The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1899-01-26
ORIGINAL "ExrANsIoNTsTs."

panslonlSt. lie thought that Pittsbure
and the region roundabout was neces
sary to this country, but the Anti-Ex
pansionists of that day ridiculed and
denounced him. They jeered at him
when he came back twice badly de.
feated, and remarked 81 told you so. y
They urged that the crest of the ALE.
GAMES was the natural boundary of the
country.
There never was an Expansionist SO
bitterly abused as was jefferson, for his
purchase of the Louisiana Territory.
And very much of the abuse came from
men of his own party. The purchase
was attacked on every ground. The
Strict Constructionists saw in it q fla
grant violation of the Constitution, and
one that could hardly help bringing
about disunion. The fnanciers lamented
over the payment of s15,000,000 out of
the meager Treasury for vast area
of swamps and lagoons, much of it of
no earthly value" Some prophets saw
clearly the weakening Of the Govern
ment's forces, by extension over such a
vast area, that would inevitably lead to
downfall. Others saw the disaffected
and dangerous from the older States
gathering in that territory in such num-
beers as to be menace to the Govern
ment. Still others saw vast increase
of expenses Of Government, standing
army, ETC., in attempting to govern the
new country, with its "alien popula-
ton and antagonistic religion and
IDEAS"
Himself a Strict Constructionist,
Jefferson felt some misgivings on Con-
stitutional grounds, which he expressed
N a letter:
"The Constitution has made no provision
or our holding foreign territory, still less for
Incorporating foreign Nations into our Union.
The Executive, in seizing the fugitive Oc-
which SO much advances the good
IF their country, have done an act beyond
he Constitution. The Legislature, in cast
ng behind them metaphysical subtleties,
md risking themselves like faithful servants,
must ratify and pay for it, and throw them
selves upon the country for doing for them,
what we know they would
lave done FOR themselves, had they been in
situation to do it,
James Madison was another Expan-
zionist, and he had to meet much the
anne opposition in 1910, when he deter
mined to drive the Spaniards east of
Mobile, and give the people of Alabama
md Mississippi possession of the mouths
If their rivers. The opposition seems
o have discouraged him, however, from
aking the rest of Florida, much to the
'isgust of Georgia, which tried to take
florida on her own account, but failed
James Monroe was a more resolute
Expansionist. In spite of the clamor
about Florida producing nothing but
que, alligators, and turbulent Indians,
lie and Andrew jackson put such pres
ure on Spain as to induce her to sell
he country to us.
Clay and Van Buren, were at first
trong Expansionists. While Secretaries
# State they had tried to buy Texas of
dexico. Afterward political exigencies
'ut them in the ranks of the Ants.
Andrew jackson was an Expansionist
# the most pronounced type. "The
onsent of the governed F" did not bother
i'm an instant. The great majority of
he people of Louisiana were emphat- |
cally opposed to becoming Americans.
they would rather have heen anything
lse, even British. That was one reason |
Why the British expedition was sent
gainst New Orleans, and the Creoles
here hampered jackson in every way,
While preparing for the defense of the
ity. They finally went so far as to
ave Gen. Jackson subjected to judicial
proceedings, which resulted in his being
med 81 900. His successful defense of
new Orleans was great Expansion
eat. for if the British had captured the
ity they would have retained it in spite
f the Treaty Of Peace, on the ground
hat Frances sale to us was fraudulent.
Next Andrew Jackson turned his
ttention to expanding the country in
he direction of Florida, and he went at
his with characteristic energy. Though
We were then at peace with Spain, he |