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judiciary, an object deemed highly revolutionary by federalists and conservative republicans of that period. The party determined upon the rapid payment of the national debt, and in accomplishing this object neglected to put the country in a state of defense against British attacks upon its commerce. It adopted the policy of building small gun-boats for coast defense, instead of a powerful navy, which was necessary to defend American commerce all over the world, thus committing the party to the position that ocean commerce should receive no protection at the hands of agricultural representatives. In accordance with this position, it commanded, by act of Congress, that American commerce "should quit the ocean altogether, and thus relieve the dominant party from anxiety or responsibility on its account." This was effected through the embargo act, and, opposing the interests of the middle states, would have overthrown the party, had it not been for the growth of the agricultural portions of those states. The federal party, unable to reap advantages from republican dissensions, continued in the minority, losing ground during Jefferson's first term of service. (Plate VI.)

NAME

REPUBLICAN" GROWS INTO DISUSE.

The republicans, during the ninth Congress, dropped their name and accepted that of "democrats." This is the term by which they were stigmatized by their opponents prior to the election of 1800; but after experiencing success, "they accepted the epithet and sought to turn it to the best advantage." The name "republican" gradually grew into disuse till a later period, when it was adopted as a fitting designation for the opponents of democracy.

REFERENCES.

Life of Morris, Vol. III............

..Sparks.

Second War Between United States and Great Britain..Ingersoll.
Scott vs. Sanford, Howard's Reports, Vol. XIX......

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History of the Republic of the United States............J. C. Hamilton.

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John Breckenridge ............ Attorney-General ......... ......... ......... ......... ....

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..1805-1807 ...1807-1811.

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CHAPTER VIII.

MADISON'S ADMINISTRATIONS.

1809-1817.

THE PRESIDENT'S POLICY.

Madison accepted the policy of Jefferson with reference to foreign and general affairs. His inaugural address contained no new enunciation of principles, but repeated, in substance, those of his predecessor, with such additions as the exigencies of the times demanded.

DIPLOMACY.

When the new administration was launched the aspect of Eleventh Congress, European events was very threatening. Extra Session. Our foreign relations had grown so complicated that an adjustment seemed impossible without an appeal to war. The controversy with England was still pending. Madison was a man moderate in his thought and judgment, and naturally inclined to a middle course of action. The country was sharply divided, however, on the war question, and it was difficult for him to act, with the consent of his own judgment, in full accordance with the demands of either side. He desired to avert war, as long as possible, by means of diplomacy. England and France were still belligerent, and still disregarding the rights of neutrals. The former adhered to her "orders in council" and insisted that "a man once a subject was always a subject;" the latter had authorized the seizure and confiscation of American vessels which should enter the ports of France. A short suspense was effected through certain proposals of the British minister, Mr. Erskine, who informed the President, shortly after his inauguration, that he was authorized by his government to withdraw the objectionable "orders in council." In this he

transcended his powers, and in consequence was afterwards recalled. But, on the strength of his proposal, the President summoned a special session of Congress, to meet May 22, 1809, and suspend the Non-Intercourse act, in so far as it affected England, after June 10. Congress assembled on the day appointed, but in the meantime the British government, having disowned her minister's offer, the President restored by proclamation the Non-Intercourse act, and Congress, having no business to occupy it, adjourned June 28. At the expiration of the Non-Intercourse act, May, 1810, Mr. Madison "caused proposals to be made to both belligerents, that if either would revoke its hostile edict, this law should only be revived and enforced against the other nation. England rejected the proposal, but France, in a sort of dubious way, accepted it and received the benefit of its execution.

very

Congress met November 27, 1809. The republican maEleventh Congress, jority was very large. Few matters of general interest came up. A continuance of the non-intercourse act was voted; also a resolution. requesting the President to recognize no longer the British minister, Mr. Erskine's successor, because of his having "frequently and offensively" contradicted the secretary of state. Congress adjourned May 1, 1810.

ATTEMPT TO RE-CHARTER THE NATIONAL BANK.

Congress met December 3, 1810. The question of greatEleventh Congress, est interest during this session was that Second Session. Sof re-chartering the national bank. The old charter would expire on the 4th day of March, 1811. Mr. Gallatin, secretary of the treasury, on the 2d of March, 1809, had submitted a report favorable to the bank. Nothing further than this had been done. When the resolution to re-charter came up in Congress, the same opposition was manifested on the part of the "strict constructionists" as

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