at Washington, May 11th, 1832, over which William Cost Johnson, of Maryland, presided. The following resolutions, among others, were adopted, intended to express the party principles: Resolved, That an adequate Protection to American Industry is indispensible to the prosperity of the country; and that an abandonment of the policy at this period would be attended with consequences ruinous to the best interests of the Nation. Resolved, That a uniform system of Internal Improvements, snstained and supported by the general government, is calculated to secure, in the highest degree, the harmony, the strength and permanency 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 the victors belong the spoils of the vanquished," is detrimental to the interest, corrupting the morals, and dangerous to the liberties of the country. 3. The Democratic or Jackson National Convention assembled at Baltimore in May, 1832, to determine 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 following resolution, which appears to have been the origin of the since famous two-thirds rule: Resolved, That each State be entitled in the nomination to be made for the vice presidency, to a number of votes equal to the number to which they will be entitled in the electoral colleges, under the new apportionment in voting for president and vice president; and that twothirds the whole number of the votes in the convention shall be necessary 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 submitted to them, and agreeing fully in the principles and sentiments which they believe ought to be embodied in an address of this description, if such an address were be made, nevertheless deem it advisable under existing circumstances, to recommend the following resolution: Resolved, That it be recommended to the several delegates in the convention, in place of a general address from this body to the people of the United States, to make such explanations by address, report, or otherwise, to their respective constituents, of the object, proceeding and result of tho meeting, as they deem expedient. South Carolina-electors chosen by the Legislature was still nettled by the Tariff bill, and refused to vote for any of the regular candidates. She complimented John Floyd, of Virginia, and Henry Lee, of Massachusetts, by casting her 11 votes for them. The Election of 1836. 1. The Democratic National 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 presidential ticket. They adopted no platform. 2. The opposition was somowhat divided. Whig State Convention at Harrisburg, in 1836, expressed a choice for William H. Harrison and Francis Granger. This nomination was confirmed by the Democratic Anti-Masonic Convention, which was held at the same place. A Maryland Whig Convention designated Harrison and Tyler. New York, Ohio and other States declared for Harrison. The Legislatures of Tennessee and Alabama, representing the anti-Jackson element in 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 candidate, 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 popular majority. The name "Whig" was first applied to the opposi tion in New York City in the City election of 1834, and the National Republicans soon after permanently adopted the term. The designation "Locofoco," given to the Democratic party, also originated in New York City. There arose, in 1835, two factions in its ranks, and the wing called "Equal Rights," meeting in Tammany 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 relight the Hall. X. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The question, "is it desirable to have a large public 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. XI. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. England: Death of George IV. and accession of William IV., June 26, 1830, coronation September 9, 1831; Sutteeism abolished in India by decree of England, December 14, 1829; Irish Reform 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 Revolution, July 27, 1829; Polignac Ministry, August 8, 1829; abdication of Charles X., June 2, accessison of Louis Phillipe, August 7, 1830. The restoration of the Bourbons marked an era to restore absolutism in Church and State. Standing 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 Russia 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' Istrias, President, 1827.) Count d'Istrias assassinated on account of subserviency to Russia, October 9, 1831; The election of Prince Otho, of Bavaria, as King, was approved August 8, 1832, CHAPTER VIII. THE ADMINISTRATION OF MARTIN VAN 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 THE 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. |