- dent denied the right of secession and affirmed the constitutional power to coerce a seceding State. December 5. The United States Treasury sus- pended specie payment. December 10. Secretary Cobb resigned as mem- ber of the Cabinet. Senator Clay, of Alabama, also resigned. December 13. The President opposed the plan of reinforcing Fort Moultrie, which was recommended in an extra meeting of the Cabinet. December 14. Secretary Cass resigned. December 18. The ''Crittenden" compromise measure was introduced and referred to a committee. December 20. The Convention of South Carolina passed unanimously the following act : AN ORDINANCE To DISSOLVE THE TJnION' BETWEEN THE StATE OF SoUTH Carolina and other States united with her under THH COMPACT ENTITLED " THE CONSTITUTION OP THB United States op America." We, the People of the State of South Carolina, in Convention assembled, do declare and ordain^ and it is hereby declared and ordained, That the Ordinance adopted by U3 in Convention, on the 236 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. twenty -third day of May, in the year of our Lord one thou- sand seven hundred and eighty-eight, whereby the Contitu- tion of the United States was ratified, and also, all Acts and parts of Acts of the General Assembly of this State, ratifying amendments of the said Constitution, are hereby repealed; and that the union now subsisting between South Carolina and other States, under the name of " The United States of America," is hereby dissolved. December 22. The Senate Committee of thirteen rejected the ''Crittenden Compromise." It con- tained the following provisions : To renew the Missouri line of 36° 30'' : prohibit slavery' North and permit it South of that line ; admit new States with or without slavery, as their constitutions provide ; pro- hibit Congress from abolishing slavery in States, and in the District of Columbia so long as it exists in Virginia or Maryland ; permit free transmission of slaves by land or water in any State; pay for fugitive slaves rescued after arrest ; repeal the inequality of commissioner''s fees in Fu- gitive Slave act, and to ask the repeal of Personal Liberty bills in the Northern States. These concessions to be sub- mitted to the people as amendments to the Constitution, and if adopted, never to be changed." December 24. The Kepresentatives in Congress from South Carolina resigned their seats and returned home. The Convention, which continued its session at Charleston, adopted the following declaration to explain and justify secession : THE SOUTH CAROLINA DECLARATION OP INDEPENDENCE. The State of South Carolina, having determined to re- same her separate and equal place among nations, deems it due to herself, to the remaining United States of America, and to tho' nations of the world, that she should declare the causes which have led to this act. In the year 1765, that portion of the British Empire em- bracing Great Britain, undertook to make laws for the government of that portion composed of the thirteen Amer- ican Colonies. A struggle for the right of self-government ensued, which resulted, on the 4th of July, 1776, in a De- JAMES BUCHANAN. 237 claration by the Colonies, "that they are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, and that, as free and independent States, they have full power to levy war, to concludo peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent States may of right do." They further solemnly declared, that whenever any "form of government becomes destructive of the ends for which it was established, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new government," Deeming the government of Great Britain to have become destructive of these ends, they declared that the Colonies "are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all politi- cal connection between them and the States of Great Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved." In pursuance of this Declaration of Independence, each of the thirteen States proceeded to exercise its separate sov- ereignty ; adopted for itself a constitution, and appointed officers for the administration of government in all its de- partments — legislative, executive, and judicial. For pur- poses of defence, they united their arms and their counsels ; and, in 1778, they united in a league, known as the articles of confederation, whereby they agreed to intrust the admin- istration of their external relations to a common agent, known as the Congress of the United States, expressly de- claring, in the first article, <'that each State retains its sov- ereignty, freedom and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right which is not, by this confederation, expressly delegated to the United States in Congress assem- bled." Under this consideration the war of the Eevolution was carried on, and on the 3d of September, 1783, the contest ended, and a definite treaty was signed by Great Britain in which she acknowledged the independence of the colonies in the following terms : Article 1.— His Britiannic Majesty acknowledges the said United States, viz: New Hampshire Massachusetts Bay, Khode Island and Providence Plantation, Connecticut, New York, Now Jersey, Pennsyl- vania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina", South Carolina, and Georgia, to be free, sovereign, and independent States ; that he treats them as such ; and for himself, hia heirs, and successors, relin- quishes all claims to the government, proprietary and territorial rights of the same, and every part thereof. Thus was established the two groat principles asserted by the Colonies, namely, the right of a State to govern itself, and the right of a people to abolish a government when it becomes destructive of the ends for which it was instituted. 238 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. And concurrent with the establishment of these principles was the fact, that each colony became and was recognized by the mother country as a free, sovereign and independent State. In 1787,, Deputies were appointed by the States to revise the articles of confederation, and on September 17th, 1787, the Deputies recommended for the adoption of the States the articles of union known as the Constitution of the United States. The parties to whom the Constitution was submitted were the several sovereign States; they were to agree or disagree, and when nine of them agreed, the compact was to take ef- fect among those concurring ; and the general government, as the common agent, was then to be invested with their authority. If only nine of the thirteen States had concurred, the other four would have remained as they then were — separate, sov- ereign States, independent of any of the provisions of the Constitution. In fact, two of the States did not accede to the Constitution until long after it had gone into operation among tbo other eleven ; and during that interval, they ex- ercised the functions of an independent nation. By this Constitution, certain duties were charged on tho several States, and the exercise of certain of their powers not delegated to the United States by the Conslitation, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States re- spectively, or to the people. On 23d May, 1788, South Car- olina, by a convention of her people, passed an ordinance assenting to this Constitution, and afterwards altering her own constitution, to conform herself to the obligations she had undertaken. Thus was established, by compact between the States, a government, with defined objects and powers, limited to the express words of the grant, and to so much more only as was necessary to execute the power granted. The limitation left the whole remaining mass of power subject to the clause reserving it to the State or to the people, and rendered un- necessary any specification of reserved rights. We hold that the government thus established is subject to the two great principles asserted in the Declaration of Inde- pendence, and wo hold further that the mode of its forma- tion subjects it to a third fundamental principle, namely — the law of compact. We maintain that in every compact between two or more parties, the obligation is mutual — that the failure of one of the contracting parties to perform a material part of tho agreement entirely released tho obliga- JAMES BUCHANA.N. 239 tion of the other, and that, where no arbiter is appointed, each party is remitted to his own judgment to determine tho fact of failure with all its consequences. In the present case that fact is established with certainty. We assert that fifteen of the States have deliberately refused for years past to fulfill their constitutional obligations, and we refer to their own statues for the proof. Tqe Constitution of the United States, in its 4lh article, provides as follows: "No person held to service or labor in ono State, under tho la-ws thereof, escaping Into another, shall, in conseqnenca of any law or regulation therein, ho discharged from any servica or lahor, but shall be delivered up, on claim of tho party to whom such service or labor may be due." This stipulation was so materiel to the compact that with- out it that compact would not have been made. The greater number of the contracting parties held slaves, and the State of Virginia had previously declared her estimate of its value by making it the condition of cession of the territory which now compose the States north of the Ohio River. The same article of tho Constitution stipulates also for the rendition by tho several States of fugitives from justice from the other States. The general government, as the common agent passed laws tD carry into effect these stipulations of the States. For many years these laws were esecuted. But an increas- ing hostility on the part of the Northern States to the insti- tution of slavery, has led to a disregard of their obligations, and tho laws of the general government have ceased to ef- fect the objects of the Constitution. The States of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ehode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa, have enacted laws •which either nulify the acts of Congress, or render useless any attempt to execute them. In many of these States the fugitive is discharged from the service of labor claimed, and in none of them has the State government complied with the stipulation made in the Constitution. The State of New Jersey, at an early day, passed a law for the rendition of fugitive slaves in conformity with her constitutional under- taking ; but the current of anti-slavery feeling has led her more recently to enact laws which render inoperative the remedies provided by her own law and by the laws of Con- gress. In the State of New York oven the right of transit for a slave has been denied by her tribunals, and the States of Ohio, and Iowa have refused to surrender to justice fugi- tives charged with murder and inciting servile insurrection, 240 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. in the State of Virginia. Thus the constitutional compact has been deliberately broken and disregarded by the non- slaveholding States, and the consequence follows that South Carolina is released from its obligations. The ends for which this Constitution was framed are de- clared by itself to be "to form a more perfect union, estab- lish justice, insure domestic tranquil ty, provide for the com- mon defence, protect the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity." These ends it endeavored to accomplish by a federal gov- ernment, in which each State was recognized as an equal, and had separate control over its own institutions. The right of property in slaves was recognized by giving to free persona distinct political rights; by giving them the right to represent, and burdening them with direct taxes for three- fifths of their slaves; by authorizing the importation of slaves for twenty years, and by stipulating for the rendition of fugitives from labor. We affirm that these ends for which this government was instituted have been defeated, and the government itself has been made destructive of them by the action of the nou- slaveholding States. These States have assumed the right of deciding upon the propriety of our domestic institution?, and have denied the rights of property established in fifteen of the States and recognized by the Constitution ; they have denounced as einful the institution of slavery; they have permitted the open establishment among them of societies whose avowed object is to disturb the peace and to eloin the property of the citizens of other States. They have encour- aged and assisted thousands of our slaves to leave their homes, and those who remain have been encited by emisa- ries, books and pictures to servile insurrection. For twenty-five years, this agitation has been steadily increasing, until it has now secured to its aid the power of the common government. Observing the forms of the Con- ■ stitution, a sectional party has found within that article establishing the executive department the means of subvert- ing the Constitution itself. A geographical lino has been drawn across the Union, and all the States north of that line have united in the election of a man to the high office of President of the United States, whose opinions and pur- poses are hostile to slavery. He is to be entrusted with the administration of the common government, because he has declared that that " government can not endure permanently half slave, half free," and that the public mind must rest in the belief that slavery is in the course of ultimate extinction. JAMES BUCHANAN. 241 This sectional combination for tho subvereion of the Con- stitution has been aided in some of the States by elevating to citizenship persons, who, by the supreme law of the land, are incapable of becoming citizens, and their votes have been used to inaugurate a new policy hostile to the South, and destructive of its peace and safety. On the 4th March next, this party will take possession of the government. It has announced that the South shall be excluded from the common territory; that the judicial tri- bunals shall be made eectional, and that a war must be waged against slavery until it shall cease throughout the United States. The guaranties of the Constitution will then no longer exist ; the equal rights of the States will be lost. The slave- holding States will no longer have the power of self-govern- ment or eelf-protection, and the federal government will have become their enemies. Sectional interest and animosity will deepen the irritation, and all hope of remedy is rendered vain by the fact that public opinion at the North has invested a great political error with the sanctions of a more erroneous religious belief. We, therefore, the people of South Carolina, by our dele- gates in convention assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, have solemnly declared that the union heretofore existing between this Stateand the other States of North America is dissolved, and that the State of South Carolina lias resumed her posi- tion among the nations of the world as a free, sovereign and independent State, with full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent States may of right do. And, for the support of this declaration, with a firm reli- ance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. December 26. Major Anderson, with 11 men, ab- andoned Fort Moultrie and occupied Fort Sumter, Buchanan refused to have intercourse with Commis- sioners from South Carolina, who were charged to negotiate for a division of public property and tho surrender of the forts of Charleston, 16 242 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. December 27. A revenue cutter, the "WiJlIam Aiken," was surrendered to South Carolina. December 28. The United States property and forts at Charleston were taken by South Carolina. December 29. Secretary Floyd resigned. December 31 . Commissioners were sent from South Carolina to arrange a Southern Confederacy with the other slave States. 1861. January 2. Governor Ellis, N. C, took possession of Fort Macon, at Beaufort. January 4. Fort Morgan and the arsenal at Mobile were token by Governor Moore. Buchanan procla im- ed a fast-day, which was generally observed in the North. January 7. Alabama and Mississippi held State Conventions. Legislatures of Tennessee and Vir- ginia also assembled. Toombs, of Georgia, advocated secession on the floor of the United States Senate. January 8. Secretary Thompson resigned. North Carolina seized Fort Johnson, at Wilmington, and Fort Caswell on Oak Island. January 9. The *' Star of the West," sent from New York with provisions and 250 men for Fort Sumter, was fired upon by Carolina batteries and was compelled to return. Mississippi by a vote of 84 to 15 passed the * 'Ordinance of Secession." January 11. Alabama, by a vote of 61 to 39, passed the ** Ordinance of Secession," and Florida by a vote of 62 to 7. Secretary Thomas resigned and was succeeded by Gen. Dix. The Governor of Louisiana took Forts Phillip and Jackson, (below JAMES BUCHANAN. 243 New Orleans), Pike and Macomb, (on Lake Pon- chartrain), and the Arsenal at Baton Rouge. January 13. The Floiida troops occupied the Pensacola Navy Yard and Fort Barrancas. January 16. Arkansas called a Secession Con- vention. The surrender of Fort Sumter was de- manded of the President by Colonel Hayne, but his request was refused. January 18. Virginia appr opiated $1,000,000 for State defense. January 19. Georgia, by a vote of 208 to 89, passed the ** Ordinance of Secession." January 21, Members of Congress from Ala- bama resigned* Jefferson Davis resigned his seat as Senator. January 24. Members of Congress from Georgia resigned. The United States Arsenal at Augusta, Ga., was taken. January 26. Louisiana, by a vote of 113 to 17, passed the "Ordinance of Secession." January 29. Kansas, the thirty-fourth State, after a four years' struggle, was admitted to the Union as a free State. Gen. Dix sent to New Orleans the des- patch, '*If any one attempts to haul down the American flag shoot him on the spot." January 30. The Legislature of North Carolina submitted the question of secession, the first instance of the kind, to the people. Two revenue cutters surrendered to the South. February 1. Texas, by a vote of 166 to 7, passed the "Ordinance of Secession," and submitted the 244 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. question to the people. The Mint and Custom House at New Orleans were seized. February 4. Delegates to organize the Confed- eracy met at Montgomery. A peace conference also convened at "Washington, over which ex-President Tyler presided, but nothing definite was reached. February 9. Jefferson Davis and A. H. Stephens were elected provisional President and Vice President by the Montgomery Convention. February 22. President Lincoln made a night journey from Harrisburg to Washington in order to escape an anticipated assassination at Baltimore. February 23. Gen. Twiggs handed over to the Confederacy United States property worth $1,200,000. March 1. Twiggs was expelled from the army. The Peace Congress adjourned. March 2. A revenue cutter was surrendered at Galveston, Texas. March 3. It was very generally believed at the outset that there would be no war. The New York Tribune gave expression to the cry of "No coercion." in the following words : "Whenever any consider- able section of our Union shall deliberately resolve to go out, we shall resist all coercive measures to keep them in." ^ut the long struggle for the balance of power in and out of Congress at last culminated in war, and its causes may now be enumerated : 1. The contest for territory when Missouri applied for admission, with a slave constitution, in 1819, which was settled by the compromise of 1820— a drawn issue. 2. The attempt of South Carolina to nullify the JAMES BUCHANAN. 245 Tariff Act of Congress in 1832, whicli was prevented by the vigorous measures of Jackson and Clay's Tariff Compromise of 1833. 3. The contest for territory which secured the an- nexation of Texas by war with Mexico in 1836-37 — a Southern triumph. 4. The struggle for territory when California ap- plied for admission in 1850 with a free Constitution, which was decided by Clay's Omnibus Bill or a string of compromises— a drawn battle. 5. The fight for territory in organizing the Terri- tories of Kansas and Nebraska which was made pos- sible by the abrogation of all past compromises, rein- forced by a decision of the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott case, which ended in the admission of Kansas as a free State — a Northern triumph. 