Those were the memorable, historic principles of Democrats in the years preceding the Civil War—in the years when the Democrats had a mission, a creed; leaders who had convictions, champions, who loved ideas well enough to cherish them more dearly than office.
What was President Jefferson’s proud boast?
That he had so cut down Government expenses that the Public Debt would soon be a thing of the past.
What was Jackson’s proud boast?
That he paid the Public Debt.
That was the golden era of American history.
The National Bank had been abolished.
The National Debt had been paid off.
The Protective principle had been stricken out of the Tariff, and that infamous system had been reduced to a moderate revenue basis.
There was hardly a millionaire in the whole country.