The election of 1856: political culture in the era of jacksonian democracy overview

Document 1a.

Because he is our neighbor and friend, and because he has done more for the poor of this city than all his traducers put together.

Because he is a statesman of the first order of intellect, and is vastly the superior in every respect of his competitors.

Because he is an honest man, and will administer the government honestly and faithfully.

Because he will be the President, not of a faction, or a section of the Union, but of the whole American people—and will know no South, no North, no East, no West, but treat all alike, fairly and impartially, in the true spirit of the Constitution.

Because we know him, and can truly say that he is one of the purest, as he is among the ablest, statesmen now living.

For these and other reasons, which we might give had we the room, we prefer James Buchanan for the Presidency, and shall do what we can to promote his election.

Californians may add another:

Because under a national administration, only, can the Pacific Railroad be commenced or completed.

Document 1b.

“I look forward to the day when there shall be a servile insurrection in the South; when the black man, armed with British bayonets and led on by British officers, shall assert his freedom and wage a war of extermination against his master; when the torch of the incendiary shall light up the towns and cities of the South and blot out the last vestige of slavery; and though I may not mock at their calamity, nor laugh when their fear cometh, yet I will hail it as the dawning of a political millennium.—[Joshua R. Giddings,

“There is a higher law than the Constitution which regulates our authority over the domain*** It (slavery) can be and must be abolished, and you and I must do it.***You will soon bring the parties of the country into an effective aggression upon slavery.”—[William II. Seward.

“The Whig party is not only dead, but stinks.” –[Benjamin F. Wade.

“I am willing in a certain state of circumstances TO LET THE UNION SLIDE.”—[N. P. Banks.

“In the case of the alternative being presented of the continuance of slavery or a dissolution of the Union, I am for dissolution, and I care not how quick it comes.”—[Rufus P. Spalding.

“On the action of this Convention depends the fate of the country: if the “Republicans” fail at the ballot-box, we will be FORCED TO DRIVE BACK THE SLAVEOCRACY WITH FIRE AND SWORD.”—[James Watson Webb.

“The times demand and we must have an Anti-Slavery Constitution, an Anti-Slavery Bible, and an Anti-Slavery God.”—[Anson Burlingame.

The slave-extension, anti-Railroad party, endeavors to elude investigation into its anti-National attitude by crying out that the Republicans are secessionists, and to prove their assertions they quote the wild ravings of a few such men as Wm. Lloyd Garrison—frantic abolitionists, who have neither power nor influence, and who favor the election of Buchanan and oppose Fremont, because, as they declare, they will not be able to make any progress in sectional agitation if the Republican party is successful. But, while our enemies revile us, their own papers teem with the rankest treason, and boldly avow secession and dissolution as part of the religion of the party, in case they are not permitted to triumph with their pro-slavery principles. The South never had an object to accomplish that they did not raise this cry, and the free States have invariably yielded, to avoid even the possibility of a result which they never have believed, and do not believe can be accomplished. It is only now, when the North is driven to the wall; when further concession is destruction to every constitutional right, and to that sacred instrument itself, that it says to the fanatical, sectional, and secession masters of the Democratic party, “So far shalt thou go, but no farther.”

South Carolina, headed by John C. Calhoun, was going to dissolve the Union in 1832, because the tariff was not adjusted to please the great Nullifier, and in 1844 the Union was again to be dissolved if the North did not incontinently consent to the annexation of Texas.

Document 2a.

Document 2b.

Organization is indispensable to efficient action. In calling upon our Republican friends throughout the State to effect organizations, however small in numbers, we do so for the double purpose of rendering them our aid by furnishing them with documents and speakers, through the Central Committee, and that they may aid each other by an interchange between their respective clubs, of speakers and other means of support.

The New York Tribune publishes the following sensible hints in regard to campaign meetings, which we commend to general attention:

Unless some method and forecast be observed, one-half the meetings may be failures.

1^st, then: Do not engage too many speakers. Two good, reliable ones, fixed and secured for the occasion, with a contingent reserve of local aid are quite enough for any one meeting.

The calls are very great and no supernumeraries should be engaged.

2^nd. Secure your speakers first, and let them fix the time; otherwise you will involve them in confusion and yourselves in disappointment.

3^rd. If your speakers are from abroad, see that provision is made for compensation, at least for expenses. Remember, it is a sacrifice to leave family, home, business, and travel night and day, pay fare and hotel bills. “Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn.” Remember, there are many of you, and your sacrifice for one meeting. Your speakers are in the daily sacrifice of time, business, lungs and constitution.

