(    203    )
propet to regulate its own concerns, on points in which
that other was not interested, or which was bound to
give previous intimation of every article, which might
be inserted in a treaty, formed on the avowed prin-
ciple of leaving in full foroe all pre-existing engagements.
This reasoning is answered only by terming it a *' so-
phism," " an insidious subterfuge." May not any
reasoning, on any subject, be answered in the same
manner? But can such an answer impair its force*
Without doubt, Citizen Minister, the Government of
the United States, when it informed France that the
negotiations of Mr. Jay would not in any respect
weaken its engagements to this republic, would have
added, that they might eventually extend to a com-
mercial ti€aty, if it had been supposed that the omission
to give such information could really be considered as «à
breach of legitimate obligation, or as an evidence of
diminished friendship. The information was most
probably not given, because it was unusual, and because
it could neither be considered as proper, as necessary,
or as material. The undersigned trust that the painful
and unavailing discussions on this subject, rendered sô
unpleasant by the manner in which it has been treated,
will never again be renewed.
Passing to the treaty itself, you say that the small
majority by which it was sanctioned in the two house*
of Congress, and the number of respectable voices
raised against it in the nation, depose honorably in favour
of the opinion which the French Government has enter-
tained of it. But you must be sensible, Citizen Minis-
ter, that the criterion by which you ascertain the merits
of the instrument in question, is by no means ihfallible,
nor can it warrant the inference you draw from it.
In a republic like that of the United States, where no
individual fears to Htter what his judgment or his pas-
sions may dictate, where an unrestrained press conveys
alike to the public eye the labours of virtue, and the
efforts of particular interests, no subject which agitates
and interests the public mind can unite the public voice, -