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Thompson, James : Principles of the Two Parties. Speech of Hon. J. Thompson, of Pennsylvania, in the House of Representatives, Tuesday, June 27, 1848, The House being in Committee of the Whole, and having under consideration the Civil and Diplomatic Appropriation Bill

Printed at the Office of Blair & Rives., Washington, D.C.

Original publisher's beige paper wrappers. Text printed in black ink. No date, circa 1848. 5 3/4" x 9." Eight pages, complete. Pages are clean and intact except for light age toning throughout, small occasional spots of foxing or discoloration, a few small dampstains limited to margins along spine, and moderate chipping and splitting along spine. A Very Good copy. A speech that was originally delivered before the United States House of Representatives on June 27, 1848 by James Thompson (1806-1874), an American lawyer, federal judge, and politician. He served as a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania from 1845-1851. He was a Democrat. In this speech, Thompson speaks against the Whig Party and its political platform. Thompson begins by acknowledging the polarization between the Democratic and Whig Parties which he contends is unprecedented. However, he proceeds to forward the Democratic Party's agenda while denouncing the views of the Whigs. Thompson's speech is structured in a way where he addresses current key issues and proceeds to examine and argue against the Whigs' positions regarding these issues. For example, Thompson believes that much of the polarization between the parties stems from their overarching approach to interpreting the Constitution. He argues in favor of the Democratic interpretation which he views as being more restrictive and thus protecting the Constitution and democracy. He contrasts this with the Whigs' interpretation of the Constitution which he portrays as being liberal and so open-ended as to endanger the validity of the Constitution and democracy. He then proceeds to summarize the recent Mexican-American War and defends President James K. Polk and the prosecution of the war which the Whigs had repeatedly denounced. Thompson then discusses Zachary Taylor, the Whig candidate for the 1848 presidential election. Thompson criticizes Taylor's lack of transparency or elaboration upon his political views. Toward the end of his address, Thompson briefly expresses support for the Democratic presidential nominee, Lewis Cass. Thompson speaks briefly on a number of subjects including the Whigs' apparent support of a national bank which Democrats are opposed to, the U.S. claim to Oregon, and the executive veto power.. Book. Book Condition: Very Good. Binding: Soft cover

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