4^th. If your gatherings are too large for in-doors, then select a grove or woods. Always erect a speakers’ stand, and see that it is covered with boards (not canvas.) It saves the speakers’ voices and helps the audience to hear. Let your covering-boards project three or four feet beyond the platform on which the speaker stands; then you will be sure to protect his voice. This arrangement may seem of small moment to you, but it is of immense moment to the speaker.

5^th. If possible, in every gathering, arrange for some good, soul-stirring GLEE SONGS. Let your Glee Clubs be mad eup of male and female singers. Take care that the songs sung are not buffoonery and trash. Let them be such as have soul in them.

6^th. Never fail of inviting your wives, daughters and sisters. Their presence and refining influence are everywhere being felt in our meetings. The wrongs of Kansas stir woman’s heart to its centre.

7^th. Don’t waste too much money on banners, powder and processions, but rather save it for documents and papers.

8^th. Don’t fritter away half your day or evening in preliminaries, as to who shall be chairman, committee, &c. Remember nine o’clock comes very soon after dark. Get right to work, else your audience will tire before you begin.

These hints—especially that relating to engaging speakers and preparing the speakers’ stand—will be of incalculable advantage. We ask our brethren of the press to insert, if they agree with us in these suggestions, or, in the other case, offer better.

Francisco are cordially invited to participate in a

at half-past six o’clock.

FIRST GRAND DIVISION.

Grand Marshal and Aids.

Union Band.

Fremont Pioneers,

Fremont Bear Flag Club,

Fremont and Dayton Club,

Young Men’s Pacific Railroad Club,

Pathfinder Club,

Twelfth District Republicans Club,

SECOND GRAND DIVISION.

American Brass Band,

German Republicans,

Independent Fremont Club,

Locomotive Club,

Fremont Jessie Club,

Independent Bear Flag Club,

French Republican Club.

THIRD GRAND DIVISION.

Brass Band,

Eighth District Republican Club,

Tenth District Republican Club,

Citizens Generally, (not members of Clubs,)

Draymen’s Club, (mounted,)

Teamsters’ Club, (mounted,)

Citizens Generally, (mounted)

But still it was natural, for the sturdy yeomanry and noble women of New England were well represented in that meeting. Many a freeman there could imagine, when he was lustily cheering for the cause he loved, that the voice of a father or brother was echoing and re-echoing amid the hills and valleys of his native State.

The meeting was called to order, and Judge Bennett was unanimously elected chairman. The San Francisco Republican Glee Club then sang one of their choicest songs in their best style, and the first speech was delivered by J.A. Nunes, Esq., of this city. He spoke well and effectively—alluded to the tremendous victory achieved in Maine, and the unanimous spirit which was actuating the freemen of the Union. His language was glowing and appropriate, and his address was received with tremendous bursts of applause. One excellent feature in the speech of Mr. Nunes, as well as those of all the speakers last night, was that it was not spun out to too great a length, but was judiciously abbreviated so as not to tax too much the patience of the audience.

After Mr. Nunes sat down, the Glee Club sang another piece, and T.W. Park, Esq., was introduced by the Chairman. His speech was one of the best of the campaign==argumentative, eloquent and practical. He showed that the vituperations heaped upon the head of Fremont had brought thousands of votes to the Republican side. The enthusiasm with which Mr. Park was received was immense.

After Mr. Park had concluded, the Glee Club sang the far-famed Dromedary song. It ws received with shouts of laughter.

A. H. Myers, Esq., of Alameda, was then loudly called for, but before he commenced to speak, the Chairman read a telegraphic dispatch dated—“Folsom, twenty-five minutes past nine. The largest and most enthusiastic meeting ever held in the State of California is now rending the air with cheers for MAINE and Liberty. Judge Tracy has been trying to out-thunder the cannon.”

The enthusiasm with which this announcement was received surpasses description, and it was, if possible, augmented by the almost instantaneous reception of another dispatch from Stockton, which stated that thirty-one guns had just been fired at that place in honor of the Maine victory. One gun for every State in the Union; think of that ye libelers, who talk about a flag with sixteen stars.

After this pleasant little interlude, Mr. Myers proceeded to address the meeting in a speech full of wit, logic and good humor. He paid a glowing and graceful compliment to the large representation of ladies present. The ladies, the women of America, are always to be found on the side of truth and justice, animating the sterner sex by their words of encouragement and smiles of approbation.

During Mr. Myers’ speech considerable work was laid out for the cobbler by the wearing out of shoe-leather.

The Glee Club sang another patriotic song, and after repeated calls, Judge Bennett arose and made a short, pithy and effective speech. He was remarkably well received.

The Glee Club again sang, and the meeting adjourned with cheers, three times three, for Fremont and Dayton—the Railroad—Maine—Vermont—and Iowa.

