He had very
little schooling, and all his life he was never able to write
correct English.
When his friends first asked him to stand for President, he laughed.
"Do you suppose," he said, "that I am such a fool as to think myself
fit for President of the United States? No, sir, I know what I am
fit for. I can command a body of men in a rough way, but I am not
fit to be President."
However, he did consent to stand. The first time he was unsuccessful,
and Adams was chosen instead, the second time he was brilliantly
successful.
Jackson's inauguration was a triumph. Hundreds and thousands of
the common people came to see the "people's man" become President.
Every road leading to the Capitol was so thronged that the procession
could hardly make a way through the crowd, and when the President
appeared the cheers were deafening.
After the inauguration was over there was a great reception at the
White House. The crush was tremendous. People elbowed each other
and almost fought for a sight of the new President. They stood on
the satin covered chairs in their muddy boots to get a glimpse of
him over the heads of others. Glasses were broken, and wine was
spilled on the fine carpets. In fact, it was a noisy jollification
and many people were shocked. "The reign of King Mob seemed
triumphant," said an old gentleman; "I was glad to escape from the
scene as soon as possible.
Pages:
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568