Inadvertent Aid: President Jackson and the Whigs Achilles Davenport 26 Feb. 1833
Our president at this current time, Andrew Jackson, is the blessing us Southerners deserve. He has long been a friend of the South and continues to due so. He is not afraid to stand up for what is right. He is pragmatic, decisive, and not afraid to destroy his enemies. His efforts to help the South have not gone unnoticed. His protection of states rights ensures our cherished institution of slavery remains intact. He has also showed no mercy to the savages who threaten to invade our lands, raping and pillaging everything in their path. He has not shied away from these infidels, and has chosen to attack them head on by invading their native Florida ensuring they never threaten us again. His actions have saved us from the Whigs, who wish to destroy the South’s right to own slaves through removing our state powers one by one.
These actions by our President, however noble, have created tension. Jackson is the steady dam holding back the roaring river of the Whig party. But the Whigs threaten to burst the dam. Jackson’s aggressive actions have united the Whigs in a way that their own leaders could not. They have a fixed goal now, and that is to undermine all efforts of Jackson to preserve this nation. They all equally despise our president, and through this hate they have become united. Their differences have been set aside in order to accomplish one goal, stop the president from succeeding in his goals.
The Whigs have always been a fractured party. Made up of Anti-Masons, National Republicans, and the traitorous “Southerners” who are members of the Whigs. These groups all sought goals that went against the majority, the Democrats. The Anti-Masons sought to unite the lower classes in religious zeal in order to control them, a very undemocratic notion. The National Republicans seek to control all aspects of our economy, undermining all we work hard for at the benefit of a few rich Northerners. And finally, the worst, the Southern Democrats. These traitors to the antebellum see Jackson as a tyrant unfit for the presidency. To this end they could not be more incorrect. Jackson is the leader the South needs and deserves, and to consider otherwise is to remove yourself from Southern culture. These three parties all have goals that would prove horribly detrimental to the nation if they were to be put into practice, however they are becoming united. Despite these group’s differences in ideology, they all oppose Jackson, and have united with the Whig party to gain the power they need to oppose him. Every time Jackson makes a decision, even utters a phrase, the Whigs become more convinced that their way is better.
To understand this Whig unity, we must compare the two different policies of the parties. The Whigs support a strong national banking system. This voodoo economic policy is nonsensical nor practical. Money comes from goods, not some numbers in a column. Furthermore, this economic policy favors a strong Federal government, which inherently means weakening states right. As the states weaken, the Federal government, run by corrupt men influenced by northerners and stockjobbers, imposes itself on the states. This leads to less freedom and possibly an end to slavery, the backbone of the Southern economy. The Democrats however support the states. They do not put their faith in some corrupt northerners, instead they believe in the typical farmer. The everyday American who earns his living by the sweat of his brow and the ambition in his heart. Instead of fearing the masses like the Whigs, the Democrats embrace them, calling for more power to be given to the people.
The Whigs fear the population, while the Democrats embrace it. This difference shows who truly trumpets American ideals. The Democrats understand that this is a nation for the everyman. The Whigs see this nation as a chance for the rich to become even more powerful and the poor to become their servants. The Democrats embrace the Founding Fathers ideals that “all men are created equal” and they are entitled by the Lord Above to freedom and representation. But, alas, the Whigs continue to grow powerful as they fight every move President Jackson makes. They amass like an army on the attack waiting for their chance to charge forth. So Democrats, people of America, fight back! Defend your liberties and let your concerns be known. Jackson will continue fighting. Now it is up to you. Our enemy may be strong, but we are stronger!
These actions by our President, however noble, have created tension. Jackson is the steady dam holding back the roaring river of the Whig party. But the Whigs threaten to burst the dam. Jackson’s aggressive actions have united the Whigs in a way that their own leaders could not. They have a fixed goal now, and that is to undermine all efforts of Jackson to preserve this nation. They all equally despise our president, and through this hate they have become united. Their differences have been set aside in order to accomplish one goal, stop the president from succeeding in his goals.
The Whigs have always been a fractured party. Made up of Anti-Masons, National Republicans, and the traitorous “Southerners” who are members of the Whigs. These groups all sought goals that went against the majority, the Democrats. The Anti-Masons sought to unite the lower classes in religious zeal in order to control them, a very undemocratic notion. The National Republicans seek to control all aspects of our economy, undermining all we work hard for at the benefit of a few rich Northerners. And finally, the worst, the Southern Democrats. These traitors to the antebellum see Jackson as a tyrant unfit for the presidency. To this end they could not be more incorrect. Jackson is the leader the South needs and deserves, and to consider otherwise is to remove yourself from Southern culture. These three parties all have goals that would prove horribly detrimental to the nation if they were to be put into practice, however they are becoming united. Despite these group’s differences in ideology, they all oppose Jackson, and have united with the Whig party to gain the power they need to oppose him. Every time Jackson makes a decision, even utters a phrase, the Whigs become more convinced that their way is better.
