Mirror of modern democracy : a history of the Democratic Party, from its organization in 1825, to its last great achievement, the rebellion of 1861. To which is prefixed a sketch of the old Federal and Republican parties

Front matter

CORNELL

UNIVERSITY

LIBRARY

Preface

The design of this work is to expose a mischievous delusion.

Nearly forty years ago was formed a political party, styled by its projectors and leaders, " The Democratic Party." Under faithless pledges of reform it came into power, and, with the exception of a few brief intervals, has since had control of the Government. During its rule incalculable injury has been inflicted upon the country. The currency has been repeatedly deranged ; these derangements having been attended with their natural concomitants, financial embarrassments, commercial revulsions, and bank suspensions; the national industry has been several times prostrated, and the general prosperity interrupted ; the constitutional rights of citizens have been infringed ; the faith of treaties has been violated ; free territory has been conqiiered in aggressive wars, consigned to Slavery, and annexed to the Union ; political heresies have been propagated ; and corruption has, to an alarming extent, been introduced into the Government. These are a part of a long succession of evils which has marked the career of this party, and which at length culminated in this Rebellion. All this has been done in the abused name of Democracy, to which this party lays exclusive claim. It was defeated in the con-

PEEFACE.

test of I860; and after having involved the nation in a most calamitous civil war, it is again making its appeals to the people for a restoration to power.

To strip from this party the gnise nnder which it has perpetrated its evil deeds,, and is endeavoring to regain political ascendency, would be doing the country an invaluable service. And if this effort should aid any considerable number in investigating the claims of Modern Democracy, or remove the scales from the eyes of hut a few of its blind devotees, the labor will not be regretted.

The present is a favorable time for the dissemination of political truth. The faith of many in the infallibility of parties is giving way ; party attachments are relaxing ; and many who have been deterred from investigation by the force of prejudice, ar« beginning to manifest a disposition for candid inquiry.

The original design of the writer was simply an exposure of the real character of the Democratic party, and its agency in the present Rebellion. But as it claims paternity in Thomas Jefferson, it was deemed proper to precede the main history by a sketch of the old Federal and Eepublican parties. And to render the work still more valuable, it has been made to present the leading measures of every administration under the present Constitution. This enlargement of the original plan was in a measure induced by the facility afforded for the performance of the additional labor, by the somewhat free use of the American Statesman,* granted by its obliging publisher.

* A work which I will take occasion here gratuitously and without solicitation, to commend to every American citizen who wishes to procure a complete and impartial political history of the United States, at the least possible cost.

FBGFACE.

The author has not intentionally done injustice to any party or individual. Nor has he condemned, indiscriminately, the acts of the Dem-ocratic party, or impugned the motives of the mass of its members, or even of a majority of its leaders ; many of whom, doubtless, have supported its most impolitic measures in good faith. But that, on the whole, its rule has been disastrous to the country, he fully believes.

Nor has this work been written to gratify a vindictive feeling toward political opponents. It has been prompted solely by a sense of duty arising from the conviction, that the reestablishment of the Democratic party in power, would be a calamity second only to the success of the BebeUion.

CONTENTS,

PAHT FIBST.

HISTORY OF THE FEDERAL AND REPUBLICAN PARTIES.

Chapter I

prom the formation of the constitution to the olosb of washinoton's administration.

Origin of the First Parties, 13-17. The Confederation, 14, 15. History of the Constitution, 15-18. Madison proposes a Tariff, 18. Executive Dopartmenta organised. 19. 'Washington's Cabinet,19. Judiciary established, 19. Provision to pay the Public Debt, 19, 20. Whislty Insurrection, 20. Bank established, 21. Relations with France and Great IBritain, 21-28. Proclamation of NoU' trality, 22. Genet, the French Minister, at Charleston, 22 ; at Philadelphia, 23 ; recalled, 23. Jay's mission to England, 24 ; his instructions, 24. British orders, 22-24. The Jay Treaty, 25-27. Opposed in the House, 26. Opposition to Washington, 29. Election of John Adams, 29.

CHAPTEE II.

ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN ADAMS.

