1844 that one cannot find apt comparisons between the events
of today and the events of a century ago. As in 1844, so now
competing interests and pressures battle to dominate our
major political parties. Often one of these rival groups will
seek to promote objectives which are irreconcilable with
those sought by other elements within the same party. But
it is the job of the party stalwarts, when faced with the ever-
recurring crisis of a test of popularity at the polls, to resolve
these conflicts, effect a compromise between rival leaders, and
secure a solid coalition of factions to do battle under the
single banner of the party. In their attempt to close ranks
and stifle (or at least obscure) the party's internal disagree-
ments, the politicos have sometimes embarked on the reck-
less course of propagandizing some novel measure which is
easily dramatized and capable of creating momentary hys-
teria. Yet to engage in such tactics can be dangerous--danger-
ous to the party and dangerous to the nation. For issues which
are of vital consequence to the welfare of the country can
seldom be properly settled in a forum where passion and
not deliberation will control the decision.

Lastly, for me, this work has been a labor of love because
this particular epoch in history was an Armageddon for many
of the great heroes of the Jacksonian period. Across this
stage of history marched Jackson, Van Buren, Benton, Tyler,
Calhoun as well as Clay, Webster, and Adams, most of whom
were at the high watermark of their political careers. And
men whose fame today has diminished--Robert J. Walker,
Silas Wright, Benjamin Butler, and a score of others--some of
whom were high-minded, and some scheming parasites living
upon public office--but all of whom figured prominently in
these events. The study of the role filled by all these dramatis

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