Evening star., 1944-02-19
Letters to The Star
Asks Explanation of Leadership
OF Andrew Jackson

To the Editor Of The Star:
As one deprived of the right TO vote
but friendly toward the principles ad-
vocated by the Democratic party, wish
some one who knows would assist me
to clear point that becomes the more
urgent as party interests compete with
the war for the immediate attention
of Congress.
|. Each political party, as we know
selects a political leader who most per-
fectly embodies the ideals for which
the party stands. For example, the
Federalists selected George Washing
ton and the Republicans Abraham Lin
coin. Now, the question that troubles
me is: Why have the Democrats chosen
Andrew Jackson? Why do they so
proudly refer to themselves as Jack
sonian Democrats" and repeatedly cele-
brate with jackson Day dinner?
Historians make these questions the
more difficult to answer by teaching
young people in our public schools:
l. That Jackson received very little
schooling and was never able to write
correct English
2. That, although admitted to the
bar, he did not know that his marriage
to Mrs. Richard Roberts was unlawful
until two years later, when Mr.. Roberts,
her husband, was granted a divorce.
3. That he repeatedly disobeyed the
law as well as his military superiors,
was quarrelsome and fought a number
OF duels, the most famous being the
one with Charles Dickinson.
4. That, during the War of 1872.
when ordered by the Secretary of War
to disband his troops at Natchez, he re-
fused to do so and later without orders
from Washington, he made an attack
on the Creek Indians Again in 1918,
without orders he entered Spanish
FLORIDA, overthreW the Seminole In
dams and captured two British subjects
'Arbuthnot and Ambrester,, charged
them with melting the Indians to war
and with, insufficient evidence" had
them executed.
D. That, in 1921. after the United
States had acquired Florida. Jackson
was made its Governor. Parton, his
blographer, tells us that his rule was
arrogant and disgraceful"
6. That he was the first President
to employ the "spoils system" While
the six preceding Presidents removed not
over 70 ofhceholders, he, during his first
year in office, removed some 1000
7. That. after appointing his cab
met, he reduced the members to the
position OF clerks and formed kitchen
CABINET composed of personal friends
with whom he conferred.
8. That he deliberately violated treatv
rights granted the Indians by the Fed
eral Government-and this during his
term as President
y mat, in 1888, he opposed the sue
cess1uIly operating United States Bank
ana unWlsely ordered the Secretary of
the treasury to remove all Federal
lunoS deposited in it to the uncertain
state banks. To secure the change. he
compelled the resignation of two Sec
retarles OF the Treasury, and finally
appointed the willing Roger B. Tanev
who removed the money to the pet
State banks. This is considered one of
the first steps toward the crisis of
1887" Va
TO- That. in 1885, he unwiselv issued
his Specie Circular" requiring all nav
ments for public lands henceforth to be
palo IN gold or silver. This comprised
hnal step toward the crisis of 1887 -
such are some of the statements made
by historians relative to President Jack
son Similar ones could be added.
NOW, IN the light of such a record
VIII some good Democrat explain the
reason for the -eminence the party
mas given to Jackson? Why has the
party elevated him to the position of
Ideal leader? Why does the party con.
tlnually refer to "Jacksonian Democ.
racy'? Why jackson Day dinners" at
s100 a plate?
A BEWILDERED STUDENT.