With the news that Paul Ryan is retiring, James K. Polk, the only president to have previously served as Speaker of the House, has been on my mind.
Researching this one was a lot of fun, and I thank both John Quincy Adams (for his diary upkeep) and the Library of Congress (for keeping accurate House transcripts) for recording this wonderful clash between the former and future presidents. Polk and JQA were frequently yelling at one another, but the particular event featured here is from March 17, 1834 and the issue being discussed was the removal of public deposits from the Bank of the United States. After remarks from JQA, condemning Andrew Jackson for his “failed experiment,” Polk spoke to defend the President which JQA called “an idolizing and mawkish glorification of Doctor Andrew Jackson, with some coarse and equally dull invective against me.”
And that’s when, yes, John Quincy Adams retorted back by simply quoting part of Act 3, Scene 2 of Hamlet. From his diary, it “struck the House like a spark of electricity.”
And then there’s the one about Polk and future president Abraham Lincoln. Polk’s War Message said that the Mexican Army had spilled “American blood on American soil”, even though the battle occurred on disputed border land between Mexico and Texas. Abraham Lincoln, then a Whig Congressman from Illinois, demanded that the President point to “the spot on the map” where the fight had occurred. Polk did not respond, Lincoln was derided as “Spotty Lincoln”, and the future president returned to Illinois after having served only one term in Congress.
Weird coincidence department: I just heard on the radio today that there are plans to move Polk’s remains – FOR THE THIRD TIME! – to the Polk Museum in Tennessee. I believe he is currently resting under the Capitol grounds in TN. He died of cholera in 1849.
I’m curious about those fasces on either side of the speaker’s podium. Were they actually there at the time as innocuous symbols of power, or were they drawn in as subtle commentary?
Brian Carroll creator about 6 years ago
With the news that Paul Ryan is retiring, James K. Polk, the only president to have previously served as Speaker of the House, has been on my mind.
Researching this one was a lot of fun, and I thank both John Quincy Adams (for his diary upkeep) and the Library of Congress (for keeping accurate House transcripts) for recording this wonderful clash between the former and future presidents. Polk and JQA were frequently yelling at one another, but the particular event featured here is from March 17, 1834 and the issue being discussed was the removal of public deposits from the Bank of the United States. After remarks from JQA, condemning Andrew Jackson for his “failed experiment,” Polk spoke to defend the President which JQA called “an idolizing and mawkish glorification of Doctor Andrew Jackson, with some coarse and equally dull invective against me.”
And that’s when, yes, John Quincy Adams retorted back by simply quoting part of Act 3, Scene 2 of Hamlet. From his diary, it “struck the House like a spark of electricity.”
richsolano about 6 years ago
It may show my geekdom, but I eat this stuff up! Thanks, Brian! JQA one of my favorites.
Olddog1 about 6 years ago
I’m here late today and had to backpage to April 9. What time do you usually post? I’m usually here 0500-0600.
thebashfulone about 6 years ago
And then there’s the one about Polk and future president Abraham Lincoln. Polk’s War Message said that the Mexican Army had spilled “American blood on American soil”, even though the battle occurred on disputed border land between Mexico and Texas. Abraham Lincoln, then a Whig Congressman from Illinois, demanded that the President point to “the spot on the map” where the fight had occurred. Polk did not respond, Lincoln was derided as “Spotty Lincoln”, and the future president returned to Illinois after having served only one term in Congress.
Fenshaw about 6 years ago
Careful, you just revealed that you plan ahead. That halo is brass, is it? Still in awe.
richsolano about 6 years ago
Weird coincidence department: I just heard on the radio today that there are plans to move Polk’s remains – FOR THE THIRD TIME! – to the Polk Museum in Tennessee. I believe he is currently resting under the Capitol grounds in TN. He died of cholera in 1849.
bill about 6 years ago
I’m curious about those fasces on either side of the speaker’s podium. Were they actually there at the time as innocuous symbols of power, or were they drawn in as subtle commentary?