The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-07-15

lame, Monroe, csrrsspondsnes.

nR IQlTu NOluult VI w
Monroe. edited by SrANrsLAUs MURRAY HAMII
TON. and published by the Putnams. covers the
period from May, i79e, to December. 1902. II
will he remembered that Monroe had been ap-
pointed by President Washington, in May. i7s''
Minister Plenipotentiary to the French Repub-
lie. In November, 1893. he received q letter
from the Secretary Of state. dated Aug. 70 In
that year and announcing his recall. On
Jan. I. 1877. he took leave OF the Directory and
left France for the United States as soon as the
season would permit. Meanwhile. hat is to
say. In November. i7oe. John Adams had been
elected President. having received three moro
electoral votes than were cast Tor Thomas JET
fer,on. In 100 Monroe was chosen Governor
OF virginia. and In 1907 the Virginia Assembly
passed A resolution approving Of his administra-
ton. Before glancins at some OF the letters
here printed we should remind the reader that
Monroe. although a sensible and sasacious
man, thoroughly respected and trusted by the
Anti-Federalists. did not possess the literary
ability for which Jefferson and Madison were
conspicuous. III does not always make MS
meaning clear. and. at times. he Is unsrammat-
ical. His letters. however. compare favorably
with Washington's.
In a letter dated Paris. July 6. 1893. and adj
dressed to James Madison. we find the follow
ing reference to Tom Paine: Paine. having
resolved to continue in Europe some time longer.
and knowing II was inconvenient for me to keep
him longer in my family. and wishing also to
treat on our politics. which he could not well DO
IN our house. left me some time since. He
thinks tho President Washington winked at
his imprisonment. and wished he might die In
jail, and bears him resentment for 1t; also. he Is
preparing an attack upon him Of the most viru-
lent kind. Through a third person I have en-
deavored to divert him from 1t without effect.
IL may be said I have endeavored to instigate
him, but the above is the truth" Later in the
sans letter Monroe recurs to the subject;
Notwithstanding my efforts to prevent 1t.
Paine will probably compromise me by pub
lishins some things which he picked up while
IN my house. 1t was natural. unaided as ! have
been here. or. rather. harassed from every
possible quarter. that I talked with this man,
but It was not 80 TO expect that he would com
nit such a breach OF confidence. as well as Of
gratitude. Perhaps II may appear to pro-
Decd from other sources. II so. my name will
not be involved. and that is greatly to be wished.
Otherwise, the above is the state Of the facts.
Upon no point but in my relations with
either Government am I personally uneasy
let what may happen. and this Is a thing OF a
personal delicacy more than anything else"
In the same letter Mr.. Monroe expresses the
wish that the outcome Of the election. then about
four months distant, would be the elevation Of
Jefferson to the Presidency; a wish which was
not to be fulfilled: 4 most earnestly hope that
Mr.. Jefferson will be elected. and that he will
serve. II he is elected. everything will most
probably be right here from that moment. and.
aftsrward, on the other side Of the Channel. And
In my opinion there never was such an oppor-
tuuity offered for the acquisition OF fame In
the restoration OF national credit abroad and
at home as is now presented. independent OF
the qualification an honest mind will always feel
In rendering useful service 10 his country.
He tJefersonl will be able. at the same time
that he secures preponderatIne republi-
can councils. and gives stability to republican
government. 10 concillats the well-meaning
Of the other party. and thus give peace TO his
country"
The treaty between England and the United
States negotiated by John Jayin November. 1874.
had given great offence to the French people.
hut. for some time. II was hoped that the anti
Federalst majority in the House Of Represen-
tatives would refuse to enact the laws needed
10 carry the treaty into execution. ultimately.
however. the House. by a vote Of 81 against
"a, passed the necessary legislation. and
Monroe found IL hard to prevent the French
Republic from declaring war against the United
States. It lie evident from many passages In his
OFFICIAL correspondence that the Jay treaty had
made Monroe's position In Paris extremely
dlficult. although, individually. he was persona
pratd.
1t seems that some Of Monroe's Federalist
opponents had accused him OF dabbling in land
speculations. for which. OF course. the ~confisca-
ton Of the estates OF Amieres offered tempting
opportunities. He replies to this charge In a
letter penned at Paris on July IS. 1895: In
truth Ihave bought nothing here but the houes
and lot on which | live. the furniture which ]
use-my books and a few other trifing articles
which ] intend TO carry with me when I return
home, such as a few glasses. and 80 forth. The
house ] mean to keep till l set out ~home-hav-
ing bought II to live In. In q retired and pleas
ant part OF the town. from a mar who sold 1t to
pay his debts (often the case here and else
where), an architect, andwhoi Is now my neighbor.
! have never bought another foot OF ground In
this country or any other article not above
mentioned. I might. IL Is true. embark In
NEGOTIATIONS here and purchase rich seats for
two years purchase. and presume l might pro-
cure the money to do IT, for national domains
cell at that rate, but I declare to you solemnly
that I have not. nor shall !. embark in such a
business. not that I think II is 30 culpable to do
II. ~ to buy the claims Of our soldiers before a
crcvision was made for their payment. and
then make the provision. or to buy up the debts
OF Individual States before they were assumed.
and then assume the payment Of them. as many
pronigate men In Office with us were known to
have done; but because I will have nothing to
do with a trafic dishonorable In some situa-
tons and commendable in few. With respect
To the purchase Of the house In which l live I
40 no greater improperly In the measure than
In renting It. A house ] must have over my
head. and I think It more creditable 10 own It
than to rent II. and 80 far as 1t applies to the
confidence Of this Government. a thing OF soms
importance,it was certainly calculated to pro-
duce a good effect"
In the same letter. which IL addressed TO
George Clinton. q fellow Republican and per-
eonal friend. Monroe says; Il cannot well
mention TO you the difficulties ] have had to
encounter 10 prevent this Government from
taking some very unfriendly step toward us. on
account Of our late treaty with England. and
the danger there still is 1t may do 1t. although I
have done everything In my power to prevent
II. and am still doing everything that I can do
for that purpose. No effort OF my life has been
more earnest to accomplish any object than
this has been, because l saw In the commence
ment ~ IL an irritating policy which would lead
An , n nthor thipua than certaintv nf our sapara-