They were on the defensive throughout, and they accomplished nothing at all in the way of permanent constructive legislation.

Their successes were merely electioneering raids, whereas their defeats were wholly disastrous in that they lost, not only all of their strongholds, but most of their military reputation and good name.

Their final disappearance was wholly the result of their own incapacity.

They were condemned somehow to inefficiency, defeat, and dishonor.
Every important article in their programme went astray.

The policy of internal improvements in the national interest and at the national expense was thwarted by the Constitutional scruples of such Presidents as Monroe and Jackson, and for that reason it could never be discussed on its merits.