6. The election of Lincoln and Hamlin by the party of freedom — a Northern victory. The Southern supremacy seemed hopelessly lost, with no prospect of regaining it, or of holding it, if regained, by the pairing of free and slave States by future admission to the Union. Disunion was the only remedy and this could be attained only through war. VI. POLITICAL PARTIES. Recent events of great importance gave a peculiar turn to the political situation in 1860. The attack upon Charles Sumner in the Senate was regarded by many as a reflex of the spirit of slavery. The Dred Scott decision did not prove acceptable to many con- eistent slaveholding Democrats. And besides, the at- 246 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. tempt of the administration to force the Lecompton Constitution upon an unwilling State, gave a new strength to the Republican party, and enabled it to carry the State elections of 1868 in Jjie North with increasing majorities. ' The struggle in Kansas also produced a division in the Democratic ranks, so that as a result, it required four parties to do full justice to these conflicting views. 1. The first party to perfect its organization took the name of "Constitutional Union," and met in Convention at Baltimore on the 9th of May. John Bell, of Tennessee, received the nomination for Presi- dent on the second, and Edward Everett, of Massa- chusetts, for Vice President, on the first ballot. This party, represented by delegates from 20 States, proved to be the successor of the former American party. It adopted, without a dissenting voice, the following declaration of principles : WJiereas, Experience haa demonstrated that Platforms adopted by the partisan conventions of the country have had the effect to mislead and deceive the people, and at the same time to widen the political divi- Biona of the country, by the creation and encouragement of geograph- ical and sectional parties ; therefore, Resolved, That it ia both the part of patriotism and of duty to recog- nize no political principal other than the Constitution of the Coun- try, THE Union of the States, and the Enfoecement of the Laws, and that as representatives of the Constitutional Union men of tha country in National Convention assembled, we hereby pledge ourselves to maintain, protect, and defend, separately and unitedly, these great principles of public liberty and national safety, against all enemies at Lome and abroad, believing that thereby peace may once more be re- stored to the country, the rights of the people and of the States re- established, and the Government again placed in that condition, of jus- tice, fraternity and equality, which under the example and Constitu- tion of our fathers, has solemnly bound every citizen of the United States to maintain a more perfect union, establish justice, insure do- mestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the gen- eral welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. 2. The Kepublicans assembled in National Con- vention at Chicago, May 16, and were represented by JAMES BUCHANAN. 247 delegates from all the free States, and from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, the District of Columbia, and the Territories of Kansas and Ne- braska. The delegation from Texas, which was ad- mitted, was found afterwards to be " bogus." David Wilmot was chosen temporary chairman, and George Ashmun, of Massachusetts, President. It was de- cided that a vote of the majority should constitute an election of candidates. On the 17th, the Convention adopted, with unbounded enthusiasm, its Platform of party principles. Ten thousand voices within the Wigwam, and twenty thousand voices on the outside and along the streets, rent the air with approbation, and reechoing the deafening chorus, presented a scene rarely equalled in the history of parties. The Con- vention, on the 18th of May, proceeded to the elec- tion of candidates. On the third ballot; Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, received the necessary number of votes and was duly declared the candidate for the Presidency. Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, received the nomination for Vice President on the second bal- lot. The convention closed its three days session by passing the following resolve, which Mr. J. R. Gid- dings, of Ohio, had offered : Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with these men who have been driven, some from their native States, and others from the States of their adoption, and are now exiled from their homes on account of their opinions ; and wo hold the Democratic party responsible for the gross violation of that clause of the Constitution which delares that citizens of each State shall be entitled to all the privileges and immuni- ties of citizens of the several States. The Republican Chicago Platform was adopted. May 17, 1860, and is as follows : Resolved, That we, the delegated representatives of the Republican electors of the United States, in Convention assembled, in discharge of 248 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. the duty we owe to our constituenta and our country, unite in the fol- lowing declarations : 1. That tlie history of the nation, during the last four years, has fully established the propriety and necessity of the organization and perpetuation of the Eepublican party, and that the causes which called it into existence are permanent in their nature, and now, more than eTer before, demand its peaceful and constitutional triumph. 2. That the maintenance of the principles promulgated in the Dec- leration of Independance and embodied in the Federal Constitution, " That all men are created equal ; that they arc endowed by their Crea- tor with certain inalienable rights ; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness ; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed," is essential to the preservation of our Republican institutions ; and tliat the Federal Constitution, the rights of the States, and the Union of the States, must and shall be preserved. 3. That to the Union of tho States this nation owes its unprece- dented increase in population, its eurpirsing development of material resources, its rapid augmentation of wealth, its happiness at home and its honor abroad and we hold in abhorrence all echemes for Disunion, come from whatever source they may ; and we congratulate tho country that no Republican member of Congress has uttered or countenanced the threats of Disunion so often made by Democratic members, without re- buke and with applause from their political associates ; and we denounce those threats of Disunion, in case of a popular overthrow of their ascen- dency, as denying the vital principles of a free government, and as an avowal of contemplated treason, which it is tho imperative duty of an indignant People sternly to rebuke and forever silence. 4. That the maintenance inviolate of the rights of the States, and especially the right of each State to order and control its own domestic institutions according to his own judgment exclusively, is essential to that balance of powers on which the perfection and endurance of our political fabric depends ; and wo denounce the lawless invasion by armed force of the soil of any State or Territory, no matter under what pre- text, as among the gravest of crimes. 5. That the present Democratic Administration has far exceeded our worst apprehensions, in its measureless subserviency to the exac- tions of a sectional interest, as especially evinced in its desperate exer- tions to force the infamous Lecompton Constitution upon the protest- ing people of Kansas; in construing the personal relation between master and servant to involve an unqualified property in persons; in its attempted enforcement, everywhere, on land and sea, through the in- tervention of Congress and of the Federal Courts of the extreme pre- tensions of a purely local interest ; and in its general and unvarying abuse of the power entrusted to it by a confiding people. 6. That the people justly view with alarm the reckless extrava- gance which pervades every department of the Federal Government ; that a return to rigid economy and accountability is indispensible to arrest the systematic plunder of the public treasury by favored parti- sans, while the recent startling developments of frauds and corruptions at the Federal metropolis, show that an entire change of administration is imperatively demanded. 7. That the new dogma, that tho Constitution, of its own force, carries Slavery into any or all of the Territories of the United States, is a dangerous political heresy, at variance with the explicit provisions of that instrument itself, with contemporaneous exposition, and with legislative and judicial precedent ; is revolutionary in its tendency, and subversive of the peace and harmony of the country. 8. That the normal condition of all the territory of the United States is that of freedom ; That as our Republican fathers, when they had abolished slavery in all onr national territory ordained that " no person should be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due JAMES BUCHANAN. 249 process of the law," it becomes our duty, by legislation, whenever euch legislation is necessary, to maintain this provision of the Con- stitution against all attempts to violate it ; and we deny the au- thority of Congress, of a territorial legislature, or of any Individu- als, to give legal existence to Slavery in any Territory of the United States. 9. That we brand the recent re-opening of the African slave-trade, under the cover of our national flag, aided by perversions of judicial power, as a crime against humanity and a burning shame to our coun- try and age; and we call upon Congress to take prompt and effi- cient measures for the total and final suppression of that execrable traffic. 10. That in the recent vetoes, by their Federal Governors, of the acts of the Legislatures of Kansas and Nebraska, prohibiting Slavery ia those Territories, we find a practical illustration of the boasted Dem- ocratic principle of Non-intervention and Popular Sovereignty, em- bodied in the Kansas-Nebraska bill, and a demonstration of the decep- tion and fraud involved therein. 11. That Kansas should, of right, be immediately admitted as a State under the Constitution recently formed and adopted by her peo- ple, and accepted by the House of Representatives. 12. That, while providing revenue for the support of the General Government by duties upon Imports, sound policy requires such an ad- justmen t of these imposts as to encourage the development of the indus- trial interest of the whole country ; and we commend that policy of na« tional exchanges which secures to the working men liberal wages, to agriculture remunerative; prices, to mechanics and manufactures an adequate reward for their skill, labor, and enterpise, and to the na- tion commercial prosperity and independence. m 13. That we protest against any sale or alienation to others of the Public Lands held by actual settlers, and against any view of the Homestead policy which regards the settlers as paupers or suppliants for public bounty ; and we demand the passage by Congress of the complete and satisfactory Homestead measure which has already passed the House. 14. That the Eepublican party is opposed to any change in our Nat- uralization Laws or any State legislation by which the rights of citi- zenship hitherto accorded to immigrants from foreign lands shall be abridged or impaired; and in favor of giving a full and efficient protec- tion to the rights of all classes of citizens, whether native or natural- ized, both at homo and abroad. 15. That appropriations by Congress for River and Harbor improve- ments of a National character, required for the accommodation and security of an existing commerce, are authorized by the Constitution, and justified by the obligations of Government to protect the lives and property of its citizens. 16. That a Railroad to the Pacific Ocean is imperatively demanded by the interest of the whole country ; that the Federal Government ought to render immediate and efficient aid in its construction ; and that, as preliminary thereto, a daily Overland Mail should be promptly estabUshed. _ 17. Finally, having thus set forth our distinctive principles and views, we invite the co-operation of all citizens, however differing on other questions, who substantially agree with us in their affirmance and support. 3. I'he National Democratic (Douglas) Conven- tion held its session at Baltimore, June 18, and spent several days in considering the credentials of 250 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. contesting delegations. (The Democratic party had met at Charleston, S. C, April 20, but finding itself unable to agree, was compelled to adjourn. New York had sent two delegations, one selected by the State convention, and the other by district elections and headed by Fernando "VYood^ Tickets of admis- sion were issued to the " Soft" delegation, which was known to be favorable to the election of Judge Douglas. Two delegations likewise came from Illi- nois, and it being decided against the *'Hard"con- testents, it became evident that the Douglas faction would rule the convention, and after considerable skirmishing the South withdrew entirely, leaving the field in possession of the Douglas Democracy, which thereupon claimed to be " regular." The two-thirds rule was afiirmed, and 57 separate ballots were cast, in each of which Douglas fell a little below a two- thirds vote until May 3, when it adjourned and re- commended those States whose delegations had with- drawn to fill their places prior to May 18th.) On reassembling it was found that Senator Douglas in- creased in strength by the way in which the creden- tials of delegates were accepted, and thereupon, Mr. Eussell, Va., Mr. Lander, N. C, Mr. Ewing, Tenn., Mr. Johnson, Md., Mr. Smith, Cal., Mr. Saulsbury, Del., Mr* Caldwell, Ky., and Mr. Clark, Mo., an- nounced ** the withdrawal of the whole, or of a part, of the delegations from their respective States." The convention then proceeded to ballot for President and Vice President, and Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, was elected on the second, and Benjamin Fitzpatrick, of Ala., on the first ballot. The latter declining the JAMES BUCHANAN. 251 honor two days after, the National Committee substi- tuted the name of Hon. Herschel V. Johnson, of Georgia. Thus after a protracted struggle was the ticket completed. The Cincinnati Democratic Platform of 1856 (see pages 220 — 223) was adopted at Charleston and Baltimore with the following explanatory resolutions : 1. Resolved, That we, the Democracy of the Union, in Convention assembled, hereby declare our aiSrmance of the resolutions unan- imously adopted and declared as a platform of principles by the Democratic Convention at Cincinnati, in the year 185G, believing that Democratic principles are unchangeable in their nature, when applied to the eamo subject matters ; and we recommend, as the only further resolutions, the following : Inasmuch as differences of opinion exist in the Democratic party as to the nature and extent of the Powers of a Territorial Legislature, and as to the powers and duties of Congress, under the Constitution of the United States, over the institution of Slavery within the Ter- ritories : 2. Resolved, That the Democratic party will abide by the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States on the questions of Constitu- tional law. 3. Resolved, That it is the duty of the United States to afford am- ple and complete protection to all its citizens, whether at home or abroad, and whether native or foreign. 4. Resolved, Th&t one of the necessities of the age, in a military, commercial, and postal point of view, is speedy communication between the Atlantic and Pacific States : and the Democratic party pledge such Constitutional Government aid aa will insure the construction of a Kailroad to the Pacific coast, at the earliest practicable period. 5. iKesolved, That the Democratic party are in favor of the acquisi- tion of the island of Cuba, on such terms aa shall be honorable to our- selves and just to Spain. 6. Resolved, That the enactments of State Legislatures to defeat the faithful execution of the Fugitive Slave Law, are hostile in character, subversive of the Constitution, and revolutionary in their effect. 7. Resolved, That it is in accordance with the true interpretation of the Cincinnati Platform, that, during the existence of the Territorial Governments, the measure of restriction, whatever it may be, imposed by the Federal Constitution on the power of the Territorial Legislature over the subject of the domestic relations, as the same has been, or shall hereafter be, finally determined by the Supreme Court of the United States, shall be respected by all good citizens, and enforced with promptness and fidelity by every branch of the General Govern- ment. 4. The National Democratic (Seceders') Conven- tion, meeting first at Kichmond, June 11, adjourned to reassemble at Baltimore, where it finally convened at the Maryland Institute on the 28th of June. Full or partial delegations from twenty-one States were 252 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. present. The organization was completed by choos- ing Caleb Gushing as its President. After reaffirm- ing the Charleston Platform, the Convention pro- ceeded to ballot for candidates, and John C. Breck- inridge, of Kentucky, and Gen. Joseph Lane, of Or- egon, were selected by the unanimous vote of all the delegates present, 105 in number. (The seceding del- egates at Charleston met at St. Andrew's Hall, elected James. A Bayard, Del.', as its Chairman, but did nothing besides adopting a platform and spend- ing four days in unsatisfactory talk. The Conven- tion then adjourned to meet in Richmond June 11th. In accordance with this motion, delegates assembled at Richmond in June, from Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, South Caro- lina, Florida, the 2d Congressional District of Ten- nessee, and the 7th Electoral District of Virgmia. On the 12th it adjourned; on the 21st it reassem- bled, and so continued to adjourn and assemble until Breckinridge and Lane were nominated, when such of the delegates as had not joined the seceding con- vention in session at Baltimore, accepted the Breck- im-idge ticket and platform, and adjourned sine die.) The following Platform was adopted both at Charleston and Baltimore : Resolved, That the Platform adopted by the Democratic party at Cincinnati (see pages 220—223) be affirmed, with the following explana- tory Eesolutions : 1. That the Government of a Territory organized by an act of Con- gress, is provisional and temporary ; and during its existence, all citi- zens of the United States have an equal right to settle with their prop- erty in the Territory without their rights either of person or property, being destroyed or impared by Congressional or Territorial legislation. 2. That it is the duty of the Federal Government, in all its de- partments, to protect, when necessary, the rights of persons and property in the Territories, and wherever else its Constitutional author- ity exteuds. JAMES BUCHANAN. 253 3. That •when the settlers iu a Territory having an adequate popu- lation, form a State constitution, in pursuance of law, the right of sovereignty commences, and, being consummated by admission into the Union, they stand on an equal footing with the people of other States ; and the State thus organized ought to be admitted into the Federal Union, whether its Constitution prohibits or recognizes the institution of Slavery. 4. That the Democratic party are in favor of the acquisition of the Island of Cuba, on such terms as shall be honorable to ourselves and just to Spain, at the earliest practicable moment. 5. That the enactments of State Legislatures to defeat the faithful execution of the Fugitive Slave Law are hostile in character, subversive of the Constitution, and revolutionary in their efifect. 6. That the Democracy of the United States recognize it as the im- perative duty of this Government to protect the naturalized citizen in all his rights, whether at home or in foreign lands, to the same extent as its native-born citizens. Whereas, One of the greatest necessities of the age, in a Political, Commercial, Postal and Military point of view, is a speedy communi- cation between the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Therefore, be it Resolved, That the Democratic party do hereby pledge themselves to use every means in their power to secure the passage of some bill to the extent of the Constitutional authority of Congress for the con- struction of a Pacific Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, at the earliest practicable moment. The supremacy of the Democratic party — the party which Jackson reorganized — lasted 32 years. Its domination was scarcely interrupted by the Whig elec- tion of Gen. Harrison in 1840, and of Gen. Taylor in 1848, The purpose of the South to secede when- ever the North should carry the presidental elections, was fully fixed, perhaps as early as 1850, but certainly in 1856. In October, of this year, a number of Southern Governors met at Raleigh, N. C, and held a secret meeting, in which it was resolved, if Fremont should be elected to seize and occupy Washington and prevent his inauguration. When Lincoln, therefore, was elected, that which had long existed in determina- tion was crystalized into a fact, and the Great Rebel- lion was at once inaugurated. The history of the Democratic party marks the fourth era in the political history of the United States. 