The Social Philosophy of The Loco-Foco Democracy

The Social Philosophy of the Loco-Foco Democracy Author(s): William Trimble Source: American Journal of Sociology, Vol.
26, No. 6 (May, 1921), pp. 705-715 Published by: The University of Chicago Press Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2764332 . Accessed: 03/02/2014 17:17
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THE SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY OF THE LOCO-FOCO DEMOCRACY

WILLIAM TRIMBLE Dakota Agricultural ofHistory and SocialScience, North Department College
number ofthisJournal In a recent (May, I9I8) there appeared from thepen ofProfessor E. Dodd on article William a significant of the Old South," in whichis described "The Social Philosophy ofan aristocratic of society which the development conception by thephilosophy ofsouthern thirties themiddle had cometo dominate ofno little moment in thehistory ofdemocleaders. It is a matter oftheSouthwere thearistocrats racythat, at aboutthetime repudias "glittering a determined atingthe ideas of Jefferson fallacies," ofcommon menin thecityofNew Yorkwere group re-emphasizing anewtheprecepts thoseideasand promulgating and reformulating ofhumanequality. founded on thetheory ofa philosophy form in the fall of The movement began to assume definite the Tammanyorganization within I835 as a mutiny againstthe ofa conservative element. It soongrew domination intoa separate partywhichcalled itselfthe Equal RightsParty,but whichis underthe fantastic betterknownin history of "Locosobriquet Foco," a term first appliedin derision by its enemies. The party local campaigns and heldtwostateconventions was activein a few in one ofwhich it formulated an interesting a revision modelfor of thestateconstitution.It also fostered massmeetings noteworthy in New York City. Its achievements as a party organization, however,were not impressive, since its nomineesat no time securedmore than 5000 votes. Yet it did effect an important revolution in Tammany which allowedreunion in thefallof I837, its career thusafter closing scarcely twoyearsofseparate political activity. Thoughin durationand in numberof adherents this Equal RightsPartywas almostnegligible, its significance is enhanced by of someof the forces consideration back of it. Its existence was
705
706
THE AMERICAN JOURNALOF SOCIOLOGY
made possible by thattremendous innovation in theworld's practice of politics-American manhoodsuffrage.Massing of population,moreover, to a degree hitherto unknown in theNew World and theushering in ofa newstageofindustrial development were producing in the cityso strategically situated at themouth ofthe Hudson new economicand social tendencies. Hitherhad come from Englandnoteworthy agitators and thinkers, fervid from the industrial unrest there. A strong labormovement forsomeyears had been experimenting in forms of organization and formulating principles.A groupofyoungintellectuals within theDemocraticRepublicanparty,whichincludedWilliainCullen Bryant,John Bigelow,Samuel J. Tilden, and, most conspicuously, William Leggett (the prophetof the Loco-Foco movement), was keenly to a philosophy of equal rights;and withthesemight responsive then have been classed a brilliantindependent editor,Horace Greeley. The New York Evening Post, of which Bryant was editorand Leggettassociateeditor, was the organof this group with thenewmovement. Furtherand was distinctly sympathetic men like the Loco-Foco leader, more,therewere still surviving back in feeling whoreached and experience to thehallowed Jaques, Revolution. Finally, all fixed-income classes daysoftheAmerican of small estatesin general-laborers, professional men,holders of a rapidrisein cost ofliving, wereunderthe economic pressure to graveinflation due chiefly ofthecurrency. a condition of the credit This inflation and the prevalent widening system of society, weredefended members vigorously by the speculative of the time,promoters of the new capitalism, the entrepreneurs of the new era wouldnot have been difficult to whosephilosophy of the lower affiliate withthat of the aggressive youngplanters ofthe two classesat least were South. That the socialprinciples was madeby an appealwhich notthought discordant appearsfrom thepanicofI837, as follows: a group ofNewYorkmerchants during
ofproperty ofcases thepossession Avowyourbelief thatin a greatmajority of freelaws and equal rights, is the proofof merit, because in a country propskilland economy. as a general erty, rule,cannotbe acquiredwithout industry, * . faiththat the manywillfollowthe wise and the good,call . With a firm and industry, the upon the men of sound morals,of intelligence, throughout
SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY
OF THE LOCO-FOCO DEMOCRACY
707
all the distracting topics whichhave agitated it, and unite nation,to forget of the institutions, withoutwhichcommercial in defense societycannotexist. of the South fortheirgenerousco-operation, .... Appeal to our brethren and promisethemthat those who believe that the possessionof property is withthe rightsof property an evidenceof meritwill be the last to interfere of any kind.
