New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-12-15
A CASE OF HEREDITARY BIAS.
III.
MR. HENRY ADAMS'S VIEWS on THE ADMINS
TRATIoN OF ME-. MADISON AND PoLITI-

70 the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Since the publication of some structures
upon Mr.. Henry Adams's History of the United
States" (see Tribune, September TO- he mas IN
vited the public TO read two more volumes cover
ing Mr. Madison's first Presidential term The
bias of the historian in his narration OF events
and comments on the motives and acts OF The
political leaders Of the day, so noticeable IN me
former volumes is conspicuous in these ana hiS
penchant 10 sacrifice truth and common-S"hSe I'D
rhetorical effect is in no wise ahated. ihcSc
faults are too grave 10 be overlooked by the
thoughtful reader What though one attribute
them in a measure 70 prejudice founded on cduc2-
ZION or misnfornation, is the work as history
less mischievous than if the author had for his
purpc,c the Justification of events and mems pur-
poses and deeds?
Onc could wish for a more genial narrative Of
American history than is presented in these vol
umes The incapacitv, weakness and duphclty
1--WE employ terms expressing the historians Judg-
ment) of President Madison: the intriguing, cor
rlpt and unpatro,c action Of Samuel Smith and
his brother tic Secretary of State, and of DcNltt
Clinton and others: the plastic character oil
Monroe grow trifc tedious; and we are onlE
SHARED the desperate conclusion that all men he
come knavcs when they turn politicians, by the
revelation in this history that throughout the
Administration of President Madison there were
two able. honest and patriotic men serving their
country-Albcrt Gallatin and John Quincy
Adams The mission of our historian is TO SlorliS
these two at the expense of others. As IN the
history of the Administration of Jefferson, Inc
greatness of the Secretary of the Treasury over
shadows the President, so in the two volumes I'M
dor consideration we are told that Gallatin was
1.-The only capable character in the Government
Even Randolph. hated by all Adamscs is made 10
do duty as a witness against the Administrations
which shows to what strait our historian Is driVeh
10 make his case But, the reader donhfiesS
inferred from what was said before. If one seeks
an impartial picture Of the times he Will SraTch
the writings of Henry Adams in vain IheIe i
hardly an honest statement relating 10 The mo
lives and opinions Of the men whom Inc MS
toran had marked for condemnation Inns -'"-
oral allegation could he snhstantatcd by mum
erous citations did space permit. bat Only one
need he given
Senator Samuel Smith, one of The most
prominent leaders of the jefferson E'p"hhc'h
party, is assailed with special vIru!cncr' lie -
held M as the enemy of Gallatin. and Is accused
of opposing all measures originating IN the treas
urv Dcpartncnt for fractional and selfish purposes
Ono of these measures was what was known ~
Nacon's bill. drawn by Mr.. Gal2tin 10 take Inc
Mace of the Nonintercourso act about - expire
whose objects were 10 close American por'> 10
British and French vessels and - secure Inv
monopoly of the carrying trade 10 America oN ''
hitting British and French merchandise VINE"
imported directly from the place OF origin IN YES
sells wholly American. The bill passed tic HOUSE,
but was defeated in the senate Inc rcSPon,F
bltv was Justly charged upon Senator Smith,
who on the 10th of March, $50. made 'o'ap'
sneech against the bill. which we are told. on
cited surprise that Samuel Smith. man ac-
counted shrc,vd should suppose such arguments
o. no decent much less convincing.
That tie arguments were convincing Is Sho"h
nv the fact that lie carried enffclent hummer OF
Republicans with bin 10 defeat the bill. " he'no'
,hcv were decent the reader only learn by
perusipg the debate preserved IN the illS'oiN
~ Congress He will not find any light IN me
pages of Mr. Adams, who stddi'usN eNcI'u's al
nj the Senators arguments although deVotlng q
mage 70 extracts from the speech II would 'f
hard 10 End fragrant case OF misfepie-
,.r,a,ion through suppression and bias.
The fact Is the tone of the speech was patrlonc'
.nd onnosition was justified on thr ground OF the
impractcabty of the measure Inc SECRETARY VI
the Treasury had incorporated clause 'ha' oe
clsrei that any ship sailing under the nag oi
either Great Britain or France which shall mere
after arrive in any OF our haroors, SNAIL VIII"
choir carcoe, be seized and condemned Ana N''
Great Britain and France we're not eApc''F" ~
,.,aliote nm American commerce. senator smith,
q nractical and successful business man. p'H'N'U
P - o,,ll tbe,. retaIiatc bv sriZng and
that not OILY N'"i' ' , ii.i,c ,boir
condemninc all American vessels NIo''h '"'
L.. .h.+ tho carving trade would u" trans
porls' pu' 'l"' " = p,;,;eL marina He
fe-red almost wholly TO Inc blA'loH "i'iA'N
said
,.n., Administration could stand the hue ana cry
.h' c,id ~. raised against them by the ouc'l, az
.ha;r ,ricnds All would understand mat ic "Vl
~ an one ,de. all would he taught 10 hH"M ''.1 3
r own law had only been rciort"d upon u,, a'u ~, -,
Un t a5rac tba, We had no right - complain; ~
t h,d In.c m. high ground now stand on MAJ I"
o~n,sition to The UNJUST and oppressive m.'.ua,
oPPhei,; e-snts and he compelled 10 admit mat We
were the a;srf" h o The Wronc doors And 10
Vii Mr. PRESIDENT For the paltrJ consideration .
preventing British shipping :" an an' ' nd from De-
rnnimG the carriers Of our pioduoe ~ that nm3rn,
for that is the only injury the bl pIopn>G y" '