Inauguration of John Adams, 29. French troubles increase, 29, 30. Negotiation attempted, 30, 31. Non-intercourse and War measures, 31. Washington to command the Army, 31. Alien and Sedition Laws, 31, 33. Virginia and Kentuoliy Resolutions, 33-35. Dissension in the Federal Party, 35-37. New Mission to France, 35-37. Treaty negotiated, 33 ; ratified, 39. Naturalization and Judiciary Acts altered, 39. Election of Jefferson, 39, 40.

Chapter III. Administrations Of Jefferson, Madison And Monroe

Inauguration of Jefferson, 40. Adams' appointments reversed ; Duties on Stills, &o., repealed, 42. Purchase of Louisiana, 42, 43. Territory divided ; Power of Congress over Slavery, 43. " Gunboat System," 43, 44. Commercial troubles with Great Britain, 44-46. Imprisonment of Seamen, 44, 47. British Orders in Council, and French Decrees, 44, 45. Embargo Act, 45. Letters suppressed by Jefferson, 45. Embargo repealed by Non-intercourse Act, 46. French Decrees repealed, 46, 47. War declared ngainst Great Britain ; opposed by Federalists, 47. British Orders Revoked, 47. Impressviii CONTENTS.

rneut, 47, 43. Ke-election of Madison oy<:r ainbrn-, Je^c^ -mt^ (^^ Britain, 48. New Bank chartered, 48-50. Tariff Act of 1816, 50-52. Monroe elected ; Federal Party disbanded, 52, 53. Presidential Nominations , Caucus System unpopular, 53. End of Old Parties, 54.

PAET SECOIirD.

Chapter I. Administkation Of John Quinct Adams

Inauguration of Adams, 55. Alleged Coalition, 55, E6. Democfatio Party formed, 57. Opposition Measures, 57, 53. Panama Mission, B8-bl.l/0ntroversy with Georgia, 61-63. Kemoval of Publishers of Laws, 63. t'Oa"" tion" again, 63-65. 'lariff of 1828, 65-67. Minimum explained, 65, bb. Chilton's Ketrenchment Resolutions, 67-69. Anti-Slavery Petition, ba. Georgia and South Carolina protest against the Tariff, 69, 70. Election of Gen. Jaoltson, 70. Remarks on the Election ; Causes of Adams Defeat, 70-72.

Chapter II. Administration Of Jackson — First Tekm

Inauguration of Jackson ; His Cabinet, 73. Jackson's political Prindples, 73- 75. His Removals and Appointments, 75-77. His Attack upon the IT. S. Bank, 77. Reports on the Bank in Congress, 78. Internal Improvement Vetoes, 78. Indian Policy, 78-81. The Creeks, 78, 79. Choctaws, 79. Cherokees, 79-81. Imprisonment of Missionaries, 81. Nullification in Georgia and South Carolina contrasted, 81. West India Trade, 81-84. McLano appointed Secretary of the Treasury, 84. Rejection of Van Buren as Minister to England ; New York politics vindicated by Marcy, 84-85. Nullification —Hayne and Webster, 85, 86. Tariff of 1832, 86. Reduction proposed by Verplanck and McDuffie, 86, 87. South Carolina nullifies ; Jackson's Proclamation, 87. " Force Bill " passed, 87, 88. Virginia mediates ; Clay's Compromise Tariff, 88. South Carolina repeals her Nullification Ordinance, 89. Was Jackson a NuUifier 7 89, 90. More Vetoes, 91. Clay's Land BUI — vetoed, 91, 92. Bank applies to be re-chartered; Bill vetoed, 92, 93. President censured, 93. Bank Investigation, 93-96. Jaolison re-elected, 95, 96.

Chapter III. Administration Of Jackson — Second Term

Removal of the Deposits, 97-99. State of the Bank examined, 97-99. Reasons for Removal. 98. Duanc refuses, and is removed ; Taney appointed; Bank vindicated by the Directors, 99. Attempt to break the Bank ; the Effects, 100, 101. Removal condemned; Clay's Resolutions, 101. Benton's Expunging Resolution, 102. Anti-Slavery Societies ; opposed North and South, i03, 104. Anti-Slavery papers excluded from Mails ; recommended by tho

CONTERTS. iX

President, 104, 105. Calhonn's Bill ; Van Burcn'a Caaling Vote, lOB, 106. Tendency.of Democracy to Slavery, 107. Abolition Vetitions ; Calhoun threatens secession, 108. Benton against Abolition Societies, 109. Derangotoent of the CiirVency ! War upon Bank Paper, 109. Specie Circular; Increase of Bank Paper, 110. Besolution and Bill to rescind the Specie Order ; vetoed, 110, 111. Michigan and Arkansas admitted, 111-113. Distribution of the surplus Revenue, 113. Independence of Texas Recognized, 113-115. Difficulty with Mexico, 115. Election of Van Buren, 115, 116.

