38 - Thomas Jefferson, Part 3
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VOICE ONE: THE MAKING OF A NATION -- a program in Special English by the Voice of America.
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The United States had a new president in Eighteen-Oh-One. It was Thomas Jefferson of Virginia. Jefferson wrote America's Declaration of Independence. He served as America's first ambassador to France and its first secretary of state. Now he would govern the nation.
I'm Maurice Joyce. Today, Richard Rael and I continue the story of America's third president, Thomas Jefferson.
VOICE TWO:
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| Thomas Jefferson |
Thomas Jefferson was happy and hopeful as he took office. His new political party, the Republicans, had defeated the older Federalist Party. The Federalists had controlled the government for twelve years.
America's first president, George Washington, was not a Federalist. But Federalists controlled the cabinet and the Congress during Washington's two terms. America's second president, John Adams, was a Federalist. So the party continued its control during his term.
VOICE ONE:
The Federalists and the Republicans held very different opinions about how to govern the nation. Yet the change in power from one party to the other took place peacefully.
Thomas Jefferson recognized the importance of this fact. He said: "What we have done in this country is all new. The force of public opinion is new. But the most important and pleasing newness is that we have changed our government without violence. This shows a strength of American character that will give long life to our republic."
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| James Madison |
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President Jefferson wanted to work with Federalists for the good of the nation. But he chose no Federalists for his cabinet. All the cabinet officers were strong Republicans. All were loyal to Thomas Jefferson.
James Madison of Virginia was secretary of state. Albert Gallatin of Pennsylvania, secretary of the treasury. General Henry Dearborn of New Hampshire, secretary of war. Robert Smith of Maryland, secretary of the navy. And Levi Lincoln of Massachusetts, attorney general.
VOICE ONE:
For other government positions, Jefferson decided to take a middle road. He would remove all officials appointed by former President John Adams during his 'lame duck' period. That was the time after Jefferson won the election, but before he took office. He also would remove all officials found guilty of dishonesty.
He said: "Federalists in government positions have nothing to fear if they have acted honestly and with justice. Those who have acted badly must go. As for the men I appoint to office, they must be of the highest character. I will accept no others."
VOICE TWO:
Federalist leaders denounced Jefferson's policy. They thought all Federalists should keep their government jobs. Many Republican leaders denounced Jefferson, too. They thought no Federalist should have a government job. The president was caught between the two groups.
He finally answered his critics. "Shouts and screams from Federalists or Republicans," he said, "will not force me to remove one more official. . .or one less. I will do what I think is right and just."
VOICE ONE:
Once President Jefferson formed his cabinet, he began planning the policies of his administration. His two closest advisers were Secretary of State Madison and Treasury Secretary Gallatin. First, they discussed financial policy.
They agreed that the government must stop spending as much money as it did under former President Adams. So, government departments would get less money. They also agreed that the government must pay its debts as quickly as possible.
The government owed millions of dollars. Each year, the debt grew larger because of the interest on these loans.
Albert Gallatin said: "We must have a strong policy. The debt must be paid. If we do not do this, our children, our grandchildren, and many generations to come will have to pay for our mistakes."
VOICE TWO:
President Jefferson wanted to pay the government debt. He also wanted to cut taxes on the production and sale of some products, such as whiskey and tobacco. He hoped the government could get all the money it needed from import taxes and from the sale of public lands.