of thismanifesto wereofWhigpersuasion; The mainsponsors of the Democratic-Republican division but a largeand influential to the same philosophy and was keepingin partywas inclining leadersas Rives of Virginiaand close touchwithsuchsouthern the Legare of South Carolina. Indeed, therewere throughout Dodd observes(citing as instances Chancellor North, as Professor Kent and Daniel Webster),numerous"conservatives"whose withthatwhich socialphilosophy agreedto a considerable degree was obtaining in the South. heldbothby northern of society Betweenthe conception capiand that advocatedby themselves, talistsand southern planters the Loco-Focos thoughtthere existed a fundamental, historic ofthisantagonism was set forth antagonism. Theirperception in an addressby Jaques,as follows:
abroadin theworld on the subjectofsocialrelations Thereare twoopinions ofmen. The supporters ofbothprofess to have thesame and thegovernment objects in view-the peace, the order,and the happinessof the humanrace. viewsof our natureand the laws of the But as theyare foundedon different of the first both cannotbe true. It is therefore that the Creator, importance questionshouldbe speedilysettledin the mindsof thiscommunity. of the one partyis, that man,by reasonof his ignorance, The theory and it is therefore of his corrupt necesnature,is not capable of self-government; sary that he should be restrained by force. They assertthat the Creatorin his providence has produceda different orderof intelligence amongmen,and that the mostintelligent shouldbe the governors and rulers, as well intended ofthe humanfamily. and live by the laborof the otherportion as the owners, of the Old Worldhave been founded on the above Most of the governments and need not be hereenumerated. are wellknown, theory;its effects referred The othertheory to, is that man is a rationaland moral being, "that all men are createdequal, and endowedby theirCreatorwithcertain unalienablerights." That by naturehe is also a social being,and that on but to secure entering societyhe does not give up any of his naturalrights, are institutedamong those rightsin their fullestenjoyment"governments men." . .
708
Thegovernments ofthese United States were founded onthelatter theory, andit is nowto be proved by after-experience whether it is capableofbeing carried outin practice.
of theleadership after the seizure craticparty; and, furthermore, in I844, the of the nationalpartyby the southern expansionists the Democracyof the NorthwithLocoprocessof permeating wellup to theoutbreak continued oftheCivilWar. Foco doctrines is not meant that the teachings it of By thisassertion, however, the Loco-Focoswerethe onlysourceof radicaldemocracy during withthe Locothisperiod; for,priorto and contemporaneously of the Democratic a largesection Foco agitation, Party(ofwhich was a representative BentonofMissouri Senator leader)was develviews. The original opingsimilar Loco-Focos,in fact,may quite as constituting a militant of be regarded properly merely vanguard it the general body of the progressive Democracy. Nevertheless, came of which to that the much to is nottoo say congeries principles belief be knownundertheirname-especiallythat of unqualified in large of humanequality-becameingrained in the philosophy an imporofthe northern portions populaceand thuscontributed movement which the idealistic democratic to element tant finally the southern votariesof aristocracy. by armedforceconfounded of to theadvanceofworld contribution Another democracy, perhaps equal permanent worth,was due to the fact that Loco-Foco to thegreat and lasting furnished radicalism important ingredients whichwent on in the state constitutions processof remodeling to the CivilWar. During UnitedStatesin the two decadesprior
became ascendant between I837 and I844 in the national Demo-
That there was a veryrealdanger ofAmerican democracy being itstruecourse, from diverted theLoco-Focosbelieved;and so they fought bitterly (and at timesirrationally) the money-power and oftheir timeand engaged theconservatism zealously in theformuofa socialphilosophy lationand propagation which they counted of to humanity. worth incalculable The chiefsignificance of Loco-Focoism, consequently, is not from its manifestation as a politicalpartyin New York, derived the spreadof its tenets. Its conception of democracy, but from and its of social its political formulations, spirit aggressive radicalism
SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY
709
