January 8, 1861 (Tuesday)

Reflection



Today is celebrated by the Democrats, "St. Hickory's Day" in honor of Andrew Jackson's victory at New Orleans.  What makes this ironic is that the secession issues began to arise during his presidency in 1832.   Southern states were upset over tariffs...and President Jackson signed a moderate tariff, and South Carolina felt they had the right to argue state's rights and possibly secede over the issue.  Jackson was ready to use the military, if need be,  against South Carolina to enforce the tariff. 

"New York and New Orleans meet upon common and fraternal ground today.  Their mutual cannon and trumpets belch and bray in honor of a common hero.   And there is no doubt that the patriotic pulse of both cities and both sections would beat stronger and steadier, would they but devote this day to the wise contemplation of the spirit and character of the stern and Union-loving St. Hickory."  (St. Hickory's Day, New York Times editorial, January 8, 1861)

I have included a number of Andrew Jackson quotes for your enjoyment....

"Disunion by force is treason."

"I feel in the depths of my soul that it is the highest, most sacred, and most irreversible part of my obligation to preserve the union of these states, although it may cost me my life."

"If the Union is once severed, the line of separation will grow wider and wider, and the controversies which are now debated and settled in the halls of legislation will then be tried in fields of battle and determined by the sword."

"Secession means insurrection and war; and the other states have a right to put it down."

"The Bible is the rock on which this Republic rests."

"The Constitution and the laws are supreme and the Union indissoluble."

"There is nothing that I shudder at more than the idea of a separation of the Union.  Should such an event ever happen, which I fervently pray God to avert, from that date I view our liberty gone."

"Americans are not a perfect people, but we are called to a perfect mission."

"Any man worth his salt will stick up for what he believes right, but it takes a slightly better man to acknowledge instantly and without reservation that he is in error."

"Every good citizen makes his country's honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious but as sacred.  He is willing to risk his life in its defense and is conscious that he gains protection while he gives it."

"Fear not, the people may be deluded for a moment, but cannot be corrupted."

"Never take counsel of your fears."

"One man with courage makes a majority."

"Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in."

"The planter, the farmer, the mechanic, and the laborer... form the great body of the people of the United States, they are the bone and sinew of the country--men who love liberty and desire nothing but equal rights and equal laws."
(Andrew Jackson quotations, Brainy Quote)