Page:Kentucky Resolutions of 1798.djvu/81

Rh the era of Republican simplicity, which the President introduced by riding horseback to his inauguration and on dismounting tying his democratic steed to the fence, was continued by a close attention to business. The "midnight appointments" first fell under the President's hand, and in close connection therewith a bill to repeal the judiciary act of the last session was to be introduced. The reconstitution of the houses consequent upon the new administration and the formation of the Cabinet left the now dominant party without leaders, and the President's influence was such that whomsoever he should select would be regarded as the leaders of the administration in the two branches of the Congress.

Although Mr. Breckinridge now made his first appearance in national affairs, he was intrusted by Mr. Jefferson with the business of introducing the bill to repeal the judiciary act. This extraordinary exhibition of confidence and esteem placed Mr. Breckinridge in the front rank of statesmen, and he so well justified the trust by his conduct of this matter, and in his subsequent career in the Senate, that his comrades readily acquiesced in the estimate of the President. The repeal of the judiciary act having been carried through, Mr. Breckinridge was not called upon to act in any matter of first-class importance until the Louisiana purchase came up. As a Kentuckian he naturally was prompt to second a measure which secured finally and completely the darling object of his State. In every way he lent his aid and