CHAPTER VIII.

MADISON'S ADMINISTRATIONS.

1809-1817.

THE PRESIDENT'S POLICY.

Madison accepted the policy of Jefferson with reference to foreign and general affairs. His inaugural address contained no new enunciation of principles, but repeated, in substance, those of his predecessor, with such additions as the exigencies of the times demanded.

DIPLOMACY.

When the new administration was launched the aspect of Eleventh Congress, European events was very threatening. Extra Session. Our foreign relations had grown so complicated that an adjustment seemed impossible without an appeal to war. The controversy with England was still pending. Madison was a man moderate in his thought and judgment, and naturally inclined to a middle course of action. The country was sharply divided, however, on the war question, and it was difficult for him to act, with the consent of his own judgment, in full accordance with the demands of either side. He desired to avert war, as long as possible, by means of diplomacy. England and France were still belligerent, and still disregarding the rights of neutrals. The former adhered to her "orders in council" and insisted that "a man once a subject was always a subject;" the latter had authorized the seizure and confiscation of American vessels which should enter the ports of France. A short suspense was effected through certain proposals of the British minister, Mr. Erskine, who informed the President, shortly after his inauguration, that he was authorized by his government to withdraw the objectionable "orders in council." In this he

transcended his powers, and in consequence was afterwards recalled. But, on the strength of his proposal, the President summoned a special session of Congress, to meet May 22, 1809, and suspend the Non-Intercourse act, in so far as it affected England, after June 10. Congress assembled on the day appointed, but in the meantime the British government, having disowned her minister's offer, the President restored by proclamation the Non-Intercourse act, and Congress, having no business to occupy it, adjourned June 28. At the expiration of the Non-Intercourse act, May, 1810, Mr. Madison "caused proposals to be made to both belligerents, that if either would revoke its hostile edict, this law should only be revived and enforced against the other nation. England rejected the proposal, but France, in a sort of dubious way, accepted it and received the benefit of its execution.

Congress met November 27, 1809. The republican maEleventh Congress, jority was very large. Few matters of First Session. general interest came up. A continuance of the non-intercourse act was voted; also a resolution requesting the President to recognize no longer the British minister, Mr. Erskine's successor, because of his having "frequently and offensively" contradicted the secretary of state. Congress adjourned May 1, 1810.

ATTEMPT TO RE-CHARTER THE NATIONAL BANK.

Congress met December 3, 1810. The question of greatEleventh Congress, est interest during this session was that Second Session. S of re-chartering the national bank. The old charter would expire on the 4th day of March, 1811. Mr. Gallatin, secretary of the treasury, on the 2d of March, 1809, had submitted a report favorable to the bank. Nothing further than this had been done. When the resolution to re-charter came up in Congress, the same opposition was 'manifested on the part of the "strict constructionists" as

was seen in the case of the original charter. The federalists advocated the measure, and a sufficient number of republicans sided with them to make it a very close vote. The resolution was defeated in the House by a majority of one, and in the Senate by the casting vote of the Vice-President. The bank, at the expiration of its charter, was therefore discontinued. Congress adjourned March 3, 1811.

THIRD EMBARGO.

Congress met November 4, 1811. The republican majorTwelfth Congress,ity was still very great, but there was manFirst Session. ifestly a breach in the party, growing wider every day, on the question of war. A number of young and aspiring members had recently entered Congress, who unitedly urged upon the party the necessity of a change of policy. Among these were Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun. Jefferson and Madison had made it a peace party. Since 1803 over 900 American merchant vessels had been captured, and other outrages perpetrated against the rights of the American government as a neutral power. These outrages were held up before the country as a just cause of war. The leaders of the war party gave Madison to understand that his nomination for a second term depended upon his falling in line with them and adopting a war policy. In case he refused to do this another man would be nominated in his stead. Madison yielded to the pressure and reluctantly advised Congress to prepare for hostilities. As a preliminary, the President, in April, 1812, recommended an embargo for sixty days; Congress passed a bill to that effect, but extended the time to ninety days.

DECLARATION OF WAR.

The war of 1812 was declared and supported by the republicans, and for the measure they were held responsible. On the first of June the President, in his message to Congress,

declared that our flag was continually violated on the high seas; that the right of searching American vessels for British seamen was claimed and practiced; that thousands of American citizens had been dragged on board of foreign ships and exiled to distant climes; that remonstrances were disregarded; that a peaceful adjustment was refused; that American blood had been shed, and that the British ministry had been intriguing for a dismemberment of the Union. This message was referred to a committee, who reported in favor of a declaration of war. Deliberations were carried on with closed doors, and hurried through so rapidly that the minority were cut off from debate. Congress passed an act, which the President signed on the 18th of June, declaring that a "state of war existed between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the United States of America." The war was not at first, if indeed it became at all, a national one. It was principally supported by the south and west, while in New England it met with strong opposition. The administration party branded the leaders of the minority as Jacobins, enemies of republics, and monarchists, designing the subversion of the Union. In December, 1813, the President recommended greater restrictions on importations. Congress, accordingly, in secret session, passed a bill imposing great "restrictions on commerce on inland waters." Congress adjourned July 6, 1812.

ELECTION OF 1812.

As the time approached for nominating candidates for the two highest offices in the government, the republican party found itself hopelessly divided. The war party, headed by Clay and Calhoun, fixed naturally upon Madison, he having acceded to the war policy. Accordingly, on the 8th of May, a congressional caucus was held, at which he was nominated. In the south and west the nomination met with great favor.

Quite a strenuous opposition, however, was developed in the north, headed by the New York legislature. The grounds of opposition were, first, against the caucus system, because by it the people were not consulted in selecting candidates; secondly, they objected to Virginia monopolizing the administration of the country; and, thirdly, against the foreign policy of the President. They nominated DeWitt Clinton for President, and Jared Ingersoll for Vice-President. The supporters of this ticket were called Clintonians. (Plate VI.) Notwithstanding an exciting and animated contest in the eastern and middle states, Madison was re-elected by a good majority, and Gerry was chosen Vice-President.

FEDERAL OPPOSITION TO THE WAR.

The declaration of war was a surprise to the people. Thirtyfour federal representatives protested vigorously, in an address to their constituents, both against the war and the way in which it had been declared. They had been refused the privilege of public debates, and would have no share in the evils which should grow out of the war. The President made requisitions upon the governors of the different states to furnish militia for the war. This, Connecticut and Massachusetts refused to do, on the ground that it would be unconstitutional for the federal government to call out the militia until invasion had taken place or the laws of the United States been actually resisted. Massachusetts voted two memorials to Congress protesting against the war and praying for peace. In February, 1814, a committee of the general assembly of this state presented the following report on numerous petitions which had been sent to the legislature: "A power to regulate commerce is abused, when employed to destroy it; and a manifest and voluntary abuse of power sanctions the spirit of resistance as much as a direct and palpable