The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-09-02
Presidential Campaigns
IH---The Jackson-C Clay Race of 1852
By Fredric J. Haskin.


 .old Hickory against Harry of the west;v national conventions against national conventions; the "pee-puf against the money power.' the outs against the ins. and all with the Fcder- al offices at stake as sure prizes for the winners, made the campaign of ls5s the fercest of American history up 10 that time. For Andrew Jackson had hardly arrived in the White House on March IA, 1929. before he had fired a whole raft of Adams of1ce-holders end had replaced them with loyal Jackson ties. 'To the victors belong the spoils. said he. promuigating the doctrine of rotation in ofiicc and instituting the political method of rewarding partisan activity with a public job. Its effect was tremendous, and while Jackson diu not have the committee form or party organization which backs up an admin istration today. he did have Martin van Buren in his councils, and Van Buren was as wise in practical politics as was Napoleon in strategy
 This campaign Of 1882 was the first in which National pominating conven- tions figured. The Anti-Masons aheld the first and nominated William Wirt, who had been Attorney General or the United States under Monroe and Adams. for President, and Amos Ellmaker. or Pennsylvaia, for Vice President. The National Republicans. already called the "whigs," in ordinary conversation, nominated Henry Clay of Kentucky. for President. and John sargent ot Pennsylvania. for Vice President. Ine Democrats held convention, but did not nominate a candidate for President as Jackson was the unanimous choies of the party. Martin Van Buren was named for Vice President and the fa- nous two-thirds rule, which afterwaras proved Van Buren's undoins. was adopted. The state of South Carol,na stili chose it's electors by the Legfsia- ture. as it did until after the civil war and 1t had a party all of its own. with John Floyd of Virginia. for President, and Henry Lee, of Massachusetts. Tor Vice President.
 Jackson's administration had been the stormiest ever known. and the con. seryative statesmen of the old schooi were in despair. He had quarrelled with the Vice President, John c. Cai- houn. by preferring Van Buren as q chief counsellor. He had broken up his own cabinet and had precipitatsd the most violent social war Of Wash- ington's history by insisting upon the accentance of Mrs. Eaton, wife of his Secretary of War, by the official cir- cles of the Capital He had turned out ali the old office holders and had given their places to his friends. He hao violated every precedent of Presidenual behavior. and has transgressed every tradition of statecraft.
 His greatest fight had been against the Bank of the United States. Wher he first became President he had some corfespondence with the bank, insisting that fine National Government had soms right to say who should be chosen ofn- cers of the bank. To this claim Nicholas Riddle head of the bank, sei up an absolute denial. Then reports came in from all over the country that The various branches of the bank were discriminating against Jackson men is business relations and that the banA was building up q machine 70 oyer, throw Jackson. This Federal bank nae been chartered in is1s for period ol twenty years. and 1t must obtain new lease of life from the Government du' ring the administration of that Presl' dent to be elected In 1s2e.
 Henry Clay. hating Jackson With ai his soul and firm in the belief that tn. neopfe would not re-elect such an un couth monster to the high offiee o President decided to force the lighting 1t was by his advice that the bill tt re-charter tha bank was introouced hnt passed by Congress during Jackson'i first term. Thomas H. Benton, Senator from Missouri. was fighting against thu re-charter In the Senate, declaring fol gold currency and gaining his sobrt auet of aOid Bullion" But tha b1ni had friends in Congress and the bill ex tending its charter was passed
 Jackson promptly vetoed it. Tha veto was given in July. 1928 when tn Presidential campaign was alrsadv vel fin progress In fhaae advanced and en frightened days the President aiwsy gees to 1t that Congress has adj5urne' before the nominations are made, % to prevent blg questions coming up But Jackson didn't care He said h. had swattAd the Money Devil' and h had. The campaign was on. and SD fa as the. Jackson men were concerned there was but ono issue--the duty 0 saving Jackson from overthrow by tn Money Monster.
 Clay. the idol of his followers. wa confident that he could win on the banl question. He was sure that the peopI would not consent to ruthless over turning of the financial system of tn