Election Conflict, Part 2

In the previous episode, the ghost of Mr. Poe and I began a discussion of the presidential election of 24 - 1824 that is - an election that the young Poe would have been familiar with.   And if you have not heard that podcast episode, I encourage you to go back and listen to it.  It only tells 1/4th of the story - keep listening and I think you will see what I mean.

Transcript

George - plain text
Ghost of Mr. Poe - italics text

Welcome to Celebrate Poe - Episode 289 - Election Conflict, Part 2

In the previous episode, the ghost of Mr. Poe and I began a discussion of the presidential election of 24 - 1824 that is - an election that the young Poe would have been familiar with.   And if you have not heard that podcast episode, I encourage you to go back and listen to it.  It only tells 1/4th of the story - keep listening and I think you will see what I mean.

Well, here is Mr. Poe. Greetings, Mr. Poe

Hello, Mr. Bartley.

Let us continue our discussion of the presidential election of 1824 - a discussion where we have only discussed one of the men on the ballot - the controversial Andrew Jackson.

Precisely, Mr. Bartley 

Mr. Poe - what about Mr. John Quincy Adams? He was also on the ballot - and before we begin, I must say that I admire your detailed knowledge of American politics.

Ah Mr. Bartley - I would like to think that I tried to be aware of American politics and its ramifications, tho most scholars believe that I actually wrote little about the world of politics - except possibly in a figurative sense.

And that is an area that we will delve into in future episodes - ah, there is so much. It seems that the more I learn about your life and works, Mr. Poe, the more I realize how LITTLE I know.  But be that as it may, would you comment on John Quincy Adams?

Mr. Bartley, I must say that John Quincy Adams was a remarkable figure in American history, whose life and career were truly extraordinary. John Quincy Adams was born on July 11, 1767, in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts, the son of John Adams, our second president, and Abigail Adams. From a young age, he was immersed in the world of politics and diplomacy. His education was quite exceptional for the time. As a boy, he accompanied his father on diplomatic missions to Europe, gaining fluency in French, Dutch, and German. This early exposure to international affairs would shape his future career.

Mr. Poe - what about his political journey?

Mr. Bartley, Adams’s political journey was long and most distinguished. He served as a U.S. Senator, a diplomat, and as Secretary of State under President James Monroe. In this role, he was instrumental in formulating the Monroe Doctrine, a cornerstone of American foreign policy for generations. In 1824, he became the sixth President of the United States, though his election was controversial. He lost the popular vote to Andrew Jackson but was chosen by the House of Representatives in what Jackson's supporters called a "corrupt bargain”. His presidency, from 1825 to 1829, was marked by ambitious proposals for national improvements, including roads, canals, and educational institutions. However, he faced significant opposition in Congress and struggled to implement his agenda. After losing his re-election bid to Jackson in 1828, Adams did not retire from public life. Instead, he won election to the House of Representatives, where he served for nearly two decades. In Congress, he became a vocal opponent of slavery and a defender of the right of petition, fighting against the "gag rule" that tabled anti-slavery petitions.

John Quincy Adams must have been quite a character.

Definitely, Mr. Bartley - to use your words, Mr. Adams WAS quite a character.  He was known for his intellect, his principles, and his sometimes prickly personality. He kept a detailed diary throughout his life, providing invaluable insights into early American politics. He died on February 23, 1848, after collapsing on the floor of the House.

Mr. Poe - that strikes me as a very fitting end for a man who had dedicated his life to public service.

Mr. Bartley, - a somewhat morbid observation, but I quite agree. John Quincy Adams's legacy is complex. While his presidency is often considered unsuccessful, his diplomatic achievements and his later career as a congressman fighting against slavery have earned him respect in the eyes of history.

Mr. Poe - his legacy is most admirable.

Ah, Mr. Bartley, as the spirit of Edgar Allan Poe, realistically I must say that John Quincy Adams' presidency was marked more by his ambitious vision than by concrete legislative achievements.

But Mr. Poe - surely there had to be SOME notable accomplishments during his tenure:

Ah, Mr. Bartley - I would be remiss if I did not give you some specific examples, Adams was a strong proponent of internal improvements. He initiated the construction of several important infrastructure projects, including the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which he broke ground for in 1828, the extension of the Cumberland Road (National Road) as well as various other roads, canals, and harbor improvements.