To understand this Whig unity, we must compare the two different policies of the parties. The Whigs support a strong national banking system. This voodoo economic policy is nonsensical nor practical. Money comes from goods, not some numbers in a column. Furthermore, this economic policy favors a strong Federal government, which inherently means weakening states right. As the states weaken, the Federal government, run by corrupt men influenced by northerners and stockjobbers, imposes itself on the states. This leads to less freedom and possibly an end to slavery, the backbone of the Southern economy. The Democrats however support the states. They do not put their faith in some corrupt northerners, instead they believe in the typical farmer. The everyday American who earns his living by the sweat of his brow and the ambition in his heart. Instead of fearing the masses like the Whigs, the Democrats embrace them, calling for more power to be given to the people.
The Whigs fear the population, while the Democrats embrace it. This difference shows who truly trumpets American ideals. The Democrats understand that this is a nation for the everyman. The Whigs see this nation as a chance for the rich to become even more powerful and the poor to become their servants. The Democrats embrace the Founding Fathers ideals that “all men are created equal” and they are entitled by the Lord Above to freedom and representation. But, alas, the Whigs continue to grow powerful as they fight every move President Jackson makes. They amass like an army on the attack waiting for their chance to charge forth. So Democrats, people of America, fight back! Defend your liberties and let your concerns be known. Jackson will continue fighting. Now it is up to you. Our enemy may be strong, but we are stronger!
The "Corrupt Bargain": an Unjust Presidential Defeat Jane Allen, 5 Mar. 1825
Yesterday, on the 4th of March, John Quincy Adams was inaugurated. The South rages on, unable to believe that Jackson has so unjustly lost his place in office. How did such a surprising result come to pass? They call it the “Corrupt Bargain.”
A low turnout of voters and four candidates, all from the same party, did not fare well for Jackson. The election was narrowed down to four candidates: Henry Clay of Kentucky, William Crawford of Georgia, John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts, and our own Andrew Jackson. Essentially, the vote was too divided, and so a single candidate did not win a majority of votes. Jackson did receive the plurality of 99 electoral votes, but unfortunately not the majority. Adams was a fairly close second with 84. 131 votes defined the majority needed for a clean victory, and not one of the candidates had reached that number. Hence, as set by the Twelfth Amendment, the election then went on to the House of Representatives. The aptly named “Corrupt Bargain” snaked its way into the election at this point.
Henry Clay, the recipient of the lowest amount of electoral votes, was removed from the vote in the House as per the Twelfth Amendment, and William Crawford was effectively removed due to failing health. Clay, the current Speaker of the House, disagreed with Jackson on significant political beliefs, and now supported Adams’ campaign. Clay’s support was influential due to his position, and it allowed him to persuade enough House members to swing the vote from Jackson, the logical and expected victor, to Adams.
Furthermore, Adams has appointed Clay as his Secretary of State, the position commonly occupied before the presidency. Most Jacksonian democrats are shocked at the blatant political scheme of Clay and Adams. The words “Corrupt Bargain” scream from newspapers like this one across the South and the West, but they will never appear in print in the North, especially the Northeast where Adams’ political following is based. It is shocking how easily the best candidate can be prevented from assuming his rightful office. I, along with countless others, am disappointed in the corruption of our young government, a corruption so extreme that a candidate like Jackson can be defeated as he was. This “Corrupt Bargain” is terrible, and represents our nation so poorly. Jackson! Defeated! It is easy to understand how the South is still in uproar about the defeat.
In conclusion, I hope to never see something so blasphemous happen in our national government again. I am sure I speak to you, dear reader, when I complain of my disappointment in this election, as I know you are experiencing the same disgust.
A low turnout of voters and four candidates, all from the same party, did not fare well for Jackson. The election was narrowed down to four candidates: Henry Clay of Kentucky, William Crawford of Georgia, John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts, and our own Andrew Jackson. Essentially, the vote was too divided, and so a single candidate did not win a majority of votes. Jackson did receive the plurality of 99 electoral votes, but unfortunately not the majority. Adams was a fairly close second with 84. 131 votes defined the majority needed for a clean victory, and not one of the candidates had reached that number. Hence, as set by the Twelfth Amendment, the election then went on to the House of Representatives. The aptly named “Corrupt Bargain” snaked its way into the election at this point.
Henry Clay, the recipient of the lowest amount of electoral votes, was removed from the vote in the House as per the Twelfth Amendment, and William Crawford was effectively removed due to failing health. Clay, the current Speaker of the House, disagreed with Jackson on significant political beliefs, and now supported Adams’ campaign. Clay’s support was influential due to his position, and it allowed him to persuade enough House members to swing the vote from Jackson, the logical and expected victor, to Adams.
