The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-03-03

Keen political insight that led him to
devote all his energies to preparing
inc way for the great step which he
believed must be taken. II is plainly
! TO be seen from all the records which
remain OF that memorable Congress
which assembled in Philadelphia, in
lTt, TO find some way out of the DIM
Guilty in which british raDacity had
involved the colonies, that John Adams
was the dominant spirit and man on
whom all the others depended.
There Is little doubt that Adams
prompted Jefferson to write the De-
clnration of independence and was di.
rectly responsible for much contained
therein. 1t was also due largely TO
me YANKEE lawyers logic and per-
suasivncss that the document was ac-
ceptcd so enthusiastically as tho real
expression of the sentim .nt of the col
onies From first to last, John Adams
was the prime mover in all the radlcul
measures adopted by that convention.
His master work was proposing and Sc
curing the appointment of Washing
ton as head of the American army.
Had 1t not becn for his Influence
New England would not have been con-
tent TO put the military supremacy in
the hands of Virsinan.
The elder Adams was Fcdernlist.
not uncommitted, like Washington, but
OPEN aggressive and always ready to
give his reasons why. More than any
ether man, not excepting the brilliant
llamIton. John Adams was responsi-
Die Tor the continuance OF the Federal
lists party in power for twelve years
after the establishment of tha prcsi-
dency. Jefferson and his supporters,
who now called themselves RepublI-
cans, kept up vigorous warfare
against their political rivals, but they
ware not strong enough wh.n Wash
ington retired to private life TO scat tho
author of the Declaration in the presi-
dential chair. Tho BraIntree iawyeb
WAS elected by margin so close that
he must have realized that the day oil
his party was practically over.
John Adnms's Quarrel With Hamilton,
Despite their political antagonism.
Adams was great adnlrer of Thomus
Jefferson. He thought so highly OF
the brilliant Nirsinian and his princi-
pies that after he had been elected
President he began to show decided
liberation for some of the theories of
the Republican party. This was prob
ably due. In part. &c bis personal dis
llke of Hamilton, who was still the
real lsader OF the Fcderalists. These
two great men Were sworn enemies
and the rupture between them grew
wider every day. When Hamilton sue
ce aded in carrying New York for the
Republicans, Adams fetaliated ,,y turn
ms all of the formers friends out of
the Cabinet calling them "a British
faction" Then Hamilton made il his
chief aim in life 10 prevent his cnemy's
nlaeiion ana succeeded. jefferson
was made President by small maiori-
", ana Adams was so Disguised with
politics that lie did not remain in
Washington TO see him inauguratcd.
AS practical politician Thomas JEFF
icrson had no equal. At the start he
SGT himself FIRMLY against the Fed arnl-
ist notion or a centralized government
and batticd valiantly to defeat ii, For
Twelve years Hamilton and his po-
litical creed maintained the ascendcncy,
hat Jefferson never relaxed in his de-
termination 10 restrict the power of tho
federal government TO it's lowest con-
stitutional limit, and the first thing he
ana after coming Into office was to par
don all those who had been imprisoned
under tho ali,n and sedltion laws
AT this tho Fcderalists-.who were
the aristocracy Of the country, If that
term may bc allowed in a limited sense
made doleful outcry to the effect
that EMERSON was IAN atheist in rcliG-
ion fanatic in politics." That did
not alarm the President in the least.
lie went right on in his own way re-
CARELESS of public criticism and the
majority was with him. His party, now
In power for the first time, was hun
Sry for office and demanded that Fed
craltst incumbcnta should be removed
FOR the benefit of Republicans. Jeffcr-
sons keen political instinct warned
him that ii would not do to disregard
this popular clamor. and while his sense
of justice would not permit him to re-
move any one because he happened to
he Federalist, he asked for the re-
siEnation Of all those who had used
their official power for party purposes.
ana also those who had been appointed
by President Adams after tha result OF