CHAPTEE IV.

ADMINISTRATION OF VAN BUREN.

Inauguration of Van Buren; his Pledges for Slavery, 117. Severe Money Pressure and Bank Suspension: Extra Session of Congress called, 118. Fourth Installment of the Surplus Revenue withheld; Sub-Treasury and other bills, 119. Democrats abandon the administration ; Origin of the Sub- Treasury, 119, 120. Again recommended, and defeated, 120, 121. Senate Debate on Election Results ; Xallmadge's Speech, Looofocos, Ac, 121-123. Calhoun re-uniteS with the Democrats ; Specie Circular repealed, 123. Annexation of Texas ; Proposition withdrawn, 124, 125. Atherton's " Gag Resolutions," 125. Case of the Spanish Schooner Amistad, 125-127. New Jersey contested election in Congress, and Election of Speaker, 127-129. State of the Country ; Election of Harrison and Tyler, 130, 131.

CHAPTEE V.

ADMINISTRATION OF HARRISON AND TYI.ER.

Inauguration of Harrison ; he calls a special Session of Congress ; dies ; Tyler inaugurated, 132. Meeting of Congress ; Sub-Treasury repealed ; Defaulters, 133 ; Tyler vetoes two Bank Bills ; Cabinet OfBeers resign ; Distribution Act passed ; Annual Message, 133, 134. Tariff Act of 1842 passed, 135, 136. West India Trade, 138. Tyler claimed by the South; Anti-Slavery Petitions, 137. Attempt to censure Adams, 138. Giddings' presents Petitions and Resolutions, is censured, resigns, and is re-elected, 139, 140. Texas Question; Treaty rejected ; Benton's Speech, 140-142. Letters of Clay and Van Buren on Annexation of Texas, 143, 144. Nomination of Clay and Polk, 145. Northern Democrats abandon their Principles, 145, 146. Effects of the Tariff of 1842, 146, 147. Polk's Letter to Kane on the Tariff, 147, 148. Clay's Southern Letter ; Election of Polk, 148. Annexation of Texas, US- ISO.

CHAPTEE VI.

ADMINISTRATION OF POLK.

Inauguration of Polk ; his Cabinet, 151. Protest of Mexico; Mexican Proposition to Texas ; Polk orders our Army to Texas; Negotiation with Mexico attempted, 152. Gen. Taylor ordered to the Rio Grande, 152, 153. Hostili-

S CONTENTS.

ties provoked ; War Measure in Congress, 153. Polk asks Money to Negotiate Peace, 154. Wilmot Proviso, 154, 15b. Calhoun and Benton on the War, 155, 15b'. Clayton's Expose, 156, 157. Corwin's Course,- 157. Character of the War, 157, 158. Oregon Question— Trouble with Great Britain, 158-160. Benton denies our Claim to 54 deg. 40 min., 160. Question settled, 160, 161. Tariff of 1846, and its Effects, 161, 162. Sub-Treasury established, 162. Territorial Government of Oregon, 162-164. Attempt to organize Ne^v .Mexico and California, 164. National Nominating Conventions of 1848; Views of Candidates ; Election of Taylor and Fillmore, 164,165.

CHAPTER VII.

ADMINISTRATION OF TAYLOR AND FILLMORE.

Inaut^uration of Taylor; his Cabinet ; Message, 166. Compromise Measures of 1850, 167,168. Be.ith of President Tajlor ; Fillmore succeeds — his Cabinet, 168. Webster and Fillmore — change on the Slavery Que.^.tion, 163-170. Opposition to Taylor; Fillmore's Policy, 170, 171. Seward and Taylor, 171. Defection of Fillmore and his Friends; Silver Gray Party; Fillmore's alleged Pledge to the South, 171, 172. Probable Cause of Opposition to Taylor, 172, 173. Nominations of Pierce and Scott; Democratic and Whig Platforms, 173, 174. Election of Pieree, 174.