Furthermore, Adams has appointed Clay as his Secretary of State, the position commonly occupied before the presidency. Most Jacksonian democrats are shocked at the blatant political scheme of Clay and Adams. The words “Corrupt Bargain” scream from newspapers like this one across the South and the West, but they will never appear in print in the North, especially the Northeast where Adams’ political following is based. It is shocking how easily the best candidate can be prevented from assuming his rightful office. I, along with countless others, am disappointed in the corruption of our young government, a corruption so extreme that a candidate like Jackson can be defeated as he was. This “Corrupt Bargain” is terrible, and represents our nation so poorly. Jackson! Defeated! It is easy to understand how the South is still in uproar about the defeat.
In conclusion, I hope to never see something so blasphemous happen in our national government again. I am sure I speak to you, dear reader, when I complain of my disappointment in this election, as I know you are experiencing the same disgust.
Adams Betrayal Achilles Davenport, 1 Jan. 1826
Our ignorant president John Quincy Adams continues to wage war against our cherished institution of slavery despite its clear justification by God in the Holy Bible. He calls it “immoral” and a “great and foul stain on the North American Union”. How dare he condemn the very practice that keeps this nation afloat!? The Southern Economy depends on it, and therefore, the nation depends on it. This “leader” wants to abolish it, and the steps he has taken to get rid of the institution are alarming. He has agreed to send delegates to a volatile “Panama Congress”. This “congress”, if it even can be called that, was created by the Mexican rouge Simon Bolivar. This meeting is supposed to “encourage trade and promote fellowship in the America’s”, but let there be no doubt there will be conspiratorial talks of abolishing slavery by these inferior mulatos.
He seems to forget the warning words of our first President, the esteemed George Washington, when Washington himself said in his final speech to Congress to avoid foreign entanglements. Any agreement with South America will lead to military alliances, a dangerous proposition considering the volatility of the South American countries. We do not want to get involved in another situation like we were in during the French Revolution. Any such event will undoubtedly divide the country even further than it already is! Furthermore, what interests do we have with South America? The slave trade was abolished and now they are recovering from a violent revolution that for all we know has made the countries even more unstable and unpredictable.
How can we trust these South Americans!? They despise slavery, a cherished institution among us noble Southerners and would encourage the United States to abolish it. They have no respectable military and would rely on us to defend them in their entanglements with Spain. These two dangers alone could bring our nation to its knees. John Adams is a fool. He does not truly know the repercussions of agreeing to this Congress. All the South American countries can do is waste our money and destroy our economy.
What President Adams shows with his actions is his ability to isolate the majority of America, catering only to the stockjobbers of the corrupt North. He refuses to listen to us noble Southerners and our Western counterparts who are the true backbone of this nation. We must unite and demand action from the man who is supposed to represent the interests of this country, not the privileged few who spoon feed him their interests, while slipping money into his pockets. This is a nation built on the backs of farmers, hunters, and the ambitious. What Mr. Adams needs to realize is that by turning his back on our interests, he is turning his back on America. Americans unite, and sing together in unison, we will take no more!
He seems to forget the warning words of our first President, the esteemed George Washington, when Washington himself said in his final speech to Congress to avoid foreign entanglements. Any agreement with South America will lead to military alliances, a dangerous proposition considering the volatility of the South American countries. We do not want to get involved in another situation like we were in during the French Revolution. Any such event will undoubtedly divide the country even further than it already is! Furthermore, what interests do we have with South America? The slave trade was abolished and now they are recovering from a violent revolution that for all we know has made the countries even more unstable and unpredictable.
How can we trust these South Americans!? They despise slavery, a cherished institution among us noble Southerners and would encourage the United States to abolish it. They have no respectable military and would rely on us to defend them in their entanglements with Spain. These two dangers alone could bring our nation to its knees. John Adams is a fool. He does not truly know the repercussions of agreeing to this Congress. All the South American countries can do is waste our money and destroy our economy.
What President Adams shows with his actions is his ability to isolate the majority of America, catering only to the stockjobbers of the corrupt North. He refuses to listen to us noble Southerners and our Western counterparts who are the true backbone of this nation. We must unite and demand action from the man who is supposed to represent the interests of this country, not the privileged few who spoon feed him their interests, while slipping money into his pockets. This is a nation built on the backs of farmers, hunters, and the ambitious. What Mr. Adams needs to realize is that by turning his back on our interests, he is turning his back on America. Americans unite, and sing together in unison, we will take no more!
"Old Hickory" Swept into Office in the Election of 1828 Jane Allen, 17 Mar. 1829
And so begins the long sought-after term of President Andrew Jackson. We, the South, are of course pleased with the result of the election. But are we proud of the way in which the results were achieved? This has proven to be one of the more “messy” elections: cutthroat campaigning, two candidates pitted against one another, the masses divided.
Pamphlets have circulated through the country. I have read many, and from those pamphlets I have learned this:
The pamphlets are not always accurate. When an educated person examines the candidates and sifts through the propaganda, Andrew Jackson emerges as the better choice. Jackson embodies the common man and will work toward a better democracy. Ignoring the hogwash pamphlets, Andrew Jackson is clearly the better choice. These leaflets twist his appearance, making him seem brutish and uncultured. However, I ask you, what significant war hero has emerged polished and genteel? Jackson is comparable to the great men of the past, and he himself is a decorated hero, a brave and chivalrous man. He is both self-sufficient and willing to go beyond typical constraints to develop the nation’s western frontier. He embodies the wishes of the South and the West, as he is a frontiersman at heart. He will be able to lead this great nation forward.
