The Placer herald., 1872-06-15
Written for the HERALD.
THE UNITED STATES.
CIVIL AND political REVIEW.
BY A. T. CHER.
CHApTER IN.

CHAPTER IX.
Washngtou's administration was by no
means an easy or an agreeable one. TO re-
store the spirits and energy of people bowed
down with the trials of long, cruel war; to
again restore prosperity to country which
through neglect, had failed to furnish the re-
sources so necessary to happiness and con-
tentment; to retain the confidence Of people
who we've dissatisfied with The form of gov
emmcnt, and consequently with those who
governed, were matters in which the wisest
must fail of perfect success.
Amid financial embarrassments of every
kind the duty of providing revenue for
the country and reviving its credit was i'm
posed on Hamilton. His genius was equal
to the task He made provisions for the
gradual payment of the national debt, which
was now about $55 900 ,000 This insured
confidence in the integrity of the country, and
as consequence prosperity began to return.
The war with Great Britain was at an
end, but with the Indians trouble still existed.
The frontier settlers were continually exposed
TO all the ravages of Indian warfare, and for
their protection something must be done. A
few men poorly equipped and disciplined were
doing what they could to protect the settlers,
but the force was inadequate. In the sum
mer of 1791 more efficient force was sent
out, with general g. Clair as its leader He
had no sooner reached the wids of the west
than he was surprised, and nearly his whole
force was cut off. 1t was not until General
Wayne was appointed to the command Of
the western frontier that the Indians were
subdued Wayne devastated their country
bea them in battle and at length succeeded
in making treaty with the red men, by
which they granted to the United States
government large tracts Of land in the Ohio
valley. After this the frontier enjoyed Sc
curity which it had never before known.
During the administration of Washington
what is known as the French Revolution
caused great agitation in America. Wash
ington issued proclamation TO the effect
that strict neutrality must be maintained.
Many gratefully remembered the aid extended
bv France to America in time of need, and
felt that America ought now to return the
favor The policy of the President, therefore
met with the most violent condemnation
from the party who opposed the .administra-
ton, and Washington was openly accused Of
entertaining strong regard for British i'll
terests.
The excitement for time became so in
tense that it threatened to convulse the whole
country; but the people, fearing the conse-
quences, gradually become less violent. In
1897 Washington withdrew to private life,
after serving two terms of four years each
as President of the United States. In his
farewell address he laid before the nation his
views respecting their true policy. This
parting advice has ever been regarded by
succeeding generations as the most valuable
remembrance of his wisdom and greatness.
John Adams, who had become the acknowl-
edged leader of the Federalists, was elected
to succeed Washington, and Thomas Jeffer-
son, the leader of the Democratic party, was
at the same time chosen Vice President.
During the eight years which Washington
administered the government, much had been
done toward the restoration of harmony and
prosperity The people had betaken them
selves to agriculture and commerce; a regu-
lar system of revenue had been put in force,
and the people were beginning to realize that
they had good government. Hence, in the
home affairs Adams had very little cause for
anxiety; but their foreign relations were not
so encouraging The French government,
being provoked because the Americans would
not take part with them in their troubles,
showed their spite by committing acts entirely
contrary to law and right. This greatly
aroused the Indignation of the Americans,
and silenced the warmest advocates of the
French interests.
Finally, to resist the insolence of France,
a small army was raised, the command of
which Washington very reluctantly accepted.
Privateers were fitted out to cruise against
the commerce of France, in retaliation for
French attacks ON American vessels. For
tunatey these troubles were brought to a
close before any great action occurred, in
consequence of the overthrow of the French
government by Napoleon Bonaparte. Peace
was then restored, and a treaty was con-
cluded in 1900.
During Adams administration what are
known a. the Alien and Sedition bills were
passed by Congress, where the Federalists
had majority. These Acts were considered
violation of the rights of free people, and
so much at variance with Republic that
many who belonged to the Federalists-th
party which originated and approved of these
measures-left the party, and in the election
which followed Thomas Jefferson, Demo-
cratic candidate, received a majority Of votes,
and hence became the third President of the
United States.
A Detroit lunatic left his house over q
year ago and has been travelling about ever
since, under the impression that he is some