And I personally admired the fact that Adams was such a champion of science and education. He proposed the establishment of a national university and advocated for the creation of a national observatory, which later became the United States Naval Observatory.  Mr. Adams also supported scientific expeditions and the advancement of astronomical studies.

Mr. Poe - was he known for achievements in foreign policy?

Ah yes, Mr. Bartley, while most of Adams' significant diplomatic achievements occurred during his tenure as Secretary of State, as President he continued to uphold and strengthen the Monroe Doctrine.
He supported a high protective tariff to promote American manufacturing, culminating in the Tariff of 1828 (though this was controversial and contributed to his political difficulties). Adams opposed the sale of federal lands at low prices and instead advocated for their conservation for future use. It's worth noting that many of Adams' most ambitious proposals were blocked by a hostile Congress, limiting his ability to implement his vision for the country. His presidency is often viewed as less successful than his other public service roles, particularly his time as Secretary of State and his later career in the House of Representatives. Despite these challenges, Adams' presidency laid important groundwork for future developments in science, and education, even if many of his ideas were not fully realized during his term.

Thank you, Mr. Poe - John Quincy Adams was certainly a man of accomplishment.  Now could you comment on Henry Clay?

Certainly, Mr. Bartley. Henry Clay was indeed a towering figure in American politics during the early 19th century. Allow me to share my thoughts on this remarkable statesman.

Please, Mr. Poe.

Henry Clay, born in 1777 in Virginia, was a lawyer, orator, and statesman who played a pivotal role in shaping American policy for nearly half a century. He served as a U.S. Representative, Senator, and Secretary of State, earning the nickname "The Great Compromiser" for his ability to broker agreements between opposing factions. Clay's most significant contribution to American politics was undoubtedly his "American System," which he first proposed in 1824. This comprehensive economic plan aimed to strengthen and unify the nation through three main pillars:

Protective tariffs to support American industry
A strong national bank to stabilize the currency
Federal funding for internal improvements such as roads and canals

The American System was designed to create a self-sufficient national economy, reducing reliance on foreign imports and fostering economic interdependence between different regions of the country. Clay argued that this would not only boost economic growth but also strengthen national unity.

But I must emphasize that Clay's oratorical skills were legendary. He could hold the Senate floor for hours, swaying opinions and rallying support for his causes. His speeches were known for their eloquence, passion, and persuasive power. As a leader of the Whig Party, Clay ran for president three times but never succeeded. Despite this, his influence on American politics was profound. He played a crucial role in several major compromises that held the Union together in the decades leading up to the Civil War, including the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the Compromise of 1850.

In essence, Henry Clay was a visionary statesman whose ideas and actions left an indelible mark on American politics and economics. His legacy as "The Great Compromiser" and the architect of the American System ensures his place as one of the most influential figures in early American history.

Mr. Poe - almost sounds too good to be true.

Ah, Mr. Bartley, there WERE several main criticisms of the American System. Some opponents questioned the constitutional authority of the federal government to fund internal improvements and infrastructure projects. They saw it as an overreach of federal power.  There was also some regional opposition, especially from the South: Many Southerners opposed the American System because they felt it favored Northern and Western interests at the expense of the South. The South's economy was based more on agriculture and exports, so they didn't see as much benefit from the system.

And don’t forget the opposition to high tariffs - the protective tariffs that were part of the American System were very unpopular in the South. John C. Calhoun called the Tariff of 1828 the "Tariff of Abominations" because Southerners felt it unfairly burdened them while benefiting Northern manufacturers.

There were also concerns about centralized power: Some critics worried that the American System would give too much power to the federal government at the expense of states' rights.

There was even a lack of political support. President John Quincy Adams struggled to gain congressional support for many aspects of the American System, as his critics challenged what they saw as the "arrogance" of a president narrowly elected by the House trying to implement such an ambitious program. And some economists and politicians favored free trade policies and opposed the protectionist aspects of the American System.
Sectionalism: The American System contributed to growing sectionalism in the country, as different regions had varying levels of support for the policy.

Mr. Poe - it would seem to me that this could lead to disagreements between the northern and southern states.

PRECISELY, Mr. Bartley - The American System definitely increased tensions between the North and South.  In fact, there were debates about how to fund the infrastructure improvements and other aspects of the system, with many opposing increased federal spending.
Mr. Bartley, despite good intentions, these criticisms ultimately limited the full implementation of the American System and contributed to political conflicts in the early to mid-19th century.