And so, Jackson has handily emerged at the nation’s President. I, with the South and the West, put my faith in this man to carry our nation forward into the dawn of a new age.
Pamphlets have circulated through the country. I have read many, and from those pamphlets I have learned this:
- Adams is unwise and untested despite being an incumbent. He is without true leadership experience and no proven decision making skill. Only book-smart from his education. Naive.
- Jackson lapses in his morals, both living as a murderer and in an illicit marriage. He allowed the deaths of six innocent men and married another’s wife. Lawless.
The pamphlets are not always accurate. When an educated person examines the candidates and sifts through the propaganda, Andrew Jackson emerges as the better choice. Jackson embodies the common man and will work toward a better democracy. Ignoring the hogwash pamphlets, Andrew Jackson is clearly the better choice. These leaflets twist his appearance, making him seem brutish and uncultured. However, I ask you, what significant war hero has emerged polished and genteel? Jackson is comparable to the great men of the past, and he himself is a decorated hero, a brave and chivalrous man. He is both self-sufficient and willing to go beyond typical constraints to develop the nation’s western frontier. He embodies the wishes of the South and the West, as he is a frontiersman at heart. He will be able to lead this great nation forward.
And so, Jackson has handily emerged at the nation’s President. I, with the South and the West, put my faith in this man to carry our nation forward into the dawn of a new age.
Peggy Eaton Affair: Gossip Gertie Edition XX1 Eliza Cook, 23 Apr. 1832
News on the Scandal of the Century: "Peggy Alert"
A woman breaking up an entire presidential cabinet! This almost seems unreal. But ever since John Eaton’s appointment as secretary of war, Washington’s elite have become obsessed with the shunning of his wife, Margaret ‘Peggy’ Eaton. How petty…but what exactly is Peggy’s story?
Formerly married to John B. Timberlake, her past brought many stories of her involvement with other men while being a married woman. An alleged story was brought to attention by Brig. Gen. Richard K. Call; according to people within the proximity of this subject he “admitted that he had propositioned Peggy while he was boarding at the O’Neale’s”. Peggy was widely known to be Eaton’s mistress, as Eaton and Jackson used to stay at the O’Neale’s tavern.
These stories spread like wildfire when she actually married John Eaton shortly after her husbands’s alleged suicide. As soon as John Eaton became a public figure, Peggy felt the wrath of the cabinet wives as early as inauguration day, when wives of Ingham, Branch, and Calhoun gave her the cold-shoulder during the ceremony and the ball. Our righteous Jackson received news of Peggy’s rejection by letter and responded in complete defense of the former Mrs. Timberlake, hurting still from the loss of his own wife and avid about keeping his friendship with John. On the matter, Jackson purportedly said “guard virtuous female character with vestal vigilance.” How heroic! He went further to terminate the rumors by proving their falsities, one of the biggest of these being that she had a miscarriage with another man in 1821, while she was still married to her John B. Timberlake. Jackson had to prove that her husband had been in Washington during time, in order for her to be declared innocent by the brutal gossipers. Scrutinizing for any evidence, Jackson was able to prove his case by alleged proof from Timberland’s books that had records of him in Washington that year. However, neither the ‘moral party’ nor the ‘frail sisterhood’ are backing down, protecting their own morals and versions of the truth. Some say this ‘Eaton malaria’, dubbed by Van Buren, has gone viral! This scandal has broken up the entire cabinet, as they are unable to even meet for the traditional dinner parties and functions.
Jackson is surely trying to show his country a message, so heroic in his efforts that he resigned from the church of Reverend Campbell, who was heavily involved in condemning Mrs. Eaton. He even made it aware to the cabinet members that attempting to push John Eaton out of his position was directly insulting the president and that instead of Eaton, they “had better withdraw.” Those using their own ignorance to go against our government should be removed from our cabinet, even if the political affair is a sex scandal! Currently, the cabinet forces are clearly divided between Van Buren versus vice president Calhoun, while Calhoun and President Jackson’s relationship is on a collision course. This scandal is as a symbol of Jackson’s uniqueness as a president, shown in spending so much of his first term defending his friends, even if it includes a public ‘adulteress’…but what will it lead to? I predict that it will end in the resignation of the VP, but that’s just me. Send in what you think!
XOXO
Gossip Gertie
Formerly married to John B. Timberlake, her past brought many stories of her involvement with other men while being a married woman. An alleged story was brought to attention by Brig. Gen. Richard K. Call; according to people within the proximity of this subject he “admitted that he had propositioned Peggy while he was boarding at the O’Neale’s”. Peggy was widely known to be Eaton’s mistress, as Eaton and Jackson used to stay at the O’Neale’s tavern.
