In June, 1816, a convention to frame a constitution was called at
Corydon, which was then the capital of Indiana. The weather was
warm, and instead of holding their meetings in the State House the
members used to meet under a great elm which stood near. Under the
cool shadow of its branches the laws for the state were framed,
and from that the elm was called the Constitution Elm. It still
stands as it stood a hundred years ago, and the people of Corydon
do everything they can to protect it, and make it live as long as
possible.
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Chapter 71 - Monroe-The First Whispers of a Storm-Monroe's Famous
Doctrine
Madison was twice elected President. He was chosen for the second
time during the war with Britain. In 1817 his second term came to
an end and James Monroe took his place.
Monroe was not so clever as the presidents who had gone before
him. But he was a kindly, generous man. Every one liked him, and
the time during which he was President was called the "era of good
feeling."
And indeed men were so glad of this time of peace which had come
after such long years of war that they forgot old quarrels and
became friends again.
Unfortunately the peace was broken by a war with the Seminole
Indians in Florida. Florida still belonged to Spain, and it became
a haunt for all sorts of adventurers.
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