Finally, Mr. Poe - could you comment on the 4th person on the ballot for the presidential election of 1824.

Certainly - that would be William Crawford - perhaps the least known of the candidates today. William Crawford was a most fascinating figure in early American politics, though perhaps not as well-remembered today as some of his contemporaries. Allow me to share my thoughts on this influential statesman.

William Harris Crawford, born in 1772 in Virginia, was a prominent politician who served in various high-ranking positions during the early 19th century. He was a man of considerable intellect and political acumen, rising from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful figures in Washington.

Crawford's political career was impressive by any measure. He served as a U.S. Senator from Georgia from 1807 to 1813, where he gained a reputation for his wisdom and sound judgment. He was not afraid to break from party lines when he felt it necessary, supporting the rechartering of the Bank of the United States in 1811 despite opposition from many of his Democratic-Republican colleagues.

His talents did not go unnoticed by the nation's leaders. President James Madison appointed him as Minister to France in 1813, and later as Secretary of War in 1815. However, it was as Secretary of the Treasury under both Madison and James Monroe that Crawford truly shone. He served in this role from 1816 to 1825, overseeing significant reforms and improvements in the nation's financial system.

Crawford's time as Treasury Secretary was marked by his efforts to bring order to the nation's finances in the aftermath of the War of 1812. He initiated the Reform Bill of 1817, which centralized financial accounting within the Treasury Department. He also oversaw important infrastructure projects, including coastal fortifications and the construction of the Cumberland Road.

So it does not come as a surprise that Crawford was a serious contender for the presidency in both 1816 and 1824. In 1824, he was one of four candidates in a hotly contested election the election that we are discussing - an election that ultimately went to John Quincy Adams. Unfortunately, Crawford's presidential ambitions were hampered by a stroke he suffered in 1823, which left him partially paralyzed and nearly blind at the time of the election.  Despite this setback, Crawford's influence on early American politics was significant. He was known for his conservative approach to public finance and his support for a strong national bank, positions that put him at odds with the rising Jacksonian Democrats.  In essence, William Crawford was a capable and influential statesman whose career spanned a crucial period in the young nation's history. While he may not be as well-remembered as some of his contemporaries, his contributions to American governance and finance were substantial and lasting.

Mr. Poe - I was not aware of Mr. Crawford’s accomplishments.

Ah, Mr. Bartley, William H. Crawford made several significant contributions to American politics. Crawford served as a U.S. Senator from Georgia from 1807 to 1813, where he gained a reputation for wisdom and sound judgment. He was elected as the Senate's president pro tempore in 1812.
Crawford served as Secretary of War and Secretary of the Treasury under Presidents Madison and Monroe. As Treasury Secretary from 1816 to 1825, he oversaw significant reforms and improvements in the nation's financial system. As Treasury Secretary, Crawford helped organize the treasury more efficiently. He initiated the Reform Bill of 1817, which centralized financial accounting within the Treasury Department.
Crawford oversaw several major internal improvements, including the creation of a fort system along the Eastern Seaboard and construction of the Cumberland Road. He supported the rechartering of the Bank of the United States in 1811, understanding it as a constructive institution that stabilized the economy. Crawford also served as Minister to France in 1813, gaining experience in international affairs. Crawford was known for his willingness to break from party lines when he felt it necessary, as demonstrated by his support for the Bank of the United States despite opposition from many Democratic-Republicans.

Mr. Poe - to be honest, I had never heard of this William Crawford before, but I am most impressed by his accomplishments.

Ah, yes, Mr. Bartley. And even before his national career, Crawford served in the Georgia state legislature and was appointed to write a digest of Georgia laws, resulting in the publication of "Digest of the Laws of the State of Georgia" in 1801. Such contributions show that Crawford was a significant figure in early American politics, particularly in areas of finance, foreign policy, and infrastructure development. His career spanned multiple high-level positions and he was considered a serious presidential contender, indicating his importance in the political landscape of the early 19th century. William H. Crawford was even considered a serious presidential contender twice (in 1816 and 1824)

Mr. Poe - why was William H. Crawford considered for president twice?

