Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1848-03-03


vice as Secretary Of State, he retained the full
confidence of Mr. Monroe, ard assisted in the &C.
compshment Of measures which have contribute
ed to our national glory and prosperity We
need only mention the recognition Of the indie
pendcuce of the South American Republics,
krst nd yocated by Henry Clay, in the House u
Renrescntatiycs, and the successful acquisition
of Florida, and adjustment ofthe Spanish claims,
to roint ont the value and importance OF his Of
fetal labors
When the time of Monroc's retirement drew
near, the claims Of Mr. Adams to the high office
could not be overlooked. His long and eminent
services, firm integrity of principle and lofty
patriotism, made him the choice Of all intelligent
and calm-thinking men. From the popularity
of Jackson, Crawford and Clay, each Of whom
was the candidate Of a large party, the electoral
colleges were able to make no nomination, and
the question dcvolved on Congress. AT the
first ballot Mr. Adams received the votes Of
thirteen States, which constituted a majority
A Committee of the House accordingly waited
upon him to notify him Of his election, and re-
coived an answer Of acceptance.
During the four years Of his administration
he preserved the same calm balance of judg-
ment, the same undertaking attachment to prn-
ciple, which had distinguished his former poliii-
cal life. His course was moderate, dignified,
and characterized by great republican simplici-
ty. The financial affairs of the nation were con-
Quoted with the strictest integrity large sums
were expended upon our internal improvements
moro, indeed, was effected in the permanent
improvement of the country than during all the
administrations Of his predecessors upward Of
five millions Of dollars were appropriated in pen
sions and private bountes, and yet thirty mill
ions of the national debt had been paid oil at the
end Of his term. The violent and bitter oppo-
sition he met with, is well known. The friends
Of jackson and Crawford combined in hostili-
ty to the measures of his administration, which
rested not until it had procured his defeat at
the Presidential election in 1928. The effect Of
this unprnciped partisan feeling, in its opposi-
ton to the high liberal aims of Mr. Adams, was
felt in the embarrassments which were brought
on the country by his successor. Some later
historian, scanning this period with an unpreju.
diced eye, will do full honor 10 his acts, and the
high principles by which he was governed.
After Jackson's Inauguration he retired to the
old homestead at Quincy, where he passed a
year or two in the enjoyment Of tranquil domes
tic life, and surrounded with the happiest socia
relations But such man as he could not be
spared long from the Councils Of the nation. In
1880 he was elected to represent the Congress.
ional District in which he resided, and in the
following year took his seat in the House OF
Representatives Since then he has been elect
ed to nine successive Congressional terms, the
duties of which he has faithfully performed; til
after sixty-seven years spent in the service Of
his country, he has died with his hand 10 her la
bors-his last words uttered in her Hall Of Coun
Gil.
His acts in the House of Representatives are
part of the knowledge of every American. They
will be cited in after years, as noble example.
Of that exalted honesty which can sacrifice ever
thing in pursuance Of what it believes to be jus
and true. II was owing to his persevcring eff
forts alone that the disgraceful gag law was re
moved from the statutes Of Congress and there
is scarcely more thrilling incident in the his
tory OF our Legislation than the effect of his elo
quent reply to the dark menaces Of the South
ern spirit.
Despite the violent opposition and enmity
which his upright and Independent career ex
cited, we doubt whether any man has beer
more universally venerated and beloved. Their
is no sublimer instance Of popular affection Oh
record, than was exhibited during his visit Il
the West, few years ago. The spontaneou
expression of love and reverence, which men @
oil creeds and parties offered to the old mar
gave his journey the character of triumphs
march-but grander march than ever TO
lowed the laden chariots of the ancient victor
of the world, along the Appian or Flaminia
way. II was one Of those spectacles of nation
gratitude, which rarely occur more than one
in an era--an expression of such deep and touch
ing feeling, and such fervent enthusiasm as coul,
have been exhibited by no other people OF
earth.
His youth, almost his childhood, was conse
Grated TO his country's service; his long life an
wonderful energies have been consumed i
building up the fabric of her greatness; and h
has drawn his last breath under the shelter ,
her legislative dome. His nearer relatives wi
lament his departure, but she will be left mo
vacant at his loss-she will be chief mourner b,
side his grave.