He implemented a strong, well-financed national government while remaining impartial in a fierce rivalry between cabinet members Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. During the French Revolution, he proclaimed a policy of neutrality while sanctioning the Jay Treaty. He set enduring precedents for the office of president, including the title 'President of the United States', and his Farewell Address is widely regarded as a pre-eminent statement on republicanism. Washington owned slaves, and in order to preserve national unity, he supported measures passed by Congress to protect slavery. He later became troubled with the institution of slavery and freed his slaves in a 1799 will. Washington owned slaves, and in order to preserve national unity, he supported measures passed by Congress to protect slavery.