CI-IAPTEE VIII.

ADMINISTRATION OF PIEUOE.

Inauguration of Pierce ; his Declarations against Slavery Agitation, 175. Kansas-Nebraska Bill — repealing Missouri Compromise — Non-intervention, 175- 177. Chase's Speech, 176. Who are the Agitators? 176. 177. Passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, 177. Opposition to Anti-Slavery Settlers in Kansas ; Illegal Voting ; Territorial Pro-Slavery Laws, 177, 178. Topeka Constitution ; President's Message, 179. Douglas' Report. 179, ISO. Grow's Bill for the Admission of Kansas ; Dunn's Substitute, 180. Republican Party formed, 180. Cincinnati Convention Nominates Buchanan and Bieckenridgo ; Platform, 180-182. Republicans nominate Fremont and Dayton ; Platform, 182. Buchanan elected, 183. Congress meets ; Pierce's last Message, 183. Grow's Bill to annul Kansas Laws ; Kansas under Gov. Geary, 134. "Topeka Legislature broken up ; Territorial Legislature meets, 184. Constitutional Convention authorized ; Gov. Geary resigns, 184, 185.

CHAPTER IX.

ADMINISTRATION OF BUCHANAN.

Inauguration of Buchanan ; Squatter Sovereignty superseded, 136. Drod Scott Decision, 187, 188. Walker appointed Governor of KDns.T.s 188. Free State Legislature and Contjressman elected, 188, 189. Lecompton Swindleapproved by Buchanan, 189, 190. Secretary Stanton removed, and Denver

CONTENTS. XI

appolntod ; Gov. Walker resigns, 190. Popular Votes on Lecompton Constitution ; Election Frauds ; Escape of Caliioun, 190. Constitution presented to Congress; Bill for Admission reported, 191. Land Orant Proposition rejected, 191, 192. President's Message, 192. Oregon admitted, 192. Gov. Denver resigns, and Medary is appointed ; Acts to repeal the " Bogus Laws,'' and to submit the Question of anew Convention, 192. Bill to abolish Slavery passed; defeated by Gov. Medary, 192. The People vote for (he Constitutional Convention at Wyandot ; Constitution prohibitino; Slavery formed and adopted, 192, 193. President's Message, Dec, 1859 ; Kansas again rejected, 193., Homestead Bill, 193-197. Davis' Kesolutions, 197, 198. Presidential Nominations, Platforms, and Campaign, of 1860, 199-203. Votes for President, 203. Evidences of long meditated Secession, 203-209. Buchanan's Delinquency ; Cass resigns ; Scott's Advice, 209. Buchanan's last Message, 210,211, Remarlis on " Sectionalism," 211-214, Fillmore's Albany Speech in 1856, 213, "Sugar Plum" Policy; South Carolina secedes, 214. Cabinet Changes, 214, 215, Treachery of Gen, Twiggs, 215 Crittenden's Compromise Propositions, 215, 216, The Southern Confederacy, 2t6, Virginia and the Pea<:o Convention, 216t2l8. Hetirement of Buchanan, 218.

GHAPTEK X.

ADMINISTRATION OP LINCOLN.

Inauguration of Lincoln, and Address, 219. His Cabinet, 220. Assault on Fort Sumter; Star of the West; Call for Troops ; Response, 220, 221, .Seceding States ; Traitors and Spies, 221 Congress meets in special Session ; Message, 222-224, War Measures, 224, 226, Capture of Mason and Slidell, 225. Meeting of Congress ; Message ; Confiscation, 226. Slavery prohibited ; abolished in District of Columbia, 227, Proclamation of Emancipation, 227. Adams and Patrick Henry's Opinions, 227-229, Meeting of Governors, 229. Congress meets, Dec, 1862 ; Lincoln's Plan of Emancipation, 229, 230. Colored Soldiers; Western Virginia admitted, 230.

GHAPTEK XI,

PAKTIES CONTRASTED. THE DEMOCKATIC PARTY THE PARTY OP THE RE-

BKLLION.

