Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-26

The political revolution accomplished on
March A. 1901, when Thomas jefferson was
inaugurated president of the United States,
with a republican majority in congress to
support him, was In fact the beginning of
American political institutions as we know
them now. Before that time the constitu-
ton was held in light esteem, the union
was only an experiment, many conserv-
atives still hoped for a monarchy, the re-
publican form of government was not
firmly established. Already the two
schools Of Interpretation Of the constitu-
ton had challenged each other to combat,
but the division had not yet become
geographical.
Thus far the entire political machinery
had been in the hands of a certain aris-
tocracy based on birth, wealth and political
traditions. Every state had its political
families and circles, in the highest So
ciety, which controlled the opinions of the
respective parties or factions. There was
no such thing as a leader sprung from
among the people.
One wing Of the arlstocracy became more
and more impatient with the radicalism Of
the people, more and more disguised with
France and the French sympathizers, more
and more inclined to return to a love of
England and a reverence for English in
situations. At the head OF this faction was
John Adams, who became president in 1897.
Another faction OF this aristocracy be-
lievad firmly in the future of the country,
hoped to build up it's industries, establish
its credit and make a great American ma
ton out Of the thirteen states which were
loosely strung together "as a rope Of sand"
This section hoped to lead the people in
political activity, rather than to permit
tHa -,.r1 q. 10 -. - ~ =
this wing stood the great constructive
statesman, Alexander Hamilton.
Yet a third section OF the aristocracy
was aflame with self-immo.ating passion
for the masses. Aristocrats socially and
financially, these men denounced the rule
Of the upper classes and demanded that all
pownr Of government be vested in the
popular majority. Equal rights for all,
special privileges for none,' was their
rallying cry. Young swells of the rich
families dressed themselves in French
fashion, aped the manners Of the revolu-
ton and hailed each other as Citizen"
abolishing the aristocratic title Of Mister
Older men Of the same families worshlpped
philosophy, liberty, fraternity and equality.
It was to the The Age OF Reason. At the
head of this branch of the aristocracy was
Thomas jefferson,
Inc leuefdllSlS, lea by Hamilton ana
Adams, firmly and sincerely believed that
Jefferson and his republicans would wreck
the government, destroy religion. confis-
cate property, and repeat in America what
the terror had~been in France, The Tepub-
leans were as firmly convinced that the
federalists contemplated the overthrowing
Of the republic and the establishment Of a
monarchy. Each party believing that the
life Of the republic depended upon it's sue
cess, the battle ragged fiercely. When
Washington left the presidency the flood
Of angry political passions so long re-
strained by his majestic personality burst
forth. The federalists had possession OF
congress by a narrow margin, and the split
between Adams and Hamilton early mani
tested itself. Jefferson was the acknowl-
edged leader of the republicans. and Burr
was prominent only as a supporter Of the
great Virginian.
M republicans did not sympathize with
the attitude Of the admlnistration toward
France and refused to vote for the equip
ment to prosecute a war. The republican
press sympathized with France, and many
opposition papers were conducted by for
eigners. Whereupon the Alien act was
passed, giving the president the light to
imprison and deport aliens practically at
will. This was followed by the Sedition
act, which prescribed severe penalties for
uttering or publishing libels upon the
government, the president, or officers In
authority, This gave the federal courts
jurisdiction over political libel cases. and
brought forth a furious storm Of protest.
The federal authorities began to enforce
the law with rigor. and the whole country
was plunged into a terrific political battle.
Matthew Lyon, a republican membe OF
congress from Vermont, was Imprisoned
for publishing a letter accusing, not d.
rectly, but by inference, President Adams
Of possessing IAN unbounded thirst for
ridiculous pomp, foolish adulation and sell
fish avarice." Lyon wrote that he saw an
executive possessed OF such a thirst he
would not be his humble advocate
Rather mild, as things have gone since
that day, but it was enough to put. Lyon
in jail for four months. He was reelected
to congress from Jail, and later went 10
Kentucky where he was more certain Of
a big republican majority.
The republican,, OF course, attacked the
Sedition act as unconstitutional and as an
abridgement OF the rights Of free speech
and a free press. The federalists declared
it was necessary TO prevent republican
newspapers from attacking the policy OF
the government, as it was apparent that
republican success would destroy not only
the government, but religion. property
and everything else worth while. jefferson
was IAN atheist in religion and a fanatic
In politics His follower were Jacobins.
The words 'populist" and socialists" had
not been invented In those early day.
Thacdare Eadu,EfnE vraa oIartad 49,
OF the house. In the last congress con