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5. Resolved, That it is the duty of every branch of Government to 
enforce and practice the most rigid economy. . . . 
6. Resolved, That Congress has no power to charter a United 
States Bank. . . . 
7. Resolved, That Congress has no power ... to interfere with or 
control the domestic institutions of the several states. . . . 
8. Resolved, That the separation of the moneys of the Government 
from banking institutions is indispensable for the safety of the funds 
of the Government and the rights of the people. 
9. Resolved, That . . . every attempt to abridge the present privi- 
lege of becoming citizens and the owners of soil among us ought to be re- 
sisted.^^ 
In addition it was resolved, 
That the convention deem it inexpedient ... to choose between 
the individuals in nomination 
for vice-president. 
Richard M. Johnson had been forced on the ticket by Jack- 
son in 1836. In 1840, he was still the choice of a majority, 
but his nomination was so distasteful to so many Democrats 
that it was deemed advisable to let time straighten out the 
tangle. The Whigs were not long in detecting and attacking 
this weakness. 
Van Buren had very few personal enemies. He was quiet, 
friendly, and noncommittal. Many who had not been in the 
White House for years now visited it. J. Q. Adams, who had 
not been on speaking terms with Jackson, was a frequent vis- 
itor.®^ Clay and Calhoun found it pleasant to attend the Pres- 
ident’s receptions and levees.^® The widows of James Madison 
and Alexander Hamilton were there.^° In fact, everyone felt 
at home at these receptions. Van Buren was on good terms 
with his worst enemies. In jesting seriousness. Clay would 
tell him what a scoundrel he was. One attending his levees 
would not think that he was struggling vainly for a losing 
cause. Adams describes him as having every appearance of 
composure and tranquility.^^ What he lacked in personal 
power, he tried to make up by policy. Because of this, he 
was often thought to be engaged in some secret machinations 
which helped him get the title of the “Little Magician”. Such 
a man was likely to be successful, but he was not a man to 
become enthusiastic over. 
37 Thomas Hudson McKee (ed.), The National Platforms of All Political Parties 
(Washington, 1892), 24, 25. 
33 Adams (ed). Memoirs of John Quincy Adams, IX, 437. 
33 Sargent, Public Men and Events, II, 21, 22. 
^3 Ben Perley Poore (ed.), Perley’s Reminiscences (Philadelphia, 1886), I, 221. 
Adams (ed.), Memoirs of John Quincy Adams, IX, 368, 