all of the olderstates of practically thisperiodthe constitutions and thoseoftennewoneswereframed. wererecast, ofthe We have herespace forno morethanthebarestoutline of the earlier Loco-Focos historical steps by whichthe doctrines the Democracy of the North.' So earlyas through werediffused of I836, Professor tellsus, their Woodburn the nationalcampaign the used was of Democracy by general Principles widely Declaration a succession of eventsin as a partyplatform.Then, through to choosebetween Van Burenwas compelled the I837 President in his politicalfollowing, and radical elements and conservative estabchosethelatter. He and hisassociates, thereupon, decisively a high-classmagazine, the Democratic lished at Washington ofthe larger Loco-Focovehicleforthe dissemination an effective was the Democratic of its In line with ism. platform teachings Dodd has noted, was thelast ante-bellum I840 which, as Professor to endorse theDeclaraofthenational Democracy pronouncement a majority ofthepolitical group tionofIndependence. Meanwhile, of to the as the known in New York leadership adhering Regency, the celebratedBarnburner faction the President, was forming and thisinturn a radicalmovement), becamean impor(essentially of the Free Soil party. Throughout the tant nucleuseventually Democratsin generalI837, indeed,northern periodfollowing the numerous of radicals-were continent and morespecifically theappellation ofLoco-Focos. under widely known ofsociety, thuswidely the disseminated under The conceptions werenot new. The original name of Loco-Focoism, Loco-Focos didnotclaimto be initiating a newphilosophy, indeed, themselves, was "to bringback the Democratic but held that theirmission founded, upon whichit was originally party to the principles which had beenso longtrodden heaven-born . those principles of the earlier muchunderfoot of Monopoly." The doctrines Review theDemocratic wereessentially averred, maligned partisans, and Madison. But, in reviving and rethoseofJefferson, Taylor, maxims of democracy, the ancient thesehumble men emphasizing
I A history with references of the movement, and bibliographical data, is in the American HistoricalReviewforApril,I919, underthe title,"DivergingTendenciesin New York Democracy in the Period of the Loco-Focos."
Review (the firstissue appearing in October, I837), which became
7IO
upon eternal insistedthat they were basing their contentions as "politicalapostlesof themselves and theyregarded principles, arosein themidst thefactthattheparty "; and,indeed, thefuture itadvocated which thatmanyofthereforms ofa newindustrialism, oflifewas charand thatits envisagement modern, weredistinctly thanthatofthe ofcities morethatofthemass-action acteristically added society of to its philosophy ofthefrontier gives individualism was that of a nascentproin truth, pregnancy.Its philosophy, letarianism. idea in the creedofall Locoand everpresent The dominating zealotsin New York or of the later of the earlier Focos, whether was that of equal rights. prairies, upon the western proponents philosophy; wholesocialand political their On thisidea depended reform. for demands all oftheir in somemeasure it proceeded from of communism, theyasked the teachings Whiletheyrepudiated should likethedewsofheaven, ofgovernment, " thattheblessings " descendequallyon the highand the low,the richand thepoor. ofsocial notas an aggregation thestate,therefore, Theyconceived bounddownby theupper; butas an organization thelower strata, thananother to preference no onemoreentitled units, ofvoluntary usefully. Upon the latterproviso, -provided each functioned the therefore, to insistand to resent, theyweredisposed however, (but espeofthosewhoin anymanner in thebodypolitic presence devicesof "paper capitalism")subthe manifold ciallythrough considered they fellowmen.Aristocracy orpreyed upontheir sisted thoseonly regarded and theycertainly parasitic, as economically for a contention "producers," whoweresomehow as good citizens hatred. of class up as stirrers reproached which theywerebitterly thepurity, the strength, of the Loco-Focos, But, in the judgment in the last analysisupon of government depended the excellence limitedonly by natural endowment; equality of opportunity, ofgovernand benefits in theaffairs of citizens equal participation should of laws whichthemselves application ment; and impartial ofjustice. Loco-Focoism, to theeternal principles be conformable of theultimate fervor postulate heldwithalmostfanatical in fine, of the for chance every self-realization democracy-thelargest individuals. forall other withlikechances consistent individual
SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY
7II
The Loco-Focos, accordingly,were stronglyopposed to what they conceived to be the exactions and pretensionsof the aristocracy. This opposition was caustically set forthin one of their Reports as follows: Theworld hasalways abounded with men, who, rather than toiltoproduce to their thewealth to strip ofthe necessary subsistence, havecontrived others fruits oftheir labor, either byviolence and bloodshed, or by swaggering pretensions to exclusive privileges. It is, however, chiefly by thelatter modeof robbery, thattheworking classesof modern timesare keptin debasement and poverty.Aristocrats havediscovered thatcharters aresafer weapons thanswords;and thatcant, falsehood, and hypocrisy serveall the purposes of a highwayman's pistol, while victims they leavetheir aliveandfit for future exactions. the Loco-Focos abhorred all manner of Naturally, therefore, monopoly and of special privilegeand stronglyquestioned vested rights. The latter generallywere to be traced, they thought,to the brutal coercion of the common people in feudal times and to belated laws which preserved the