The Only Emperor of the United States in History
In US history, there has only been one man who has ever claimed this title. Joshua Abraham Norton, a former business investor living in San Francisco, California proclaimed himself Emperor of These States United and Lord Protector of Mexico as Norton I. His 'reign' lasted from 1859 to his death in 1880.
Emperor Norton I (1819 - 1880)
Unlike others, he did have a lasting affect on the environment he lived in. He had a currency issued in his own name, wrote letters to Queen Victoria, and made imperial decrees to Congress - all of which were sadly ignored. In his funeral procession, an estimated 30,000 people crowded the streets to see his cortege. Writers Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, Christopher Moore, and Neil Gaiman all based characters in their books after the man.
His decree in 1859 reads as
At the peremptory request and desire of a large majority of the citizens of these United States, I, Joshua Norton, formerly of Algoa Bay, Cape of Good Hope, and now for the last 9 years and 10 months past of S. F., Cal., declare and proclaim myself Emperor of these U. S.; and in virtue of the authority thereby in me vested, do hereby order and direct the representatives of the different States of the Union to assemble in Musical Hall, of this city, on the 1st day of Feb. next, then and there to make such alterations in the existing laws of the Union as may ameliorate the evils under which the country is laboring, and thereby cause confidence to exist, both at home and abroad, in our stability and integrity.
NORTON I, Emperor of the United States
This currency was even issued to pay off some of his debts, which were at times even accepted.
There was an interesting incident in 1867 when anti-Chinese demonstrators crowded one of the poor districts of SF. Emperor Norton subsequently positioned himself in between the violent mob and the Chinese migrants and recited the Lord's Prayer over and over until the crowd dispersed without incident.
Throughout his reign, he made repeated edicts to the US Government.
On October 12, 1859 he formally dissolved Congress as issue:
When Congress ignored his edict he added further:...fraud and corruption prevent a fair and proper expression of the public voice; that open violation of the laws are constantly occurring, caused by mobs, parties, factions and undue influence of political sects; that the citizen has not that protection of person and property which he is entitled.
Emperor Norton's battle with Congress continued throughout his reign, raising various issues and decrees which were to solidify his power and end the expanding corruption within the US Government. When Civil War broke out in '61, Norton thus pleaded with the people to openly rebuke their respective public officials and proclaim him emperor to give lasting peace and bring solutions to the land. In the hopes of achieving this, Norton issued a mandate that the Catholic and Protestant Church should ordain him emperor to end the suffering.WHEREAS, a body of men calling themselves the National Congress are now in session in Washington City, in violation of our Imperial edict of the 12th of October last, declaring the said Congress abolished;
WHEREAS, it is necessary for the repose of our Empire that the said decree should be strictly complied with;
NOW, THEREFORE, we do hereby Order and Direct-Major General Scott, the Command-in-Chief of our Armies, immediately upon receipt of this, our Decree, to proceed with a suitable force and clear the Halls of Congress.
On August 12, 1869 "being desirous of allaying the dissensions of party strife now existing within our realm" Norton thus decreed the abolition of the Democratic and Republican parties.
In the 1870s, some of his edicts actually became true later in the 20th Century. In one such edict, he called for a collection or a "League of Nations" in which he forbade strife between religion or their sects.
In another, he called for the construction of a bridge or a tunnel to connect San Francisco to Oakland in 1872.
WHEREAS, we issued our decree ordering the citizens of San Francisco and Oakland to appropriate funds for the survey of a suspension bridge from Oakland Point via Goat Island; also for a tunnel; and to ascertain which is the best project; and whereas the said citizens have hitherto neglected to notice our said decree; and whereas we are determined our authority shall be fully respected; now, therefore, we do hereby command the arrest by the army of both the Boards of City Fathers if they persist in neglecting our decrees.
Given under our royal hand and seal at San Francisco, this 17th day of September, 1872.
Apart from Norton I's decrees he also publically walked the streets of San Francisco inspecting public works projects, city maintenance, and the appearance of police officers. He also drew crowds making philosophical speeches. He was revered by the citizens of San Francisco, and although practically penniless, he ate at the finest restaurants in town - free of charge, and restaurant owners even put up brass plagues on their entrances stating "by Appointment to his Imperial Majesty, Emperor Norton I of the United States". Plays and musicals often reserved balcony seats for the Emperor.
One of the most fascinating of all was the public's response to his arrest in 1867 by a police officer and to be taken involuntarily to a mental institute. The arrest outraged the public and several editorials in the days after criticized the police chief. Days later, the chief quickly remitted and released him with a public apology from the police force. Chief Crowly was believed to have said "that he had shed no blood; robbed no one; and despoiled no country; which is more than can be said of his fellows in that line." Norton was humble enough to issue an Imperial Pardon to the young man who arrested him and thereafter, police officers gave salute to the Emperor as he passed in the street.
While on the way to give a lecture at the California Academy of Sciences, the Emperor collapsed and died on January 8th, 1880. The next day, the San Francisco Chronicle on its front page gave the obituary reading "Le Roi est Mort". (The King is Dead) "On the reeking pavement, in the darkness of a moon-less night under the dripping rain..., Norton I, by the grace of God, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, departed this life".
He died penniless. Despite this, the Pacific Club and the City of San Francisco gave him a beautiful coffin and cortege. Mass crowds from all walks of life gave attendance in mourning. He is now buried in Colma with a large stone titled "Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico".
His legacy was lauded and lived on through his inspired characters in popular books. In Twain's "Huck Finn", the character of the King was inspired by Emperor Norton - rumored to be the son of Napoleon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor..._United_States
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For some reason he reminds me of Huey Long,who was also a power hungry fool.
Originally Posted by Seneca