These stories spread like wildfire when she actually married John Eaton shortly after her husbands’s alleged suicide. As soon as John Eaton became a public figure, Peggy felt the wrath of the cabinet wives as early as inauguration day, when wives of Ingham, Branch, and Calhoun gave her the cold-shoulder during the ceremony and the ball. Our righteous Jackson received news of Peggy’s rejection by letter and responded in complete defense of the former Mrs. Timberlake, hurting still from the loss of his own wife and avid about keeping his friendship with John. On the matter, Jackson purportedly said “guard virtuous female character with vestal vigilance.” How heroic! He went further to terminate the rumors by proving their falsities, one of the biggest of these being that she had a miscarriage with another man in 1821, while she was still married to her John B. Timberlake. Jackson had to prove that her husband had been in Washington during time, in order for her to be declared innocent by the brutal gossipers. Scrutinizing for any evidence, Jackson was able to prove his case by alleged proof from Timberland’s books that had records of him in Washington that year. However, neither the ‘moral party’ nor the ‘frail sisterhood’ are backing down, protecting their own morals and versions of the truth. Some say this ‘Eaton malaria’, dubbed by Van Buren, has gone viral! This scandal has broken up the entire cabinet, as they are unable to even meet for the traditional dinner parties and functions.
Jackson is surely trying to show his country a message, so heroic in his efforts that he resigned from the church of Reverend Campbell, who was heavily involved in condemning Mrs. Eaton. He even made it aware to the cabinet members that attempting to push John Eaton out of his position was directly insulting the president and that instead of Eaton, they “had better withdraw.” Those using their own ignorance to go against our government should be removed from our cabinet, even if the political affair is a sex scandal! Currently, the cabinet forces are clearly divided between Van Buren versus vice president Calhoun, while Calhoun and President Jackson’s relationship is on a collision course. This scandal is as a symbol of Jackson’s uniqueness as a president, shown in spending so much of his first term defending his friends, even if it includes a public ‘adulteress’…but what will it lead to? I predict that it will end in the resignation of the VP, but that’s just me. Send in what you think!
XOXO
Gossip Gertie
Marshall's Decision and Jackson's Reaction Margaret Cogdell, 10 Mar. 1832
Judge John Marshall has just ruled, in Worcester v. Georgia, that the laws of Georgia, specifically the Indian Removal Act, do not apply within the bounds of the Cherokee borders, and that the Cherokee and the other four civilized tribes have a right to self-government. Therefore, these Indian tribes are not required to abide by the Indian Removal Act. However, there is tension in the nation’s capital because president Andrew Jackson has informed the public that he is not going to support Marshall’s decision.
President Jackson, as a means to get the Native Americans off of our southern territory, passed the Indian removal act in 1830. This act gave Jackson the Authority to negotiate treaties for the removal of the tribes that are located east of the Mississippi River. Passing this act was definitely one of the highlights of Jackson’s term in office, because it helps us remove the Indians from land that rightfully belongs to us. There is a lot of Indian Territory in the South, and it would be beneficial for everyone to group them all together and move them to the West. Most of the tribes have seen the light and moved to the Indian Territory in the West, but a couple of the tribes, specifically the Cherokee, are refusing to comply.
The Cherokee Nation has gone to the Supreme Court twice now in attempt to get rid of this law. On March 5th, 1831 Cherokee Nation v. Georgia trial occurred. At this trial the Supreme Court ruled that they had no legal authority to listen to the dispute because the Indian tribes are not foreign nations, but they are in fact dependent domestic nations. The Cherokees have just finished their second attempt at appealing to the Supreme Court in the case, Worcester v. Georgia. However this time John Marshall has ruled against us Southerners and came to the conclusion that the Georgian Laws do not apply inside the boundaries of the Cherokee territory. What right does he have to do this? His title as Supreme Court Judge? That is pure codswallop! The Supreme Court is violating our states’ rights by getting involved with this case. Georgia has the right to remove the Cherokee Tribe from within its state borders and transfer them to the West. Why should Georgia have to keep the Cherokee Tribe within its borders when it takes up so much valuable land? It shouldn’t when the Indians can just peacefully relocate to the west. John Marshall does not see that no matter what, the Southern States will eventually gain the Indian Territory. It is better for us to receive it through negotiations than through force. However, this land is a necessity for America, so we will possess it eventually. This act is very fair towards the Cherokee Tribes. The government is willing to give each tribe the same amount of land it already possesses, but it will just be out West, passed the Mississippi River. In this way, our Southern states can be more unified without the Indian territories taking up our land. By favoring the Indians over the Americans, John Marshall is preventing us Southerners from receiving land that should belong to us, and infringing on our states’ rights.
However President Jackson’s reaction demonstrates his intelligence and his eagerness for justice. He has defied this decision by saying “John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it.”[1] Jackson is protecting our states’ rights. He is truly a man of the American people, with our interest at heart. He is using his power as president to benefit our people, and truly do what is best for us. By opposing the terrible decision of John Marshall, Jackson has proven his concern for us Americans. He acknowledges the fact that Marshall is completely wrong, and he will not stand by something that he believes goes against our states’ rights. His entire plan of Indian Removal also indicates his intelligence. Passing this act was a very wise move on his part, because it truly is what is best for our great nation. Jackson is intelligent, fair, and he really cares about the desires of us Southerners. What more could we want in a President?
