Conspectus of the History of Political Parties and the Federal Government/Conspectus of Political History/Harrison and Tyler
Harrison’s and Tyler’s Administration.
Whig party in power.—At the inauguration of General Harrison, the Whigs obtained control of the government. His address upon that occasion contained sentiments adverse to executive interference with Congress, to a currency exclusively metallic, to the dependence of the treasury upon the executive department, and to anti-slavery societies in the free states.
The death of Harrison occurred on the 4th of April, 1841.
Tyler’s inaugural address sanctioned General Harrison’s calling of an extra session of Congress, and “announced the determination of the executive to carry out the will of the people in the election of his predecessor.”
A limited veto power was advocated by General Harrison in his inaugural address, and became one of the issues of this party. Especial emphasis was placed upon it by the Whigs after the break with Mr. Tyler.
Sub-treasury.—A bill for the repeal of the sub-treasury passed Congress by a large vote in its favor, and became a law before difficulties occurred between the President and the Whigs. It prohibited any officer having charge of public revenue from investing the fund, or devoting it to his own use.
A national bank.—The called session of Congress convened on the 31st of May, 1841. To that body Mr. Tyler submitted a formal message, setting forth the necessity of enacting measures which would afford speedy relief to the embarrassed condition of the treasury. He took no definite position on the subject of a bank, but announced his intention of concurring with the wish of Congress on the question, and expressed the hope that some suitable fiscal agency would be devised. In compliance with the desire of Mr. Tyler, the Secretary of the Treasury submitted to Congress a plan of a bank, which specified that the institution should be called “The Fiscal Bank of the United States.” A bill, according with this plan, passed Congress, and was transmitted to the President, who returned it with a veto message. This was surprising, and, under the circumstances, inexplicable, to the Whigs. Having learned from a deputation what kind of measure the executive would approve (as was understood), Congress framed and passed a bill which was deemed in harmony with his views; but it was vetoed (Sept. 9) six days after it passed the Senate.
Rupture between the President and the Whigs.—When this bill was vetoed, all the members of Tyler’s cabinet resigned, except Mr. Webster. At the close of the session seventy Whigs signed a manifesto, declaring that, “from that day forth all political connection between them and John Tyler was at an end.”
The Native American party was organized in 1843, and operated principally in large cities. The organization was occasioned by the great inflow of foreigners to the city of New York, and had for its leading objects opposition to Catholicism and the election to office of men born in a foreign country. Its adherents were generally called “Natives.”
Hunkers and Barnburners.—In 1843, the Democrats in the legislature of New York divided on minor questions, one faction receiving the name of “liberals.” The breach thus beginning began to widen till alienation between the factions became complete. Several years passed before a name was given to each division. In Polk’s administration, the “liberals” were called “Barnburners,” and the other wing “Hunkers.”
Election of 1844.—In August, 1843, the Liberty party met in national convention at Buffalo, New York, and designated James G. Birney and Thomas Morris as their candidates. A platform containing twenty-five resolutions was adopted. [See D. and Pl.] The Whig party assembled at Baltimore, in national convention, May 1, 1844. Henry Clay and Theodore Frelinghuysen were nominated. The ticket was received with enthusiasm and great expectations of success. A brief platform was adopted. [See D. and Pl.] The national convention of the Democratic party, held at Baltimore, May 27, 1844, nominated James K. Polk and Silas Wright. The latter declined the nomination, and George M. Dallas was subsequently selected. The platform of 1840 was reaffirmed, to which three additional resolutions were appended. [See D. and Pl.] Mr. Tyler was nominated by a convention of office-holders; but finding that the movement did not meet with popular support, he withdrew in favor of Mr. Polk. Mr. Polk united the Democratic party, so that it presented a strong front to its opponents, among whom there was a lack of harmony. Many Whigs at the north were hostile to the annexation of Texas and the system of slavery, while their ultra members at the south were in favor of both. From the former the Liberty ticket received considerable support, and from the latter the Democratic candidates received a large vote. The campaign closed, to the great disappointment of the Whigs, with the election of Messrs. Polk and Dallas. These received 170 electoral votes; the Whigs, 105.
Annexation of Texas.—Mr. Tyler, in a message (December, 1843), announced his desire of effecting a peaceable union between Texas and the United States. The measure was advocated by the Democrats and opposed by the Whigs; though some anti-slavery men of the former and a few pro-slavery men of the latter, did not, on this question, vote with their party. The bill providing for the annexation was signed by the executive on the last day of his official life.