Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. II.djvu/96

68 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS and his own followers. In truth, it was as ill-yoked an alliance as ever was made. The elements of a fierce quarrel were scarcely concealed, and the re moval of President Harrison was all that was needed to kindle the flames of strife. " Tyler dares not resist," said Clay; "I ll drive him before me." On the other hand, the new president declared: "I pray you to believe that my back is to the wall, and that, while I shall deplore the assaults, I shall, if practicable, beat back the assailants"; and he was as good as his word. Congress met in extra session, May 31, 1841, the senate standing 28 Whigs to 22 Democrats, the house 133 Whigs to 108 Democrats. In his opening message President Tyler briefly recounted the recent history of the United States bank, the sub-treasury system, and other financial schemes, and ended with the pre cautionary words : "I shall be ready to concur with you in the adoption of such system as you may propose, reserving to myself the ultimate power of rejecting any measure which may, in my view of it, conflict with the constitution or otherwise jeopard the prosperity of the country, a power which I could not part with, even if I would, but which I will not believe any act of yours will call into requisition." Congress disregarded the warn ing. The ground was cleared for action by a bill for abolishing Van Buren s sub-treasury system, which passed both houses and was signed by the