A history of the American nation . e struggle over the nominating system was a struggle torealize popular government; no people can control their govern-ment unless they can determine for themselves who shall benominated as candidates, as well as what candidates shall beelected. The era of good feeling was v^ at an end. There had been moreor less ill feeling allthe time. Politicalquestions had oftenbeen bitterly discussed, and per-sonal animus had often taken theplace of political principle. Asyet, however, parties with princi-ples were not formed; for someyears after this men spok
A history of the American nation . e struggle over the nominating system was a struggle torealize popular government; no people can control their govern-ment unless they can determine for themselves who shall benominated as candidates, as well as what candidates shall beelected. The era of good feeling was v^ at an end. There had been moreor less ill feeling allthe time. Politicalquestions had oftenbeen bitterly discussed, and per-sonal animus had often taken theplace of political principle. Asyet, however, parties with princi-ples were not formed; for someyears after this men spoke of /Jackson men and Adamsmen. But the elements of partyorganization were at hand, andout of the bitterness of personalcontests parties with principleswere sure soon to arise. John Quincy Adams was worthy of the office bestowed onhim. He had been for thirty years in public life. He had beenforeign minister, senator, and, during Monroesadministrations. Secretar>- of State. His charac-ter was beyond reproach. He was scrupulously. John QuincyAdams. * See in later chapters the account of the introduction of the directprimary. PARTY RFAmOANlZATIOlS 281 honest,his straightforwardness amounting to bkuitness. Thoughhe was ambitious, he was not meanly seU-seeking, and he de-voted himself untiringly at\d unselfishly to the duties of hisoffice. He was not aetuated by petty moti\e. and never con-sented to make use of improper means to secure power or inthi-ence. Able as well as honest, he was one of the best othcers thatever served a people. High-minded himself, he demandedpurity in others, and his caustic criticism of the motives and actsof his fellows often estranged those whom he might have wonas his friends. He was formal and cold in his manners, andhad no great tact or talent as a political leader. Adams made Clay his Secretary of State. It was a naturalchoice; for the two men thought alike on political issues, andClay certainly merited the distinction. But thecornipu\jn. appointm
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