Who caused the Kebellion? 231. Jefferson and others on Slavery, 231-234. Action of Congress on Slavery in Territories, 235. Anti-Slavery Sentiment in the States, 235-237. Republican Party conservative, 237, 238. Anti- Slavery Apostates ; Fillmore in 1814, 238, 239, Character of the Demooratia Party, 239-241. The Democracy on Protection, 241 ; Subservient to the South,' 242. Viin Buren's Subserviency in 1837 ; Party against the Right of Petition, ic, 242, 213. Revolutionized Texas, and robbed Mexico, 243. Compromise Measures of 1850, 243. Repeal of Missouri Compromise ; Opposition to Free Kansas, 244, Supremo Court on Slavery, 244, 245. The Democratic Party allied to Secession, 245. New York and Albany Secession Meetings; Speeches of Governor Seymour and Thayer, 245-249. Philadelphia Meeting, 249. Fall of Sumter; transient Patriotism, 250, Maine Democracy, 250 251. Viillandigham, 251. '1 ho two Seymours ; Conneoti-

XII

Contents

ont Seymour's Secession letter, 251, 252. The Democratic Party EmbarraaseJ the Government, 253. Kesolutions of Illinois and Indiana Legislatures, 254. Drafting opposed by the Democrats ; Riots in New York, 254, 255, Governor Seymour and the Draft; his Corresponden-;e with Gen. Dlx, 256, 257. Bx- Preaident Pierce's Secession Letter, 257-259.

Conclusion

Ohjeofs of the Democratic Leaders, 260, 261. How the Enemy of Freedom — Sham Democracy — is to be vanquished, 261. Overthrow of Slavery essential to Peace ; The Effects of its Abolition, 262.

DEMOCRATIC MIRROR.

Chapter I

History of Political Parlies to the close of Washington's AdministratioD,

The date of a party organization has often a controlling influence upon the political conduct of men. They imagine themselves right in politics, because they have adopted the opinions and long followed the lead of certain statesmen and politicians. There are multitudes who, after all the changes of parties during the last fifty years, boast that they are in the regular line of the great party of which Jefferson was the head and leader. They profess to be the disciples of this great " Apostle of Liberty," while they can not tell what were the principles he taught, or the measures of public policy upon which the first two great parties were divided.

It is designed, before proceeding to the main object of this work, to present a true sketch of the Federal and Republican parties, which, though brief, will, it is believed, furnish the necessary assistance to those who desire to trace their political pedigree, and to test the claims of Modern Democracy.

These parties, as is well known, originated in the Convention that framed the Constitution of the United States. It is known, also, by every reader at all acquainted with our political history, that the States, prior to the Revolution, had no political connection ; and that, for the more eflective prosecution of the war of independence, a union of the States was formed. In 1717, the year after the

14 DEMOCEATIC MIEBOE.

Declaration of Independence, Articles of Union were drawn UD by the Congress, and submitted to the several btates fo'r adoption. They were styled, " Articles of Oonlederation and perpetual Union between the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Khode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia." These Articles were to go into effect when ratified by the Legislatures of all the States. But so slow were some of the States in adopting them, that the last State, (Maryland,) cid not send in her ratification until Marcli, 1181.

This Union was simply a leagiie, or confederation of independent States. One of the articles expressly declared, "each State retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence." The States were equal. Each State was entitled to any number of delegates in the Congress, not exceeding seven. Votes in that body were taken by States, each State having one vote, which was determined by a majority of its delegates. No State was entitled to a vote unless at least two of its delegates were present ; nor when its delegates were equally divided.

Although the Confederation was called a Government, it had scarcely one of the essential attributes of a government. It had neither an Executive nor a Judicial department. Its grand defect was its inherent weakness. The power to execute the laws was wholly wanting. There being no national Judiciary, all suits must be tried in State courts. Indeed, the Government did not operate directly upon individuals ; and as no person could be answerable to it, there was no need of national courts. There was a Legislature consisting of a single body of men, called Congress ; but it did not possess the ordinary powers of legislation. As it had not the power to carry its own requisitions into effect, it possessed little more than an advisory power. It belonged to Congress to call upon the States, from time to time, to furnish their respective quotas of men and money to carry on the war ; but it had not the power to compel a State to raise a man or a dollar for this purpose. It could and did borrow money on its own credit ; bnt it had no power to make any effectual

EARLY PAEXrES. 15

provisions for its repayment ; the power of taxation being possessed exclusively by the States. Hence, this governraent was wholly dependent upon the good will of thirteen independent State Governments.

