A Short History of the United States for School Use Part 25

[Sidenote: Death of Was.h.i.+ngton, 1799.]

226. Death of Was.h.i.+ngton, 1799.--In the midst of this excitement George Was.h.i.+ngton died. People forgot how strongly he had taken the Federalist side in the last few years, and united to do honor to his memory. Henry Lee spoke for the nation when he declared that Was.h.i.+ngton was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." To this day, we commemorate Was.h.i.+ngton's birthday as we do that of no other man, though of late years we have begun to keep Lincoln's birthday also.

[Sidenote: Election of 1800. _McMaster_, 215.]

[Sidenote: Jefferson and Burr.]

[Sidenote: The election in the House of Representatives.]

227. Election of 1800.--It was for a moment only that the noise of party conflict was hushed by the death of America's first President. The strife soon began anew. Indeed, the election of 1800 was fought with a vigor and violence unknown before, and scarcely exceeded since. John Adams was the Federalist candidate, and he was defeated. Jefferson and Burr, the Republican candidates, each received seventy-three electoral votes. But which of them should be President? The Republican voters clearly wished Jefferson to be President. But the Federalists had a majority in the House of Representatives. They had a clear legal right to elect Burr President. But to do that would be to do what was morally wrong. After a useless struggle the Federalists permitted Jefferson to be chosen, and he was inaugurated on March 4, 1801.

[Ill.u.s.tration: PRESIDENT WAs.h.i.+NGTON, 1790. "Observe good faith and justice towards all nations."--_Farewell Address._]

QUESTIONS AND TOPICS

CHAPTER 19

---- 192-194.--_a_. Describe the method of electing President employed at first.

_b_. Describe Was.h.i.+ngton's journey to New York and the inaugural ceremonies, and compare them with the inauguration of the last President.

---- 195, 196.--_a_. In whose hands do appointments to federal offices lie?

_b_. What was the great difference mentioned in -- 196? Why was the difference so great?

---- 197, 198.--_a_. Why was Was.h.i.+ngton "stiff and aristocratic"?

_b_. Would Was.h.i.+ngton have accepted the t.i.tle of king? Give the reasons for your answer.

---- 199-202.--_a_. Give the reasons for the different views expressed in Congress as to customs duties. What are customs duties?

_b_. Explain how slavery influenced the views of the Southern members.

_c_. Compare the extent and population of the United States in 1791 with the extent and population to-day.

_d_. What two new states were admitted in 1791-92? What was their att.i.tude on slavery? What changes would their admission make in Congress?

---- 203, 204.--_a_. Explain carefully Hamilton's plan. What were its advantages? What is meant by the phrase "public credit"?

_b_. What is meant by the phrase "a.s.sumption of the state debts"?

---- 205, 206.--_a_. What question arose concerning the site of the national capital? How was it settled? Was this a good way to settle important questions?

_b_. Why did Hamilton want a Bank of the United States? Was this bank like one of the national banks of to-day?

CHAPTER 20

---- 207, 208.--_a_. Compare carefully the principles of the Federalists and the Republicans. Which party would you have joined had you lived then? Why? Which ideas prevail to-day?

_b_. Discuss Jefferson's views as to the value of newspapers.

---- 209-212.--_a_. Why did the Republicans sympathize with the French Revolution?

_b_. How was the action of the Republicans regarded by Was.h.i.+ngton? By Hamilton?

_c._ Why did Was.h.i.+ngton issue the Proclamation of Neutrality?

-- 213.--_a_. What is the difference between a tax laid by a tariff on imported goods and an internal revenue tax?

_b_. How was the rebellion suppressed? Compare this with Shays's Rebellion.

---- 214-216.--_a_. State the reasons for the trouble with Great Britain.

How was the matter settled?

_b._ Explain the trouble over the traffic on the Mississippi.

_c_. How was this matter settled?

-- 217.--_a_. Why did Was.h.i.+ngton decline a third term?

_b_. What are the important points in his Farewell Address?

_c_. How far has later history proved the truth of his words?

CHAPTER 21

-- 218.--_a_. How did Hamilton set to work to defeat Adams? Do you think his action justifiable?

_b_. What was the result of Hamilton's intrigues?

---- 219-221.--_a_. To what was the refusal to receive Pinckney equivalent? Describe the X. Y. Z. Affair.

_b_. What is a bribe? How must bribery in political life affect a government?

_c_. How was the news of this affair received in America? What does this show about the feeling of both parties toward the government?

---- 222, 223.--_a_. Describe the preparations for war. Why was a Navy Department necessary?

_b_. Why was France wise to make peace with the United States?

_c_. How was the matter finally settled?

---- 224, 225.--_a_. Describe the Naturalization Act.

_b_. What power did the Alien Act give the President? What danger is there in such power?