254 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. VII. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The President, in his Inaugural Address, expressed the belief that "our present financial condition is without a parallel in history. No nation has ever be- fore been embarrassed from too large a surplus in its treasury." And yet, notwithstanding this assertion, the public debt increased, during his administration, ^33,805,803. Year. Public Debt. Expenditures. Exports. Imports. 1857 1858 1859 1860 $29,060,386 44,910,777 58,754,699 64,769,703 $71,274,587 82,062,186 83,678,643 77,055,125 1362,960,608 324,644,421 356,789,461 400,122,296 $360,890,141 282,613,150 338,768,130 362,162,541 VIII. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. England : Mutiny in India — Surrender of Cawn- pore to Nanna Sahib and massacre of the British, June 25 ; Cawnpore retaken by General Havelock, July 17; Delhi taken by the English, Sept. 14-20; Capture of King of Delhi, Sept. 21, and his son and grandson slain by Col. Hodson, Sept. 22; General Havelock relieved Lucknow, Sept. 25 ; Sepoy rebels completely routed at Cawnpore by a British force of 25,000, December 6, 1857. The King of Delhi sentenced to transportation for life, March 19 ; Luck- now captured by Sir Colin Campbell, March 21 ; Jhansi taken by Sir Hugh Rose, April 4 ; the gov- ernment of the East India Company ceased Sept. 1 ; the Queen of England proclaimed Sovereign of India and Lord Canning Viceroy, Nov. 1, 1858. CHAPTER XIY. ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN AND JOHNSON. Republican and Independent. Two Terms, 1861 to 1869. I. CABINET. PRESIDENTS. 1861. Abraham Lincoln, Illinois, (assassinated April 14, 1865.) 1865. Andrew Johnson, Tennessee. VICE PRESIDENTS. 1861. Hannibal Hamlin, Maine. 1865. Andrew Johnson, Tennessee. SECRETARY OF STATE. 1861. William H. Seward, New York. SECRETARIES OF THE TREASURY. 1861. Salmon P. Chase, Ohio. 1864. William Pitt Fessenden, Maine. 1865. Hugh McCuUoch, Indiana. SECRETARIES OF WAR. 1861. Simon Cameron, Pennsylvania. 1861. Edwin M. Stanton, Pennsylvania. 1867. Ulysses S. Grant, Illinois. 1868. John M. Scofield, Missouri. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 1861. Gideon Welles, Connecticut. 256 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. SECRETARIES OF THE INTERIOR. 1861. Caleb B. Smith, Indiana. 1863. John P. Usher, Indiana. 1865. John Harlan, Iowa. 1866. Orville H. Browning, Illinois. POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 1861, Montgomery Blair, Maryland. 1864. William Denison, Ohio. 1866. Alexander W. Randall, Wisconsin. ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 1861. Edward Bates, Missouri. 1864. James J. Speed, Kentucky. 1866. Henry Stanberry, Ohio. 1868. William M. Evarts, New York. II. CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COUKT. 1864. December, Salmon P. Chase, Ohio. III. SENATORS ELECTED PKESIDENTS PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 1861. March, Solomon Foot, Vermont. 1865. March, Lafayette S. Foster, Connecticut. 1867. March, Benjamin F. Wade, Ohio. IV. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- TATIVES. XXXVII. Congress, 1861, Galusha A. Grow, Penn. XXXVIII. " 1863, Schuyler Colfax, Ind. XXXIX. " 1865, Schuyler Colfax, Ind. XL. *' 1867, Schuyler Colfax, Ind. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 257 V. THE NINETEENTH ELECTION. Popular Vote : For President, Abraham Lincoln, Illinois, 1,866,352; Stephen A. Douglas, Illinois, 1,375,157; John C. Breckinridge, Kentucky, 845,- 763; JohnBeU, Tennessee, 589,581. Electoral Vote: For President, Lincoln, 180; Breckinridge, 72; Bell, 39; Douglas, 12, For Vice President, Hannibal Hamlin, Maine, 180; Joseph Lane, Oregon, 72 ; Edward Everett, Massa- chusetts, 39; Herschel V. Johnson, Georgia, 12. Total, 304. Thirty-three States voted. VI. THE TWENTIETH ELECTION. Popular Vote : For President, Abraham Lincoln, Illinois, 2,216,067; George B. McClelland, New Jer- sey, 1,808,725. Electoral vote : For President, Lin- coln, 213; McClelland, 21. For Vice President, Andrew Johnson, Tennessee, 213; George H. Pendle- ton, Ohio, 21 . Total, 234. Twenty-five States voted. The following States, on account of the civil war, did not vote: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Caro- lina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. VII. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 1860. Whites, 26,957,471 ; Free Colored, 532,- 090; Slaves, 3,953,760. Total, 31,443,321. The ratio of Kepresentation was determined at 127,316, making a membership of 242. 17 258 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS, VIII. HISTORICAL RECOKD. 1861. March 4. The Inauguration of Lincoln and Ham- lin. The President's Address was devoted to an ap- peal for union, and closed with these words : "You can have no conflit^t without being yourselves the ag- gressors. You have no oath registered in Heaven to destroy the government ; while I shall have the most solemn one to * preserve, protect and defend it.' I am loath to close. We are not enemies, bat friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic cords of memory, stretching from every battle-field and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature." Marcii 4. The Texas State Convention, (the people by a majority of 40,000 being in favor of it), declared that State out of the Union. . March 28. The Louisiana State vote for secession, (ayes, 20,448; noes, 17,296), was made public. March 30. By a vote of 78 to 7 the Mississippi Convention ratified tlie Confederate Constitution. April 3. The Convention of South Carolina, by a vote of 114 to 16 ratified the Constitution. April 4. The State Convention of Virginia re- fused to submit a secession ordinance to the people by a vote of 89 to 45. April 15. Lincoln issued his first call for troops (75,000 volunteers) and commanded the rebels to re- turn to peace within 20 days. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 259 April 16. The Confederate Government called for 32,000 men. April 17. The Virginia Secession Ordinance was passed in secret session by a vote of 60 to 53 — to be afterwards submitted to the people. Jefferson Davis granted letters of marque and reprisal. April 19. The, ,7th Mass. Kegiment was attacked by a mob in the streets of Baltimore. Two soldiers were killed and seven wounded; The first bloodshed of the rebellion. The Southern ports declared by Lincoln to be in a state of blockade. April 29. The Legislature of Indiana voted $500,- 000 for the purpose of State defence. ;May 3. President Lincoln called for 3 years' men — 42,000 Volunteers, 22,000 Kegulars, and 18,000 sea- men. May 6. The Arkansas Convention, by a vote of 69 to 1 passed the "Ordinance of Secession." May 13. England proclaimed neutrality. May 20. North Carolina passed the "Ordinance of Secession." May 24. Col. Ellsworth was shot by Jackson, landlord of the Marshall House, Alexandria, for taking down the rebel flag. Jackson was immediately shot. May 30. Secretary Cameron declared slaves to be "contraband of war." June 3. Senator Douglas, in his 48th year, died at Chicago. "Tell them to obey the laws, and sup- port tho Constitution of the United States" — his dy- ing message to his eon. 260 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. June 8. The Sanitary Commission was authorized and appointed by the Government. June 17. The Western part of Virginia, in Con- vention, voted its independence of the rebel section and proceeded to organize a State government of its own. June 24. Tennessee, by a popular vote of 104,- 913 to 32,134 declared in favor of secession. June 26. President Lincoln acknowledged the Wheeling government as the government of Virginia. July 8. New York merchants subscribed a govern- ment loan of $5,000,000 in a few hours — the first war loan amounted to $250,000,000. August 2. A call for 500, 000 volunteers was issued August 15. Davis ordered all Northern men to leave the South within 40 days. September 11. Gen. Fremont's Emancipation Proclamation was modified by President Lincoln. November 1. Lt. Gen. Scott resigned as com- mander-in-chief of the Union armies — succeeded by Gen. McClelland. November 8. Mason and Slidell were taken from the mail steamer ''Trent," in the Bahama channel by Captain Wilkes, in command of the U. S. steamer •'San Jacinto." November 19. The Missouri Rebel Legislature passed the " Ordinance of Secession." November 20. Kentucky, in a State Convention, decided to secede. November 30. Lord Lyons was instructed to leave Washington within 7 days, unless Mason and Slidell ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 261 gliculd be unconditionally released. Jefferson Davis was elected President of the Southern Confederacy. December 4. John C. Breckinridge was expelled from the United States Senate. December 20. Sixteen vessels of the *' Stone Fleet " were sunk in the main channel of Charleston Harbor. December 26. It was decided in a Cabinet Coun- cil to liberate Mason and Slidell. December 28. The New York Banks suspended specie payment. 1862. January 21. Mason and Slidell sailed from Fort Warren, Boston harbor, in the British steamer Rinaldo. February 5. Jesse D. Bright, of Indiana, was ex- pelled from the United States Senate. February 22. Jefferson Davis was inaugurated President, and Alexander H. Stevens, Vice President of the Southern Confederacy. The following Cabi- net was appointed ; Secretary of State — Judah P. Benjamin, Louisiana. Secretary of War — James A. Seddon, Virginia. Secretary of the Treasury — Charles G. Memminger, South Carolina. Secretary of the Navy — Stephen R. Mallory, Florida. Attorney General — Thomas H. Watts, Alabama. Postmaster General — James H. Reagan, Texas. March 6. Lincoln proposed a plan of emancipa- tion with pecuniary compensation to those who should adopt the policy. 262 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. June 9. The Senate passed a bill to abolish slavery in all the territories of the Union, July 1. President Lincoln decided to call for 300,- 000 more volunteers. August 4. The Secretary of War ordered the 300,- 000 men to be raised by draft in those States "whose quota had not been filled by volunteering. August 9 . The draft was enforced in several States, and traveling restricted to prevent persons from es- caping the draft. September 22. President Lincoln issued an Eman- cipation Proclamation, to take effect January 1, 1863. September 24. The President suspended the writ of Habeas Corpus, 1863. January 1. The conditions of emancipation being confirmed, the President issued the following Procla- mation : Waereas, on the twenty-seco^d day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty- two, a proclamation was issued by the President of the United States, containing among other things the following, to-wit, " That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State, or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free ; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and mantain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom ; that the Executive will, on the first day of January afore- said, by proclamation, designate the States, and parts of States, if any, in which the people thereof, rsspectively, shall then be in rebellion against the United States ; and the fact that any State, or the people thereof, shall on that ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 263 day ba in good faith represented in the Congress of the United States by members chosen thereto at elections where- in a majority of the qualified voters of such States shall have participated, shall, in the absence of strong counter- vailing testimony, be deemed conclusive evidence that such State, and the people thereof, are not then in rebellion against the United States:" Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested as com- mander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United States in time of actual armed rebellion against the authority and government of the United States, and as a fit and necessary war-measure for suppressing said rebellion, do, on this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and in accordance with my pur- pose so to do, publicly proclaimed for the full period of one hundred days from the day first above mentioned, order and designate as the States, and parts of States, wherein the people thereof, respectively, are this day in rebellion against the United States, the following, — to-wit, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana (except the parishes of St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. James, Ascension, As- sumption, Terie-Bonne, Lafourche, Ste. Marie, St. Martin, and Orleans, including the city of New Orleans), Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia (except the forty-eight counties designated as West Virginia, and also the counties of Berkley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, Princess Anna, and Norfolk including the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth), and which excepted parts are, for the present, left precisely as if this proclamation were not issued. And by virtue of the power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare, that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are and henceforward shall be free ; and that the Executive Government of the United States, includ- ing the military and naval authorities thereof, will recog- nize and maintain the freedom of said persons. And I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free to ab- stain from all violence, unless in necessary self-defence ; and I recommend to them, that in all cases, when allowed, they labor faithfully for reasonable wages. And I further declare and make known, that such persons, of suitable con- dition, will be received into the armed service of the United States, to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service. And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted 264 THE' PRESIDENTS AND THEIPw ADMINISTRATIONS. by tho Constitution upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgement of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God. In testimony whereof, I bave hereunto set my name, and caused the seal of the United States to bo aflBixed. — Done at the city of Wash- ington, this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of tho independence of the United States the eighty-seventh. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. By the President : William H. Sewaed, Secretanj of Stale. February 25. In. order to give uniformity to paper currency and banking laws, the present na- tional bank system was inaugurated. The act "was farther approved June 3, and under it the National Banks are now conducted. Their circulation is lim- ited to $300,000,000, which is secured by bonds held by the Treasurer of the United States. June 20. West Virginia, the thirty-fifth State, admitted to the Union. This section of Virginia maintained its independence and refused to secede. July 13. The great ''Draft Riot" broke out in Nev; York City and continued four days, with a sus- pension of all business and travel in the city. The colored Orphan Asylum and a number of other buildings were burned. Twenty-five of the police and militia were killed and wounded, and 150 of the mob. November 19, The National Cemetery at Gettys- burg was dedicated by solemn and impressive cere- monies. An Address was delivered by Edward Ev- erett. Abraham Lincoln, who "was present with his Cabinet, made the following remarks : " Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 265 that nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endare. We arc met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting- place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But in a larger sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The "brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining be- fore us, that from these honored dead we take increased de- votion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead Ehall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth." December 26. During this year an Indian "war broke out in Minnesota, Iowa and Dacotah, led by Little Crow and other chiefs. The Sioux became dissatisfied with the traders and the non-payment of their bounty money, and took advantage of the civil war to settle their grievances. They fell upon the defenseless farmers and subjected the settlements to an indiscriminate slaughter. More than seven hun- dred whites were butchered and over a thousand compelled to flee from their homes. For a while, great terror reigned in those States, but Col. Sibley, of St. Paul, after a month's pursuit, captured over 500 prisoners, and peace was restored by the capital punishment of thirty-nine of the chief leaders, who were hung on one scaffold at Mankato, Minn., De- cember 26. 26G THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 1864. Febriiac7 1 , A Draft of 500,000 men was ordered by the President. March 1. Gen. Grant was nominated by the President Lieut. General of the Armies. This grade was revived Feb. 24, for the first time since the days of Washington, Gen. Scott having been such only by brevet. April 23. The Governors of Ohio, Indiana, Illi- nois, Wisconsin and Iowa offered to raise 850,000 men for one hundred days. April 26. The hundred days' men were accepted by the Government and $20,000,000 voted for their payment June 13. Repeal of the Fugitive Slave Law. July. During this month paper money reached its greatest depreciaton, the quotation being 290. October 31. Nevada, the thirty-sixth State, was admitted to the Union. This is the third State — Texas and California being the other two — which has been formed from the territory acquired by the war with Mexico. November 25. The Hotels and Places of Amuse- ment in New York City were fired by Southern in- cendiaries, but fortunately the plot miscarried without loss of life or property. 1865. February 4. Peace negotiations with Kebel com- missioners failed. Gold at Richmond 4,400. March 4. The reiuauguration of Lincoln as Pres- ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 267 ideut. The following is his second Inaugural Ad- dress : FELL0T7 Countrymen : — At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office, there is less occaaion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement, somewhat in detail, of a course to be pursued seemed very fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years during which puhlic declarations have been con- stantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly de- pends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ven- tured. On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it ; all sought to avoid it. "W hile the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted alto- gether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war — seeking to dissolve the Union and divide the eflfects by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive ; and the other would rather accept war than let it perish, and the war came. One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the Southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. AH knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest, was the object for which the insur- gents would rend the Union even by war, while the Gov- ernment claimed no right to do more than to restrict the ter- ritorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease witb, or even be- fore the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible, and pray to the samo God ; and each invoke His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of 268 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. both could not be answered. That of neither had been an- swered fully. The Almighty has his own purposes. " Woo unto the world because of offences, for it must needs be that offences come ; but woe to that man by whom the offence Cometh." If we shall suppose that American slavery is one of these offences, which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through his ap- pointed time, he now wills to remove, and that ho gives to both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offence came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believ- ers in a living God always ascribe to him? Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may soon pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid with another drawn by the sword ; as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, " The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether." With malice toward none, with charity to all, with firm- ness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let U3 strive on to finish the work we are in ; to bind up the na- tion's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the bat- tle, and for his widow and his orphans ; to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. April 4. President Lincoln held a levee in Jeffer- son Davis' house at Richmond. April 14. President Lincoln was assassinated by J. Wilkes Booth. Willam H. Seward and son were stabbed by an assassin who under the pretence of bringing a prescription to the Secretary had gained entrance to his house. April 1 5 — " It has become my distressing duty to announce to you that last night his Excellency Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, about the hour of half-past ten o'clock, in his private box at Ford's Theater, in this city. The Pres- ident about eight o'clock accompanied Mrs. 'Lincoln to the theatre. Another lady and gentleman were with them in the box. About half-past ten, during a pause in the perform- ance, the assassin entered the box, the door cf which was unguarded, hastily approached the President from behind, ANDREW JOHNSON. 269 and discharged a pistol at bis head. The bullet entered the back of his head and penetrated nearly tbrougb. The assassin then leaped from the box upon the stage, brandishing a large knife or dagger and exclaimed, ^sic semper tyranriisl^ and escaped in the rear of the theater. Immediately upon the dis- charge, the President fell to the floor insensible and continued in that state until twenty minutes past seven o'clock this morning, when he breathed his last." — Extract from a letter of Mr. Stanton to Charles Francis Adams, American Minister to England. Andrew Johnson was at once sworn in as the seventeenth President of the United States. April 26. Gen. J. E. Johnston surrendered with 27,000 men. April 27. J. Wilkes Booth, the assassin of Lin- coln, was mortally wounded and captured. May 9. President Johnson, by Proclamation, de- clared the war ended. May 10. Jefferson Davis, in female disguise, was captured at Irwinsville, Georgia. May 24. Grand review of General Sherman's army at Washington. Davis indicted for treason. He was incarcerated at Fortress Monroe. May 29. President Johnson issued an Amnesty Proclamation. July 7. The conspirators, Harold, Payne, Atzerott. and Mrs. Surratt were executed at Washington. July 19. After several failures, at a cost of $6,- 000,000, Cyrus W. Field, with indomitable courage, commenced again the work of laying the trans- Atlantic cable, from Valentia Bay, Ireland, to Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, a distance of nearly 1,700 miles. In- sulation ceased on the 29th, after 700 miles of wire had been paid out, but the cable was overhauled, and 270 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. the defect having been cured, the work proceeded anew, until it suddenly parted, and three attempts to grapple it proving unsuccessful, the Great Eastern was compelled to return to Sheerness with the remain- der of the cable. July 25* A battle was fought with 1,000 Indians, who attacked Platte's Bridge Station, in the Indian Territory — they were repulsed. November 10. Capt Wirtz, of Anderson ville Jail and cruelty notoriety, was executed. December 18. Secretary Seward officially announ- ced the adoption of the XlUth amendment to the Constitution by a three-fourths vote of the States. It contained two sections as follows : Art. 13. Sec. 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servi- tude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof tho party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. Sec. 2. CoDgress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. 1866. May 31. Col. O'Neil, at the head of a Fenian party, occupied Fort Erie, Canada. June 2. The Fenians were compelled to give up their project of securing the liberation of Ireland by operating against Canada for the time being by the defeat which they this day suffered. They acquired, however, some renown, in overpowering a regiment called the " Queen's Own." June 6. The President proclaimed an enforce- ment of our neutrality laws in regard to the Fenian invasion of Canada, and authorized Gen. Meade to ANDREW JOHNSON. 271 employ force, if necessary, to secure obedience to their requirements. July 14. Congress authorized the President to place at the disposal of the authorities of Portland, Maine, tents, camp and hospital furniture, and cloth- ing for the use of families rendered homeless by the great fire of July 4th. July 16. The Second Freedman's Bureau Bill, providing for the establishment of a National depart- ment for the care and protection of the freedmen and destitute whites of the South, was passed over the President's veto by a two-thirds vote* July 25. The rank of General was created by an act of Congress. Salary, $400 per month. July 27. An act of Congress was passed for the admission of building material to Portland free of duty. July 29. **The Atlantic cable was successfully completed this morning " — extract from the telegram of Cyrus W. Field, Esq., to President Johnson. It required 1,864 miles of wire to connect Heart's Con- tent and Trinity Bay. The fleet then proceeded to '' fish up" the cable of 1865 from a depth of 2 l-6th miles, and after several efforts succeeded in splicing and paying out the entire cable, and making two com- plete connections between the two worlds. August 20. The President issued a proclamation restoring the right of habeas corpus and declaring that the insurrection which had previously existed in the seceding States was now at an end and was henceforth to be so regarded. 272 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 1867. January 7*8. The Bill to give the right of suf- frage to colored men of the District of Columbia, was passed by a two-thirds vote of the Senate on the 7th and of the House of Representatives on the 8th. March 1. Nebraska, the thirty-seventh State, was admitted to the Union. March 2. The Tenure-of-OfRce Bill was passed by Congress over the President's veto. Also a resolution of thanks to Cyrus W. Field, "for his foresight, courage, and determination in establishing telegraphic communication by means of the Atlantic cable, tra- versing mid-ocean and connecting the Old World with the New," was passed and the President was directed to secure a suitable gold medal as a present to Mr. Field in commemoration of his great services. May 13. Jefferson Davis was released on bail by the Chief Justice in the trial for treason held at Rich- mond — Horace Greeley becoming one of his bonds- men. June 24. Loyal Governments having been estab- lished in Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louis- iana, North Carolina and South Carolina, their repre- sentatives were admitted to Congress over the Presi- dent's veto. They were required to make oath that they had not borne arms against the United States. On this account, as but few of the leading men in the South could subscribe to this "iron-clad oath," their representatives were mostly men who had settled from the North after the war, and who, for this reason were designated as " carpet-baggers," ANDREW JOHNSON. 273 July 19. A supplementary Keconstruction Bill was passed by Congress over the President's veto. In 1865, during the recess of Congress, the President recognized the State Governments that had been formed in Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas and Louisi- ana, and proposed to readmit them to all the privileges of the Union on the ground that they have never legally severed their connection with the Union. In the other seceding States he appointed provisional governors. When Congress convened, it proceeded to disannul the President's Policy of Reconstruction, claiming that it alone had the right and the power to prescribe conditions for the readmission of the States which had been in rebellion. The President's power extended only to the execution of laws, not to framing them, or to urging upon Congress the enforcement of his policy. February 21. The President appointed Gen* Lor- enzo Thomas to act as Secretary of War * ' ad interim.' The breach between the President and Congress came to an issue when the latter, during the recess of Con- gress, attempted to remove Secretary Stanton from his office, in violation of the Tenure-of-Office Bill. The President, on August 5, 1867, sent a note re- questing Mr. Stanton to resign. To this, the Secre- tary replied : " Sir : Your note of this day has been received, stating that public consideration of a high character constrain you to say that my resignation as Secretary of War wiU be accepted. In reply, I have the honor to say that public considerations of a high character, which alone have induced me to continue 18 274 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. at the head of this Department, constrain me not to resign the office of Secretary of War before the next meeting of Congress." Seven days after this, Mr; Johnson suspended Mr. Stanton, and appointed Gen. Grant to act as Secretary ad interim. Gen. Grant having accepted the position, Mr. Stanton wrote the President, * ' I have no alternative but to submit to superior force." But when the Senate convened, it disapproved of the President's course, and on January 13, 1868, reinstated Mn Stanton. Gen. Grant then notified the President, on the day following, that ' ' his functions as Secretary ad interim ceased from the mo- ment of the receipt of the within notice." But Mr. Johnson was not to be thwarted in this manner and he directed Gen. Thomas to take possession of the War Department. At this point, on the 22d of Feb- ruary, Gen. Thomas was arrested for violating the provisions of tlie Tenure-of-Office bill, and on the 24th, the House voted that " Andrew Johnson, Pre- sident of the United States be impeached of high crimes and misdemeanors." After various delays, the trial began March 30, but the vote on the 11 ar- ticles of impeachment was not reached until the 16th of May, when it stood on the 11th article, 35 to 19 — one vote less than two-thirds. The Senate appointed, on the 21st, a select committee of three to examine if improper means had been used to bias the minds of Senators in deciding this cause, and on May 23, the vote having been taken also on the 1st and 2d articles, the President was declared "not guilty,'' and the Hjgh Court of Impeachment adjourned sine die. May 26. Secretary Stanton sent his resignation to ANDREW JOHNSON. 275 the President iuforming him that he had left the De- partment in charge of Gen. E. D. Townsend. May 29. The Senate confirmed the appointment of Gen. Schofield by the following resolution : Re- solved, That the Senate advise and consent to the ap- pointment of John M. Schofield to be Secretary of War. The Grand Army of the Republic made pre- parations to observe Decoration Day. June 19. The Senate Bill of Thanks to Edwin M. Stanton was passed by the House. June 24. The treaty with China was ratified by the Senate. July 17. Congress voted an appropriation of S7,- 200,000 in specie for the purchase of Alaska. Sec- retary Seward had concluded a treaty with Russia whereby that power transferred all her possessions in North America to the United States, on March 29, 18G7. The Senate ratified this treaty on April 9, and on the 20th of June, 1867, a formal exchange and trans- fer of title was made. By this purchase about 550,000 square miles were added to the public domain. The Indian war, which had been continued in the southwest. Southern Colorado, and Indian Territory, since 1864, was brought to a close in the fall of this year by the battle of the Wacheta, in which Black Kettle and many of his warriors were slain. July 21. It was resolved by the Senate, (the House of Representatives concurring). That the said four- teenth Article is hereby declared to be a part of the Constitution of the United States. The following is the text in full : 276 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Art. 14. Sec. 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are cit- izens of the United States, and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the Uni- ted States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. Sec. 2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, count- ing the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any elec- tion for the choice of electors for President and Vice Presi- dent of the United States, representatives in Congress, the executive and judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabi- tants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and cit- izens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion or other crime, the basis of rep- resentation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State. Sec. 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State Legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or re- bellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the ene- mies thereof But Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability. Sec. 4. The -^falidity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for pay- ment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But nei- ther the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave, but all such debts, obligations, and claims shall be held illegal and void. Sec. 5. That Congress shall have power to inforce, by ap- propriate legislation, the provisions of this article. ABRAHAM I,INCOLN. 277 November 23. Gen, Howard announced that the Freedman's Bureau, except the branches relating to edacatlou and collection of money due to soldiers, would be discontinued after January 1, 1869. February 19. Jefferson Davis and hisJSureties were released. February 26. The Capital of West Virginia was located at Charleston. YIII. ENGAGEMENTS OF THE REBELLION. 1861. April 12. Bombardment of Fort Sumter. April 19. Riot in Baltimore. Three soldiers of the 6th Mass. Keg. were killed, and eight wounded. The troops fired on the mob and killed 11 and wounded quite a number. The first bloodshed in the civil war occurred on the anniversary of the Battle of Lexington. June 10. Big Bethel, Va. National repulse. June 17. Booneville, Mo. Confederate defeat. July 10. Laurel Hill, Va. Confederate defeat. July 11. Rich Mountain, W. Va. Union victory. July 21. Bull Run, Va. Union defeat. August 10. Wilson Creek, Mo. Confederate victory. Gen. Lyon killed. August 26-30. Forts Hatteras and Clark, N. C, captured. Sept. 10. Carnifex Ferry, Va. Rosecrans de- feated Floyd. Sept. 12. Cheat Mountain, Va. Union victory. Sept. 20. Lexington, Mo., taken by Gen. Price. 278 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Oct. 9. Santa Rosa Island, Fla. Union victory. Oct. 21. Ball's Bluff, Va. Col. Baker defeated and killed. Nov. 7. Forts Walker and Beauregard, S. C, captured by Com. Dupont and Gen. T. W. Sherman. Belmont. Mo., indecisive. 1862. Jan. 19. Mill Spring, Ky. Zollicoffer defeated and killed. Feb. 6. Fort Henry, Tenn., captured by Com. Foote. Feb. 7, 8. The Roanoke Island expedition, N. C, — captured by Com. Goldsborough and Gen. Bum- side. Feb. 16. Fort Donaldson, Tenn., surrendered to Gen* Grant. March 7, 8. Pea Ridge, Ark. Confederate defeat. March 8. Hampton Roads, Va. Merrimac sank the U. S. war ship Cumberland, while the Congress ran ashore to escape capture. March 9. The Monitor engaged the Merrimac in Hampton Roads and drove her back to Norfolk — the Merrimac was blown up by the Confederates, May 11. April 6, 7. Pittsburgh Landing, or Shiloh, Tenn. Indecisive. April 7. Island No. 10, with 6,000 prisoners, taken by Gen. Pope. April 25. New Orleans, La., captured by Com. Farragut; taken possession of, by Gen. Buttler, May 1. May 5. Williamsburg, Va, Confederate defeat. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 279 May 27. Hanover Court-House, Va. Confeder- ate repulse. May 81- June 1. Seven Pines and Fair Oaks, Va. Confederate repulse. June 6. Memphis, Tenn., captured by the Union troops. June 26- July 1. Mechanicsville, Cold Harbor, Savage's Station, Frazier's Farm, and Malvern Hill, Va., the so-called seven days battles, — Gen. McClel- land in his advance on Kichmond was compelled to fall back. Confederate victory. August 5. Baton Rouge, La. Breckinridge de- feated. August 9. Cedar Mountain, Va. Banks defeated. August 30. Second Battle of Bull Run, Va. Pope defeated by Lee, who was invading the North. Sept. 14. South Mountain, Md. Union victory. September 15. Harper's Ferry, Va., surrendered with 10,000 to Gen. " Stonewall" Jackson. Sept. 17. Antietam, Md. * Lee defeated by Gen. McClelland and compelled to give up the invasion of the North. Sept. 19-20. luka. Miss. Confederate defeat. Oct. 3. Corinth, Miss. Confederate defeat. Dec. 13. Fredericksburg, Va. Burnside defeat- ed by Lee. 1863. Jan. 3. Stone River, or Murfreesborough, Tenn., (from December 31, 1862.) Confederate defeat. * *' I made a eolemn vow before God, that if Gen. Lee was driven back from Maryland, I would crown the result by tbe declaration of freedom to theelaves." — President Lincoln. 280 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Jan. 11. Arkansas Post, Ark., captured by Com. Porter and Gen. McClernand. April Il-May5. Great Raids: — by Gierson in Mississippi, by Stoneman in Virginia, and by Streight in Northern Georgia, resulting in Streight'e defeat and capture. May 1. Port Gibson, Miss. Confederate defeat. May 1-4. Chancellorsville, Va , indecisive. May 12, Confederates defeated at Raymond ; May 14, at Jackson; May 16, at Champion Hill; and May 17, at Big Black— all in Miss. May 27. Port Hudson, La., unsuccessfully as- saulted by Gen. Banks. June 30. Hanover Junction, Va. Union victory. July 1-4. Gettysburg, Pa. Lee, on his second invasion of the North, was defeated by Gen. Meade and compelled to retire. July 4. Vicksburg Miss., surrendered by Pem- berton, with 30,000 men, to Gen. Grant. Helena, Ark., Confederate defeat. July 9. Port Hudson, La., taken by Gen. Banks. July 10-18. Fort Wagner, S. C. Assaults re- pulsed — Confederate Victory — but was taken Sept. 6. June 24, July 26. Great raid of John Morgan into Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, resulting in de- feat and capture. Sept. 20. Chickamauga, Ga. Gen. Rosecrans being defeated, withdrew to Chattanooga. Nov. 16. Campbell's Station, Tenn. Gen. Long- street held in check by Gen. Burnside. Nov. 17, Dec. 4. Knoxville, Tenn., besieged by Longstreet, but successfully defended by Burnside. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 281 Kov. 24. Lookout Mountain, Tenn., stormed by Gen. Hooker. Gen. Bragg was defeated in the '- battle above the clouds." Nov. 25. Missionary Kidge. A complete route of Bragg's army and the possession of Chattanooga, with the control of East Tennessee. 1864. April 12. Fort Pillow, Tenn., captured and mas- sacred by Gen. Forrest, 600 Union men being killed and 100 wounded. May 5, 6. Wilderness, Va., indecisive. Grant still pushed on toward Spottsylvania Court-House. May 8, 12. Spottsylvania Court-House, Va., in- decisive. Gen. Grant again moved on to flank Lee on his right. During this fight he sent the famous despatch, "I propose to fight it out on this line, if it takes all summer." May 14, 15. Resaca, Ga., indecisive. June 1, 3. Cold Harbor, Va., Grant repulsed. June 16. Petersburg, Va., again attacked. June 19. In an engagement, lasting an hour and a quarter, at Cherbourg, France, five miles from shore, the Kearsarge totally destroyed the Alabama. June 21, 22. Weldon Railroad, Va. Union re- pulse. July 30. Petersburg, Va. Explosion of mine and U nion repulse. August 31, Sept. 1, Jonesborough, Ga. Union victory. Sept. 2. Atlanta, Ga«, captured by Gen. Sherman. As soon as Hood invaded Tennessee, he began to 282 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. prepare for Lis great '* March to the Sea." He burned Atlanta and started November 16, with 60,- 000 men. Sept. 19. Winchester, Va. Gen. Early was de- feated by Sheridan, and his forces sent ' ' whirling up the valley of the Shenandoah." Sept. 22. Fisher's Hill, Va. Early defeated. Oct. 6. Alatoona Pass, Ga. Hood repulsed. Dec. 14. Fort McAlister, Ga., taken. Dec. 15, 16. Nashville, Tenn. Hood defeated by Gen. Thomas. Dec. 25. Fort Fisher, N. C. Butler repulsed. 1865. Jan. 15. Fort Fisher, N. C, taken by General Terry, together with 2,400 prisoners and 50 guns. March 31, April 1. Five Forks, Va. Lee de- feated, April 2, 3. Petersburg and Kichmond, Va., fu- riously assaulted early in the morning, evacuated by the Confederates at night, and entered by the Union troops early next morning. April 9. Gen. Lee surrendered his army at Ap- pomattox Court-House. "War continued four years less three days. April 12. Gen. Forest surrendered Montgomery, Ala., to Gen* Wilson. April 21. General Kirby Smith announced his ability to continue the rebellion. April 26. Gen. Johnson surrendered with his army of 27,500 men. May 1. Morgan's old command, about 1,200 ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 283 men surrendered to Gen. Hobson, at Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. May 4. Gen. Dick Taylor surrendered all his force, about 10,000 men, to Gen. Canby. May 13. Tiie last figlit of the war took place near Brazos Santiago, Texas, between Col. Barrett and Gen, Slaughter. Union loss 60 men. May 26. Gen. Kirby Smitb surrendered his army of about 20,000 men, and the rebellion as an organized resistance was closed. IX. POLITICAL PAETIES. Tlu'ee movements were inaugurated for dividing the suffrages of the loyal States. 