Election of 1800. McMaster, 215.
Jefferson and Burr.
The election in the House of Representatives.
227. Election of 1800.--It was for a moment only that the noise of party conflict was hushed by the death of America's first President. The strife soon began anew. Indeed, the election of 1800 was fought with a vigor and violence unknown before, and scarcely exceeded since. John Adams was the Federalist candidate, and he was defeated. Jefferson and Burr, the Republican candidates, each received seventy-three electoral votes. But which of them should be President? The Republican voters clearly wished Jefferson to be President. But the Federalists had a majority in the House of Representatives. They had a clear legal right to elect Burr President. But to do that would be to do what was morally wrong. After a useless struggle the Federalists permitted Jefferson to be chosen, and he was inaugurated on March 4, 1801.
[Illustration: PRESIDENT WASHINGTON, 1790. "Observe good faith and justice towards all nations." --Farewell Address.]
QUESTIONS AND TOPICS
CHAPTER 19
§§ 192-194.--a. Describe the method of electing President employed at first.
b. Describe Washington's journey to New York and the inaugural ceremonies, and compare them with the inauguration of the last President.
§§ 195, 196.--a. In whose hands do appointments to federal offices lie?
b. What was the great difference mentioned in § 196? Why was the difference so great?
§§ 197, 198.--a. Why was Washington "stiff and aristocratic"?