Page:Conspectus of the history of political parties and the federal government - Houghton - 1860.djvu/27

Rh a candidate, and was re-elected by a unanimous vote. Mr. Adams was chosen a second time for Vice-President.

FRANCE.—“The French Revolution was at first hailed with delight by both parties in the United States;” but as the revolutionists grew bold in excess, sympathy was withdrawn from them by the Federals, and increased for them by the Anti-Federals, whose favoritism in this direction continued more than two decades.

FOREIGN POLICY.—So popular did the course of the revolutionists become in the United States that citizens were desirous to aid France in her war against England. To avert this danger, Washington, (April 22, 1793,) issued his celebrated proclamation of neutrality, by which the United States were enjoined to keep free from complications with foreign nations. This defined the foreign policy of the government, and was attacked by the Republican press with such unwonted vigor that Hamilton entered the lists for the administration. Jefferson said the proclamation wounded popular feelings and national honor. The agitation closed at the recall of GenetGenêt [sic], the French minister, whose conduct was resented by the government; but France, in 1797, appeared a second time as a disturbing element in politics, in her efforts to draw the United States into a war against England. The difficulties which began at that time were not settled till the next administration.

ENGLAND.—In November, 1793, the English order in council forbade the commerce of foreign nations with the colonies of France. This was unfriendly to the United States; Congress voted an embargo of thirty days, and attempted legislation which would have rendered war with England almost inevitable. Washington sent Chief-Justice Jay as minister extraordinary to England, that he might effect a treaty of reconciliation between the two countries. The treaty was prepared and presented to the Senate for ratification. It was the signal for a political contest which Washington regarded as the most serious crisis of his administration. The Federals advocated the ratification of the treaty. The Republicans “branded the Federalists as the British party,” and charged them with sacrificing the most sacred dictates of national honor. The contest closed when the treaty was ratified.

ELECTION OF 1796.—Washington’s Farewell Address, issued in August of this year, assured the people that he would now retire from public life. There was no other man on whom the whole nation could unite. The presidential contest which followed excited an implacable party spirit, and was the first great struggle for ascendency between the parties. The Federalists nominated John Adams for President, and the Republicans, Thomas Jefferson. The result was a victory for each party. Mr. Adams was elected President, and Mr. Jefferson, receiving the next highest number of votes, was chosen Vice-President. The election showed that the Federalists were losing ground and that the Republicans were gaining. The former were weakened by feuds among their leaders, and the latter were strengthening their organization and numbers as they advanced from a party of mere opposition to one with a positive policy.

RETIREMENT OF WASHINGTON.—The President, while administering the government, had been violently assailed by partisans, but nothing could alienate him from the affections of the people. “He retired, leaving to his successor a system of wise and sound policy successfully inaugurated.”

PRESIDENT’S POSITION.—John Adams was inaugurated President in Congress Hall, at Philadelphia, March 4th, 1797. In his address he denied the charge of sympathy for England “which had been hurled against the administration.” This somewhat softened the ardor of the opposition; but the President continued his attachment for those who had elevated him to the position of Chief Magistrate.

FRANCE.—Complications with France demanded immediate attention. The French Directory having failed in drawing the United States into an alliance with France against the allied powers, and, incensed at the treaty with England concluded by Jay, dismissed the American minister and began to cripple our foreign trade. The President called an extra session of Congress, which convened on the 15th of May, 1797. He laid before that body a statement of the aggressions of France. The administration had a majority in the Senate, but the House was doubtful. Advances for reconciliation with France were made by the President with the concurrence of the Senate. Party spirit ran high and was “tinged with bitterness hitherto unknown.” The session closed on the 10th of July. “Notwithstanding the insults of the French Directory, the Republicans entertained an abiding affection for France.”

“STAMP ACT.”—During the extra session an act was passed “laying duties on stamped vellum, parchment, and paper.” This law resembled the stamp act of 1705, and was obnoxious to a large number of people.

WAR VERSUS FRANCE.—Negotiations for a peaceable adjustment of difficulties having proved fruitless, Congress began to prepare for war. A standing army (May, 1798), a naval armament, and the capture of French vessels, were authorized. Although neither country declared war, hostilities were begun upon the ocean. France, seeing the hostile attitude of the United States, made overtures for an adjustment of difficulties. These were accepted, and resulted in a treaty of peace (1800).

ENLARGEMENT OF THE ARMY AND NAVY.—The Republicans maintained that, previous to actual hostilities, the militia and a small naval force were sufficient for internal defense, and the protection of our coasts and harbors. Accordingly, the actions of Congress, providing for the establishment of a standing army, its enlargement, and that of the navy, were regarded as measures calculated to overawe public sentiment in time of peace.

ALIEN AND SEDITION LAWS.—The outrages of France were repugnant to many Republicans, and gained for a short time a large number of adherents to the Federal party. This rendered the administration sufficiently bold to attempt