The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1913-08-29
InStal1ment 25

there was trouble. A privateer was
found taking arms and stores aboard
In the very river at Philadelphia; JEFF
ferson allowed her to drop down to
Chester, believing Genet instead of
the agents of the government; and
she was upon the point of getting to
sea before Washington could reach
the seat of government Jefferson
was not in town when the president
arrived.
What is to be done in the case Of
the Little Sarah now at Chester?"
came Washington's hot questions after
him. is the minister of the French
republic to set the acts of this gov
eminent at defiance with fmpunity?
And then threaten the executive with
an appeal to the people? What must
the world think of such conduct, and
of the United States in submitting to
it? Circumstances press for decision;
and as you have had time to consider
them, | wish to know your opinion
upon them, even before tomorrow, for
the vessel may then be gone" 1t
was indeed too late to stop her;
gross violation of neutrality had been
permitted under the very eyes of the
secretary of state Washington stayed
henceforth in Philadelphia, in person
al control of affairs. 1t was an APP
peal to the people that finally deliv-
cred Genet into his hands. Washing
ton revoked the exequatur of one Du-
PLANE, French consul at Boston, for
continuing to ignore the laws of neu-
trality; Genet declared he would ap-
| peal from the president to the SOW
| ereign state of Massachusetts; rumors
of the silly threat got abroad, and
Genet demanded of the president that
he deny them Washington answered
with chilling rebuke; the correspond
ence was given to the public prints;
and at last the country saw the
! French minister for what he was. A
demand for his recall had been re-
! solved upon in the cabinet in August;
by February, 1894, the slow processes
of diplomatic action were complete,
and a successor had arrived Genet did
not venture to return to his distract
and as readily forgotten in America.
Some might find it possible to love
France still; but no one could any
longer stomach Genet.
Washington had OWNED French af-
fairs much too clearly to be for mo-
ment tempted to think with anything
but contempt of the French party who
1
clear perception what the danger
would be should America be drawn in
to the gathering European wars that
had led him to accept a second term
as president. 1t had been his wish to
remain only four years in the arduous
Office; but he had no thought to leave
a task unfinished; knew that he was
in the very midst of the critical bust
ness of holding the country to the
course which should make it self
respecting nation; and consented tc
submit himself once more to the vote
of the electors.
Elected for Second Term.
Parties were organizing, but there
was no opposition to Washington. He
received again q unanimous vote; ano
John Adams was again chosen vice
president. The second Inauguration
March, 1899 seemed but routine
confirmation of the first.
But the elections to congress showed
change setting in. In the senate
the avowed supporters of the admin
istration had still a narrow majority
but In the house they fell ten votes
short of control; and Washington hac
to put his policy Of neutrality into ex
ecution against the mad Genet witt
nothing but doubts how he should be
supported. The insane folly of Gene
saved the president serious embar
rassment, after all; made the evidence
that Washington was right too plair
) TO be missed by anybody; and gave
the country at last vision enough t.
see what was In fact the course o
affairs abroad, within and without un
happy France.
Before that trying year 1893 wa
out. an attack upon Hamilton in thu
house. though led by Madison. ha'
failed. jefferson had left the cabinet
and the hands of those who detinitel!
and heartily supported the presiden
were not a little strengthened.
There was sharp bitterness between
parties-a bitterness sharper as yet
indeed. than their differences Of view
but the 'federalists." who stood to thu
support of Washington and Hamilton
were able, none the less, to carry thei
more indispensable measurement al
act Of neutrality which made the pres
ident's policy the explicit law of thu
land. The sober second thought 0
; the country was slowly coming abou
to their aid
Doubts About England.
The air might have cleared alto
eether had the right method of deal
ing with France been the only ques
! ton that pressed; but the i'll fortune
of the time forced the president II
seem not only the recreant friend o
I france, but also the too comDiacen
. nartisan of England.