Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1840-09-05

fDlTlON sLAWS-EXAMlNED--AS AL.
so THE sCHARGE OF FEDERALISM,
AS MADE BY AMOS KENDALL.
As the Van Bcren party have thought proper
to charge General Harrison as the advocate and
and supporter OF the alien and sedition laws,
have deliberately examined the facts connected
with the truth oil the allegation, and will briefly
present them in this communication.
1t is no doubt within the recollection OF all who
are conversant with the history of Gen. Harrison's
life, that he entered Congress in 1885, as the dele.
gate from the northwestern territory. During this
session the celebrated alien and sedition laws were
adopted. As delegate he had no agency what.
ever in the adoption-the delegate has no voice
in Congress in the enactment of laws. How far
his feelings were favorable TO the subject has been
unequivocaly expressed by him on various occa-
sions he has explicitly denied the charge, in every
shape and form. But this charge is predicaed on
The testimony Of John Randolph, OF Roanoke
When he stated this matter TO the Senate, Gen.
Harrison rose 10 his seat and repudaed it, in the
most positive and unqualified terms. II is true,
that he admitted, that he approved Of the course
OF John Adams administration, in relation to our
external affairs with France That the system OF
policy, then pursued by the elder Adams met his
appreciation. Amos Kendall, in a recent number
Of the Extra Globe, has endeavored to deduce
from this appreciation OF particular measure Of
the executive, his inclination to support all Of the
systems of policy recommended by Mr.. Adams.
Before | examine the facts connected with the
alien and sedition law, let me point out the course
pursued Mr.. Adams in relation TO the ad ustment
of our foreign affairs. In the commencement, |
will remark, that as far back as 1893 and "a,
France assumed an attitude towards this govern
ment totally al war with the pacific policy of this
country. The policy was strictly military. AT
this time she was engaged in all Of the struggles
which then convulsed Europe. Her means and
resources were considerably exhausted Looking
around, among the foreign powers Of the globe,
for assistance, she peremptorIy demanded aid Of
the government Of the United States. General
Washington, then at the head of this government,
repudiated the proposition He contended, that
we should stand aloof from the commissions of
Europe. France demanded trbute--a sum oil
money-this was also denied. Conceivng her.
self injured by this refusal, she seized and captur
ed our commerce, and fitted out ships of war in
our harbors. These measures received from Gen
Washington rebuke, which lashed the whole
country into the highest conceivable excitement.
Before these disturbing and exciting questions
were adjusted, General Washington retired from
the Presidency. Mr.. John Adams succeeded him,
and the duty Of settling these perplexing Difficult.
ties devolved upon him. To accomplish this OBJ
ect, it required great prudence-enlarged expe
rience, and consummate wisdom He called to
his aid the purest patriots Of the land. 1t is fact
well established that as soon as he was inagura
tad, he consulted Mr.. Jefferson, as regards the
measure to be pursued in the settlement Of our
foreign affairs It is also fact well established.
that he proposed to Mr.. Madison, the mission to
France. This proposition he declined The coun.
try was then divided into three parties. There
was one party that supported Mr., Adams, in favor
Of negotiation. This was composed OF Marshall, |
Beyard, Governor Morris, John Jay, Patrick
Henry, and others. The other party were for de-
claring war against France. This consisted of
Alexander Hamilton, Pickering and others; and
lastly, there was party in favor Of sustaining |
France and rendering her the assistance required
This party was composed Of Jefferson, Giles, |
Monroe, Venable, Cary Nicholas and other dstin.
guished members Of the republican party Mr. |
Adams contended in opposition to the views Of
the second party that if war was declared, our
commerce would be crippled and greatly dimin.
ished-that our revenues were too small to en- |
counter such state Of hoslities, and that he be-
lieved negotiation would accomplish every thing
sought 10 be obtained from France, in considera.
ton Of the violation Of treaty stipulations-thatI
reclamaons Of property might be obtained more
easily-and indemnities granted by the French
government more willingly. As regards the views
entertained by Mr.. Jefferson and others, he
thought them highly impotic and unwise-and
establishing dangerous precedent. He felt CRATE.
rul to France for the timely aid rendered us in
achieving our independence; but he thought it I'm.
wise and inimical to the peace and tranquility Of
the nation to entangle ourselves in the meshes OF
foreign wars and hostilites. He proposed the
policy of negotiation He deputed Marshall,
Vansmurray, and Gerry 10 France, 10 adjust all
matters in controversy between the two govern.
ments. The sequel is well known-a treaty was
agreed upon, and the apprehensions Of the peo
pie in relation to war were totally dispelled.--
1t is fact not to be disputed that Gen Harrison
approved of the pacific policy that terminated so
gloriousy to the social, political and commercial
interests Of the two nations 1t is known full
well, that Gen. Washington appreciated the course
OF policy thus pursued by Adams, because the adj
ministration was acting upon the policy which
had originated in his cabinet, and he was merely
carrying out his views in the settlement Of our
foreign controversies
But will show by subsequent events, that Mr.
Jefferson pursued a similar policy when he came
to the executive chair. Difficulties were again re-
newod by France, in our intercourse. The trea.
ty had secured to us the right Of deposto in New
Orleans for our western productions. The inten-
dant of that city, acting in obedience to the con.
stituted authorities of the French government, de,
MED 10 us the right thus guaranteed by the treaty
We remonstrated-we appealed to the French
government for redress of grievances. But still