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Verso

COPYRIGHT BY

WALTER R. HOUGHTON, A. M.

ASSIGNED TO

F. T. NEELY & CO.,

In the year 1882.

CARLON & HOLLENBECK,

ELECTROTYPED BY

PRINTERS AND BINDERS,

KETCHUM & WANAMAKER,

INDIANAPOLIS.

INDIANAPOLIS.

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PREFACE.

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THE political history of the United States has received less attention than any other important portion of the history of our country, notwithstanding the fact that there is no other subject which meets with such general consideration as politics.

The object of this work is to present a complete HISTORY OF AMERICAN POLITICS, giving the subject ample consideration, yet avoiding those details that consume the time of the reader without adding materially to his historical information.

The plan of the work is designed to simplify the story of our political history, thus making clear and intelligent what is otherwise, to a large proportion of our citizens, a great mass of documents too extensive for perusal.

Chapter I. treats of local colonial politics, and closes with a plate that represents mechanically the nature of colonial governments in their individual capacity.

Chapter II. sets forth the difference between the colonists and the parent country on national colonial politics, and presents those issues that ultimately drove the Americans into the war of independence. This chapter is followed by a plate that exhibits to the eye the leading features of the British government, and represents how, according to the English colonial system, the colonies were under the supreme power of Parliament.

Chapter III. presents revolutionary politics, and is accompanied by a plate which shows the sovereign and independent condition of the thirteen colonies, and their lack of coöperation with the Continental Congress by any binding law.

Chapter IV. gives the political history of our country from revolutionary times till the beginning of the administration of our first page: iv[View Page iv]Switch to Image ModeCLOSE Page iv President, and is rendered more valuable by a plate which represents the government of the United States under the articles of confederation.

Chapter V. is devoted to the political history of Washington's administration, and is classified so as to present, in the order of their occurrence, the history of the sessions of Congress. Political events that took place outside of Congress are considered between congressional events, in their proper chronological order. Following the historical portion of the chapter is a plate showing, by several hundred wheels and rings, the nature and workings of the federal government, and its harmonious coöperation with the governments of the states.

The succeeding portions of the work treat the political history of the United States by administrations, following the manner of Chapter V. At the close of each chapter are references, naming the publications from which the history of American politics must be gleaned. To these are added lists of the names of federal officers; the platforms of the political parties; and other important documents of historical interest.

At the close of the volume is a diagram, showing, at a glance, the history of all the political parties in our country from 1607 till 1883. The plate is of valuable aid in obtaining a rapid and comprehensive idea of the political history of the United States.

In preparing this volume, information has been obtained from numerous publications, and from individuals who have made American politics a subject of careful study. Among those who have readily responded to any inquiries, and have willingly rendered whatever assistance requested, may be mentioned Judge Scott, of the Supreme Bench of Indiana; Hon. Berry Sulgrove, ex-editor of the Indianapolis Journal; and ex-Senator W. B. F. Treat. The work is now before the public, and the reader can judge as to the value of the information furnished.

WALTER R. HOUGHTON.

Indiana University, Bloomington.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS.

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CHAPTER I.
LOCAL COLONIAL POLITICS.

• Local Self-Government—Charter Governments—Royal Governments—Proprietary Governments—Party Names in Colonial Times—The Court Party—The Popular Rights Party—Political Lines First Drawn—References.Pages 1-7

CHAPTER II.
NATIONAL COLONIAL POLITICS.

• Political Relations of the Colonies—Political Claims of the Colonists—Policy of England toward the Colonies—Declarative Resolves—The Stamp Act—The Declaratory Act—Declaration and Resolves of the Continental Congress, October 14, 1774—Beginning of Hostilities—Declaration of Independence—Revolutionary Parties—References—Declaration and Resolves of the Continental Congress.Pages 8-23

CHAPTER III.
REVOLUTIONARY POLITICS.

• State Governments During the Revolution—The Continental Congress—Status of the States and the Continental Congress—Articles of Confederation—The Whig Party—The Tory Party—References—Declaration of Independence.Pages 24-35

CHAPTER IV.
CONFEDERATION POLITICS.

• Nature of the Confederation—Distrust of Power—Weakness of Congress—Shay's Rebellion—Agitation to amend the Confederation—The Annapolis Convention—Constitutional Convention, 1787—Adoption of the Constitution—Presidential Election of 1789—Work of the Continental Congress—Party Action from 1781 to 1787—Particularists—Strong-Government Men—Federal Party—The Anti-Federal Party—References—Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union Between the States.Pages 36-64

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CHAPTER V.
WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION.

