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Lot 238
February 18, 1830 Speech of Mr. Holmes of Maine Delivered in the Senate of the United States President Andrew Jackson Opposed

The "Speech of Mr. Holmes, of Maine" delivered in the U.S. Senate on February 18, 1830, was a highly influential address by Senator John Holmes. It primarily criticized President Andrew Jackson’s unilateral executive actions and defended the Senate's constitutional authority. The speech was delivered during a contentious executive session of the 21st United States Congress. At this time, political tensions were high between the newly formed Whig/National Republican opposition and Jackson’s Democratic administration regarding executive overreach. Executive Abuse of Power: Holmes introduced specific resolutions calling directly upon President Andrew Jackson to provide the Senate with his explicit justifications for removing numerous federal officers from their positions. Recess Appointments: The address strongly rebuked the administration's practice of removing government employees and filling the subsequent vacancies during the recess of the Senate, which bypassed standard legislative oversight. The "Spoils System": Holmes argued that using federal patronage and appointments as political rewards compromised the integrity of public offices and amounted to an abuse of administrative power. Constitutional Balance: He defended the Senate's constitutional right to "advise and consent," arguing that the executive branch did not possess an absolute, unchecked right to dismiss public servants without accountability. Following its delivery, the 28-page address was formally printed as a political pamphlet by the Office of the National Journal in Washington, D.C.. It became a heavily circulated text among early 19th-century opposition politicians fighting the rapid expansion of executive authority under Jacksonian democracy. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and the bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request

  • Dimensions: 5.25" x 8.75"
  • Condition: Very Good Condition with no missing or torn pages

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by One Source Auctions
July 27, 2026 5:00 PM EDT
177 S. Main St.
Canandaigua, NY, US 14424

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