1. Aaron Burr, Father of the Political Machine
II. DeWitt Clinton, Father of the Spoils System
III. Martin Van Buren, Nationalizer of the Machine
IV. Henry Clay, Master and Victim of Compromise
and Coalition

V.

Stephen A. Douglas, Defender of State's Rights
and of Nationalism

E183

08

TO VINU

ernments, like clocks, go from the motion mer
give them; and as Governments are made and
moved by men, so by them they are ruined too
Wherefore Governments rather depend upon mer
than men upon Governments. Let men be good, anı
the Government cannot be bad. If it be ill, they wil
cure it. But if men be bad, they will endeavo
to warp and spoil it to their turn."

WM. PENN

Preface to his Constitution
of Pennsylvania.

Copyright, 1906.

ΤΟ

FRANCIS H. HASEROT

Successful Merchant

Useful Citizen

Loyal Friend

This volume is respectfully inscribed

FOREWORD.

These biographical sketches were prepared by the author, not as a formal treatise upon political science, nor a new fragment of political theory wrested from the realms of research, nor yet as a novel contribution to political history; but to tell simply and informally the life-stories of five of our great American politicians.

For into the life-story of a leader is woven the history of his day. And thus in the developing personalities of our political leaders, in their intense ambitions, in their statecraft, their designing, their talents, and their follies, can be discovered the political development of our people.

In the hope that they may contribute to a clearer understanding of the growth of American politics, these biographical fragments are sent forth.

While the author has searched the best libraries of the country for his material, he begs to acknowledge his especial dependence upon the following works: Parton's "Aaron Burr," Shepherd's "Martin Van Buren,' Schurz's "Henry Clay," Nicolay & Hay's "Abraham Lincoln, " and Burgess's "The Middle Period." S. P. O.

Cleveland, October 2, 1905.