The Madisonian. (Richmond, Ky.) 1913-1914, 1914-01-27

against the western Indians This was
part Of his cherished policy. 1t was
his way Of fulfilling the vision that
had long ago come to him, of nation
spreading itself down the western
slopes of the mountains and over all
the broad reaches of fertile land that
looked towards the Mississippi; but
to many a member of congress from
the quiet settlements in the east it
looked like nothing better than waste
of men and of treasure.
Seemed Too Imperlous.
The president seemed even a little
too imperious in the business: Would
sometimes come into the senate in no
temper to brook delay in the consid-
Grafton and adoption of what he pro-
posed in such matters. When things
went wrong through the fault of the
commanders he had sent to the from
tier, he stormed in a sudden fury, as
sometimes in the old days of the war,
scorning soldiers who must needs
blunder and fail. The compulsion of
his will grew often little irksome to
the minority in congress; and the OPP
position slowly pulled itself together
as the months went by to concert a
definite policy of action.
Washington saw as plainly as any
man what was taking place. He was
sensitive to the movements of opin-
ion; wished above all things to have
the government supported by the peo-
pies approval; was never weary of
writing to those who were in a posi-
ton to know, to ask them what they
and their neighbors soberly thought
about the questions and policies under
debate; was never so impatient as to
lie opinion.
He knew how many amen had been
repealed by the measures he had sup
ported Hamilton in proposing; knew
that a reaction had set in; that even
to seem to repulse France and to re-
fuse her aid or sympathy would sure
ly strengthen it. The men who were
opposed to his financial policy were
also the men who most loved France,
now she was mad with revolution.
They were the men who dreaded a
strong government as direct menace
to the rights alike of individuals and
of the separate states; the men who
held very Imperative philosophy of
separation and of revolt against any
too great authority. If he showed
himself cold towards France, he would
certainly strengthen them in their
charge that the new government
craved power and was Indifferent to
the guarantees of freedom
He Acts Promptly.
But Washington's spirit was of the
majestic sort that keep great and
hopeful confidence that the right view
will prevail; that the standard to
which the wise and honest will repair
is also the standard to which the
whole people will rally at last, if it
be but held long and steadily enough
on high to be seen Of all. When the
moment for action came he acted
promptly, unhesitatingly, as if in in
difference to opinion. The outbreak
of war between France and England
made it necessary he should let the
country know what ne meant to do.
WAR having actually commenced
between Frsnce and Great Britain" he
wrote to Jefferson in April, 1893, cit
behooyes the government of this cotn-
try to use every means in it's power
to prevent the citizens thereof from
embroiling us with either eff those
powers, by endeavoring to maintain
strict neutrality. l therefore require
that you will give the subject mature
consideration, that such measures as
shall be dee ucd I ost likely to eject
this desirable purpose may be adopted
without delay. :. Such other
measures as may be necessary for us
to pursue against events which it may
not be in our power to avoid or con-
troll, you will also think of, and lay
them before me at my arrival in Phil
adelphia; for which place 1 shall set
out tomorrow"
ITO RE CCNTJN(JEDA