The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-02-08

| ut length that everybody was In favor
! of the treaty, except Il few Hartford
| convention Federalists, who had ceased
| to be Nationalist, he reverses the
| teachings of II lifetime and reluctantly
| approves of the action of his agents.
| Mr. Jefferson had long been teaching
| that the strict construction of the con-
| stitution permitted nothing to be done
under 1t except what was expressly
authorized. There was hence no au-
thority in express terms for the nation
| to grow in size, to enlarge it's bound
aries, to add new territories. Ohio had
been admitted into the Union that very
| year with his approval. but this was
carved out of an acquisition gained by
another peaceful or peace treaty-with
Sngland-made before the constitution
became operative. The new organic
law. according to this expounder, him
dered growth, development. progress
expansion. Instead of frankly admit
ting that his CONSTITUTIONAL theories
were wrong, he proceeded to take the
right action and then tried to get the
constitution amended so as to authorize
in terms the acquisition of territory.
But the presidents nearest friends took
so languid an interest in the amend
ment scheme that the whole matter OF
post facto sanction was at once and
forever abandoned.
However, as late as August r. 1903,
in a letter to John breckenridge, the
president continues to insist that the
constitution has made no provision for
our Incorporating foreign nations into
our Union" But two urgent letters
from the ever Watchful and indefatiga-
bic Livingston brings about an almost
instantaneous change of scene. The
minister writes that the first consul is
already tired of his bargain. being free
from wars alarms. and has instructed
Marbois to take advantage of any loop
holes or technicalities in the way of
ratification or prompt payment, to get
rid of an unfortunate agreement. The
negotiator. almost trembling with ap-
prehension. beSeeches Jefferson by his
love of country and by all that is holy.
TO hasten ratification without the
change of a word or a stipulation: to
literally and Immediately comply with
the financial conditions of the great
transaction, so that Bonaparte shall
have no possible excuse for evading his
solemn pledges and obligations The
timely appeal had it's desired effect.
The president wrote to the secretary of
state from Monticello, August IS: II
infer that the less we say about con-
stitutional difficulties respecting Louisi-
ana the better, and that what is neces-
sary for surmounting them must be
done sub-silentio."
a special session of congress was
called to meet October II. and at the
end of two days, to the enduring credit
of the United States senate, of the
Eighth congress, the magnificent ac-
quisition was consummated and ratl-
fled. 1t is useless to rehearse the eX-
ploded theories and sophistical reason |
ing used in the senate and still more |
in the house against this beneficent |
treaty. Hamilton and other patriots OF |
his party supported it most zealously. |
Perhaps nothing weaker was said from
the beginning to the ending of this
enormous transaction than what Mon
roe said in q letter to Madison, written
two weeks after the treaty was signed: |
Gould we have procured Il part of the
territory we should never have thought |
Of getting the whole, but the decision
Of the consul was TO sell the whole. and
we could not obtain any change in his
mind on the subject" Compared with
such dullness. Mr.. Jefferson's twin
nation theory might pass for wisdom:
Whether we remain one confederacy
or form into Atlantic or Mississippi
| believe is not very i'm
oortant to the happiness of either
)art.' y final chapter contrasting con-
litions in the Louisiana purchase states
n 1903 and in 1900 will afford. we trust
pleasing conclusion to this historic
story. james Q. Howard.