Thus ended the largest demonstration ever witnessed in San Francisco, by a party which two months ago was scarcely in its inception in this State, and which assuredly could not have then organized an ordinary club meeting. From the extreme West, on the shores of the blue Pacific, a joyous shout has ascended which will echo and re-echo amid the canons and hills of the Sierra, in favor of “Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable.” These patriotic words of the “Sage of Marshfield” are adopted by every freeman from New Hampshire to California, and the 4^th day of November shall see California give an overwhelming majority in favor of those principles, and for her noble discoverer, as we may say—the “Pioneer of progress”—Fremont.

Document 3b.
San Francisco Daily Herald, October 26, 1856
GRAND DEMOCRATIC RALLY

An Immense Torchlight Procession.

RATIFICATION MEETING IN THE PLAZA.

5000 Democrats in Council.
If any proof be wanted to establish the fact that this is a Democratic city, we need only point to the ratification meeting of last night. We think that even the most bitter opponents of the Democratic party will admit that the demonstration was one of the largest and most imposing ever witnessed in this city. The whole town was alive with Democrats, and such a general outpouring was never before witnessed in this city. Below we give an account of the proceedings:

SCENE ON THE PLAZA.

Early in the evening, long before the great body of the Democracy had assembled in their various Club Rooms throughout the city, the Plaza was made one splendid blaze of light. The scene was magnificent beyond description. In every direction bonfires were kindled of old tar barrels, dry goods boxes and pitch-pine knots, which sent their lurid flame high up in the surrounding darkness, and lighting up the neighborhood with a brilliancy almost equaling the light of day.

As soon as night had fairly set in , rockets, Roman candles and other kinds of fireworks were to be seen blazing forth from all sections of the city. On the City Hall and from the balcony of the Society of California Pioneers on Washington street, and also on the south and west sides of the Plaza, a grand pyrotechnic display took place about seven o’clock, which attracted hundreds of people to the vicinity to witness the scene. Cheer followed cheer as each ascending rocket described its parabola in the air and fell in innumerable dazzling jets upon the adjoining housetops. The illumination and display of fireworks surpassed anything of the kind that has heretofore been witnessed in California, and was indeed befitting such an occasion as that which called the Democracy together.

THE PROCESSION.

About half-past seven o’clock, the several District Clubs, the Buchanan and Breckinridge Club, and the Young Men’s Democratic Club, fell into line on Montgomery street amidst the booming of cannon from Telegraph Hill. The right of the line rested on Market street, and the extreme left wound around through Pacific street to Kearny, the rear of the immense column facing on the Plaza. Mr. H.A. Cobb acted as Grand Marshal on the occasion, assisted by Messrs. P.W. Van Winkle, M. Hayes, and Col. West as Special Aids. Besides these gentlemen, each District Club had its own Marshal and Aids, who materially assisted in the movements of the procession, and prevented any confusion in forming the different divisions, which otherwise might have occurred. Throughout the entire length of the line, hundreds of brilliantly lighted transparencies, bearing various devices, were carried by those in the ranks. Several of the Clubs were prededed by full bands of music, and nearly all of them by drums and fifes.

The First District Club took up the line of march at the head of the column, bearing a large transparency, painted on one side—
BUCHANAN AND BRECKINRIDGE:

FOR PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF THE

UNITED STATES
On the reverse side was—

DISUNION IS A WORD

THAT SHOULD NOT BE BREATHED EVEN IN A

WHISPER.—Buchanan

THE PRINCIPLES AND

PROSPECTS OF FREMONT—DARK AND GLOOMY.
This Club was preceded by Kohler’s celebrated brass band who enlivened the march by playing many beautiful airs.

The Second and Third District Clubs followed next in order with their Marshal and Aids also mounted on caparisoned horses. Both of these Clubs attracted a great deal of attention. They marched four abreast and extended over two squares in length. They bore a number of beautiful transparencies, among which we noticed the following: “The Pacific Railroad;” “The Ashes of Columbus must repose beneath our Flag;” “Our Platform—it covers the whole Country;” “State Rights and State Sovereignty.”

Besides these transparencies each Club carried a number with the names of the State and Municipal candidates inscribed thereon.

The Fourth District Club cam next with a large banner with the words—

Band of Music.

SAN FRANCISCO.

WE MOVE BENEATH IT—WE REST UPON IT--

AND FALL ONLY UNDER ITS RUINS.
On the reverse side__
YOUNG MEN’S DEMOCRATIC CLUB. THE

RIGHT IS ALWAYS EXPEDIENT.

Nearly all the members of this Club also carried variegated lanterns.

