New-York tribune., 1911-12-24

vices was sufficient to requite him for the
enormous sums he spent, both at home and
abroad, during that transition period or
American history. The constant drain on
his personal revenues was met by increased
financial adroitness on his part, and his
Virginia estates were made to yield their
utmost farthing. Surely, Thomas Jefferson
was the most amazing breadwinner of his
generation. In his old age, however, ad-
versity overlook him, he was obliged to sell
his fine library, and he expected to lose
Monticello: but his friends rallied to his
financial relief. and the grand old states
man was spared that crowning sorrow
James Madison and James Monroe were
breadwinners of the voluntary sort. Both
were born in affluence, and might have
lived the life of "stolid plenty" but for the
opportunity that came to them to spend
and be spent in the service of their coun-
try William II. Harrison was also of the
sterling planter class, but after his father
had seen him safely through Hampden Sid
ney College and he had gone to Philadel-
phia to study medicine under the famous
DR.. Rush, the young sawbones obtained
commission in the army from General
Washington and bOlted for the frontier.
From that time he became a breadwinner
Of the actual sort With abundant oppor-
tunity TO feather his nest in the political
game which he played for so many years,
General Harrison might have been the rich
est man In the country. but his sense OF
honor was Of the most delicate sort and
when he retired to his farm at North Bend
he had little or nothing to live on.
OF the two remaining Virginia Presidents
John Tyler inherited q large estate from
his wealthy father. and Zachary Taylor's
early life was passed amid all the priva-
tions OF the Kentucky frontier. to which
his family had gone from his native Vir-
ginia when he was a babe in arms. The
mental training he received in that will
derness was of the most meagre Kind, but
he grew up sturdy, active and self-reliant.
He realized that he belonged TO the bread
winner class, and accepted the situation
without murmur. Early in life he be-
came a soldier, and for twenty-four years
his military service was the defence Of the
frontier. II was a service that demanded
unceasing vigilance. prompt action in
emergencies and boundless courage.
After he had won the rank of brigadier
generalization obtained a transfer to the
Department Of the Southwest, bought
plantation at Baton Rouge, La, and es-
tablished his family on 1.-THE first perma-
nent home that had ever been his. For
five years he followed agriculture success
fully, and the nthe Mexican war broke
out When II was over "Old Rough and
Ready" as he had been dubbed affection
ately by his soldiers. returned home pre-
pared TO spend the remainder Of his days
in securing a modest competence by rails
ing cotton and cane. The politicians made
him President before he had time TO har-
vest his first good crop. and when he died,
sixteen months later, he had not secured
that coveted financial independence.
Both the Massachusetts, Presidents had
TO depend entirely on their own ability to
provide daily bread supply for themselves
and their families. The elder Adams was
sent TO Harvard at the great personal sac
rihoe of his parentsto prepare for the min
istry When he decided 10 become a law
yer he was thrown upon his own resources
and was forced TO become a scholmaster
temporarily. He had been practising law
six years before he obtained money suf-
ficient 10 pay his wedding expenses. but
from that time until tho breaking out OF
Of therevolutionary War he found numer-
Gus clients. although his fees were small.
Throughout his entire public career John
Adams was never at his ease I'm regard 10
money matters. During his long European
experience in the service Of his country
he was harassed continually by lack Of
money, and It took all his Yankee inge-
nuity to steer clear of financial shipwreck.
When he retired from the political field.
a disguised and disgruntled old man. he
had barely enough to go back 10 his for
mer simple life at Quincy
His brilliant son. whom his father lived
to see sixth President was similarly bur