[1] John J. Newman and John M. Schmalbach, United States History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination (New York, NY: Amsco School Publications, 2004), 189.
President Jackson, as a means to get the Native Americans off of our southern territory, passed the Indian removal act in 1830. This act gave Jackson the Authority to negotiate treaties for the removal of the tribes that are located east of the Mississippi River. Passing this act was definitely one of the highlights of Jackson’s term in office, because it helps us remove the Indians from land that rightfully belongs to us. There is a lot of Indian Territory in the South, and it would be beneficial for everyone to group them all together and move them to the West. Most of the tribes have seen the light and moved to the Indian Territory in the West, but a couple of the tribes, specifically the Cherokee, are refusing to comply.
The Cherokee Nation has gone to the Supreme Court twice now in attempt to get rid of this law. On March 5th, 1831 Cherokee Nation v. Georgia trial occurred. At this trial the Supreme Court ruled that they had no legal authority to listen to the dispute because the Indian tribes are not foreign nations, but they are in fact dependent domestic nations. The Cherokees have just finished their second attempt at appealing to the Supreme Court in the case, Worcester v. Georgia. However this time John Marshall has ruled against us Southerners and came to the conclusion that the Georgian Laws do not apply inside the boundaries of the Cherokee territory. What right does he have to do this? His title as Supreme Court Judge? That is pure codswallop! The Supreme Court is violating our states’ rights by getting involved with this case. Georgia has the right to remove the Cherokee Tribe from within its state borders and transfer them to the West. Why should Georgia have to keep the Cherokee Tribe within its borders when it takes up so much valuable land? It shouldn’t when the Indians can just peacefully relocate to the west. John Marshall does not see that no matter what, the Southern States will eventually gain the Indian Territory. It is better for us to receive it through negotiations than through force. However, this land is a necessity for America, so we will possess it eventually. This act is very fair towards the Cherokee Tribes. The government is willing to give each tribe the same amount of land it already possesses, but it will just be out West, passed the Mississippi River. In this way, our Southern states can be more unified without the Indian territories taking up our land. By favoring the Indians over the Americans, John Marshall is preventing us Southerners from receiving land that should belong to us, and infringing on our states’ rights.
However President Jackson’s reaction demonstrates his intelligence and his eagerness for justice. He has defied this decision by saying “John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it.”[1] Jackson is protecting our states’ rights. He is truly a man of the American people, with our interest at heart. He is using his power as president to benefit our people, and truly do what is best for us. By opposing the terrible decision of John Marshall, Jackson has proven his concern for us Americans. He acknowledges the fact that Marshall is completely wrong, and he will not stand by something that he believes goes against our states’ rights. His entire plan of Indian Removal also indicates his intelligence. Passing this act was a very wise move on his part, because it truly is what is best for our great nation. Jackson is intelligent, fair, and he really cares about the desires of us Southerners. What more could we want in a President?
[1] John J. Newman and John M. Schmalbach, United States History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination (New York, NY: Amsco School Publications, 2004), 189.
Nullification Crisis: South Carolina Takes the Lead Milton Huckelbee, Mar. 15, 1833
As I am sure you all remember as it was just five years ago in 1828, the federal government imposed the TARIFF OF ABOMINATIONS. The tariff had us southerners asking “where has all of our money gone?” because we were gathering the same amount of cotton each harvest. If our productivity did not fall, then why did our money? This happened because this federal tax made British textiles more expensive which benefitted the northern producers of cloth.
However, I guess that the administration did not consider the effect that this would have on Southern cotton farmers or they were blatantly trying to destroy the southern cotton industry because the new tariff greatly reduced the English demand for raw cotton. This was an outrage as President Jackson was clearly favoring the North of the South and for what reason I do not know. So we turned to the Vice President, South Carolina’s own John C. Calhoun.
So Vice President Calhoun took action and created the doctrine of NULLIFICATION. This doctrine stated that any state could declare any federal law that they found to be unconstitutional “null and void”. So Henry Clay lowered the Tariff of Abominations in 1832, but this mere cut was not enough as the tax still clearly favored the north over the south. So what did South Carolina do? As usual, we led the South by enacting the SOUTH CAROLINA NULLIFICATION ACT into law on November 24, 1832. South Carolina and the South as a whole does not stand and watch as the government violates our states rights and rights as American citizens. We take action.
Well, so did President Jackson as he asked congress to enact legislation so that he could use federal troops in order to enforce federal laws. Even though we would have easily defeated Jackson’s troops in any battle, a battle was not necessary as Congress revised the tariff to the South’s liking and the nullification act was no longer in effect. This is a pure example as how the South, and South Carolina specifically, will not let the federal government walk all over us and we will take action until we get what we want or die trying.