Occupying a prominent position in the ranks was a transparency bearing the following beautiful sentiment: “The Union of the States—Divided as the Billows, one as the Sea.” On the reverse side was “An Ocean-bound and Earth-commanding Republic.”

The balance of the District Clubs took up the line of march after the Young Men’s Democratic Club. They all carried transparencies with such inscriptions as “The Pacific Railroad—the Democracy alone are chartered to build it;” “The Fathers of Democracy—Washington, Jefferson, and Jackson.”

Among the most prominent features of the procession was a large cavalcade of horsemen in the ranks of the Tenth District Club, and a number of carriages from the Twelfth District. The Eighth District Club carried a transparency bearing the words
ABOLITIONISM THE OFFSPRING OF BRITISH PROPAGANDISM.
And another with
NO SECRET POLITICAL OR JUDICIAL SOCIETIES.
It would be impossible for us to name all the transparencies which were carried in the procession. They were all appropriate, pointed, and illustrative of the cardinal principles of the Democracy. The entire route was one brilliant blaze and challenged the admiration of all. It was emphatically the greatest political demonstration every made in California.

Document 3c.

In accordance with previous announcement, the Young Men’s Democratic Club turned out last evening, and made the most imposing Torchlight Procession that has ever taken place in California. It is seldom a demonstration so large in number and brillianT in effect occurs, and it is only when the Democracy are thoroughly aroused to action, so magnificent a display is to be witnessed. The occasion will be long remembered, and will give additional confidence to the unterrified in the success of sound Democratic and Union principles. It is only when danger threatens the country, or great principles have to be carried out, that our people make like expressions of their views. Last night will demonstrate the strong patriotic feelings of our citizens, and give a quietus to the insinuations and assertions so industriously circulated, that the firm and consistent supporters of the Democratic party ever intended deserting its standards. We are content with the demonstration, and can now rest satisfied our city will on Tuesday give a vote second to none in our State in favor of Buchanan and the permanence of the Union. We never before witnessed a display so numerous and enthusiastic, and we may say in addition, good order and harmony prevailed during the entire evening.

THE BLESSINGS OF GOVERNMENT

SHOULD FALL LIKE THE DEWS OF HEAVEN

EQUALLY UPON ALL.

THE UNION—THE WHOLE UNION

AND NOTHING BUT THE UNION.

ONE CONSTITUTION:

ONE DESTINY—ONE COUNTRY.

“FROM MY SOUL

I RESPECT THE LABORING MAN.”

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND LIBERAL NATURALIZATION LAWS.

AFRICA FOR THE AFRICANS

AND THEIR SYMPATHIZERS

FREMONT—FREE NEGROES AND FRIJOLES

Document 4a.

Headlines from the California Daily Chronicle (San Francisco)

October 23, 1856

Document 4b.

The unterrified Democracy—the immaculate descendants of “Washington, Jefferson and Jackson”—the chivalrous representatives of the Union—tried to make a demonstration last night. For weeks they had been preparing themselves with the munitions of war, buying up powder, calico, red paint, etc., employing patent sewing machines, boys to make crackers, and “roughts” to fire them, and last night the combined energy, the long restrained enthusiasm of the Young Men’s Democratic Club burst forth in one tremendous roar that ended in—smoke. . . . .

The transparencies, or at least a number of them, were very appropriate. We would, however, have suggested, as an improvement, that at the head of the procession should have been a large banner with a device of a number of Bowie knives entwined into a wreath, and in the centre a Colt’s revolver and a club, with the inscription, “Chivalry and Slavery—Hurrah for the Union.” This would have been a better illustration of their principles; but as it was, they did pretty well.

Document 4c.

Vote the STRAIGHT TICKET, REPUBLICANS. Recollect that EVERY MAN on that ticket, from the PRESIDENT down, is PLEDGED TO REFORM. There is not a GAMBLER, a DRUNKARD or a DEBAUCHEE in our list of candidates. VOTE THE STRAIGHT TICKET—for GOOD MEN, PLEDGED to REFORM PRINCIPLES.

We desire to impress upon Republicans and all who vote the REFORM TICKET the necessity of VOTING EARLY IN THE DAY. There is an organized plan to FORCE ILLEGAL VOTERS to the Polls and have them sworn through, which will necessarily CONSUME TIME, and delay the PROGRESS OF VOTING. Every citizen who would MAKE SURE OF GETTING a CHANCE to VOTE, MUST be on hand early and STICK TO THE EARLIEST CHANCE and not GIVE BACK till he DEPOSITS HIS VOTE.

