The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1920-05-07
HOW WOODROW WILSON'S EXPERIENCE PARALLELS
WASHINCTONS

Washington went through the first four years of his admin
istration as President comparatively free from the rasping
tongue of those who are ever ready to distort the acts of a pub
lie official purely for political purposes. But scarcely had ne
entered upon his second term when France declared war on
England and Holland. In the earliest stages of the French
Revolution most Americans, just having gone through a some
what similar experience, Sympathized with France, so did
President Washington. However the sanguinary acts of the
revolutionists and the many excuses to which they went caused
a falling off in American sympathy and with the means Delng
used to carry the revolution forward. Naturally Americans
The acts of the British cabinet, since the close of the war
for independence, had not been such as to draw Americans to
to France, had a delicate task after the overthrow of the King,
and his discretion in not committing the United States one way
or the other, gave umbrage to those who thought themselves IN
the ascendency in France. This Government had made an al
lance with France and the question that was debated by Ameri-
or an offensive one, or both. Washington decided on a neutral
attitude and issued a proclamation accordingly. The procla.
those opposed as being friends of England and those opposed
charged the others with abetting a revolution. About this time
NJ. Genet landed at Charleston, S. C. with credentials from
France and started on a tour of the country and openly tried
to raise an army. He actually wrote insulting letters to the
the powers of Congress. A statement of Genets conduct was
drawn up and sent to France and his recall asked for.
Affairs with England were far from satisfactory. Little pro-
gress had been made since the adoption of the Constitution in
making a treaty of commerce with that country and after the
searched and various other indignities practiced. England had
failed, too, to do what she agreed on this country's northern
borders and as a result the Indians gave no little trouble. With
a view of negotiating a treaty with England, Pinckney was re-
voked a bitter fight in the Senate, though he was confirmed by
a vote of 2 to 1. The Democrats, led by Monroe, made a hard
fight against Jaw. Lest JAYS mission prove ineffective, Con-
gress passed acts putting the country in readiness for war. All
this brought on a bitter fight. About that time M. Fauchet ar
request of France, Minister Morris was recalled and Washing
ton appointed Monroe, Notwithstanding the latter's bitter fight
in Congress, as Morris's successor. Jay sent the treaty he had
been dispatched to England to negotiate. 1t arrived just after
Congress had adjourned in March 1895. Washington studied
1t with the greatest care and conferred with his cabinet at great
length regarding it, and while it was not what he wanted or all
be wanted, he reached the conclusion that it was best to accept
it, ard accordingly submitted the same to the Senate for rati-
fcation. That body was convened in June 1875 and after two
weeks and much discussion ratified it with the one condition
that the clause should be cancelled allowing only ~ tons OF
commerce to be transported in American vessels yearly be-
tween the West Indies and the I. S. and that molasses, cotton,
sugar, coffee and cocoa should not be transported in American
vessels to any part of the world. The action of the Senate
puzzled the President as to what he should do and while he
was considering the question news was received that England
had issued a new order as to the seizure of American vessels
of the Jay treaty and it was published in the newspapers, and
a great furror was provoked from one end of the country to
the other. The administration was mercilessly assalled and all
sorts OF charges were made as to English influence. In the
meantime the real merits and value of the treaty were kept in
the back ground. Boston sent a committee to protest against
the Jay treaty. The country was in such a fever of excitement
that Washington resolved to end the matter by attaching his
signature to the treaty as it was conditionally ratified by the
Senate, and in due time, England accepted 1t as approved by
Washington's enemies to say about him. He wrote the Gov
ernor of Maryland, II have long since resolved to let my calum-
by the voice of faction *sss* expect to be acquitted or con-
demned." The treaty fulfilled every expectation of it's friend.
1t saved the country from wal and went a great way towards
building up American commerce. The Secretary of State was
opposed to Washington's putting his name to the treaty and
the day after he signed it, he resigned.
When Washington announced to Congress that England had
accepted the Jay treaty, political warfare broke out anew and
steps were taken to keep from passing laws to make the treaty
effective. The House of Representatives by a large majority
passed a resolution demanding that it be furnished with all
papers relating to the negotiations of the treaty. Washington
very promptly informed the House of representatives that it
had nothing to do with making treaties.
1t is stated that Washington and jefferson did not agree In
regard to handling matters pertaining to England and France
and that Jefferson never saw Washington or spoke to him after
he resigned from the cabinet.
Cabinet Changes.
Jefferson retired in 1894 as Secretary of State and was sue
ceeded by Edmund Randolph, who was then attorney General
VIM. Bradford of Pennsylvania was made attorney general.
In the same year, Alexander Hamilton resigned as Secretary
of the Treasury and was succeeded at his instance Oliver VOL.
co&%. rociunnda g SECRETARY of War and was succeeded bV
:-.4lu ioLorin In 17Q6 Rand0lnh Quit a 8 Secretary of