inequalities of those times. Chartersin perpetuity, in particular, weremostearnestly denounced as a formof injustice which,in violation of democraticprinciples and the rightsof the people, were designedto nourisha privileged class. There was to be nowhere, in the Loco-Foco scheme of things,opportunityfor vesting privilegesin the few,and thereby divestingthe many of their rightsfor generationsto come. The in this matter a danger Loco-Focos felt that they were fighting which placed in acute jeopardy their ideals for the progress of civilization. The doctrinesand activities of the Loco-Focos were not only wereassailed, but naturally, were opposed by those whose interests viewed with horrorby many of the good and staid people of the time. The Loco-Foco philosophy,it was averred,set class against class and not only threatenedthe stability of society,but tended all society. These agitatorswerecalled disorganizers, to overthrow visionaries, agrarians, labor unionists, infidels,or worse. If the governor of New York, William L. Marcy, for instance, would apply such a term as knave to William Leggett, one of the most sincere and brilliant apostles of democracy that America has ever known,it is not to be wonderedat that othermen of the period
712
likened the spreadofLoco-Focoism to the devastation whichhad beenwrought by thegreatfire in New Yorkor to theawfulness of theepidemic ofcholera. It is truethattheLoco-Focoideaswere insomerespects extreme and neededthe correctives of moderation. Constructive reform wouldhave been hindered by the theory thatlaws have onlythe ofkeeping function menfrom injuring eachother, and by insistence that in no respecthas a legislative body the rightto bind its successors. The proposal,likewise, that debts shouldbe merely debtsofhonorand not legally enforceable, whileit contributed to the adoptionof exemption laws, nevertheless was unrealizable. and of "paper capitalism"extended Hatred of speculation to a a contention demandforbanningall paper money, whichwould of credit; and the formidable have hindered functions legitimate to do away withbanksnecesand persistent attempts absolutely weremoderated sarily everywhere by thegoodsenseofthepeople. ofreform, on theother The Loco-Focoprogram hand,embraced to banksandto special soundfeatures. The determined opposition met real evils of corruption acts of incorporation and tendedto " Imprisonofthe"money restrain undueaggrandizement power. oflaborers and lienlaws and theright mentfordebtwas opposed, of the unionswereupheld. Land laws in theinterest to organize people were advocated,and "a moreextended, equal, and conofpublicschoolinstruction" venient was urged. Popular system electionof judges was long agitated,and a systemof reformed primaries was actuallyput into operation by the partyin New York Cityas earlyas I836. of the The penology whichappearsin the Model Constitution New York Loco-Focosis especially suggestive. "There shall be " oneclausedeclared, " butin all convictions no capitalpunishment, thesentence shallbe banishformurder or unjustifiable homicide, of at hard labor forlife; the net profits mentor imprisonment and relations oftheperson said laborto be givento thedependents " The principle or to thepoor,as thejuryshalldirect. murdered, of restitution to the injuredwas to be appliedalso in the use of of felonies, from convicted and this proceeds the labor of persons was verywide-reaching sinceembezzlement and breaches principle
SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY OF THE LOCO-FOCO DEMOCRACY
7I3
of trustwereto "be indictable shall be as fraudsand all frauds punishable as felonies"-theLoco-Focosthinking, seemingly, that evento sentences for theprinciples ofequality extended criminality. of thisstate, "all articles in the prisons Moreover, manufactured overand above the purposes shallbe appropriated of restitution, shall to the use of the poor in such manneras the legislature " and therising ofprison laborwith direct, competition workingmen shallnot was metby theproviso that,"the timeor laborconvicts " or to anyperson whatsoever. be bargained to contractors, of the early Loco-Focos thus Since the social philosophy of workingmen and tenderof the interests embraced a penology it is themorestrange in general reflected a broadhumanitarianism, itsadvocates ofnegro thatit tookno cognizance slavery. Perhaps felt themselves, as one of theirReportsstates,victimsof the about avoiding "slaveryof poverty,"and weremoreconcerned theservile condition to which thesouthern philosophy wouldhave thewrongs offairly comfortable consigned themthanin agitating negroes. Perhaps also the Loco-Foco attitudemerelyreflected the preoccupation of the averagecitizenin his own affairs. As the growing Loco-Focoismspread over the country, moreover, to the claimsofthesouthern ofits adherents opposition oligarchy so muchagainsttheinstitution seemsnotto have beendirected of consciousness of the slaveryper se as animatedby a developing finalirreconcilability of society of the two conflicting theories and of the systems of labor based thereon; a consciousness ripening that the republic withall thatit intoa determination eventually meantfordemocracy was not to be dominated or ruinedby the slave power. Therewas alwayspresent in Loco-Focoism, theimpulhowever, sion of a humanitarian ideal whichultimately all comprehends races,classes,and conditions of men.. "For," as this ideal was Reviewin I837: strikingly expressed by theDemocratic
