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Story
May 21, 1848
The New York Herald
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
An opinion piece doubts claims that U.S. President James K. Polk wields more power than European monarchs, speculates on his ambition to retain the White House for another term, and argues the presidency lacks sufficient authority and respect.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
THE WHITE HOUSE POWER.—We have heard a great deal of executive patronage; and the whigs tell those who will listen to them, that the President of the United States possesses more patronage and irresponsible power than any monarch of Europe.
We doubt this very much, and are inclined to think that those who assert it, doubt it as much themselves. But we shall soon see. The time for the test is come, when it will be seen if the President has really so much power as is attributed to him.
We hold it to be undeniable that Mr. Polk has ambition. Why not? He is a man; and who can blame him for it? We hold it as undeniable, that if he can keep possession of the White House for another four years, he will do it. Why not? It is a comfortable house, and who can blame him for it? The question, then is, can he do it? We shall soon see. If what is so much talked of by politicians, of the undue power and influence of the President, be true, then, having power once in his hands, he will be able to retain it. If, therefore, having the will, he does not retain his place, then he has not the power to do so; and then all that has been said of the overwhelming preponderance, influence, patronage and power of a President of the United States, signifies nothing
We are rather inclined to the opinion that a President of the United States has not all the power which he ought to have, nor is he treated with all the respect with which he ought to be treated.
We doubt this very much, and are inclined to think that those who assert it, doubt it as much themselves. But we shall soon see. The time for the test is come, when it will be seen if the President has really so much power as is attributed to him.
We hold it to be undeniable that Mr. Polk has ambition. Why not? He is a man; and who can blame him for it? We hold it as undeniable, that if he can keep possession of the White House for another four years, he will do it. Why not? It is a comfortable house, and who can blame him for it? The question, then is, can he do it? We shall soon see. If what is so much talked of by politicians, of the undue power and influence of the President, be true, then, having power once in his hands, he will be able to retain it. If, therefore, having the will, he does not retain his place, then he has not the power to do so; and then all that has been said of the overwhelming preponderance, influence, patronage and power of a President of the United States, signifies nothing
We are rather inclined to the opinion that a President of the United States has not all the power which he ought to have, nor is he treated with all the respect with which he ought to be treated.
What sub-type of article is it?
Political Commentary
Editorial
What keywords are associated?
Presidential Power
Executive Patronage
James Polk
White House
Political Ambition
Whig Criticism
What entities or persons were involved?
Mr. Polk
President Of The United States
Where did it happen?
White House
Story Details
Key Persons
Mr. Polk
President Of The United States
Location
White House
Story Details
The article questions assertions by Whigs that the U.S. President has excessive patronage and power compared to European monarchs, affirms Mr. Polk's ambition to retain the presidency for another term, and concludes that the office lacks adequate power and respect.