• Federal Party in Power—Anti-Federals Organize—Tariff and the Regulation of Commerce—Bill of Rights—State Sovereignty—Financial Policy—The Debt—National Bank—Internal Revenue—Militia—Slavery—Party Organization—Election of 1792—France—Foreign Policy—England—Internal Taxation—Election of 1796—Retirement of Washington—Strict Constructionists—Broad Constructionists—Death of the Anti-Federal Party—Republican Party—Democrats—Democratic-Republican Party—References—Constitution of the United States—Explanation of Plate V.—Washington's Farewell Address.Pages 65-124

CHAPTER VI.
JOHN ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION.

• President's Position—France—"Stamp Act"—War with France Threatened—Preparation for War—Alien and Sedition Laws—The Naturalization Law—The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions—Rupture of the Cabinet—The Election of 1800—Democrats—Downfall of Federalism—Political Platforms—References.Pages 125-158

CHAPTER VII.
THOMAS JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATIONS.

• Republican Principles—Outlook of the New Administration—Official Patronage—Naturalization Law—The Purchase of Louisiana—Secession Contemplated—Election of 1804—The Embargo—Election of 1808—The Non-Intercourse Act—Republicanism Tested—Political Parties during Jefferson's Administrations—Name "Republican" grows into Disuse—References.Pages 159-172

CHAPTER VIII.
MADISON'S ADMINISTRATIONS.

• The President's Policy—Diplomacy—Attempt to Recharter the National Bank—Third Embargo—Declaration of War—Election of 1812—Federal Opposition to the War—The Peace Party—The Hartford Convention—Peace Declared—Death of the Federal Party—National Bank—Protective Tariff—Election of 1816—References.Pages 173-186

CHAPTER IX.
MONROE'S ADMINISTRATIONS.

• Era of Good Feeling—Jackson's Advice—Internal Improvements—The Florida Cession—The Missouri Question—Election of 1820—Republicans Unopposed—The Monroe Doctrine—Protective Tariff—Election of 1824—People's Party—Monroe's Retirement—References.Pages 187-197

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CHAPTER X.
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION.

• The President's Policy—Opposition to the President—Republican Party Divided—The Panama Mission—The Controversy with Georgia—High Tariff of 1828—Election of 1828—The Anti-Mason Party—ReferencesPages 193-205

CHAPTER XI.
JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATIONS.

• The President's Policy—Party Opposition—Removals from Office—The Webster and Hayne Debate—Pocket Veto—Jackson and Calhoun—The Nullification or Calhoun Party—Land Proceeds—Attempted Re-charter of the National Bank—Internal Improvements—The Tariff of 1832—Election of 1832—Anti-Slavery Society—Nullification Ordinance—Compromise Tariff of 1833—Removal of Deposits—State Banks—Resolution of Censure—The Whig Party—Locofocos—Election of 1836—Specie Circular—Texas—Anti-Slavery Mail—The Right of Petition—References—Anti-Mason Resolution—Political Plaforms—Whig Resolutions.Pages 206-225

CHAPTER XII.
VAN BUREN'S ADMINISTRATION.

• President's Policy—Panic of 1837—Sub-Treasury—Annexation of Texas—State Bank Depositories vs. Sub-Treasury—The Right of Petition—The Abolition Party—Liberty Party—Election of 1840—References—Political Platforms.Pages 226-235

CHAPTER XIII.
HARRISON AND TYLER'S ADMINISTRATIONS.

• President's Policy—The President's Death—Tyler's Inaugural Address—Repeal of the Sub-Treasury Act—Rupture Between the President and the Whigs—The Native American Party—Hunkers and Barn-burners—Election of 1844—Annexation of Texas—References—Platforms.Pages 236-249

CHAPTER XIV.
POLK'S ADMINISTRATION.

• Polk's Inaugural Address—Annexation of Texas—War with Mexico—Wilmot Proviso—The Sub-Treasury—Tariff—Internal Improvements—Oregon—Peace with Mexico—Liberty League—Nominations for the Canvass of 1848—Free Soil Party—The Presidential Election—Polk's Administration—The Oregon Question—References—Platforms.Pages 250-268

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CHAPTER XV.
TAYLOR AND FILLMORE'S ADMINISTRATIONS.

• Taylor's Policy—Squatter Sovereignty—Government for the Mexican Cession—Omnibus Bill—Compromise Measures of 1850—Death of President Taylor—Fillmore's Accession and Secession—Silver Gray Party—The American Party—Election of 1852—Dissolution of the Whig Party—References—Platforms.Pages 269-285

CHAPTER XVI.
PIERCE'S ADMINISTRATION.

• The President's Political Views-Kansas—Nebraska Bill—Territorial Legislature—Topeka Constitution—Kansas War—Assault Upon Charles Sumner—The American Party—The Republican Party—Democratic Nominations—References—Platforms.Pages 286-305

CHAPTER XVII.
BUCHANAN'S ADMINISTRATION.