However, I guess that the administration did not consider the effect that this would have on Southern cotton farmers or they were blatantly trying to destroy the southern cotton industry because the new tariff greatly reduced the English demand for raw cotton. This was an outrage as President Jackson was clearly favoring the North of the South and for what reason I do not know. So we turned to the Vice President, South Carolina’s own John C. Calhoun.
So Vice President Calhoun took action and created the doctrine of NULLIFICATION. This doctrine stated that any state could declare any federal law that they found to be unconstitutional “null and void”. So Henry Clay lowered the Tariff of Abominations in 1832, but this mere cut was not enough as the tax still clearly favored the north over the south. So what did South Carolina do? As usual, we led the South by enacting the SOUTH CAROLINA NULLIFICATION ACT into law on November 24, 1832. South Carolina and the South as a whole does not stand and watch as the government violates our states rights and rights as American citizens. We take action.
Well, so did President Jackson as he asked congress to enact legislation so that he could use federal troops in order to enforce federal laws. Even though we would have easily defeated Jackson’s troops in any battle, a battle was not necessary as Congress revised the tariff to the South’s liking and the nullification act was no longer in effect. This is a pure example as how the South, and South Carolina specifically, will not let the federal government walk all over us and we will take action until we get what we want or die trying.
Jackson's Bank Veto: The Slaying of the Monster Eliza Cook 25 July, 1832
The interpretation of the constitution has been a topic of conservation since it was created. Flashback to Alexander Hamilton and the first idea of a national bank, something that was heavily debated between the then Federalists and Republicans, and finally implemented because of the ‘necessary and proper’ clause. Well, it seems as if our government has made a full circle. Andrew Jackson personally saw the national bank as being unconstitutional, and decided to veto it from continuing. In his veto of the extended charter of the Second Bank of the United States, Jackson showcased his view that the president could also determine the constitutionality of things, instead of just the Supreme Court. What exactly led to this?
Privately owned, the national bank was supposed to support the economic ups and downs of this country. One answer to the downfall could be linked to the president of the bank, Nicholas Biddle whose arrogant behavior led many to have suspicions about the fairness of the management of the bank. Jackson, along with much of the public, believed that our national bank favored the rich and gave the wealthy privileges. However, as always, there are those who are against the great. Henry Clay, for example, favored the bank and was the one who attempted to get Congress to pass this bank-recharter bill which Jackson quickly managed to veto. Many Jacksonians, including northerners from New York and a plethora of Southerns united against the bank in support of Jackson. Recently, we saw Clay’s attempt backfire in his election where Jackson maintained two-thirds of the electoral vote. When asked about his veto decision, Jackson reputedly stated that “when laws undertake to add to these natural and just advantages artificial distinctions, to grant titles, gratuities, and exclusive privileges, to make the rich richer and the potent more powerful, the humble members of society- the farmers, mechanics, and laborers- who have neither the time nor the means of securing like favors to themselves, have a right to complain of the injustices of their government.” Jackson was ‘slaying the monster’ of the corrupt bank system with his veto sword. The reasoning that accompanied his veto was that the bank violated states’ rights. Constitutionally, the ‘necessary and proper’ clause could only be used to justify a financial instrument for the government, not a impious banking system. Jackson showed that he does not believe in any type of national system that solely benefits a select group of people, and his veto is considered a “ringing statement of the rights of the common man.” Not only has Jackson taken a stance in a corrupt economic system, he has enabled our states the rights that they deserve. |
Jackson Passes Specie Circular Act Margaret Cogdell, 15 Jul. 1836
A few days ago on July 11th, President Andrew Jackson issued an act that will cause many economic problems for our country. It is a law called the Specie Circular Act. Starting on August 15th, all purchases of federal lands will have to be made using gold and silver, making bank notes illegitimate.
Jackson created this in attempt to curb excessive land speculation and to crush the large growth of paper money currently in circulation, which came about because of his financial policies against the national bank. The “pet” banks, which he set up in place of the national bank, have been loaning money out too freely to people, which has resulted in high inflation and land speculation. The Specie Circular Act directs the “pet” banks and other recipients of public money to accept gold and silver as the only forms of payment for government land after August 15th. However, on lots up to 320 acres, actual settlers and bonafide residents of the state in which they purchase land are permitted to use banknotes until December 15th.
President Jackson needs to come to the realization that this act will have a very negative impact on our country’s economy because it will create a high demand for specie that banks probably will not be able to keep up with. This will result in bank failures across the country and the plummeting of its economy. Also sales of land will decrease significantly, because of the problems with obtaining specie, causing state governments to lose money.
President Jackson really needs reconsider this act because it will have severe consequences for our country. People will stop buying land because paying solely with specie is so difficult. This law is disastrous and needs to be repealed immediately for the benefit of our country. Before our country’s economy sinks, Jackson needs to open his eyes and realize that he is making a huge mistake. We, as the American people, have the ability to change his mind, so I encourage people to protest this failure of an act before it goes into effect, one month from today. It is our duty as American citizens to protest this act in every way that we can, because we cannot just sit back and watch our country’s economy crumble. They day this act goes into effect is the day our country’s banks go out of business and our country’s economy collapses.