Ah, Mr. Bartley - Crawford served in several important roles, including U.S. Senator, Minister to France, Secretary of War, and Secretary of the Treasury under Presidents Madison and Monroe. This extensive experience in both domestic and foreign affairs made him a credible candidate.  He also had strong support from the party establishment: Crawford enjoyed the backing of many Democratic-Republican party regulars in Congress, especially figures like Senator Martin Van Buren of New York. He was seen as a continuation of the Virginia dynasty and Jeffersonian ideology.  And as a native of Georgia, Crawford had a strong base of support in the South. He was also able to garner support in other regions due to his national prominence.  He definitely had a reputation for competence. His tenure as Secretary of the Treasury was generally viewed as successful, enhancing his reputation as an capable administrator.
And in 1824, Crawford was nominated by an unofficial congressional caucus, though it was less well-attended than previous caucuses.
For the 1824 election, Crawford had the support of former Presidents James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, lending him significant credibility.
Crawford was even seen as representing the more traditional wing of the Democratic-Republican Party, appealing to those who favored a limited federal government and states' rights.

Mr. Poe, sounds like William Crawford might be one of the strongest candidates.

Ah, Mr. Bartley - In the lead-up to the 1824 election, Mr. Crawford WAS initially considered one of the strongest candidates, though his chances were later hampered by health issues. In 1816, he lost the party nomination to James Monroe, and in 1824, he finished third in a highly contested election that - as you may know - ultimately went to John Quincy Adams.

Mr. Poe - now that we have discussed the Presidential Election of 1824 in this and the preceding podcast episode, would you share your final observations about the fascinating Presidential Election of 1824, which was truly unique in American history.

Certainly, Mr. Bartley - there were four major candidates emerged, all from the Democratic-Republican Party:

Andrew Jackson received 99 electoral votes and 153,544 popular votes
John Quincy Adams received 84 electoral votes and 108,740 popular votes
William H. Crawford received 41 electoral votes and 40,856 popular votes
Henry Clay received 37 electoral votes and 47,531 popular votes
And this election was most remarkable for several reasons:
It was the first election where the popular vote was retained for history
No candidate received a majority of electoral votes, forcing the decision to the House of Representatives. It became the only election where the candidate with the most electoral votes (Jackson) did not become president.

Well, Mr. Poe, what about the house decisions.

Ah, yes, Mr. Bartley - the house - and therefore the election's resolution was particularly dramatic. Now remember - The House of Representatives had to choose between the top three candidates: Jackson, Adams, and Crawford. Henry Clay, who was eliminated, threw his support behind Adams. Then Adams won on the first ballot with 13 states to Jackson's 7 and Crawford's 42 The appointment of Clay as Secretary of State after Adams' victory led to accusations of a "Corrupt Bargain”

Mr. Poe - as I am sure that such accusations would be made today.

Yes, Mr. Bartley - The 1824 election marked significant changes in the electoral process. It was the first election where a large majority of electors were chosen by voters rather than state legislatures. Eighteen states chose presidential electors by popular vote, while six still left the choice to state legislatures

This election fundamentally changed American politics, leading to the eventual formation of the Democratic Party under Jackson and the National Republican Party (later Whig Party) under Adams and Clay

Mr. Bartley - may I interject a brief statement which you might find helpful.

Certainly, Mr. Poe - by all means go ahead.

Mr. Bartley, like many elections - the details can become confusing and even overwhelming - let me summarize the dynamics of the political conflict.  I think it might be quite helpful. The presidential election of 1824 featured four main candidates: Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, William H. Crawford, and Henry Clay. However, none of the candidates secured a majority in the Electoral College, leading to the election being decided by the House of Representatives.

In the Presidential Election of 1824, even though Andrew Jackson won the popular vote and had the most electoral votes, John Quincy Adams was ultimately chosen as president by the House of Representatives. Many supporters of Jackson accused Adams and Clay of making a "corrupt bargain" when Clay threw his support behind Adams in the House vote, and Adams subsequently appointed Clay as Secretary of State.

Thank you, Mr. Poe - that is a significant clarification.

Join Celebrate Poe for Episode 290 - Alien.

Sources include: perplexity.ai, Edgar Allan Poe: A Critical Biography by Arthur Hobson Quinn, The Poe Log: A Documentary Life of Edgar Allan Poe by Dwight R. Thomas and David K. Jackson, and the Baltimore Edgar Allan Poe website.

Thank you for listening to Celebrate Poe.