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The public mind has seldom been more agitated by an question or event, than by the present Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation, between Great Britain and America, just published. The manner in which the substance of the Treaty was first made known, many parts being mutilated and misrepresented has seconded the previous disposition of many to condemn it in gross.
The hasty condemnation of the Treaty is an evidence of the continuation of that unrelenting spirit of party and faction, which has embarrassed our public administration for two years past, and which defeated in one quarter, resorts to new objects to exite discontent and continue its own existence. To effect its object and multiply is partisans, misrepresentation and misconstruction are called in aid, and truth is sacrificed.
The precipitation with which a party have decided on the treaty, is a proof that faction has discarded all regard to candor, truth and decency; for the treaty was condemned in toto, before it was published.— This hasty decision on the merits of an instrument which was the work of several months deliberation; was intended to prejudice the public mind—to forestall the opinion of our unsuspecting citizens, and especially of our merchants, who have generally been the supporters of our excellent government, and whose attachment to peace and neutrality our foes are determined if possible to shake and destroy.
In these schemes however the malice of opposition will be defeated; and a full discussion of the treaty will convince the public mind, that if the treaty has not secured to the United States all the advantages which sanguine men expected, and unreasonable men demanded; it has still secured important benefits that more is gained by America than is conceived, in regard to commerce—that it has justice and mutuality for its basis.—and that it hath fully answered the great and main purpose of preserving peace and neutrality to this country, the advantages of which are every where felt and acknowledged.