Republicans, OPEN YOUR TICKETS and examine them CAREFULLY before depositing them at the Polls. Hundreds of BOGUS TICKETS will be afloat with the names of the REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES at the head to DECEIVE THE EYE, and DEMOCRATIC NAMES slipped in below. BE CAREFUL; SCRUTINIZE your tickets CLOSELY before DEPOSITING THEM.

Document 5b.

To the merchants, laborers, and mechanics of the city, we would say, as far as possible, SUSPEND BUSINESS FOR TO-DAY. Recollect that this is the most MOMENTOUS election every held in the Union, and PARTICULARLY TO SAN FRANCISCO. Suspend business then, and WATCH THE POLLS. A WILY FOE is working against our REPUBLICAN REFORM TICKET. DO YOUR DUTY as citizens and WATCH THE POLLS.

Republicans, recollect that to-day it is NECESSARY TO WORK! Lay aside your business and devote yourselves as ONE MAN to the success of the REPUBLICAN REFORM TICKET. After voting yourselves, see that your neighbor is supplied with the GENUINE TICKET. Do your duty as citizens, and let NO CONSIDERATIONS hinder you from WORK!

Republicans, WATCH THE POLLS to-day. Recollect your foes are INSIDIOUS AND TREACHEROUS. Do not be DECEIVED BY THEM. Every description of TRICKERY and CHICANERY will be resorted to, TO CHEAT you; attempts will be made to impose upon your HONESTY OF PURPOSE in every conceivable way. Again we say to you—BE VIGILANT and WARY.

TO-DAY the question is to be decided whether or no we shall have a RAILROAD from the Valley of the Mississippi to California. On the issue of this day it depends. From Maine to Texas, from Virginia to Iowa, it is well understood that the election of Fremont will be the voice of the people in favor of that measure, and that its fate will be sealed for four years at least by the election of James Buchanan. Is California in favor of the Road? Then there is but one course for her people to take. Let her vote for it, and she ill vote for it by casting her electoral vote for JOHN CHARLES FREMONT. He is the Railroad Candidate, and all who vote against him vote against the Road.

Let those who have got property in San Francisco bear in mind that if Fremont is elected, business will at once revive. The tide of emigration will immediately set towards California again, and the attention of the whole world will be directed towards this favored land as the spot which above all others is to receive the fostering care and attention of the federal government. Let them reflect that real estate will advance not less than fifty per cent, within the next twelve months after his election, and that every man in the State is to be directly benefited. Men of substance, arouse and work!

1. 
   Political parties in1856 differed on many issues. Partisan newspapers sought to articulate their own party’s political stance, but they also attacked their opponents by putting their own “spin” in the other party’s political positions. Look at the Documents 1a, 1b, and 1c. What were the issues, according to these articles? How would you characterize each party’s position on the issues? As you read through the other documents, what other issues can you add to your list?
   

2. 
   Martin Van Buren argued that disciplined organization was crucial to developing modern, effective political parties. What do Documents 2a, 2b, and 2c tell you about political organization in San Francisco and California? In what ways did parties organize potential voters to keep them engaged?
   

3. 
   Along with partisan newspapers, public rallies and meetings were important ways in which political parties motivated their members to get involved and stay involved. Read Documents 3a, 3b, and 3c. What happened at these meetings? Imagine what it would have been like to be there. What sights, sounds, smells would have filled the room or the plaza? What would it have felt like to be in the midst of the crowd? What do these documents tell you about how political parties motivated voters? What tactics did the parties use to galvanize their members?
   

4. 
   Next, look at the ways in which these rallies and meetings were reported in the partisan press. What language or other techniques did the Chronicle and the Herald use to engage their readers, whether they attended the rally or not? Consider the headlines from the Chronicle in Document 4a. Even without the articles (which would have resembled the ones you read), how might this sequence of headlines have helped build political support among Republicans?
   

5. 
   Newspapers built up their own parties, but they also attacked their opponents. How did the newspapers (Documents 1b, 1c, 4b) portray their opponents? What language or other techniques did these articles use to attack the other side?
   

6. 
   The California Chronicle ran a series of articles in the days before the election and on Election Day itself like those in Document 5a and 5b. What do you think the function of these articles was? To whom did they appeal? What were the Republicans’ fears about what would happen on voting day? What were their hopes? How do these articles portray the election process in San Francisco?
   

7. 
   Draw on the whole set of documents to answer these questions: How did Democrats and Republicans in San Francisco create an engaged electorate that participated in massive numbers in campaigns and elections? What was the role of the press in helping motivate voters in San Francisco? Finally, how does the election of 1856 in San Francisco help explain why voter participation skyrocketed in the United States during the antebellum period