Page:Lives of the presidents in words of one syllable (1903).djvu/65

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in strength and wealth more and more. Miles of rail-road were built that were a great help, and steam-boats came more in-to use.

Jack-son's work was hard and he had much to do, for there was great strife as to the themes of the day, the slaves, tax-es, banks, and more. He did his best for what he thought was the good of all in the land. He made France pay sums due us, and he knew how to put an end to the ill-will of Spain and Den-mark.

When, at the end of his last term, in 1837, Pres-i-dent Jack-son made his last speech, things were in such shape that he felt most glad. He had been brave, firm, said what he thought, and had put down his foes. Best of all he had kept the land as one. He was just and true in what he did, and had the weal of his own land, at all times, close to his heart. Those who loved him gave him the name of "Old Hick-o-ry," which was thought to fit him well as he was so strong and firm.

He went back to his Ten-nes-see home and was there eight years, strong to the last in his zeal for the U-ni-ted States, for which his love was so great.

All the fame of which he could have dreamed in his youth was his at last. The poor boy from the pine woods belt and the log hut, with none to help him, came to be a he-ro in this land.

He died June 8, 1845, at the age of 78. In his last years he was at peace with all.