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Editorial
April 28, 1840
The Caledonian
Saint Johnsbury, Caledonia County, Vermont
What is this article about?
Editorial from the Washington Madisonian criticizes public funds spent on luxurious White House improvements under President Van Buren, contrasting with Gen. Harrison's simple, republican style, urging support for Harrison in the election.
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Full Text
From the Washington Madisonian.
THE HOUSE OF A FEDERAL ARISTOCRAT.
We subjoin below a brief statement of the application of the people's money for the decoration of the President's house. It is compiled from public documents reported to Congress, and we respectfully submit it for the consideration of our democratic brethren throughout the Union; especially those who live in log cabins and can understand what Gen. Harrison meant when he told his old soldiers that when they came to see him they would not find the string of the latch pulled in. If Mr Van Buren should again be re-elected, and the brave war worn defender of his country be put down by the patronage and power of the government, twenty thousand dollars more will be required to replenish the Turkey carpets, to re-polish the plate, candelabras and mirrors, and to enlarge the means of luxurious indulgence generally, which already exists in oriental profusion and magnificence around the walks and apartments of our grand Loco-foco President. But if the People send Gen. Harrison here, they will find that he who subsisted on raw beef without salt, when fighting his country's battles, and dwelt in houses built of logs, can also perform the duties of the Presidential office in a style corresponding with the wants and habits of a plain and honest Republican People:
On the 3d of March, an appropriation to complete the north front of the President's house by creating a portico, $24,769 25
For work to be done on and about the President's house and enclosures. 6,361 86
FOR FURNISHING THE PRESIDENT'S HOUSE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE PRESIDENT 14,000 00
March 3d, 1835. For alterations and repairs of the president's house, for gardner's salary, and for keeping the grounds and walks in order, including the cost of trees and shrubs, 4,200 00
1836. For alterations and repairs of the President's house-for the gardner's salary, and for keeping the grounds and walks in order, including the cost of trees and shrubs, 3,460 00
For dwarf wall and fence between the Executive buildings and President's house, 1,165 50
1837. For alterations and repairs of the President's house, and for superintendence around the grounds around the same, 7,300 00
FOR FURNITURE FOR THE PRESIDENT'S HOUSE 20,000 00
1839. For alterations of the President's House, and furniture, and for superintendence of the grounds, 3,465 00
For salary of the principal gardener, 1,200 00
$85,921 61.
THE HOUSE OF A FEDERAL ARISTOCRAT.
We subjoin below a brief statement of the application of the people's money for the decoration of the President's house. It is compiled from public documents reported to Congress, and we respectfully submit it for the consideration of our democratic brethren throughout the Union; especially those who live in log cabins and can understand what Gen. Harrison meant when he told his old soldiers that when they came to see him they would not find the string of the latch pulled in. If Mr Van Buren should again be re-elected, and the brave war worn defender of his country be put down by the patronage and power of the government, twenty thousand dollars more will be required to replenish the Turkey carpets, to re-polish the plate, candelabras and mirrors, and to enlarge the means of luxurious indulgence generally, which already exists in oriental profusion and magnificence around the walks and apartments of our grand Loco-foco President. But if the People send Gen. Harrison here, they will find that he who subsisted on raw beef without salt, when fighting his country's battles, and dwelt in houses built of logs, can also perform the duties of the Presidential office in a style corresponding with the wants and habits of a plain and honest Republican People:
On the 3d of March, an appropriation to complete the north front of the President's house by creating a portico, $24,769 25
For work to be done on and about the President's house and enclosures. 6,361 86
FOR FURNISHING THE PRESIDENT'S HOUSE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE PRESIDENT 14,000 00
March 3d, 1835. For alterations and repairs of the president's house, for gardner's salary, and for keeping the grounds and walks in order, including the cost of trees and shrubs, 4,200 00
1836. For alterations and repairs of the President's house-for the gardner's salary, and for keeping the grounds and walks in order, including the cost of trees and shrubs, 3,460 00
For dwarf wall and fence between the Executive buildings and President's house, 1,165 50
1837. For alterations and repairs of the President's house, and for superintendence around the grounds around the same, 7,300 00
FOR FURNITURE FOR THE PRESIDENT'S HOUSE 20,000 00
1839. For alterations of the President's House, and furniture, and for superintendence of the grounds, 3,465 00
For salary of the principal gardener, 1,200 00
$85,921 61.
What sub-type of article is it?
Partisan Politics
Economic Policy
What keywords are associated?
Van Buren Criticism
Harrison Support
White House Spending
Presidential Luxury
Public Appropriations
Log Cabin
Loco Foco
What entities or persons were involved?
Van Buren
Gen. Harrison
Congress
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Criticism Of Van Buren's White House Luxuries Versus Harrison's Simplicity
Stance / Tone
Strongly Pro Harrison And Anti Van Buren
Key Figures
Van Buren
Gen. Harrison
Congress
Key Arguments
Excessive Public Spending On President's House Decorations Under Van Buren
Contrast With Harrison's Humble Log Cabin Lifestyle And Military Hardships
Warning Of Further $20,000 Needed If Van Buren Re Elected
Harrison Suitable For Plain Republican Duties