1. As a preparation for the Presidential elections of 1864, a call was issued "To the Radical Men of the Nation" to meet at Cleveland, May 31st. In re- sponse to this circular, about 350 persons met at the time designated, and nominated Gen. John C. Fre- mont and Gen. John Cochrane, for the offices of Pres- ident and Vice President. These both accepted the candidature, but subsequently withdrew from the field, it having been ascertained that there was little or no popular strength in sympathy with the move- ment. The following platform was adopted : 1. That the Federal Union shall be preserved. 2. That the Constitution and laws of the United States must bo observed and obeyed. 3. That the Rebellion must be suppressed by force of arms and without compromise. 4. That the rights of free speech, free press, and the habeas corpus, be held inviolate, save in districts where martial law has been pro- claimed. 5. That the Rebellion has destroyed Slavery, and the Federal Con- stitution should be amended to prohibit its re-establishment, and to secure to all men absolute equality before the law. 6. That integrity and economy are demanded at all times in the a4- 284 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. ministration of the Government ; and that in time of war the want of them is criminal. 7. That the right of asylum, except for crime and suhject to law, is a recognized principle of American liberty ; that any violation of it cannot be overlooked, and must not go unrebuked. 8. That the national policy known as the •' Monroe Doctrine " has become a recognized principle ; and that the establishment of an anti- republican Government on this continent by any foreign power cannot be tolerated. 9. That the gratitude and support of the nation are due to the faithful soldiers and the earnest leaders of the Union army and navy for their heroic achievements and deathless valor in defence of our im- periled country and of civil liberty. 10. That the one-term policy for the Presidency, adopted by the people, is strengthened by the force of the existing crisis, and should be maintained by Constitutional amendment. 11. That the Constitution should be so amended that the President and Vice President shall be elected by a direct vote of the people. 12. That the question of the reconstruction of the rebellious States belongs to the people, through their representatives in Congress, and not to the Executive. 13. That the confiscation of the lands of the rebels, and their dis- tribution among the soldiers and actual settlers, is a measure of justice. 2, The Union Republican Party met in National Convention at Baltimore, June 7. Dr. Robert J. Breckinridge, Ky., was made temporary, and Gov. William Dennison, Ohio, permanent chairman. After some debate on the credentials of delegates, a decla- ration of party principles was reported by Hon. Henry J. Raymond, which was unanimously adopted as the platform of 1864. Mr. Lincoln having been nomi- nated by all the delegates, save those from Missouri, who designated Gen. Grant for Presidential candidate, his nomination was made unanimous. On proceed- ing to vote for Vice President, the first ballot gave this result : Andrew Johnson, 200 ; Daniel S. Dick- inson, 108 ; Hannibal Hamlin, 150 ; scattering, 59. Before the count was made final, the delegates began to change their votes, and the selection without farther balloting was given to Andrew Johnson of Tennessee by a vote of 494 to 26 for other parties. The follow- ing is the Republican or Baltimore platform : ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 285 Resolved, That it is tho highest duty of every American citizen to maintain against all their enemies, the integrity of tho Union, and the paramount authority of the Constitution and laws of the United States, and that, laying asido all differences and political opinions, we pledge ourselves, as Union men animated by a common sentiment, and aiming at a common object, to do every thing in our power to aid the Govern- ment in quelling, by force of arms, the rebellion now raging against its authority, and bringing to the punishment, due to their crimes, tho rebels and traitors arrayed against it. Resolved, That we approve the determination of the Government of the United States not to compromise with Rebels, nor to offer them any terms of peace, except such as may be based upon an unconditional burrender of their hostility, and a return to their just allegiance to the Constitution and laws of the United States ; and that we call upon the Government to maintain this position, and to prosecute the war with the utmost possible vigor to the complete suppression of the Rebellion, in full reliance upon the self-sacraficing patriotism, tho heroic valor, and the undying devotion of the American people to their country and its free institutions. Resolved, That as slavery was the cause and now constitutes tho strength of this rebellion, and as it must be always and everwhere hos- tile to the principles of Republican Governments, justice and the na- tional safety demand its utter and complete extirpation from the soil of the Republic ; and that we uphold and maintain the acts and proc- lamations, by which the Government, in its own defence, has aimed a death blow at this gigantic evil. We are in favor, furthermore, of such an amendment to the Constitution, to be made by the people in conformity with its provisions, as shall terminate and forever prohibit the existence of Slavery within the limits or the jurisdiction of the United States. Resolved, That the thanks of the American people are due to the soldiers and sailors of the army and navy, who have periled their lives in defence of their country, and in vindication of the honor of the flag ; that the nation owes them some permanent recognition of their patri- otism and their valor, and ample and permanent provision for those of their survivors who have received disabling and honorable wounds in the service of the country, and that the memories of those who have fallen in its defense shall be held in grateful and everlasting remem- brance. Resolved, That we approve and applaud the practical wisdom, the un- selfish patriotism and unswevering fidelity to the Constitution and the principles of American liberty with which Abraham Lincoln has dis- charged, under circumstances of unparalled difficulty, the great dutien and responsibilites of the Presidential office ; that we approve and en- dorse, as demanded by the emergency and essential to the preservation of the nation, and as within the Constitution, the measures and acts which he has adopted to defend the nation against its open and secret foes; that we approve especially the Proclamation of Emancipation, and the employment, as Union soldiers, of men heretofore held in Slavery ; and that we have full confidence in his determination to carry out these and all other Constitutional measures, essential to tho salvation of the country, into full and complete effect. Resolved, That we deem it essential to tho general welfare, that harmony should prevail in the National Councils ; and we regard as worthy of public confidence and official trust those only who cordially endorse the principles proclaimed in these resolutions, and which should characterize the administration of tho Government. Resolved, That the Government owes to all men employed in its armies, without regard to distinction of color, th^ full protection of 286 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. the laws of war ; and that any violation of these laws or of the nsages of civilized nations in the time of war, by the rebels now in arms, shonld be made the subject of full and prompt redress. Resolved, That the foreign immigration, which in the past has added so much to the wealth and development of resources and increase of power to this nation, the asylum of the oppressed of all nations, should be fostered and encouraged by a liberal and just policy. Resolved, That we are in favor of the speedy construction of the railroad to the Pacific coast. Resolved, That the national faith, pledged for the redemption of the public debt, must be kept inviolate; and that for this purpose we rec- ommend economy and rigid responsibility in the public expenditures and a vigorous and just system of taxation ; that it is the duty of every loyal State to sustain the credit and promote the use of the national currency. Resolved, That we approve the position taken by the Government, that the people of the United States can never regard with indifference the attempt of any European power to overthrow by force, or to sup- plant by fraud, the institutions of any Republican government on the Western Continent, and that they will view with extreme jealousy, aa menacing to the peace and independence of this our country, the efforts of any such power to obtain new footholds for monarchical govern- ments sustained by a foreign militai-y force in near proximity to the United States. 3. The Democracy of the North held its conven- tion at Chicago, August 29, 1 864. It had been called, at first, to meet at that city on the 4th of July, but in June, for some reason, the time of meeting was postponed. It organized by electing Gov. Horatio Seymour, of New York as its presiding ofiicer, and was represented by delegates from all the States ex- cept those actually in rebellion. The committee on resolutions, of which Hon. James Guthrie. Ky., was chairman, and C. L. Vallandigham a controlling mem- ber, reported the principles of party faith for the next campaign, which were immediately adopted as the Democratic platform. The selection of candidates being next in order, the 1st ballot showed a preference for Gen. McClelland by a vote of 162 delegates to 64 for others, and the delegations having at once changed their votes the final result was declared to be, for Gen. George B. McClellan, 202J ; for Thomas H. Seymour, Ct , 23i ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 287 The nomination of Gen. McClelland as Presiden- tial candidate, was then, upon motion, made unani- mous. On balloting for Vice President, the first vote gave 65 J to James Guthrie, 54 J to George H, Pendle- ton, of Ohio, 321 to Gov. Powell, of Ky., 26 to Geo. W. Cass, of Pa. ^ and 47 J scattering. The ''Peace" men then centered their support upon Mr. Pendleton, who now received the unanimous vote of the Con- vention. In adjourning it was provided, that another meet- ing might be called in case of necessity. The following is the Democratic or Chicago plat- form : Resolved, That in the future, as in the past, we will adhere with un- swerving fidelity to the Union under the Constitution as the only solid foundation of our strength, security and happiness as a people, and as a frame work of government equally conducive to the welfare and pros- perity of all the States, both Northern and Southern. Resolved, That this Convention does explicitly declare, as the sense of the American people, that after four years of failure to restore the Union by the experiment of war, during which, under the pretense of a military necessity of a war power higher than the Constitution, the Constitution itself has been disregarded in every part, and public lib- erty and private right alike trodden down, and the material prosperity of the country essentially impaired, justice, humanity, liberty and the public welfare demand that immediate efiforts be made for a cessation of hostilities with a view to an ultimate Convention of all the States, or other peaceable means, to the end that at the earliest practicable moment, peace may be restored on the basis of the Federal Union of the States. Resolved, That the direct interference of the military authorities of the United States in the recent elections held in Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, and Delaware, was a shameful violation of the Constitution and the repetition of such acts in the approaching election will be held as revolutionary, and resisted with all the means and power under our control. Resolved, That the aim and object of the Democratic party is to pre- serve the Federal Union and the rights of the States unimpaired ; and they hereby declare that they consider the administrative usurpation of extraordinary and dangerous powers not granted by the Constitu- tion, the subversion of the civil by military law in States not in insur- rection, the arbitrary military arrest, imprisonment, trial and sentence of American citizens in States where the civil law exists in full force, the suppression of freedom of speech and of the press, the denial of the right of asylum, the open and avowed disregard of State rights, the employment of unusual test oaths, and the interference with, and denial of the right of the people to bear arras as calculated to pevent a restoration pf the Union and the perpetuation of a government deriv- ing its just powers from the consent of the governed. 288 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Resolved, That the shameful disregard of tho Administration to its duty, in respect to our fellow-citizes, who now and long have been prisoners of war in a suffering condition, deserve the severest reproba- tion on the score alike of public interest and common humanity. Resolved, That the sympathy of the Democratic party is heartily and earnestly extended to the soldiery of our army who are and have been in the field and on the sea, under the flag of our country, and in the event of our attaining power, they will receive all the care,^nd pro- tection, regard and kindness, that the brave soldiers of the xtepublic have so nobly earned. THE ELECTION OF 1868. The Union Republican Party met in National Convention at Crosby's Opera House in Chicago, May 20, and selected Gen. Schurz as temporary, and Gen. Joseph R. Hawley as permanent Chairman. Hon. Richard W. Thompson, of Indiana, as chair- man of the Committee on Resolutions, reported a declaration of party principles, consisting of 12 planks, which was unanimously adopted. Gen. Schurz moved as an addition, the planks numbered 13 and 14, and these were, with great unanimity incorporated into the Platform. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, of Illinois, was the unanimous choice of the Convention as its nominee for President, and Hon. Schuyler Colfax of Indiana was elected on the 5th ballot as the candidate for the Vice Presidency. The chief competitors of Mr. Colfax were Senators Benj. F. Wade, and Rob- ert E. Fenton. The following platform was adopted : The National Republican party of the United States, assembled la National Convention in the city of Chicago, on the 21st day of May, 1866, make the following declaration of principles : 1. We congratulate the country on the assured success of the re- construction policy of Congress, as evidenced by the adoption, in tho majority of the States lately in rebellion, of constitutions securing equal civil and political rights to all ; and it is the duty of the govern- ment to sustain those institutions and to prevent the people of such States from being remitted to a state of anarchy. 2. The guarantee by Congress of equal suffrage to all loyal men at the South was demanded by every consideration of public safety, of gratitude and of justice, and must be maintained ; while the question of suffrage in all the loyal States properly belongs to the people of those States. 8. We denounce all forms of repudiation as a national crime; and ANDREW JOHNSON. 289 the national honor requires the payment of the public iadebtedneas in the uttermost good faith to all creditors at home and abroad, not only according to the letter, but the spirit of the laws under which it was contracted. 4. It is due to the labor of the nation that taxation should be equal- ized, and reduced as rapidly as the national faith will permit. 5. The national debt, contracted as it has been for the preservation of the Union for all time to come, should be extended over a fair period for redemption ; and it is the duty of Congress to reduce the rate of in- terest thereon, whenever it can be honestly done. 6. That the best policy to diminish our burden of debt is to so im- prove our credit that capitalists will seek to loan us money at lower rates of interest than wc now pay, and must continue to pay so long as repudiation, partial or total, open or covert, is threatened or sus- pected. 7. The Government of the United States should be administered with the strictest economy ; and the corruptions which have been so shamefully nursed and fostered by Andrew Johnson call loudly for rad- ical reform. 8. Wc profoundly deplore the untimely and tragic death of Abra- ham Lincoln, and regret the accession to the Presidency of Andrew Johnson, who has acted treacherously to the people who elected him and the cause he was pledged to support ; who has usurped high legisla- tive and judicial functions; who has refused to execute the laws; who has used his high oflSce to induce other officers to ignore and violate tho laws ; who has employed his executive powers to render insecure the property, the peace, liberty and life, of the citizen ; who has abused the pardoning power ; who has denounced the national legislature as unconstitutional ; who has persistently and corruptly resisted, by every means in his power, every proper attempt at the reconstruction of the States lately in rebellion ; who has perverted the public patronage into an engine of wholesale corruption ; and who has been justly impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors, and properly pronounced guiltj thereof by the vote of thirty-five Senators. 9. The doctrine of Groat Britain and other European powers, that because a man is once a subject, he is always so, must bo resisted at ev- ery hazard by the United States, as a relic of feudal times not author- ized by the laws of nations, and at war with our national honor and independence. Naturalized citizens are entitled to protection in all their rights of citizenship as though they were native born ; and no citizen of the United States, native ar naturalized, must be liable to arrest and imprisonment by any foreign power for acts done or words spoken in this country ; and, if so arrested and imprisoned, it is the duty of the Government to interfere in his behalf. 10. Of all who were faithful in the trials of the late war, there wero none entitled to more especial honor than the brave soldiers and seamen who endured the hardships of campaign and cruise, and imper- riled their lives in the service of the country ; the bounties and pensions provided by the laws for these brave defenders of the nation are ob- ligations never to be forgotten ; the widows and orphans of the gallant dead are the wards of the people— a sacred legacy bequeathed to the na- tions's protecting care. 11. Foreign immigration, which in the past has added so much to the wealth, development, and resourceg, and increase of power to this republic, the asylum of the oppressed of all nations, should be fostered and encouraged by a liberal and just policy. 12. This convention declares itself in sympathy with all oppressed people struggling for their rights. 13 That we highly commend the spirit of magnanimity and forbear- ance with which men who have served in the rebellion, but who now frankly and honestly co-operate with as in restoring the peace of tha 19 290 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. country and reconstructing the Southern State governments upon the basis of impartial justice and equal rights, are received back into the communion of the loyal people ; and we favor the removal of the dis- qualifications and restrictions imposed upon the late rebels in the same measure as the spirit of disloyalty -will die out, and as may bo consistent with the safety of the loyal people. 