Besides, a strong reaction was now setting in. The
President's recommendations were received in some quarters with
astonishment, in some rather with amusement. Nowhere were they
regarded, in their entirety, with favor. Even Clay--spokesman of
nationalism though he was--could not follow his chief in his
untrammeled flights. Men still widely believed that, the National
Government ought to spend money freely on highways, canals, and other
improvements. But by his bold avowals Adams characteristically threw
away support for both himself and his cause; and the era of federal
initiative and management was thus hastened toward its close.
No one who knew Jackson and his political managers expected them to
accept the anomalous electoral results of 1825 as expressing the real
will of the nation, and it was a foregone conclusion not only that the
General would again be a candidate, but that the campaign of 1828
would at once begin. The defeated Senator remained in Washington long
enough to present himself at the White House on Inauguration Day and
felicitate his successful rival.
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