triumph; and by throwing their weight into the disaffected scale, may demolish the goodly fabric we have been erecting.

"I do not mean to apply this advice, or these observations to any particular person, or character. I have given them, in the same general terms, to other officers of the government,* because the disagreements, which have arisen from difference of opinions, and the attacks which have been made upon almost all the measures of govern ment, and most of its executive officers,† have for a long time filled me with painful sensations, and cannot fail, I think, of producing unhappy consequences, at home, and abroad."

This friendly, yet gentle admonition, not producing the desired effect, the president addressed the following to the secretary of the treasury, in answer to his reply to a former address.

"I did not require the evidence of the extracts, which you enclosed to me, to convince me of your attachment to the constitution of the United States, or of your disposition to promote the general welfare of this country; but I regret, deeply regret, the difference of opinion, which has arisen, and divided you, and another principal officer of the government; and wish devoutly there could be an accommodation of them by mutual yieldings.

"A measure of this sort would produce harmony, and consequent good in our public councils; and the contrary will inevitably produce confusion, and serious mischiefs, and for what? because mankind cannot think alike; but

The secretary of the treasury and attorney general,

+ See the Gazette of the United States, on the part of the treasury, and the National Gazette, on the part of the department of state.

would adopt different means to attain the same end. For I will frankly, and solemnly declare, that I believe the views of both to be pure, and well meant, and that experience only will decide with respect to the salubrity of the measures, which are the objects of this dispute.

"Why then, when some of the best citizens of the United States, men of discernment; uniform and tried patriots; who have no sinister views to promote; but are chaste in their ways of thinking, and acting; are to be found, some on one side and some on the other of the questions, which. have caused these agitations; why should either of you be so tenacious of your opinions, as to make.no allowance for the other.

"I could, and indeed was about to add more upon this interesting subject; but will forbear, at least for the present, after expressing a wish, that the cup which has been presented to us may not be snatched from our lips, by a discordance of action, when I am persuaded there is no discordance in your views. I have a great, and sincere regard for you both, and ardently wish that some line could be marked out, by which both of you could walk."

Thus far for the origin of party in the United States, which at this time began to become seriously involved in the politics of Europe; but more immediately in that wonderful phenomanon, the French revolution. The partialities of the nation, at large, towards the French nation, led them to take an early interest in the affairs of that sister republic, (then so called,) which also became a subject of serious alarm to the government.

At this eventful moment, an insurrection broke out in the back counties of Pennsylvania, west of the mountains, excited by some ambitious demagogues, against the excise, or tax on domestic spirits. This insurrection threatened the peace, and safety of the government at this time, as

much as the insurrection of Shays had done the peace, and government of Massachusetts.

In September 1791, the malecontent counties held a meeting at Pittsburg, and passed a sett of resolutions, in confirmation of those which had been previously passed in their county assemblies, prosecuting all such persons as should attempt to execute the excise law, as enemies to the country, and unworthy of public confidence. These measures took such an effect, that the execution of the excise law was wholly suspended, and at the convention of Congress in October, the president recommended a revision of the excise law, which was finally passed in May following, with the special intent to remove all such parts of said law as could be reasonably objected to. But this conciliatory measure of the government produced no good effect, the excise law was not repealed, and the opposition not only continued firm, but the counties held another meeting at Pittsburg, in which committees were appointed to correspond with other disaffected committees, in the several parts of the United States, that the chain of opposition might be strengthened, by becoming universal. Here was a plan laid to commence, and carry into execution the same system of measures against the operations of the federal government, which we have seen in operation against the British government, amongst the causes that led to the revolution.

The president, alarmed for the peace and safety of the government, issued a proclamation, exhorting, and admonishing all persons to desist from all combinations, or proceedings, whatever, teuding to obstruct the execution of the laws; calling on the civil magistrates to do their duty, and keep the peace. Prosecutions were directed to be instituted against all offenders, according to a due course of law.

This proclamation proved of no force; both magistrates and people were alike involved in the opposition, and the laws became silent, in the midst of a whiskey mob.

Government made one more effort to suppress this opposition, by commencing prosecutions against delinquents, and by preventing a sale of such whiskey as was, or should be distilled in the opposing counties, from being convey. ed, and sold to the army, which then lay in a part of the north-western territory; all this proved ineffectual, and the opposition not only continued, but increased, and be came more alarming.

On the fifth of November, Congress again convened, agreeable to adjournment. The president opened the session, as usual, with a speech, in which after touching upon the state of Indian affairs, he observed that "the reiterated endeavours which had been made to effect a pacification, had hitherto issued in new and outrageous proofs of persevering hostility on the part of the tribes with whom the United States were in contest, &c. Every practicable exertion had been made to be prepared for the alternative of prosecuting the war, in the event of a failure of pacific overtures," &c.

The president at the same time recommended, "that some system of humanity might be devised for ameliorat ing the condition of the savages, by instructing them in husbandry, and the useful arts, and thus preparing the way for their civilization."

The president next touched upon the embarrassments arising out of the excise law, in the collection of the regular duties, and concluded this head by assurances, "that nothing should be wanting, within constitutional, and legal limits, which may depend on me, to maintain the just authority of the laws. In fulfilling this part of my trust, I shall count, entirely on the full co-operation of

the other departments of government, and upon the zealous support of all good citizens."

After noticing other subjects necessary for the attention of Congress, he thus concluded-" I entertain a strong hope that the state of the national finances is now suffiicent to enable you to enter upon a systematic, and effectual arrangement for the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt, according to the right which has been reserved to the government."

This speech was kindly received, and cordially answered by both houses of Congress.

The subject of the national debt engrossed more of the time, as well as the passions of Congress, than the limits of this work will permit me to notice. The secretary of the treasury proposed additional taxes on pleasure horses, carriages, &c. in order to bring up the revenue to meet the disbursements required. This was met by a motion for postponement, and another to reduce the military establishment, which agitated the feelings and passions of Congress until the 4th of January, when it was rejected. The plan for redeeming the public debt failed also at this

time.

The president availed himself of a law passed in August 1790, authorising him to borrow twelve million of dollars, to be applied to the payment of the foreign debt, and impowered the secretary of the treasury to open loans for that purpose, to meet such sums of the foreign debt, as might become due at the end of the year 1791. Two loans were opened accordingly.

Instructions were given to the agent of the United States, in Europe, in May 1791, to apply the proceeds of future loans, in payments to France, except such sums as should be otherwise specifically appropriated. Certain plans of the national assembly, for converting these payments into supplies for St. Domingo, were intimated by the