The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-04-29

perience in European schools when boy, and
ut foreign courts during his fathers ana his
own diplomatic service, was better fitted for
this high position than any President who
had preceded him. His Administration had
been characterized by great refinement in the
White House, Mrs Adams presiding over the
social part with grace and elegance. Hence
ii is not surprising that Jackson's ascendency
was looked upon with many 3orebodings by
the cotorie that surrounded the White House
and the denizens of the National Capital
In has courage and executive ability in the
administration Of National affairs they had
ali confidence. They knew that in his ewes
Fright was might -; that the laws would be
executed; that the rights of every American
citizen would be respected over the world.
and that evil-doers and revolutionists would
be punished. But whether he would give
that consideration which is due in the observ-
ance of the smaller proprieties of society.
obligatory upon the Chief Executive of the
Nation, was question that gave them much
apprehension.
Mrs. Jackson having died Just before the
Inauguration, her wonderful influence over
his turbulent spirit was gone-a spirit that
never knew restraint except from the loving
hand of her whom he mourned
No one knew better or felt more keenly
these forebodings than Jackson himself. Cir
cuInsiances had given him reputation unjust
20 his tender heart and refined nature But
he was Of and from the people, and backed by
this ,mpregnable support he entered upon his
duties.
Like Washington, he was a military hero.
and the enthusiasm attending his Inaugural
ton knew no bounds. InDumerable visitors
focbed TO the Capital Every imaginary
means of transportation was taxed to its ut
most After the Inauguration he was escorted
TO the White House, followed by the populace,
who, defying ali control, rushed into the
house, filling every inch of space
The elegant banquet spread in the East
Room in his honor was soon q
SCENE OF THE Widest CONFUSION.
In the carnival that ensued china and glass
were broken. wine was spilled, aud order was
turned into chaos. In their mad endcayor 10
Gee the new President, men with muddy boots
climbed upon the furniture, and much of it
was soiled, broken, and utterly ruined
Jackson knew that he must establish some
thing more in keeping with the dignity Of bis
position; hence he at once installed the accom-
plisbed Mrs. Donaldson a niece of Mrs. Jack
son, as hostess of the White House. He APP
pointed Mr.. Van Buren, Secretary of State;
Samuel ID Ingham, of Pennsylvania, Secre-
tary of the Treasury; John II. Eaton, Secre-
tary of War; john Branch, of North Carolina,
Secretary Of the Navy; and William f. Barry,
of Kentucky, Postmaster-Geperal With the
exception of Mr.. Van Buren,, the Cabinet was
IA no sense a strong one.
Socially, Mrs. Donaldson was not reinforced
more strongly by the ladies of the Cabinet
than the President by the Cabinet Councillors.
Calhoun, as yice-President, was sery near
him, but only to criticize and irritate, and in
nowise TO aid him to successful Admins
tration.
in establishing the maxim, "to the victor
belong the spoils," Jackson had much oppc-
sition from the friends nearest and dearest IL
him. Maj. Lewis was of that number, and in
urging his opposition he wrote the following
letter:
embrace this occasion to enter my sol.
emn protest against it, not on account of nv
Office, but because hold il to he fraught with
the greatest mischief to the country IL If
ever should be carried out in esfeasio the
days of this Republic will, in my opinion.
have been numbered; for whenever the inn
precision shall have become general that the
Government is only valuable ON account OF
Its Offices, the great and paramount interests
of the country viii be lost sight of and the
Government itself will be ultimately de-
stroyed. This. at least, is the honest convic
tion of my mind with regard to the novel doc
trine OF rotation in Office"