it back to the American people with every star shining and its stripes purified by victory. The grateful nation had created for him a military honor no other American had ever borne. Twice he had been chosen chief magistrate, serving through eight years of unparalleled civil confusion and unprecedented commercial desolation. By the help of his loyal associates in other branches of government, he had been enabled to bring back the "age of gold," and had thereby added to the renown of America not only the title of a brave, but the higher glory of an honest, people. Will we keep the honor? "Tell me, O Muse! of that sagacious man, Who, having overthrown the sacred town Of Ilium, wandered far, and visited The capitals of many nations."- Odyssey. CHAPTER XXII. IMPERIALISM. WHEN the comet resembled a cross, it received the blessing of the chief pontiff: when it assumed the shape of a Turkish cimeter, the head of the Church cursed it vigorously. Popular adulation passes into popular censure sometimes with equal rapidity. Periodically this country is afflicted with spasms over some imagined case of imperialism. At an early date in our history Jefferson was seized with an apprehension that we were on the brink of monarchy. If John Adams wore curled hair, or indulged in the pompous airs for which he was said to be noted, the Jefferson school saw crowned heads and sceptres in the distance. This school was in constant terror over a possible king.' 1 John Adams says that the difference between him and Jefferson was, 1. In the difference between speeches and messages. I was a monarchist. I thought a speech more manly, more respectful to Congress and the nation: Jefferson and Rush preferred messages. 2. I held levees once a week, that all of my time might not be wasted in idle visits: Jefferson's whole eight years was a levee. 3. I dined a large company once or twice a week: Jefferson dined a dozen every day. 4. Jefferson and Rush were for liberty and straight hair: I thought curled hair as republican as straight. |