Another very important power of which the Confederation was destitute, was the power to regulate trade. The necessity of this power was, in fact, the more immediate cause of calling the Convention that framed the Constitution. The colonists had for more than a hundred years suffered severely from the acts of the British Parliament designed to secure a monopoly of trade. By the navigation acts of 1651 and 1(563, foreign vessels were not allowed to participate in the carrying trade between Great Britain and other countries. Acts were passed also to' secure the sale of her own manufactures. Some of the most necessary articles the colonists were not allowed to manufacture for themselves, under severe penalties. In short, her policy was such as to compel the people of the Colonies to sell to the mother country their raw materials and all other products which it was for her interest to buy, and to take in exchange her manufactures, and whatever else she had to sell. These acts, and the oppressive duties laid from time to time upon the productions of the Colonies, were among the principal grievances which led to the Revolution.

During the war, intercourse between the two countries was suspended. But when, on the return of peace, commercial intercourse was resumed, the effects of the British policy began to be again severely felt. The country was flooded with British goods, and drained of its money to pay for them. Relief might have been obtained by countervailing duties upon British goods and vessels ; but Congress had not the power thus to regulate commerce :. this power, too, belonged to the 'States. To be effectual, the duties levied in the different States must be uniform ; but the States were unable to agree upon a uniform system of duties. What was deemed for the interest of one State, might be injurious to others : hence, conflicting regulations were adopted ; the spirit of rivalry and jealousy which led to this retaliatory legislation arose to such a pitch as seriously to threaten the safety of the Union.

A meeting was at length proposed, to consist of commis-

16 DEMOCRATIC MRROK.

sioners of the several States, with a view to some satisfactory arrangement. The meeting was held at Annapolis, in Maryland, in September, ]'J86. But as only five States were represented, no arrangement was attempted. The commissioners, however, united in recommending a gener 1 convention of delegates 'from all the States, and expressed the opinion that, as there were numerous defects in the Federal Government, the powers of the deputies ahould be extended to other objects than those of commerce. The Convention was accordingly called by Congress, to meet at Philadelphia on the 2d Monday of June, 1187.

Very soon after the Convention was organized, an important difference of opinion began to appear. Two plans of government were presented ; one by Edmund Randolph, of Virginia, the other by William Patterson, of New Jersey. A resolution also was offered, declaring, " That a National Government ought to be established, consisting of a supreme Legislative, Judiciary, and Executive." As this resolution proposed a radical change in the system of government, it met with strong opposition. Delegates were opposed to changing the Confederation of independent, sovereign States to a consolidated National Government. The Convention, they contended, had been called, not to alter the plan of government, but simply to confer upon Congress certain necessary powers which it did not possess.

To this it was replied, that other alterations had been contemplated — that some of the States had expressly suggested " the establishing of a firm natvmal government," and to make such alterations as should " render the Constitution adequate to Ihe exigencies of government and the preservation of the Union." Besides, as no plan that might be adopted by the Convention could be binding until ratified by their constituents, the Convention might propose any changes which were deemed conducive to the general welfare of the Union.

The debate upon this resolution became highly animated. Indeed, to such a height were the feelings of members raised, that the Convention was on the point of being broken up. The resolution was at length adopted • and the plan of a Constitution presented by Mr Randolph

EAELY PARTIES. 17

■whicL, being more in accordance with that contemplated by the resolution, was taken as the basis of action by the Convention.

Defeated in their opposition to the resolution proposing a change in the plan of government, some members of the minority left the Convention long before its close, and returned to their homes. Others remained, in the hope, doubtless, of being able to restrain, in some measure, the action of the majority. Hence, the minoriiy, being in favor of preserving the then existing Confederation, or Federal Union, the union of sovereign, independent States on the principle of State equality, were in the Convention called " Federalists f and the majority, being opposed to a simple Confederation of States, and in favor of a complete Government possessing more of a 'national character, and more ample powers, were called Anti-Federalists. [See Luther Martin's Eeport to the Legislature of Maryland, in Elliot's Delates.l Afterward, while the proposed Constitution was before the people of the States for ratification, its friends, the Anti-Federalists, urged, as a reason for its adoption, that the States could not be held together by the Articles of Confederation ; and that there was no hope of preserving the Union, but by the adoption of the Constitution. Hence they then took the nam.e of Federalists, by which name one of the two great political parties was distinguished, until its dissolution after the election of Mr. Monroe.