Democracyis the cause of Humanity. It has faithin humannature. It believes in its essential equality and fundamental goodness. It respects, witha solemnreverence to whichthe proudestartificial and disinstitutions tinctions of societyhave no claim,the humansoul. It is the cause of philanthropy. Its object is to emancipatethe mind of the mass of men fromthe degradingand disheartening fettersof social distinctions and advantages;
714
the freecreation"in its own majesty"; to war to bid it walk abroad through at theirrootto reform and violence; by striking oppression againstall fraud, out oftheold and false whichhas grown variedhumanmisery all theinfinitely thehireling to dismiss ideas by whichtheworldhas been so longmisgoverned; soldier;to spikethecannonand burythebayonet; to burnthegibbetand open the debtor's dungeon; to substituteharmonyand mutual respect for the classes of society betweenthe different jealousies and discordnow subsisting classification . . It is essentially as the consequenceof their artificial spirit in Christianity, ofwhichit has been wellsaid thatits pervading involved fact. equalityis its highest of democratic
are "comthe Review ages of the future, The countless affirmed, " Democracy. mitted withthecause ofAmerican of the earlier of theLoco-Focos,and particularly The idealism sources. two greathistoric drawnfrom was consciously partisans, frequent ofChristianity.Perhapstheir The onewas theteachings of Nazareth to the exampleand wordsof the Carpenter allusions of to meetthe charge may have been inducedin part by anxiety and atheists; but thereis no doubtthat the use of beinginfidels these by some of the leaders was due to genuinepiety. The the "Methocalls his co laborers of the party, Byrdsall, historian " movement the set forth to seeks and constantly of dists democracy " " democracy. with Christian as in consonance In the secondplace, not onlythe idealismof the Loco-Focos, as a whole,was thoroughly impregbut, in fact,their philosophy that of the society, of theory doctrines compact the with nated in and so powerful groupof ideas whichhas been so omnipresent all of theirvariousreports, the logic of revolutions.Practically to this theoryas includereferences and declarations addresses, of the laws of natureand the fundamental.The immutability overand overagain. wereaffirmed of naturalrights irrevocability this sourceis werederivedfrom Loco-Foco beliefs How directly which articleof the "Proposed Constitution" shownin the first read as follows:
ARTICLE I. NATURAL RIGHTS secure i. We, the people of the State of New York, in orderto mutually to each otherthe peaceful enjoymentof our natural rights,and the equal of the advantagesof society,do herebyestablishthe following participation of government. as our social compactand system Constitution,
SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY
7I5
2. All menare createdequallyfree, and are equallyentitled to theexercise of theirnaturalrights. On entering into society, man givesup none of those rights; he only adopts certainmodes of securing the peacefulenjoyment of them. Man's natural rightsof personare, his rightto exist, and to enjoy his existence; and the rightto exercisethose physicaland mentalfaculties with whichnaturehas endowedhim. Man's natural rightsin relationto things are,hisright to thethings produced by theexercise ofhispersonalendowments, and hisright to participate in thosebountieswhichnaturehas equallygivento all. Right,as relatedto action,is thatprinciple ofequalitywhich teachesman to do to othersas he would that othersshould do to him. Those acts are naturally, politically,and morallyright, whichmay be done by all without injuryto any.
To readers of the article referred to in our opening paragraph, it will be apparentfromthis briefsurveythat the Loco-Foco in the twodecadespreceding philosophy which the Civil Warhad wideinfluence in the Northwas the antithesis of thatwhich concameto command in theSouth. adherence temporaneously

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The Social Philosophy of the Loco-Foco Democracy Author(s): William Trimble Source: American Journal of Sociology, Vol.

THE SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY OF THE LOCO-FOCO DEMOCRACY

THE AMERICAN JOURNALOF SOCIOLOGY

OF THE LOCO-FOCO DEMOCRACY

THE AMERICAN JOURNALOF SOCIOLOGY

became ascendant between I837 and I844 in the national Demo-

OF THE LOCO-FOCO DEMOCRACY

Review (the firstissue appearing in October, I837), which became

THE AMERICAN JOURNALOF SOCIOLOGY

OF THE LOCO-FOCO DEMOCRACY

THE AMERICAN JOURNALOF SOCIOLOGY

SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY OF THE LOCO-FOCO DEMOCRACY

THE AMERICAN JOURNALOF SOCIOLOGY

OF THE LOCO-FOCO DEMOCRACY

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