courteous, discreet, peace-loving, not fond of bold measures, and sincerely desirous that the hand of government should be seen and felt as little as was possible in public affairs. His foreign policy, as conducted mainly through his for investigation, and was fully discussed in the House. The particulars we need not enter into here; the claim was again refused to be entertained, although strong reasons were presented in its behalf. The matter, however, was finally settled in the treaty negotiable secretary of state, was dignified, ated by Mr. Rives, in 1835.* In a retrospect of the administration of James Monroe, it must be admitted, that it was unusually successful, so much so as to be termed "the era of good feeling." Monroe himself, as his immediate successor testified, possessed "a mind anxious and unwearied in the pursuit of truth and right; patient of inquiry; patient of contradiction; courteous, even in the collision of sentiment; sound in its ultimate judgments; and firm in its final conclusions." There was nothing brilliant about him; he was not a man of genius evidently; his ability was certainly not above the average of men of his day; he was * For some interesting remarks in connection with this subject, and the man whose name occurs a number of times in our history, we refer the reader to M. De Loménie's "Beaumarchais and His Times," or, Sketches of French Society in the Eighteenth Century, from unpublished documents. Translated from the French. New York, 1857 firm, and acceptable to the people; *This Eulogy was delivered before the Corporation of Boston, in 1831. CH. V.] INAUGURATION OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. metropolis of your empire be once more destined to smart under the scourge of an invader's hand, that there never may be found wanting among the children of your country a warrior 349 CHAPTER V. 1825-1829. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION. Inauguration of John Quincy Adams-Extract from his Inaugural Address The cabinet of the new president Treaty with the Creeks-Difficulties of the subject Other Indian treaties - Jackson nominated by the legislature of Tennessee - Opposition organized against the administration The Erie canal The nineteenth Congress - Abstract of the president's message-The American Congress at Panama Attacked by the opposition Result -Amendments to the Constitution - Political objects in view - The Creek treaty - Movements for increase of the judges - Congress favors internal improvements-The deaths of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams-Extract from Daniel Webster's eulogy - Congress in session The message of the president Action of Congress "The Great Conspiracy" - Its object- How met by Henry Clay-Elections for members of Congress-The twentieth Congress Full attendance Abstract of the message The tariff question - Warm and long contest How settled-Senator Benton quoted Retrenchment advocated - Judiciary bill, Revolutionary pensioners' bill, etc.—The presidential contest of 1828-Fierce and unscrupulous warfare - Congress in session - Mr. Adams's last message - Subject of protection, etc. - Action of Congress - End of the session-Review of John Quincy Adams's administration. 1825. the people in all parts of the Union, ON the 4th of March, 1825, John | mote concord and unanimity among Quincy Adams was inaugurated as the sixth president of the United States. The ceremonial was an imposing one, and was attended and watched with deep interest by a large body of the new president's fellow-citizens. Clad in a plain suit of black, wholly of American manufacture, Mr. Adams, at the proper moment, delivered his Inaugural address. It is a well-written document, glowing with patriotism and earnest wishes for the advancement of our country in every thing that is good, and pure, and true. Conciliatory in his tone, anxious to pro 1825. "In this brief outline," said Mr. Adams, "of the promise and performance of my immediate predecessor, the line of duty for his successor is clearly delineated. To pursue, to their consummation, those purposes of improvement in our common condition, instituted or recommended by him, will embrace the whole sphere of my obligations. To the topic of internal improvement, emphatically urged by him at his inauguration, I recur with peculiar satisfaction. It is that from which I am convinced that the unborn millions of our posterity, who are, in future ages, to people this continent, will derive their most fervent gratitude to the founders of the Union; that, in which the beneficent action of its government will be most deeply felt and acknowledged. The magnificence and splendor of their public works are among the imperishable glories of the ancient republics. The roads and aqueducts of Rome have been the admiration of all after ages, and have survived thousands of years, after all her conquests have been swallowed up in despotism, or become the spoil of barbarians. Some diversity of opinion has prevailed with regard to the powers of Congress for legislation upon objects of this nature. The most respectful deference is due to doubts originating in pure patriotism, and sustained by venerated authority. But nearly twenty years have passed since the construction of the first national road was commenced. The authority for its construction was then unquestioned. To how many thousands of our countrymen has it proved a benefit? To what single individual has it ever proved an injury? Repeated liberal and candid discussions in the legislature have conciliated the sentiments, and proximated the opinions of enlight ened minds, upon the question of constitutional power. I cannot but hope, that by the same process of friendly, patient, and persevering deliberation, all constitutional objections will ultimately be removed. The extent and limitation of the powers of the general government, in relation to this transcendently important interest, will be settled and acknowledged, to the common satisfaction of all, and every speculative scruple will be solved by a practical public blessing. "Fellow-citizens, you are acquainted with the peculiar circumstances of the recent election, which have resulted in affording me the opportunity of addressing you, at this time. You have heard the exposition of the principles which will direct me in the fulfilment of the high and solemn trust imposed upon me in this station. Less possessed of your confidence in advance, than any of my predecessors, I am deeply conscious of the prospect that I shall stand, more and oftener, in need of your indulgence. Intentions, upright and pure; a heart devoted to the welfare of our country, and the unceasing application of all the faculties allotted to me, to her service, are all the pledges that I can give, for the faithful performance of the arduous duties I am to undertake. To the guidance of the legislative councils; to the assistance of the executive and subordinate departments; to the friendly co-operation of the respective state governments; to the candid and liberal support of the people, so far as it may be deserved by honest industry and zeal, I shall look for whatever success may attend my |