CHAPTER III.

ADMINISTRATION OF GEORGE WASHINGTON, 1789-1797.

THE history of the American Republic stands without a parallel. Its origin is not enshrouded in fable or legendary tale, but stands forth full in its record, distinct in its outlines. It has not passed through the pupilage which has preceded the growth and development of other nations; its infancy blended with its youth, and its youth became merged in its manhood with almost the rapidity that characterizes the maturity of the individual. Unshackled by monarchical restraints, thought, in its development and devotion to the rights of humanity, kept pace with the unequalled growth of the material resources of the country. A nation coming so suddenly into the arena, with antecedents unprecedented in the annals of the world, elicited scrutiny, provoked investigation, and won approbation. And yet, the form of government was not new. The world had known republics since history began. At least the form of popular government was familiar, but the spirit, which is the soul of the true republic, was unembodied till now. Faintly conceived in the old democracies, it was invigorated by the free spirit which came down from North Europe and quickened the States General of France, the Confederacies of Germany, the Independencies of Italy, and the Constitution of England, and now coales

cing with religious liberty, it was to go forth to receive a fuller recognition in the reconstruction of society on the shores of the New World. It remained for America to make a revelation of the freedom of the individual; to substitute the natural equality of man for hereditary privilege; and to vest in the people the government hitherto resting on the irresponsible authority of a monarch.

This work the revolution essayed to accomplish. The barriers of caste were broken down. Man was recognized in his rights as man. The unity of the race was not only admitted but indorsed. Reaching outward, it opened a new era, and startled the despotic rulers by elevating the people in the capacity of government to the same level with themselves.

The Federal Constitution was ratified by a sufficient number of States to give it force, and measures were accordingly taken to put it in operation.

The inception and execution of this constitutional movement is one of the grandest events recorded in history. For a people to rise in arms, throw off the yoke of oppression, and assert their nationality, was not a novel event; but for a people, bred under a monarchy and subject to the habits and customs thus engendered, to come forth in the face of the whole world and set up a new theory of government, one not only differing from the old forms in the machinery of its execution, but as radically in its fundamental principles, was an act fraught with the highest elements of moral courage, and executed in the broadest spirit of comprehensive statesmanship.

A general election was held in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution for the choice of President and Vice-President. Gen. Washington was elected the first President of the United States, receiving the entire electoral vote (69.) For Vice-President, John Adams received

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thirty-four votes, and thirty-five were scattering. In accordance with the Constitution-which was subsequently amended in this respect-the electoral vote was thrown in common for President and Vice-President, and the one receiving the largest number of votes became President, the next in order Vice-President. New York, owing to a disagreement of the Legislature, was not represented in this electoral college.

The only indications here seen of the existence of parties are shown in the vote for Vice-President. The diversity of this ballot doubtless resulted more from personal than political considerations, Different views were entertained respecting the Federal Constitution.

FEDERAL AND ANTI-FEDERAL.

Those members of the Convention who favored the old plan the Federal Alliance or Confederation—were denominated" Federalists," while those opposed to the old, and in favor of the adoption of a new system of government, received the appellation of "Anti-Federalists." A transfer of these names was subsequently made. After the adoption of the Constitution, and its friends began to realize the importance of its maintenance, they took to themselves the name Federalists-preservers of the Union -and designated those who, evincing a partiality for the old regime, had not rendered a cordial adhesion to the new Constitution, as Anti-Federalists. The Anti-Federalists repelled the charge of hostility to the new order, and declared their readiness to co-operate in the organization of the government.

General Washington, being officially notified of his election, set out at once for New York, the seat of the General Government. His journey was a continuous

ovation. The people all along his route could not manifest too great an esteem for the man whom they loved to honor. The President, reaching his destination, took the oath of office, April 30, 1789, and soon after delivered his inaugural address to Congress.

Having adopted measures for the organization of the different departments of government, Congress, after a session of six months, adjourned on the 29th of September, to meet again on the first Monday of January, 1790.

General Washington filled his Cabinet by the appointment of Mr. Jefferson, Secretary of State; Mr. Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury; Mr. Knox, Secretary of War; and Mr. Randolph, Attorney-General.

The Supreme Court was organized at the same time. John Jay, of N. Y., was appointed Chief Justice; John Rutledge, of S. C., James Wilson, of Pa., William Cushing, of Mass., Robert Harrison, of Md., and John Blair of Va., Associate Justices.

At the opening of the second session of the first Congress, Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, presented his celebrated financial report. He recommended the funding of the public debt incurred by the war of the Revolution; the assumption of the State debts by the General Government; the providing a system of revenue from duties on imports, and an internal excise.

ARIFF-ITS ORIGIN.

During the first session Congress passed a law whose intent is set forth in the preamble, which declares it to be

necessary for the support of government, for the discharge of the debts of the United States, and the encouragement of manufactures, that duties be laid on goods, wares, and merchandise imported." In this measure, the principle

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of a protective tariff, which, with its modifications, still underlies our revenue system, received a practical recognition, and in the discussion that preceded the passage of the bill, were set forth the leading characteristics of the tariff controversies which have constituted so prominent an element in our more recent political action. Here too is found the germ of the policy on the part of the United States to coerce foreign States by commercial restrictions ; which policy, fostered by Mr. Jefferson and carried out in the embargo and non-intercourse acts, resulted ultimately in war with Great Britain.

FINANCIAL POLICY-PUBLIC DEBTS.

The financial condition of the government was peculiarly embarrassing. The foreign debt amounted to $11,710,378, mostly due to France and individual lenders in Holland. The domestic debt was estimated at $42,414,085, nearly a third of which was from arrears of interest. Of this sum two millions were allowed for unliquidated debts, principally outstanding continental money. The Secretary proposed the assumption of $25,000,000, of the State debts, and then to fund the entire debt.

There existed perfect unanimity in the settlement of the foreign debt on the precise terms of the contract. Not so respecting the domestic debt. Open hostility was manifested against the funding system generally, but still more determined was that against the assumption of the debts of the States. These debts had been contracted, for the most part, during the revolutionary war, and reached, in some States-Massachusetts and South Carolina-the sum of five millions of dollars or more. These two States, seconded by Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, strenuously urged the assumption of the debts of the