14. That wo recognize the great principles laid down in the immor- tal Declaration of Independance, as the true foundation of democratic government ; and we hail with gladness every effort toward making these principles a living reality on every inch of American soil. 2. The Democratic Party held its National Con- vention in Tammany Hall, New York City, on the 4th of July. Hon. Henry L. Palmer, of Wisconsin, was made temporary, and Hon. Horatio Seymour, of New York, permanent presiding officer. The party platform was adopted on the 7th, and the selection of candidates took place on the 9th, when the convention adjourned. Gov. Horatio Seymour, much against his idll, was selected on the 22d, and Gen. Frank P. Blair, unanimously on the first ballot. The following platform was adopted : The Democratic Party, in National Convention assembled, reposing its trust in the intelligence, patriotism, and discriminating justice of the people, standing upon the Constitution as the foundation and lim- itation of the powers of the Government, and the guarantee of the liberties of the citizen, and recognizing the questions ofsalveryand secession as having been settled, for all time to come, by the war or the voluntary action of the Southern States in constitutional conventions assembled, and never to be renewed or re-agitated, do with the return of peace, demand : 1. Immediate restoration of all the States to their rights in the Union under the Constitution, and of civil government to the Ameri- can people. 2. Amnesty for all past political offences and the regulation of the elective franchise in the States by their citizens. 3. Payment of the public debt of the United States as rapidly as practicable; all moneys drawn from the people t)y taxation, except so much as is requisite for the necessities of the Government, economi- cally administered, being honestly applied to such payment, and where the obligations of the Government do not expressly state upon their fiice, or the law under which they were issued does not provide that they shall be paid in coin, they ought, in right and in justice, to be paid in the lawful money of the United States. 4. Equal taxation of every species of property according to its real value, including Government bonds and other public securities. 5. One currency for the Government and tbe people, the laborer and the oflBce-holder, the pensioner and the soldier, the producer and the bondholder. 6. Economy in the administration of the Government; the reduc tion of the standing army and navy ; the abolition of the Freedmen's ANDREW JOHNSON. 291 Bnrean and all political instrumentalities designed to secure ne- gro supremacy; simplification of the system and discontinuance of in- quisitorial modes of assessing and collecting internal revenue, so that the burden of taxation may be equalized and lessened ; the credit of the Government and the currency made good ; the repeal of all enactments for enrolling the State militia into national forces in time of peace; and a tariff for revenue upon foreign imports, and such equal taxation under the internal revenue laws as will afford incidental protection to domestic manufactures, and as will, without impairing the revenue, impose the least burden upon and best promote and encourage the great industrial interests of the country. 7. Keform of abuses in the administration, the expulsion of corrupt men from office, the abrogation of useless offices, the restoration of rightful authority to, and the independence of, the executive and judi- cial departments of the Government, the subordination of the military to the civil power, to the end that the usurpations of Congress and the despotism of tlie sword may cease. 8. Equal rights and protection for naturalized and native-born cit- izens at home and abroad, the assertion of American nationality which shall command the respect of foreign powers, and furnish au example and encouragement to people struggling for national integ- rity, constitutional liberty, and individual rights, and the mainten- ance of the rights of naturalized citizens against the absolute doctrine of immutable allegiance and the claims of foreign powers to punish them for alleged crime committed beyond their jurisdiction. m In demanding these measures and reforms, wo arraign the Badical party for its disregard of right, and the unparalleled oppression and tyranny which have marked its career. After the most solemn and unanimous pledge of both Houses of Con- gress to prosecute the war exclusively for the maintenance of the Gov- ernment and the preservation of the Union under the Constitution, it has repeatedly violated that most sacred pledge under which alone was rallied that noble volunteer armv which carried our flag to victory. In- stead of restoring the Union, it has, so far as in its power, dissolved it, and subjected ten States, in time of profound peace, to military despotism and negro supremacy. It has nulified there the right of trial by jury ; it has abolished the habeas corpus, that most sacred writ of liberty ; it has overthrown the freedom of speech and the press ; it has substituted arbitrary seizures and arrests, and military trials and secret star- chamber inquisitions, for the constitutional tribunals; it has disre- garded in time of peace the right of the people to be free from searches and seizures ; it has entered the post and telegraph offices, and even the private rooms of individuals, and seized their private papers and letters without any specific charge or notice of affidavit, as required by the organic law ; it has converted the American Capitol into a bastile ; it has established a system of spies and official espionage to which no constitutional monarchy of Europe would now dare to resort ; it has abolished the right of appeal on important constitutional questions to the supreme judicial tribunals, and threatens to curtail or destroy its original jurisdiction, which is irrevocably vested by the Constitution, while the learned Chief Justice has been subjected to the most atrocious calumnies, merely because he would not prostitute his high office to the support of the false and partisan charges preferred against the Presi- dent. Its corruption and extravagance have exceeded anything known in history, and, by its frauds and monopolies it has nearly doubled the burden of the debt created by the war. It has stripped the President of his constitutional power of appointmeut, even of his own cabinet. Under its repeated assaults, the pillars of the Government are locking on their base, and should it succeed in November next and inaugurate its President, we will meet as a subjected and conquered people amid the ruins of liberty and the scattered fragments of the Con- stitution. 292 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. And we do declare and resolve that ever since the people of the Uni- ted States threw off all subjection to the British crown, the privilege and trust of suffrage have belonged to the several States, and have been granted, regulated, and controlled exclusively by the political power of each State respectively, and that any attempt by Congress, on any pre- text whatever, to deprive any State of this right, or interfere with its exercise, la a flagrant usurpation of power which can find no warrant in the Constitution, and, if eanctioned by the people, will subvert our form of government, and can only end in a single centralized and con- solidated government, in which the separate existence of the States will be entirely absorbed, and an unqualified despotism be established in place of a Federal union of coequal States. And that wo regard the reconstruction acts (so called) of Congress, as such, as unsurpations and unconstitutional, revolutionary, and void. That our soldiers and sailors, who carried the flag of our country to victory against a most gallant and determined foe, must ever be grate- 'fully remembered, and, all the guarantees given in their favor must be faithfully carried into execution. That the public lands should be distributed as widely as possible among the people, and should be disposed of either under the pre-emp- tion of homestead land, or sold in reasonable quantities, and to none but actual occupants, at the minimum price established by the Govern- ment. When gratts of public lands may be allowed, necessary for the encouragement of important public improvements, the proceds of the sale of such lands, and not the lands themselves, should be so applied. That the President of the United States, Andrew Johnson, in exer- cising the power of his high oflSce in resisting the aggressions of Con- gress upon the constitutional rights of the States and the people, is en- titled to the gratitude of the whole American people, and iu behalf of the Democratic party we tender him our thanks for his patriotic efforts iu that regard. Upon this platform the Democratic party appeal to every patriot, including all the Conservative element and all who desire to support the Constitution and restore the Union, forgetting all past differences of opinion, to unite with us in the present great struggle for the liber- ties of the people ; and that to all such, to whatever party they may have heretofore belonged, we extend the right hand of fellowship, and bail all such co-operating with us as friends and brethren. m Beeolved, That this convention sympathize cordially with the work- ingmen of the United States in their efforts to protect the rights and interests of the laboring classes of the country. Resolved, That the thanks of the convention are tendered to Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, for the justice, dignity, and impartiality with which he presided over the court of impeachment on the trial of Pres- ident Andrew Johnson. At the time of holding the Conventions in Chicago and New York, the Soldiers and Sailors met at the same time and in the same cities, and one body passed a set of resolutions endorsing the nomination of Gen. Grant and pledging their support to secure his elec- tion, -while the other body denounced the administra- tion and resolved to work for the election of Seymour and Blair. ANDREW JOHNSON. X. FINAiSrciAL STATEMENT. The expenses of the last year of the war were greater than the entire expenditures of all the ad- ministrations from Washington to Buchanan. As high as $3,500,000 were required by the government at one time for its daily expenditures. Under these circumstances it is not surprising that the public debt should run into the billions. Year, Public Debt. $ 90,867,828 514,211,371 1,098,796,181 1,740,690,489 2,682,593,026 2,783,425,879 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 186812,636,320,964 Expenditures. $ 85,387,313 570,841,700 805,796,630 1,298,144,656 1,897,674,224 1,141,072,666 1,093,079,655 1,069,889,9701 Exports. $243,971,277 229,938,985 322.359,254 301,984,561 336,697,123 550,684,299 438,577,312 454,301,713 Imports. $286,598,135 275,357,051 252,919,920 329,562,895 234,339,810 445,512,158 411,733.309 872,409,448 XI. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. England: Death of Prince Albert, Dec. 14, 1861 ; Prince of Wales and Alexandra of Denmark mar- ried, March 10, 1863; Arrest and trial of Fenians in Ireland, 1865-66 ; Debates on the Irish Church and union of Liberal Party under lead of Mr. Glad- stone, resulting in the Disestablishment of the Irish Church ; War with Abyssinia in 1868. Denmark : Agitation in favor of a Scandinavian Union of Norway, Sweden and Denmark, in June ; the king of Denmark visited Sweden and was re- ceived with great enthusiasm, July 17, 1862. The Schleswig-Holstein war with Prussia and allies, be- gun in 1863, was concluded Oct. 30, 1864. CHAPTER XV. THE ADMINISTRATION OF UYLSSES S. GEANT. Eepuhlican, Two Terms, 1869 to 1877. I. CABINET. PRESIDENT. 1869. Ulysses S. Grant, Illinois. VICE PRESIDENTS. 1869. Schuyler Colfax, Indiana. 1873. Henry Wilson, Massachusetts. SECRETARIES OF fiTATE. 1869. Elihu B. Washburne, Illinois. 1869. Hamilton Fish, New York. SECRETARIES OF THE TREASURY 1869. Alexander T. Stewart, of New York, (ap't. withdrawn- 1869. George S. Boutwell, Massachusetts. 1873. William A Richardson, Massachusetts. SECRETARIES OF WAR. 1869. John A. Rawlins, Illinois. 1869. William T. Sherman, Ohio. 1869. William W. Belknap, Iowa. SECRETARIES OF THE NAVZ. 1869. Adolph E. Borie, Pennsylvania. 1869. George M. Robeson, New Jersey- SECRETARIES OF THE INTERIOR. 1869. Jacob D. Cox, Ohio. 1870. Columbus Delano, Ohio. ULYSSES S. GRANT. 295 POSTMASTER GENERAL. 1869. John A. J. Creswell, Maryland. ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 1869. Ebenezer R. Hoar, Massachusetts. 1870. Amos T. Akerman, Georgia. 1871. George A. "Williams, Oregon. II. SENATORS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO TEM- PORE OF THE SENATE. 1869. March, Henry B. Anthony, Rhode Island. 1873. March, Matthew H. Carpenter, AVisconsin. III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- TATIVES. XLI. Congress, James G. Blaine, Maine. XLII. " James G. Blaine, Maine. IV. THE TWENTy-EIRST ELECTION. Popular vote : For President, Ulysses S. Grant, Illinois, 3,013,188; Horatio Seymour, New York, 2,703,600. Electoral Vote : For President, Grant, 214; Sey- mour, 80. For Vice President, Schuyler Colfax, Indiana, 212; Frank P. Blair, Jr., Missouri, 80. Total, 294. Thirty-four States voted. Virginia, Mississippi and Texas did not vote. V. THE TWENTY-SECOND ELECTION. Popular Vote: For President, Ulysses S. Grant, Illinois, 3,597,070; Horace Greeley, IS ew York, 2,- 834,079. 296 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Electoral Vote : For President, Ulysses S. Grant, 300 ; Thomas A. Hendricks, Indiana, 42 ; B Gratz Brown, Missouri, 18 ; Horace Greeley, 3 ; (had Mr. Greeley lived he would have received 66 votes) ; Charles J. Jenkins, Georgia, 2 ; David Davis, Illi- nois, 1. For Vice President, Henry Wilson, Massa- chusetts, 300 ; scattering, GQ. Total, 366. Thirty- seven States voted ; but the votes of three States — Arkansas, Georgia, and Louisiana — were excluded from the count, because of irregularities, one of which was that Georgia had recorded 8 votes for Horace Greeley. VI. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 1870. For the first time in the history of the Ke- public, the census makes no distinction between the different classes of its population ; for there is none — all are free. The total is 38,558,371. The new ap- portionment for Congressmen gave a total member- ship of 292. The census of 1870 is the 9th which has been taken in the United States. Keliable calculations have given the following advance of population : In 1790, the center of population was near York, Pa. ; in 1800, the Pennsylvania line, south of Chambersburg ; in 1810, the same line east of Cumberland ; in 1820, the northeast corner of Maryland ; in 1830, near Kingwood, West Virginia; in 1840, south of Clarks- burg, W. Va. ; in 1850, southeast of Parkersburg, W. Va. ; in 1860, twenty miles south of Chillicothe, Ohio; and in 1870, a little west of HiUsborough, ULYSSES S. GRANT. 297 Ohio. The immense tide of immigration for 80 years past has flowed westward changing the longitude, but not the "latitude of the central line of population, or but very slightly. The law of immigration appears to be, that people move to about the same climate in this country as that from ■which they came. As a general thing, the Norwegians, Danes and Swedes have settled in the Northwestern States in a climate somewhat like that of Scandinavia ; the English, in New England ; the Germans, in the Middle States ; the French, in Louisiana ; and the Spanish and Port- uguese, in Central and South America. The census also shows that 12,500,000 out of the entire population are engaged in gainful occupations. The number of miners is 152,000 ; of carpenters, 344,000; of shoemakers, 171,000; of tailors, 161,- 000; of operatives in mills, 224,500; of physicians and surgeons, 62,000; of clergymen, 44,000; of journalists, 5,286; and of printers, 40,000. VII. HISTORICAL RECORD. 1869. March 4. Gen. Grant was inaugurated as the eighteenth President of the United States. In his Inaugural Address he intimated that it would be the general policy of the administration to secure peace, prosperity, and harmony throughout the entire Union as far as this was possible ; first, by strict integrity in fulfilling all our obligations ; second, by securing pro- tection to the person and property of the citizens of the United States, in each and every portion of our 298 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. common country wherever he may choose to move without reference to original nationality, religion, color, or politics, demanding of him only obedience to the laws and proper respect for the rights of others, and third, by cementing all the States into an inde- structible union, with equal State rights and consti- tutional guarantees. At this time three of the States lately in rebellion had not been restored to their Fed- eral relations. May 10. The Union Pacific Railroad was com- pleted. It is 1,776 miles long, from the Mississippi to the Pacific coast, and the traveller can pass from New York to San Francisco in one week. May 19. President Grant announced by Procla- mation that the eight-hour law having been passed by Congress would hereafter be in force without reduc- tion of wages for all laborers, workmen or mechanics employed by the United States. July 23. The steamers engaged in laying the French cable arrived at Duxbury, Massachusetts. November 1. The Cincinnati School Board di- rected that the Bible should not be read in their public schools. December 6. The Territory of Wyoming passed the Female Suffrage Bill. 1870. February 7. The Legal Tender Act was declared unconstitutional by Chief Justice Chase. February 15. The Superior Court of Cincinnati decided that the School Board had no authority to exclude the Bible from the Public Schools. ULYSSES S. GRANT. 299 March 7. Women were impannelled as jurors in the Territory of Wyoming. March 8. Gov. Austin, of Minnesota, vetoed the Female Suffrage BilL March 30. Secretay Fish gave notice by procla- mation that the XV Amendment had been adopted as a part of the Constitution by the required three- fourths vote of ratification. The Amendment is as follows : Art. 15. Sec. 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States, or by any State, on account of race, color or previ- ous condition of servitude. Sec. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. April 12. The Danish treaty for the annexation of St. Thomas expired by limitation. Denmark gave her consent, but, when the proposition was submitted to the inhabitants, they voted against it. April 27; The floor of the Kichmond Court House, Virginia, gave way, killing and injuring over 200 persons. May 24. President Grant issued a proclamation against the attempted invasion of Canada by the Fenians. June 29, The Senate rejected the Santa Domingo Treaty. A commission, of which President White, of Cornell University, and Hon. Benjamin F. Wade were members, visited the Island of Hayti to inves- tigate the condition of affairs, and on its return, gave a favorable account of that republic and the desirability of its admission to the Union. Presi- dent Grant favored the scheme, but on account of 300 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. strong opposition in the Senate, the attempt was finally abandoned. July 3. Illinois adopted the new State Constitu- tion. July 12. A serious riot occurred in New York City between Irish Catholics and Orangemen who were celebrating the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne. July 15. An annual appropriation of $3,000 was voted by Congress to Mrs. Lincoln. September 8, The French Kepublic was acknowl- edged by the United States. 1871. February 27. The difficulties with England grow- ing out of the so-called Alabama claims and other differences were brought before a joint high commis- sion which held its first meeting in secret session at Washington, and arranged a basis for amicable set- tlement by arbitration of all disputed points between the United States and Great Britain. In accordance with the provisions of this treaty, the arbitrators — Adams, of the United States ; Cockburn, of Eng- land ; Selopis, of Italy ; Estampfli, of Switzerland, and Itajuba, of Brazil — met in Geneva, Switzerland, and finally closed their laborious investigations. Sept; 14, 1872, by awarding a pecuniary satisfaction to the United States in the sum of $15,500,000 in gold. The question of a definite Northwestern boundary, which had not been satisfactorily determined by the treaty of June 15, 1846, was referred to Emperor William of Germany, who, on the 21st day of Oc- ULYSSES S. GRANT. 