Jackson created this in attempt to curb excessive land speculation and to crush the large growth of paper money currently in circulation, which came about because of his financial policies against the national bank. The “pet” banks, which he set up in place of the national bank, have been loaning money out too freely to people, which has resulted in high inflation and land speculation. The Specie Circular Act directs the “pet” banks and other recipients of public money to accept gold and silver as the only forms of payment for government land after August 15th. However, on lots up to 320 acres, actual settlers and bonafide residents of the state in which they purchase land are permitted to use banknotes until December 15th.
President Jackson needs to come to the realization that this act will have a very negative impact on our country’s economy because it will create a high demand for specie that banks probably will not be able to keep up with. This will result in bank failures across the country and the plummeting of its economy. Also sales of land will decrease significantly, because of the problems with obtaining specie, causing state governments to lose money.
President Jackson really needs reconsider this act because it will have severe consequences for our country. People will stop buying land because paying solely with specie is so difficult. This law is disastrous and needs to be repealed immediately for the benefit of our country. Before our country’s economy sinks, Jackson needs to open his eyes and realize that he is making a huge mistake. We, as the American people, have the ability to change his mind, so I encourage people to protest this failure of an act before it goes into effect, one month from today. It is our duty as American citizens to protest this act in every way that we can, because we cannot just sit back and watch our country’s economy crumble. They day this act goes into effect is the day our country’s banks go out of business and our country’s economy collapses.
Movement in Government Office Milton Huckelbee, Nov. 12, 1830
Thus far, Jackson’s term as president has been one of great change, specifically in terms of his replacement of government officials. We have witnessed 20 percent of government officials, or 1,921 of some 11,000, be replaced. This number is far greater than any and all other presidents combined. Jackson believes that it is essential for there to be rotation in government offices to make sure that all worthy persons were able to hold office. Jackson replaced many of these government officials with loyal Democrats because he felt that they should be rewarded for their devotion and support of the party.
However, this caused a great deal of anger in the Republican Party because many people thought that Jackson was abusing his powers and corrupting the government. Republicans felt that the majority of government appointments were personal for Jackson and that he was merely trying to create an all-Democratic government. However, this was not Jackson’s intention as he was only carrying through with Democratic reform policy. Jackson also felt that they would be more willing to obey authority if they were members of the same party as their supervisors where as members of public office who are Republicans may be less agreeable with authority thus resulting in gridlock. In other words, Jackson found that it was better for the United States government to be accomplishing something rather than not. He once stated that he did not remove any government officials until their “incompetency” had been established and that he only intended to “grant offices to none but such as was honest and capable.” Jackson is an honest man and a hero of our great nation and to accuse him of corruption is nothing short of treachery.
We at the Charleston Chronicle recently had a run in with this new reform policy as our hard working and loyal democratic editor, James McDuff, was recently appointed to be a Post Master here in Charleston. Newspaper Editors are constantly working two jobs just to make ends meet and get no respect for the hard work that they do. In fact, Sen. Samuel Bell often called newspaper editors “skunks.” So Jackson felt that it would be kind to reward these hard-working professionals with a federal office to give them the social standard that they deserve. Our editor has always been a large supporter of Jackson and helped campaign for Democrats in the most recent election. That is why he and fifty-nine other editors from around the nation were granted government jobs. He is also a well-read and honest man who is fully capable of holding a public office.
However, this caused a great deal of anger in the Republican Party because many people thought that Jackson was abusing his powers and corrupting the government. Republicans felt that the majority of government appointments were personal for Jackson and that he was merely trying to create an all-Democratic government. However, this was not Jackson’s intention as he was only carrying through with Democratic reform policy. Jackson also felt that they would be more willing to obey authority if they were members of the same party as their supervisors where as members of public office who are Republicans may be less agreeable with authority thus resulting in gridlock. In other words, Jackson found that it was better for the United States government to be accomplishing something rather than not. He once stated that he did not remove any government officials until their “incompetency” had been established and that he only intended to “grant offices to none but such as was honest and capable.” Jackson is an honest man and a hero of our great nation and to accuse him of corruption is nothing short of treachery.
We at the Charleston Chronicle recently had a run in with this new reform policy as our hard working and loyal democratic editor, James McDuff, was recently appointed to be a Post Master here in Charleston. Newspaper Editors are constantly working two jobs just to make ends meet and get no respect for the hard work that they do. In fact, Sen. Samuel Bell often called newspaper editors “skunks.” So Jackson felt that it would be kind to reward these hard-working professionals with a federal office to give them the social standard that they deserve. Our editor has always been a large supporter of Jackson and helped campaign for Democrats in the most recent election. That is why he and fifty-nine other editors from around the nation were granted government jobs. He is also a well-read and honest man who is fully capable of holding a public office.