Page:Life And Letters Of Thomas Jefferson -- Hirst (IA in.ernet.dli.2015.89541).pdf/451

Rh initiative. It has been said that Gladstone was an opportunist with a conscience. Jefferson was a visionary with the statesman's gift for accomplishing what is practicable. It is his peculiar glory that he saw the future greatness of his country and took the right measures for securing its peaceful development. The "dreamer" and the "philosopher" had studied the geography of his own continent to some purpose. The United States of to-day is the legitimate offspring of Jefferson, the peaceful expansionist, the enterprising explorer.

Meanwhile the date of the Presidential election was drawing near. There was no doubt of Jefferson's renomination, or of his re-election, once he had decided to stand for a second time. He had no rival in the affections of the people. Peace and prosperity had been reflected in the public finances. Henry Adams writes in his history:—

The election took place in November. Jefferson and Governor Clinton of New York were nominated as President and Vice-President by the Congressional caucus for the Republicans, and the Federalists agreed to vote for