initiative. It has been said that Gladstone was an opportunist with a conscience. Jefferson was a visionary with the statesman's gift for accomplishing what is practicable. It is his peculiar glory that he saw the future greatness of his country and took the right measures for securing its peaceful development. The "dreamer" and the "philosopher" had studied the geography of his own continent to some purpose. The United States of to-day is the legitimate offspring of Jefferson, the peaceful expansionist, the enterprising explorer.
Meanwhile the date of the Presidential election was drawing near. There was no doubt of Jefferson's renomination, or of his re-election, once he had decided to stand for a second time. He had no rival in the affections of the people. Peace and prosperity had been reflected in the public finances. Henry Adams writes in his history:—
"Although the customs produced two millions less than in 1802, yet when the Secretary in October, 1803, announced his financial arrangements, which included the purchase money of fifteen million dollars for Louisiana, he was able to provide for all his needs without imposing a new tax. The treaty required the issue of six per cent bonds for $11,250,000, redeemable after fifteen years. These were issued, and to meet the interest and sinking fund, Gallatin added from his surplus an annual appropriation of seven hundred thousand dollars to his general fund, so that the discharge of the whole debt would take place within the year 1818, instead of eighteen months earlier, as had been intended. . . .This was ideal success. On a sudden call, to pay out four million dollars in hard money, and add seven hundred thousand dollars to annual expenditure, without imposing a tax, was a feat that warranted congratulations."
The election took place in November. Jefferson and Governor Clinton of New York were nominated as President and Vice-President by the Congressional caucus for the Republicans, and the Federalists agreed to vote for
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