Page:The American Cyclopædia (1879) Volume IX.djvu/613

THOMAS JEFFERSON 593 treasury, stood at the head of the former. Jefferson was a democrat by nature and train- ing; strongly opposed to England and the English system, against which he had struggled from the moment of his entrance into public affairs; and an unyielding advocate of state sovereignty and decentralization. His visit to Europe had strengthened these convictions of the danger of strong governments, and the up- rising of the French people had secured his cordial sympathy. In the cabinet of Washing- ton he now represented the principles of the republican party, who opposed a strong gov- ernment as tending to monarchy, advocated state sovereignty as the only true republican- ism, and espoused the cause of France in oppo- sition to England. In all the great measures Hamilton defeated his rival. The entire sys- tem of finance, including the establishment of a bank of the United States, proposed by the secretary of the treasury, was adopted in spite of the protest of Jefferson, and of Randolph the attorney general. In February, 1791, Jef- ferson wrote an able report upon the cod and whale fisheries, recommending congress to pro- tect those valuable branches of trade. Later in the same year he conducted an important correspondence with Mr. Hammond, the Brit- ish minister, in relation to alleged violations of the treaty of peace with England. Jefferson complained of non-compliance with that arti- cle of the treaty which contained stipulations against carrying away negroes or destroying property, and provided for the evacuation by Great Britain of all posts within the limits of the United States. Mr. Hammond replied, and Jefferson rejoined, when the correspondence closed ; and the questions were not reopened for discussion until the more important differ- ences occurred which were terminated by the treaty of 1794. In the spring of 1792 Jeffer- son drew up an elaborate report upon the re- lations of the United States with Spain. These involved the determination of boundaries, the exclusion of American citizens from the navi- gation of the Mississippi below our limits, in- terference with the Indian tribes, the restitu- tion of fugitives from justice and of property carried off, and the terms of a commercial treaty. The negotiations were indefinitely protracted, and it was not until many years afterward that they were even partially suc- cessful. In the spring of 1793 arose the para- mount question of the neutral policy and rights of the United States, in view of the declaration of war just made by France against Holland and Great Britain. Upon this question was put forth the entire strength of the two great leaders of the federal and republican parties in the cabinet. The republican party was enthu- siastic in its sympathy for France in the strug- gle with her great enemies, and a disposition was immediately shown to fit out privateers in American ports to cruise against English ves- sels. This was energetically opposed by the federal leaders, who were anxious that no cause of hostilities should be given to England, and held that the true policy of America was to preserve peace and friendship with all na- tions, but form entangling alliances with none. The president, who had just entered upon his second term, issued his proclamation warning the citizens of the United States against carry- ing to the hostile powers any articles deemed contraband of war, or performing other acts inconsistent with the duties of a friendly na- tion. This was advised by Jefferson, as by his colleagues. He however advocated the pro- priety of receiving a minister from the French republic, which was determined upon. This was followed by the appearance of Genest as minister, to succeed the former royal function- ary, who had been recalled. Genest author- ized the fitting out and arming of privateers, and empowered the French consuls throughout the United States to erect courts of admiralty to try and condemn prizes brought into Amer- ican ports. The president ordered that his privateers should leave the ports immediately, notwithstanding which he armed a prize and ordered her to sail as a privateer. A violent debate took place in the cabinet in Washing- ton's absence. Hamilton, supported by Knox, advocated the erection of a battery to prevent the vessel from sailing, and denounced Genest as an agent sent to embroil America with Eng- land. Jefferson opposed the scheme of a bat- tery on the ground that the vessel would not sail, and that the matter was too trifling to cause hostilities with France. Washington ar- rived and addressed a heated note to Jefferson ; but explanations were made. In spite of all, the vessel sailed. Genest then grew so inso- lent that the question arose whether he should not be ordered out of the country. It was de- termined, however, to request his recall. Jef- ferson says that he was in favor of " express- ing that desire with great delicacy," but that "the others were for peremptory terms." Genest was finally recalled, and this affair ter- minated. It had aroused to the utmost extent all the bitterness in the hearts of the two great rivals, and the meetings of the cabinet were stormy. The last act of Jefferson as secretary of state was an elaborate report on commer- cial intercourse with foreign nations, with the measures necessary for regulating and improv- ing it. In this paper he first enumerates the articles of export, with their value, and then states the various restrictions imposed upon them, calling attention to the best method of modifying or removing them. This report gave rise to long and animated discussions, and the measures secured the favor of a great ma- jority of the national legislature ; but a vote was not immediately taken, and the subject was lost sight of. On Dec. 31, 1793, Jefferson resigned his place in the cabinet, and, return- ing to his home at Monticello, devoted him- self to his private affairs, which had become somewhat embarrassed. In September, 1796, Washington announced that he would not