301 tober, 1872, rendered his decision in writing, and to the following effect as was announced by the President in his message to Congress: "This award confirms the United States in their claim in the important archipelago of the Islands lying between the continent and Van Couver's Island, which, for twenty-six years since the ratification of the treaty of Great Britain has been contested, and leaves us for the first time in the history of the United States as a nation, without a question of disputed boundary between this terri- tory and the possession of Great Britain on this Con- tinent." April 1. A colored boy was employed as a page in Congress for the first time. April 20. The Ku-Klux enforcement bill was passed and signed by the President, which was fol- lowed by a Proclamation on the same subject, on the first day of May following. May 15. A new Territorial Government was insti- tuted for the City of Washington and the District of Columbia. June 29. Capt. C. F. Hall left New York, in the Polaris, for the Artie Regions. July 7. The grand jury of Oxford, Miss., in- dicted 300 persons for alleged Ku Klux outrages. July 12. A serious Catholic and Orange riot in the streets of New York city resulted in the death of 62 people and the injury of 137 others. October 7, 8, 9. The first fire of Chicago broke out on Saturday night and consumed five squares of buildings valued at $1,000,000 before its ravages were stayed. On Sunday evening, Oct. 8, and before the 302 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. firemen had recovered from their great exertions of Saturday night, the second or great Chicago Fire was started by a lamp which the since famous cow of Mrs. O'Leary kicked over in a stable on DeKoven street. Its mad career was stopped on Monday night at 9 o'clock, four miles distant, after it had cleared, during those terrible forty-six hours, an area of 2,124 acres, or about 3 J square miles and consumed in that sea of flames about 17,000 houses. Insurance companies had a total risk of $100,225,779 20 in the burnt district. The total loss, at first, was estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars, but a more accurate estimate has reduced it to $153,000,000. The total amount of in- surance money paid was $37,998,985 88. October 9. Peshtigo, a village in Wisconsin, of about 400 houses, was completely destroyed by forest fire which swept over it with fearful loss of life. Ex- tensive forest fires occurred also in Michigan and Min- nesota, which destroyed much valuable property, and led very many in those ill-fated localities to believe that the great and final conflagration of all things had now come. December 19. President Grant sent a message to Congress on the subject of Civil Service Keform, promising to adopt the suggestions of the report of the commissioners who had been appointed, and who recommended a variety of rules, whose main object was to secure for the civil service of the government, the appointment of such persons as were intellectually and morally best qualified. The civil commissioners were George William Curtis, Joseph Medill, Alex. ULYSSES S. GRANT. 303 G. Cattell, Davidson A. \Yalker, E. B. Elliott, Joseph H. Blackfan and David C. Cox. December 21 . Senator Sumner spoke in Senate in favor of a bill to limit the Presidency of the United States to a single term of four years. December 80. The power of the Tammany King was completely broken by the Committee of 70, a result due chiefly to the persistent attacks of the New York Times and trenchant pencil of Thomas Nast. 1872. February 15, 20. Senator Schurz spoke very ably in support of Sumner's resolutions to investigate the French sale of Arms by our Government, and on March 5th, the great debate on this subject was closed, and the Senate voted to appoint a committee of investigation, In May following, the committee made a report exonerating the government and its officers from any fraudulent designs, or violations of the laws of neutrality. May 31. Senator Sumner delivered his speech in the Senate against Gen. Grant, denouncing his ad- ministration, claiming that he had made a plaything and a perquisite of the Presidency, charging him with nepotism in the distribution of official patron- age, and asserting that public affairs had been con- ducted in a manner to secure his own reelection. He closed by appealing to the Kepublican party to throw Grant overboard and institute Reform and Purity in the administration of government. October 8. The first anniversary of the Great 30-i THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Chicago Fire revealed the unparalleled fact, that one-half of the business part of the city had been rebuilt, in a style to far surpass the former city, and with a greater storing capacity than it had before the fire. The books of the Aid Society, to whom had been entrusted the World's Charity, showed that $2,070,066.13 had been paid out during the year to relieve distress and suffering. A hundred thousand persons had been rendered homeless and houseless almost in an instant, and the heart of humanity the world over was touched by the spectacle of a city in ashes. Treasures poured in upon the Garden City with unstinted generosity from every point of the compass, illustrating the truth, "it is more blessed to give than to receive." November 4. The trouble in Louisiana began with the election held this day, and the fact that two Keturning Boards, each claimed to have power to canvass the votes for Presidential electors, members of Congress, State officers, and members of the Leg- islature, declared two sets of officers elected. The question then arose, who are the legally elected can- didates ? Some serious riots have occurred and even blood has been shed in some of the parishes where political feeling and prejudices of race have been running very high. The case, resembling in some respects Dorr's Rebellion in Rhode Island, has been taken before the Courts for adjudication, and Presi- dent Grant has decided by proclamation that Kel- logg and the officers elected with him, constituting the de facto government in accordance with the de- cisions of the inferior and superior courts of the ULYSSES S. GRANT. 305" State, will be sustained as the lawful government to the extent of the power of the United States in case there shall arise any armed interference or resistence. November 5* Cumulative voting was tested for the first time on a large scale in the State of Illinois. November 9, 10. A great fire broke out in Bos- ton, which desolated 64 acres in the heart of the city and destroyed 750 houses. Owing to the greater density of population and buildings, it was about half as costly as the Chicago fire of a year and a month ago. The entire loss was fully equal to $80,- 000,000 — a very severe trial, in a monetary point of view, to Fire Insurance Companies and their sol- vency. November 29. Hon. Horace Greeley died from sleeplessness followed by inflammation of the brain. He was buried on Wednesday, December 4 — the very day on which the Presidential Electors met to record their votes, and on which three electors in Georgia voted for him. 1873. January 17. Senator Morton delivered a great speech in the Senate on the defects of the electoral system -and the best means for remedying them. He presented a philosophic review of the entire subject and illustrated the dangers which this mode might produce by some irregularities that had already oc- curred, and recommended that the Constitution be amended so as to substitute the direct vote of the people without the intervention of Electors, each State to be divided into as many districts as it has 20 306 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Senators and Representatives, each district to have one vote in the election of President and Vice Presi- dent, and the vote of that district to be counted in favor of the candidates for President and Vice Presi- dent who receive the largest number of votes in it. February 27. The Judge Poland Comiiiittee on the Credit Mobilier Investigations brought in their report. The following resolutions, which explain themselves, were finally adopted : Resolved, That the House absolutely condemns the con- duct of Oakes Ames, a member of this House, from the State of Massachusetts, in seeking to procure Congressional attention to the affairs of a corporation in which he was in- terested, and whose interest directly depended on the legis- lation of Congress, by inducing members of Congress to in- vest in the stock of said corporation. Resolved, That the House absolutely condems the conduct of James Brooks, a member of this House, from New York, for the use of his position of Government Director of the Union Pacific Railroad, and of member of this House, to procure the assignment to himself or family of stock in the Credit Mobilier of America, a corporation having a con- tract with the Union Pacific Railroad, and whose interests depended directly upon the legislation of .Congress. March 4. Gen. Grant was reinaugurated as Pres- ident of the United States. The President in his 2d Inaugural address used these words : '' It is my firm conviction that the civilized world is tending to a re- publican form of government, by the people, through their chosen representatives, and that our great repub- lic is destined to be the guiding star to all others." And again, *' The States lately at war with the gen- eral government are now happily united, and no exe- cutive control is exercised in any one of them that would not be exercised in any other State under like circumstances. In the first year of the past adminis- ULYSSES S. GRANT. 307 Iration, the proposition came up for the admission of Santa Domingo as a Territory of the Union* It was not a question of my seeking, but was a proposition from the people of San Domingo, and which I enter- tained. I believe now as I did then, that it was the best intei-ests of this country, for the people of San Domingo and all concerned, that the proposition should be received favorably. It was, however, regarded unfavorably, and therefore the subject was never brought up by me again. In the future, while I hold my present office, the subject of the acquisition of territory must have the support of the people before I will recommend any proposition looking to such ac- quisition. I say, however, that I do not share in the apprehension held by many as to the danger of the Government becoming weakened and destroyed by reason of its extension, but rather believe that our Great Ruler is preparing the world, in his own good time, to become one nation, speaking one language, and when armies and navies will be no longer required." April 11. General Canby and Rev. Dr. Thomas (Mr. Meacham was severely wounded, and Mr. Dyer, the other peace commissioner escaped unhurt) were assassinated by Captain Jack and Modoc confederates, while the former were endeavoring to mediate for the removal of the Modoc tribe to other reservations. The body of Gen. Canby was taken to Crown Hill, Indianapolis, Ind., for inter- ment, and Gen's Sherman and Sheridan, and other military celebrities attended the funeral to pay a tribute of respect and friendship to the great and good man who had been so untimely removed. Due efforts were immediately put forth for the arrest of their mur- derers, but for some reasons the Indians were able to 308 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. hold their positions in the lava beds with considerable slaughter of the United States troops who attempted to take them. Gen. Jefferson C. Davis, however, who received the position made vacant by the death of General Canby, was able to overtake them, and the flying chief was captured on June 1st. What to do with our Indian population, who number about 300,000, is still a vexing question. Extermination is not only unchristian but expensive, and would cost at past figures some- thing like $300,000,000,000, and on an average, the lives of 25 white men for every Indian slain. The number of Indians civilized is 97,000, of semi-civil- ized 125,000, and of wholly savage, 78,000. They are distributed as follows : In Minnesota and east of the Mississippi, 32,500; in Kebraska, Kansas and Indian Territory, 70,650 ; in Dakota, Montana, "Wy- oming and Idaho, 65,000 ; in Nevada and the Terri- tories of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona, 84,000 ; and in California, Oregon and Washington, 47,850. The heathen are in our midst, what higher duty than to civilize and christianize them? Con- gress, on March 3, 1871, passed an act to declare, that "hereafter no Indian Nation or tribe within the ter- ritory of the United States shall be acknowledged or recognized as an independent nation, tribe or power with whom the United States may contract by treaty. May 30. Another large fire broke out in Boston on the morning of Decoration Day. The frequency with which fires occur in our large cities and the fab- ulous sums of money annually annihilated by the " fire fiend " called renewed attention to the erection ULYSSES S. GRANT. 309 of fire-proof buildings, not less than give alarm to companies engaged in fire underwriting. It is doubt- less true that a large per cent, of loss is the result of incendiarism, and a judicious insurance authority has estimated the number of buildings burned by incen- diaries as ranging from 30 to 50 per centum. Of course this point is incapable of legal proof, but there is, however, good ground for suspicion. June 30. The entire number of miles of railroad completed in the United States is about 70,000, con- structed at an average cost of $50,000 per mile. VIII. POLITICAL PARTIES. In preparing for the Presidential canvass of 1872, a fierce mania broke out in the shape of nominating candidates. The tree of Presidential aspirations bore a multiplied blossom, but with very little fruitage. Not only did citizens of modest ambition nominate themselves in the failure of conventions to do this for them, but also eight or nine conventions met and pre- pared as many different tickets. It must not be for- gotten either that a w^oman was nominated in New York City, being afflicted with what had hitherto been considered the sole infirmity of great minds — an ink- ling for the Presidency. • Leaving out of considera- tion, however, all those combinations which failed to incubate anything more than a platform and a ticket, such as the Revenue Reform or Free Traders' move- ment, (Wm. S. Oroesbeck and Frederick Law Olm- sted, candidates) ; the Labor Reform Party, (Judge David Davis and Gov. Joel Parker) ; the Temperance 310 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Society, (James Black and John Russell) ; the Anti- Masonic, or more comprehensively, the Anti-Secret organization, (Charles Francis Adams and J. L. Bar- low— substituted for Gen, C. H. Howard, declined), f and others, we will only briefly notice those organiza- tions which developed more strength and proved more formidable, 1. The Liberal Republicans met at Cincinnati, May 1, in a National Conveijtion, in pursuance of a call issued by the Missouri State Convention of Lib- eral Republicans which had convened at Jefferson City, Jan. 24, 1872. The origin of this movement dates back to 1870, when a portion of the Republican party in that State " bolted " on the question of com- mittal to entire amnesty and free trade controversy, and under the lead of Carl Schurz and B. Gratz Brown imited with the Democrats and carried that State by 40, 000 majority. The Liberal movement was advoca- ted by quite a number of influential editors, such as Horace Greeley, WhitelawReid, Horace White, Sam- uel Bowles, Murat Halstead, Henry Watterson, and others, \vho, with reference to the administration of Gen. Grant, had assumed an independent position and by the time this convention assembled, had com- pletely severed their connection with the Republican Party. And in Congress the New departure was favored by Charles Sumner, Carl Schurz, Lyman Trumbull and others of great ability. The Liberal party desired to unite those who had been disunited by the past strife, and to give the country a pure, honest and constitutional government. Hon. Carl Schurz was chosen Permanent Chairman. The prom- ULYSSES S. GRANT. 311 inent candidates before the Convention were Horace Greeley, Charles Francis Adams, B. Gratz Brown, Jacob D. Cox, Andrew G. Curtin, David Davis, John M. Palmer, and Lyman Trumbull, and the first bal- lot revealed a numerical preference as follows: Adams, 203 ; Greeley, 147 ; Trumbull, 108 ; Davis, 92|; Brown, 92; Curtain, G2 ; Chase, 2^; and Charles Sumner, 1. On the 6th ballot, after con- siderable changing of votes, the result was finally declared to be, for Horace Greeley, 482, and for Charles Francis Adams, 187. Horace Greeley, New York, was then declared duly elected, the attempt to make it unanimous not having been sustained. Gov. B. Gratz Brown, Missouri, was next elected the can- didate for the Vice Presidency by the following vote : B. Gratz Brown, 425 ; George W. Julian, Indiana, 175 ; scattering, 81. Horace White, Editor of the Chicago Tribune, and Chairman of the Committee on Resolutions, ofiered the following declarations which were unanimously adopted as the principles of the Liberal Republican Party : We, the Liberal Bepublicans of the Uuited States, iu National Convention assembled at Cincin- nati, proclaim the following prin- ciples as essential to just govern- ment. {Cincinnati, May 3d, 1872.) We, the Democratic Electors of the United States, in Convention assembled, do present the follow- lowing principles, already adopted at Cincinnati, aa essential to just government. {BaUimore, July lOth, 1872.) First. We recognize the equality of all men before the law, and hold that it is the duty of Government in its dealings with the people to mete out equal and exact justice to all, of whatever nativity, race, color, or persuasion, religious or political. Second. We pledge ourselves to maintain the union of these States, emancipation, and enfranchisement, and to oppose any reopening of the questions settled by the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution. Third. We demand the immediate and absolute removal of all disa- bilities imposed on account of the Rebellion, which was finally sub- dued seven years ago, believing that universal amnesty will result io complete pacification in all sections of the country. 312 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Fourth. Local self-government, with impartial suffrage, will guard the lights of all citizens more securely than any centralized power. The public welfare requires the supremacy of the civil over the mili- tary authority, and freedom of persons under the protection of habeas corpus. We demand for the individual the largest liberty consistent with public order ; for the State, self government ; and for the nation, a return to the methods of peace and the constitutional limitations of power. Fifth. The Civil Service of the Government has become a mere in- strument of partisan tyranny and personal ambition, and an object of selfish greed. It is a scandal and reproach upon free institutions, and breeds a demoralization dangerous to the perpetuity of republican government. We therefore regard such thorough reforms of the Civil Service as one of the most pressing necessities of the hour; that hon- esty, capacity, and fidelity constitute the only valid claim to public employment ; that the offices of the Government ceases to be a matter of arbitrary favoritism and patronage, and that public station be- come again the post of honor. To this end it is imperatively required that no President ehall be a candidate for reelection. Sixth. We demand a system of Federal taxation which shall not un- necessarily interfere "with the industry of the people, and which shall provide the means necessary to pay the expenses of the Government economically administered, the pensions, the interest on the public debt, and a moderate reduction annually of the principal thereof; and, recognizing that there are in our midst honest but irreconcilable differ- ences of opinion with regard to the respective systems of Protection and Free Trade, we remit the discussion of the subject to the people in their Congress Districts, and to the decision of the Congress thereon, wholly/ree of Executive interference or dictation. Seventh. The public credit must be sacredly maintained, and wo de- nounce repudiation in every form and guise. Eighth. A speedy return to specie payment is demanded alike by the highest considerations of commercial morality and honest govern- ment. Ninth. We remember with gratitude the heroism and sacrifices of the soldiers and sailors of the Kepublic, and no act of ours shall ever de- tract from their justly-earned fame for the full reward of their patri- otism. Tenth. We are opposed to all further grants of lands to railroads or other corporations. The public domain should be held sacred to actual settlers. Eleventh. We hold that it is the duty of the Government, in its in- tercourse with foreign nations, to cultivate the friendship of peace, by treating with all on fair and equal terms, regarding it .alike dishonor- able either to demand what is not right, or to submit to what is wrong. Twelfth. For the promotion and success of these vital principles, and the support of the candidates nominated by this Convention, we invite and cordially welcome the co-operation of all patriotic citizens, without regard to previous afifiliations. 2. The Eepublican party met at Philadelphia, June 5, and made Hon. Morton McMichael, of Pennsyl- vania, temporary, and Hon. Thomas Settle, of North Carolina, permament Chairman. On Thursday, June 6, the first and only ballot for Presidential nominee was taken and resulted in giving the unani- ULYSSES S. GRANT. 313 mous vote of all the delegates, 762, to Gen. Grant. This announcement was received with tremendous applause. The Committee on Platform not being ready to report, the vote for Vice President Avas taken, and when the roll was called it appeared that Hon. Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts, had received 364J votes, Hon. Schuyler Colfax, of Indiana, 321J, and the rest scattering, but before the result was announced, Virginia changed her vote for Wilson and secured his nomination. At this juncture, other States also changed their votes, and the final result made his election unanimous. The report of the Committee on Eesolutions was then heard and adopted, when the Convention adjourned. The following is the Philadelphia platform of 1872: The Republican party of the United States, assembled in National Convention in the city of Philadelphia, on tlie 6th and Gth days of June 1872, again declares its faith, appeals to its history, and announces its position upon the questions before the country. m First. During eleven years of supremacy it has accepted with grand courage the solemn duties of the times. It suppressed a gigantic rebel- lion, emancipated four millions of slaves, decreed the equal citizenship of all, and established universal suffrage. Exhibiting unparalleled magnanimity, it criminally punished no man for political ofl'ense, and warmly welcomed all who proved their loyalty by obeying the laws and dealing justly with their neighbors. It has steadily decreased with a firm hand, the resultant disorders of a great war, and initiated a wise policy toward the Indians. The Pacific railroad and similar vast enter- prises have been generally aided and successfully conducted ; the public lands freely given to actual settlers ; immigration protected and en- couraged, and a full acknowledgement of the naturalized citizens' rights secured from European powers. A uniform national currency has been provided; repudiation frowned down ; the national credit sus- tained under most extraordinary burdens, and new bonds negotiated at lower rates ; the revenues have been carefully collected and honestly applied. Despite the annual large reductions of rates of taxation, tho public debt has been reduced during General Grant's presidency at tho rate of ^100,000,000 a year. A great financial crisis has been avoided, and peace and plenty prevail throughout the land. Menacing foreign difficulties have been peacefully and honorably compromised, and the honor and the power of the nation kept in high respect throughout the world. This glorious record of the past is the party's best pledge for the future. We believo tho people will not intrust the government to any party or combination of men composed chiefly of those who have resisted every step of this beneficial progress. 314 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. Second. Complete liberty and exact equality in the enjoyment of al civil, political and public rights should be established, and effectually maintained throughout the Union, by efficient snd appropriate State and federal legislation. Neither the law nor its administration should admit of any discrimination in respect of citizen by reason of race creed, color, or previous condition of servitude. Third. The recent amendments to the national Constitution should be cordially sustained, because they are right, not merely tolerated be- cause they are law, and should be carried out according to their spirit by appropriate legislation, the enforcement of which can be safely trusted only to the party that secured those amendments. Fourth. The national government should seek to maintain an hon- orable peace with all nations, protecting its citizens everywhere, and sympathizing with all people who strive for greater liberty. Fifth. Any system of the civil service under which the subordinate positions of the government are considered rewards for mere party zeal, is fatally demoralizing; and we, therefore, favor a reform of the system by laws which shall abolish the evils of patronage, and make honesty, efficiency, and fidelity the essential qualifications for public position, without practically creating a life-tenure of office. Sixth. We are opposed to further grants of the public lands to cor- porations and monopolies, and demand that the national domain be set apart for free homes for the people. Seventh. The annual revenues, after paying the current debts, should furnish a moderate balance for the reduction of the principal, and the revenue, except so much as may be derived from a tax on tobacco and liquors, be rai-ed by duties upon importations, the duties of which should be so adjusted as to aid in securing remunerative wages to labor, and promote the industries, growth and prosperity of the whole country. Eighth. We hold in undying honor the soldiers and sailors whose valor eaved the Union ; their pensions are a sacred debt of the nation, and the widows and orphans of those who died for their country are entitled to the care of a generous and grateful people. We favor such additional legislation as will extend the bounty of the governmnt to all our soldiers and sailors who were honorably d-scharged, and who in the line of duty became disabled, -without regard to the length of service or the cause of such discharge. Ninth. The doctrine of Great Britain and Other European powers concerning allegiacne — " Once a subject always a subject " — having at last, through the efiforts of the Republican party, been abandoned, and the American idea of the individual's right to transfer his allegiance having been accepted by European nations, it is the duty of our gov- ernment to guard with jealous care the rights of adopted citizens against the assumption of unauthorized claims by their former government; and we urge the continual and careful encouragement and protection of voluntary immigration. Tenth. The franking privilege ought to be abolished, and the way prepared for a speedy reduction in the rate of postage. Eleventh. Among the questions which press for attention is that which concerns the relations of capital and labor, and the Republican party recognize the duty of so shaping legislation as to secure full pro- tection, and the amplest field for capital, and for labor the creator of capital, the largest opportunities and a just share of the mutual profits of these two great servants of civilization. Twelfth. We hold that Congress and the President have only ful- filled an imperative duty in their measures for the suppression of vio- lent and treasonable organizations in certain lately rebellious regions, and for the protection of the ballot-box, and therefore they are enti- tled to the thanks of the nation. Thirteenth. We denounce repudiation of the public debt in any form or disguise as a national crime. We witness with pride the redaction ULYSSES S. GRANT. 315 of the principal of the debt and of the rates of interest upon the bal- ance, and confidently expect that our excellent national currency will be perfected by a speedy resumption of specie payments. Fourteenth. The Republican party is mindful of its obligations to the loyal woman of America, for their noble devotion to the causo of free- dom. Their admission to wider fields of usefulness is received with satisfaction, and the honest demands of any class of citizens for addi- tional rights should be treated with respectful consideration. Fifteenth. We heartily approve the action of Congress in extending amnesy to those lately in rebellion, and rejoice in the growth of peace and fraternal feeling throughout the land. Sixteenth. The Republican party propose to respect the rights re- served by the people to themselves as carefully as the powers delegated by them to the State and to the federal government. It disapproves of the resort to unconstitutional laws for the purpose of removing evils by interference with rights not surrendered by the people to either the State or national government. Seventeenth. It is the duty of the general government to adopt such measures as will tend to encourage American commerce and ship build- ing. Eighteenth. We believe that the modest patriotism, the earnest pur- pose, the sound judgment, the practical wisdom, the incorruptable in- tegrity and illustrious services of Ulysses S. Grant have commended him to the heart of the American people, and with him at our head we start to-day upon a new march to victory, 3. The Democratic party held its National Con- vention at Baltimore, July 9, chose Hon. Thomas Jefferson Eandolph, of Virginia, temporary, and Hon. James R. Doolittle, of Wisconsin, permanent Chairman of the assembly. It was already settled to make a new departure in politics, inasmuch as the war had greatly changed the condition of affairs, and it was held to be hopeless and obstinate to continue the party on its old lines of principle and policy. On the 10th of July, the Committee on Eesolutions reported in favor of adopting the Cincinnati platform, and this report being received and adopted, (for platform see page 311) it only remained for the Con- vention, before^ adjourning, to endorse the Cincinnati candidates, and make them its own. This was done, and the combination received the name of the Lib- eral Republican Democratic party. 4. This action of the Democratic party leaders 316 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. proved distasteful to many old line and conservative Democrats who were proud of the name and the grand history of Democracy. These, accordingly, to the number of 600 met in convention at Louisville, Sept, 3, and Col. Levi S. Chatfield, N. Y., was se- lected as temporary, and Judge James Lyons as per- manent Chairman. The great feature of the day w^as the reading of Charles O'Conor's letter, who very ably reviewed the principles of old time Democ- racy and protested against their abandonment. He also very positively declined to be a candidate on the ground of an unalterable preference for private life, and the possible selection of a better candidate* On the 4th of September the Convention proceeded to elect Charles O'Conor, New York, and John Quincy Adams, Massachusetts, as the standard bearers of the Straight-out Democracy for President and Vice President. Charles O'Conor sent a positive declina- ture by telegraph, which produced a profound im- pression, and at first there was a disposition to accept and give the selection to Judge Lyons, but he also positively declined, and the Convention finally ad- journed, resolving to support the nomination of Charles O'Conor and not permit him to withdraw. The following platform was adopted, Sept. 4 : Whereas, A frequent recurrence to first principles aud eternal vig- ilance against abuses are the wisest provisions for libertj'-, which is the source of progress, and fidelity to our constitusional system is the only protection for either ; therefore — Resolved, That the original basis of our whole political structure is consent, in every part thereof. The people of each State voluntarily created their State, and the States voluntarily formed the Union. And each State, provided by its written constitution for everything a State should do for the protection of life, liberty, and property within it ; and each State jointly with the others, provided a Federal Union for foreign aud inter-State relations. Resolved, That all governmental powers, whether State or Federal, are tiust powers, coming from the people of each State, and that they ULYSE3S S. GRANT, 317 are limited to the written letter of the constitntioD and the laws passed in pursuance of it, which powers must be exercised in the utmost good faith, tlie constitution itself providing in what manner thoy may be altered and amended. Resolved, That the interests of labor and capital should not be per- mitted to conflict, but should be harmonized by judicious legislation. While such a conflict continues, labor, which is the parent of wealth, is entitled to paramount consideration. Resolved, That we proclaim to the world that principle is to bo pre- ferred to power ; that the Democratic party is held together by the co- hesion of time-honored principles, which they will never surrender in exchange for all the oflices which Presidents can confer. The pangs of the minorities are, doubtless, excruciating ; but wo welcome an eternal minority under the banner inscribed witli our principles rather than an almighty and everlasting majority purchased by their abandonment. Resolved, That having been betrayed at Baltimore into a false creed and a false leadership by the Convention, we repudiate both, and apeal to the people to approve our platform and to rally to the polls and sup- port the true platform and the candidates who embody it. IX. FINANCIAL Sa?ATEMENT. In a speech delivered at Greensboro, N. C, July 17, 1872, Secretary Boutwell stated that the financial policy of the administration had been : 1st, to secure the faithful collection of the public revenue ; 2d, the reduction of the public expenditures ; 3d, to reestab- lish the public credit and reduce the interest account ; and 4th, to reduce taxation and finally prepare the way for the resumption of specie payment at the earliest moment consistent with the prosperity of the country. It was a maxim of Jefierson, as a part of sound political economy, that a national debt should be paid by the generation that created it, and it seems as if the administration of Gen. Grant had been acting on this principle; for the public debt has been reduced in the sum of ^411,247,880. The public debt is as follows: 1869, $2,453,559,735; 1870, $2,406,562,371; 1871, $2,397,740,148; 1872, $2.295,833,523 ; and 1873, $2,225,073,084. The present Public Debt of the United States is three-fifths as large as that of Great Britain. 318 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. TABULAR States. Alabama Arkansas California Connecticut Delaware ,... Florida Georgia Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Blaine Maryland Massachusetts . Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Nebraska Nevada NewUnrnpshire New Jersey , New York North Carolina Ohio Oregon Pennsylvania,.. Rhode Island... South Carolina. Tennnesseo Texas Vermont Virginia West Virginia.. Wisconsin Original Settlements. French, at Mobile, 1711 Fr., Arkansas P't,lG85. Spanish, San Diego,1769 Colonists, Windsor,1633 Sw., Cape Henlo'n, 1627 Sp., St. Augustine, 1565... Eng., Sivannah, 1733 Fr., Kaskaskia, 1720 Fr., ViBcennes, 1690 E. St's, Burl'gton, 1833.. E. St's, Top'eka, 1850 Boone, B'nesboro', 1775... French, Iberville, 1699 English, Bristol, 1623 Eng., St. Mary's, 1634 Eng., Plymouth, 1620 French, Detroit, 1670 E. States, St. Paul, 1846.. French, Natchez, 171G French, St. Louis, 1764.... Eastern States Eastern States English, Dover, 1624 D'ch& D's, Bergen, 1624... Dutch, Albany, 1614 Kng., A.lbemarle, 1663 N.E, St's, Marietta, 1788... E. States, Astoria, 1811.... Eng , Philadelphia, 1682.. Roger Will's, Prov.,1636... Eng,, Port Royal, 1670 N.Car'l'a, F'tLoud'n,17o7 Span., S. A. deBexar, 1690 Mass., F't Drummer, 1725 Eng., Jamestown, 1007 Capitals. Leg. Meet. Fr., Green Bay, 1669. Montgomery Little Eock Sacramento |Hartf'd&N.H.. Dover Tallahassee Atlanta Springfield Indianapolis Des Moines Topeka Frankfort New Orleans Augusta Annapolis Boston Lansing St. Paul Jackson Jefferson City... Lincoln Carson City Concord Trenton Albany Raleigh Columbus Salem Harrisburg Newp'rt & Prov Columbia Nashville Austin Montpelier Richmond Charleston Madison 3 M. Nov.... I M. Jan 1 M. Dec*... I W. May... 1 Tu. Jan-.. T.al M.Jan 2 W. Jan*... 1 M. Jan*... 1 W. Jan* .. 2 M. Jan*... 2Tu Jan 1 M. Dec*... 1 M. Jan 1 W. Jan.... 1 W. Jan*... 1 W. Jan.... 1 W.Jan*... T.al M.Jan T.al M.Jan Last M.Dec ThalMJan* I M. Jan*... 1 M. June.,, 2 Tu. .Tan... 1 Tu. Jan... 1 Th. Nov... 1 M.Jan*,.. 2M. Sept... 1 Tu. Jan,., May & Jan., 4M. Nov.,,. 1 M, Oct*,,. 2 Tu, Jan... 2Th. Oct*. 1 M. Dec. 2 Tu. Jan ... 1 W. Jan.... '^Elections and Sessions biennial. Terbitoeies. UKG'I) Pop. Capitals. GOVERNOKS. Alaska Sitka 18G3 1861 1861 1791 1863 9,658 39,804 14,181 131,700 14,999 Tucson A. P. K. Safford Edward M, McCook Dakota Yankton J A Burbank . Ds't Columbia Washington Henry D, Cooke Idaho Indian Ter... Tahl Quah Montana New Mexico.. 1864 1850 1850 1853 1869 2't,595 91,874 86,780 23,955 9,118 Virginia City Santa I'e Benj. F. Potts Marsh Giddings • Utah Salt Lake City,,, Geo L Woods Washington... Wyoming Elisha P. Ferry John A. Campbell Cheyenne The total area of the United States is 2,819,811 square miles, 1,804,079, 040 acres, or 17 acres for every man, woman and child in the land. ULYSSES S. GRjVNT. 319 STATEMENT. State Elections, l Sal'y Tu. after 1 M., Nov.... 1 Monday, November. 1 Wednesday, Sept 1 Monday, April Tu. after 1 M., Nov... Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 1 Wednesday, Oct Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 2 Tuesday, October... 2 Tuesday, October.,. Tu. after 1 M.,Nov... 1 Monday, August.... 1 Monday, November. 2 Monday, September Tu. after 1 M., Nov... Tu. after 1 M., Nov... Tu. after 1 M., Nov... Tu. after 1 M., Nov... Tu. after 1 M., Nov... Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 2 Tuesday, October ... Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 2 Tuesday, March Tu. after 1 M., Nov... Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 1 Thursday, August... 2 Tuesday, Oct 1 Monday, June 2 Tuesday, Oct 1 Wednesday, April... 3 Wednesday, Oct Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 1 Tuesday, Nov 1 Tuesday, Sept Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 4 Thursday, Oct Tu. after 1 M., Nov... $4,000 5,000 7,000 1,100 1,333 1,500 4,000 1,.500 8,000 2,500 2,000 5,000 8,000 2,.500 3,600 5,000 1,500 3,000 3,000 2,500 1,200 0,000 1,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 4,000 1,500 5,000 1,000 4, COO 3,000 5,000 1,000 5,000 2,000 5.000 GOVEBNOKS. Teem Exp's. David P. Lewis EHsha Baxter Newton Booth , Charles K. Ingersoll James Ponder Ossian B. Hart James Milton Smith Richard J. Oglesby , Thomas A. Hendricks Cyrus C. Carpenter Thomas A. Osborn Preston 11. Leslie Con. by Kellogg & McEnery... Sydney Perham , Wm. Pinclney Whyte , Wm. B. Washburn .John J. Bagley , Horace Austin , Ridgley C. Powers, ex officio Silas Woodson Robert W. Furnass L. B. Bradley Ezekiel A, Straw Joel Parker John A. Dix TodR. Caldwell Edward F. Noyes Lafayette F. Grover John F. Hartratft Henry Howard Franklin J. Moses, Jr John G. Brown Edmund J. Davis Julius Converse Gilbert C. Walker John J. Jacob Cadwallader C. Washburn... Nov., 18T4. Jan., 1877. Dec, 1875. May, 1874. Jan., 1875. Jan., 1877. Jan., 1877. Jan., 1877. Jan., 1877. Jan., 1874. Jan., 1875, Sept., 1874. Jan., 1877. Jan., 1874. Jan., 1876. Jan., 1874. Jan., 1875. Jan., 1874. Jan., 1874. Jan., 1875. Jan., 1875. .Jan., 1874. Juno, 1874. Jan., 1875. Jan., 1875. Jan., 1877. Jan., 1874. Sept., 1874. Jan., 1876. May, 1874. Jan., 1875. Jan., 1875. Nov., 1873. Oct., 1874. Jan., 1874. March, 1874. Jan., 1874. Democrats in Italic. GENERAL ELECTIONS. By Act of Congress, passed Jan. 23, 1845, the time for electing the electors of the President and Vice President was made uniform through- out all the Str^es. That day was fixed as the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November of every fourth year. In March 1, 1792, it was established by Congress that the electors of each Stale shall meet, at such place as the Legislature thereof may direct, on the first Wed- nesday in December after their election. They are required to make, sign and send three copies of their votes, and send one of these by spec- ial messenger to the President of the Senate at the seat of government, before thoiirst 'Wednesday of January following their election ; another by mail directed to the President of the Senate, and deposit the third, with the Judge of the District Court in whoso jurisdiction the vote was cast. The certified lists of all the States are then opened in the presence of both branches of Congress, on the 2d Wednesday of February wbea the election is officially declared by the President cf the Senate. 320 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. NICKNAMES. Alabama, Lizzards. Arkansas, the Bear State, Toothpicks. California, the Golden State, Gold Hunters. Connecticut, the Land of Steady Habits. Delaware, the Blue Hen's Chicken, Muskrats. Florida, the Peninsular State, Fly-up- the- Creek. Illinois, the Sucker State. Indiana, the Hoosier State. Iowa, the Hawkeye State. Kentucky, Corn-Crackers. Louisiana, the Creole State. Maine, the Pine Tree, the Border State, Foxes. Massachusetts, the Bay State. Michigan, the "Wolverine State. Minnesota, the Gopher State. Mississippi, the Bayou State* Missouri, the Bullion, the Puke State, New Hampshire, the Granite State. New York, the Empire State, Knickerbockers. North Carolina, the Old North State, Ohio, the Buckeye State. Pennsylvania, the Keystone State. Khode Island, Little Khody. South Carolina, the Palmetto State. Tennessee, the Big Bend State. Texas, the Lone Star State. Vermont, the Green Mountain State. Virginia, the Old or Ancient Dominion. Wisconsin, the Badger State. New England, Yankees. United States, Brother Jonathan, Uncle Sam.