In the State Conventions which ratified the Constitution, the same difference of sentiment prevailed. One party favored the granting of ample powers to the General Government ; the other contended for the rights of the States, apprehensive that too much power was to be surrendered to the Federal Government, which might in time " swallow np" the State Governments. Such was the jealousy for State rights, that some of the State Conventions, though they ratified the Constitution, recommended to Congress sundry amendments to be proposed to the several States in the way provided by the Constitution. These amendments were generally in the nature of the bills of rights annexed to our Stat-o Constitutions. As the General Govp.rnmcut poesesses no powers but such as are granted by

18 DEMOCRATIC MIRKOK.

the Constitution, these express guaranties were unneces sary, and were added mainly to prevent misconstmction or abuse of constitutional powers. They are contained in the first ten articles of amendment.

Among the leading Federalists of that day, were Geu. Washington, James Madison, and John Marshall, of Va. ; Hufus King and John Adams, of Mass. ; Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, of N. Y. ; Gouverneur Morris, of Pa. ; Charles Pinckney and Charles C. Pinckney, of S.,C ; all of whom, except Marshall, Adams and Jay, had been members of the Convention. [Mr. King subsequently becanae a citizen of the State of New York.]

Notwithstanding the division of sentiment which has been noticed, there were not as yet, nor for many years afterwards, distinct, organized political parties. And General Washington, though acting with the friends of the Constitution in the Convention, was elected Presidi_-nt without opposition. The leading measures of his administration, however, met with a strong opposition from those who were opposed to the Federalists.

The 1st Congress met in New York on the 4th of March, ItSQ ; but a quorum of both Houses did not attend until the 6th of March. On counting the electoral votes, it appeared that Gen. Washington was unanimously elected President, and that John Adams was, by the next highest number of votes, elected Vice-President. On the 30th of April, the President took the oath of oflBce.

Great public rejoicings had taken place on the adoption of the Constitution by mechanics and manufacturers in sundry places, because Congress had now the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations by protecting duties. Scarcely had Congress commenced its deliberations, before petitions were received from Baltimore, Charleston, New York, Boston, and other places, for the exercise of this power for the encouragement of domestic manufactures. When the first of these petitions was received, Mr. Madison had already brought forward the subject of the revenue system ; and the first act passed by Congress, excepting only the law prescribing the oaths of oflSce, was 'an act, the objects of which were declared in the preamble to be, " the support of the Government, the discharge of the de'bts of the United States, and the encouragement and protection of domestic manufactures, by duties on goods, wares, and merchandises imported." By this act, discriminating duties were laid upon both foreign goods and foreign vessels.

At this session the auxiliary Executive Departments were reorganized and adapted to the new Government. The question arose, whether the concurrence of the Senate was necessary in the removal of ofBcers as in their appointment. The opinion of the writers of the Federalist was, that the consent of the Senate would be necessary " to disflace as well as to appoint." This construction was supported by Mr. Sherman and Mr Gerry, who had been members of the Constitutional Convention, and opposed by Mr. Madison and Mr. Baldwin, who also had been members of the Convention. The latter view prevailed by a vote of 34 to 20.

Mr. Jefferson was appointed Secretary of State ; Mr. Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury ; Gen. Knox of Mass., Secretary of War ; and Edmund Randolph, Attorney- General.

The Judiciary Department also was established at this session.

Congress, having adjourned on the 29th of September, to meet again on the 1st Monday of January, 1790, met accordingly. Among the objects recommended by the President, were those of " promoting manufactures," and making "adequate provision for the support of the public credit." The latter was the great measure of the session. The Secretary of the Treasury, having been directed at the preceding session to prepare a plan, reported one accordingly.

The public credit had become so depressed, that Government paper had been sold for one-sixth to one-eighth of its nominal value. Issues of this " Continental money," as it was called, having been made to the amount of nearly 300 millions of dollars, it was not an easy task to maintain the honor and retrieve the credit of the nation, and do perfect justice to all the public creditors.

The Secretary recommended that the foreign debt should be fully paid ; and in respect to the domestic debt, that no discrimination should be made between original holders of