the events of the last quarter of a century, as they are yet fresh in the memory of the present generation. The only exception to this course is found in the sketch of the Monroe Doctrine, in Chapter XII. To enable students to further pursue their investigations on the topics presented, citations are given of authorities or original sources of information on most important events. It is to be noted that citations of treaties of the United States are not given, for the reason that they all appear in the "Treaties and Conventions between the United States and other Powers" (government edition of 1889), arranged alphabetically as to countries and in chronological order. It is regretted that the engagements of a busy professional life have prevented the author from treating the subjects more exhaustively or from giving a more extended list of citations. Acknowledgment is made of courtesies extended, in the preparation of the work, by Mr. Andrew H. Allen, the efficient librarian of the Department of State. WASHINGTON, September, 1900. CONTENTS. THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. State of international law in 1776 . Benjamin Franklin, commissioner, his character and services. Franklin's trouble with his colleagues Appointed sole minister to France John Adams's trouble with Vergennes, the French Minister of For- Adams's success in, and treaty with Holland The American diplomatic representatives in Europe The great object of their labors to secure recognition of independ- Complications in the negotiations Arrival of Adams and his support of Jay The questions at issue and terms of the treaty of peace and inde- Departure of commissioners from instructions of Congress Count de Vergennes, his services and conduct Jay as Secretary of Foreign Affairs Foreign embarrassments owing to inefficiency of the Confeder- Division of powers under the Constitution Discussion in the "Federalist" of provisions relating to foreign Hamilton on the powers and diplomatic functions of the President. 111 Jay on the negotiation and ratification of treaties Powers and duties of Secretary of State Other than diplomatic duties of the Department of State The Great Seal of the United States. Organization and growth of the department Washington puts the new government into operation . Jefferson appointed Secretary of State Influence on him of residence in Paris His style of living there. Jefferson's doubtful attitude respecting the new constitution Improvement of the public credit and foreign commerce under the Discordant views as to the validity of the French treaty of alliance 151 His retirement as Secretary of State and appointment of Randolph 158 Jay appointed special envoy to London and negotiates the treaty of War threatened with France during Adams's administration The X Y Z correspondence, and withdrawal of the American com- Appointment of a new commission and peace secured through new Adams's trouble with his party and defeat of the Federalists. The new era of democracy 185 James Madison, Secretary of State, his qualities and services Influence of the acquisition on the country Suppression of the Barbary piracy Jefferson's social customs as President His troubles with the foreign diplomats The defiance of the Spanish minister The dismissal of the British minister . Participation of foreign ministers in Burr's conspiracy The Logan Act, its origin and difficulty of enforcement Close of Jefferson's administration and the rising war-cloud |