7. Gag-Rule Cane

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Take on the role of an antiques appraiser and research this artifact. Which president is associated with this artifact and what presidential power does it represent? The more information you provide, the more valuable the artifact. This 3D printable model was created by a student in Ms. Relator's US Government class at Dominion HS in Virginia. Find out more about the Mystery Artifact lesson at https://www.lcps.org/Page/186358 Mystery artifact created by, Emma Karren Clues -He became the only ex-President to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1830 -He has the same first and last name as his father (who served as the 2nd president of the U.S.) -The ivory cane is made by Julius Pratt & Company of Meriden, Connecticut. -It was given to this President for his efforts to end the gag rule, which prevented discussions in the House of Representatives about the abolition of slavery. Significance and Research The Object: A Cane Details about the Object: This president noted in his diary: “There is in the top of the cane a golden eagle inlaid, bearing a scroll, with the motto ‘Right of Petition Triumphant’ engraved upon it. The donors requested of me that when the gag-rule should be rescinded I would cause the date to be added to the motto.” (Smithsonian Institution) President: John Quincy Adams served from 1825 to 1829. Adams was the last Democratic-Republican to be elected President. Presidential Role: This illustrates the ‘Chief Legislature’ power of the president. Presidential Action: Adams argued that slavery contradicted the principals of Republicanism. Adams expressed his disapproval of slavery by writing letters about the dangers posed by abolitionists groups who promoted slavery. "Adams opposed the institution of slavery on moral principle—as a violation of human beings’ inalienable right to liberty, and as incitement to a spirit of mastery dangerous to republican politics in America Adams’ public arguments allowed him to make clear his respect for traditional political limits on how the national government might address slavery in America." (Intercollegiate Studies Institute) Impact on America: I chose this President and artifact because this ivory cane was given to John Quincy Adams by Julius Pratt & Company of Meriden, Connecticut for his efforts to end the gag rule, which prevented discussions in the House of Representatives about the abolition of slavery. Adams argued that the gag-rule violated the constitutional right to petition- a right that extended even to slaves. Adams fought to restore fundamental and constitutional freedom until the slavery gag-rule was suspended. This marked a major turning point in the fight to end slavery. Works Cited: Facts Citations John Adams Historical Society. (n.d.). John Quincy Adams Facts. Retrieved from http://www.john-adams-heritage.com/john-quincy-adams-facts/ Intercollegiate Studies Institute. (n.d.). The Home of American Intellectual Conservatism-First Principles. Retrieved from http://www.firstprinciplesjournal.com/print.aspx?article=813 Cane Citation Smithsonian Institution. (n.d.). John Quincy Adams’s Gag-Rule Cane. Retrieved from http://www.civilwar.si.edu/slavery_adams2.html Visual Evidence Smithsonian Institution. (n.d.). John Quincy Adams’s Gag-Rule Cane. Retrieved from http://www.civilwar.si.edu/slavery_adams2.html