• Buchanan's Policy—Dred Scott Case—Designs of the Slave Power—Purchase of Cuba—Filibustering Expeditions—American Slave Trade—The Struggle in Kansas—The Lincoln and Douglas Debate—The Homestead Bill-0John Brown's Insurrection0-The Covode Investigation—The National Democratic Convention at Charleston—Constitutional Union Convention—Republican National Convention—Presidential Election of 1860—Secession—The Confederate States of America—The Crittenden Compromise—The Peace Convention—References—South Carolina Declaration of Independence—Platforms.Pages 306-347

CHAPTER XVIII.
LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION.

• Inauguration—Inaugural Address—Lincoln's Cabinet—Attempted Adjustment of Difficulties—The Border States—Military Leagues—West Virginia—Bombardment of Fort Sumpter—Lincoln's Call for 75,000 Troops—Reply of Southern Governors—Party Adjustments—Union Party in Power—Two Errors—Confiscation of Property—Contraband of War—President's Message—Legislation—"Compensated Emancipation"—Reply to the President—Noted and Rising Men—Emancipation a War Necessity—Address to Loyal Governors—Conscription Act—Colored Troops—Habeas Corpus—West Virginia Admitted—Emancipation Proclamation—Draft Riot in New York—The National Bank Law—The Thirteenth Amendment—Reconstruction—Convention of Radical Men—Republican National Convention—The Democratic National Convention0-Presidential Election of 1864—References—Platforms.Pages 348-392

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CHAPTER XIX.
LINCOLN'S AND JOHNSON'S ADMINISTRATION.

• Lincoln's Second Inauguration—Assassination of Lincoln—Johnson's Accession—Reconstruction—Johnson's Policy of Reconstruction—The Black Codes—The Reconstruction Committee—Johnson's Break with the Republicans—The Second Freedmen's Bureau Bill—The Civil Rights Bill—The Fourteenth Amendment—Third Freedmen's Bureau Bill—Repulican Address—Limiting the President's Power—The Reconstruction Bill—Tenure-of-Office Act—Attempted Removal of Secretary Stanton—Impeachment Trial—Republican National Convention—The Democratic National Convention—Presidential Election of 1868—The Fifteenth Amendment—References—Platforms.Pages 393-425

CHAPTER XX.
GRANT'S ADMINISTRATIONS.

• Grant's Inaugural Address—Ku-Klux-Klan—Decision of the Supreme Court on the Reconstruction Acts of Congress—Readmission of States—Enforcement of the Fifteenth Amendment—Guarding the Ballot-Box—Legality of Greenbacks—Amendatory Enforcement Act—Civil Service Reform—The Alabama Claims—Force Bill—The Amnesty Bill—Liberal Republican National Convention—Republican National Convention—Democratic National Convention—Straight-Out Democratic Convention—Temperance National Convention—Labor Reform National Convention—Presidential Election of 1872—Credit Mobilier Investigation—Garfield's Connection with the Credit Mobilier—The Salary Grab—Returning Boards—The Morton Amendment—General Grant's Second Inaugural—The Currency Bill—The Grangers—The Tidal Wave—The White League—The Supplementary Civil Rights Bill—The Kellogg Government—The Wheeler Compromise—Resumption of Specie Payments—The Whisky Ring—Impeachment of Belknap—Independent (Greenback) National Convention—Republican National Convention—Democratic National Convention—The Prohibition National Convention—Presidential Election of 1876—Electoral Commission Act—References—Platforms.Pages 426-486

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CHAPTER XXI.
HAYES'S ADMINISTRATION.

• The President's Conciliatory Policy—The Stalwarts—Civil Service Reform—Silver Remonetization—Proposed Repeal of the Resumption Act—Retirement of Legal Tenders Forbidden—The Potter Resolution—The Cipher Dispatches—The Title of President Hayes—Report of the House Judiciary Committee—Restricting Chinese Immigration— Appropriations—The Army Appropriation Bill—Political Effects of the Extra Session—Resumption—The Negro Exodus—Tammany and the Independent Republicans—Army at the Polls—Republican National Convention—The National (Greenback) Labor Convention—Prohibition National Convention—Democratic National Convention— Presidential Election of 1880—References—Platforms.Pages 504-521

CHAPTER XXII.
GARFIELD'S AND ARTHUR'S ADMINISTRATION.

• Garfield's Inaugural Address—Extra Session of the Senate—"Stalwarts" and "Half-breeds"—"Regulars" and "Independents"—The "Continentals" and the "Wolfe Men"—The Re-Adjusters—The Assassination of President Garfield—Arthur's Accession—Boss Rule—The Star Route Scandal—Anti-Polygamy Bill—The Tariff Commission—The Bank Bill—The Anti-Chinese Bill—The River and Harbor Bill.Pages 522-543