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| Worksheet # 62 |
| OLD HICKORY AND THE TRAIL OF TEARS How tensions knotted and strained, those obstreperous years, Wtih regional quarrels so often grinding the gears! As more and more voters, making camp in the West, Were planters and plainfolk, with neither title nor crest. And from a humble poor start on the rugged frontier, Rose a man that most people could honor and cheer. In touch with the common -- and not the high hats! He lead a new party, simply called Democrats. Indeed, Andrew Jackson, of a log-cabin born, Was loved for his toughness, rock-hard and hard-worn. And this great man of war, so disdainful of classes, Rode a wave of high spirits that stirred in the masses. Who turned out in droves on the balloting date, To vote for their hero in 1828. And like a colt newly freed, no slyness, no trickery, He did bolt into office, the dashing Old Hickory. Ah, but fears of mob rule lead some menfolk to worry: This coarse new President would make people sorry. And, indeed, his well-wishers acted rowdy and low, -- They near wrecked the White House when invited to go! But Hickory proved firm in support of the aims Of the settlers laying stake to more and more claims. For, heeding no treaties, and with no pity or tact, He signed into law The Indian Removal Act. And to throw out the tribes from the lands highly prized, Jackson forced them at gunpoint to uproot their whole lives. The Cherokee and Choctaw pushed past the Mississip. -- Alas, thousands did die on the grueling long trip! 'Twas a cruelty most bare, and such sorrow inflicted, To heartlessly have a whole people evicted. And may souls not forget the great sin of those years, The grand march of despair along a Trail of Tears. |
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