Transcript Vincent, Ross, James - Ms. vargas course website

1791 - GEORGE WASHINGTON - MESSAGE TO
THE SENATE
Transmitting a Report of Secretary of State Jefferson
Regarding The Treaty of Amity and Commerce with France
On January 19th 1791, the Secretary of State having received from the charge d'affaires of France a note
on the tonnage payable by French vessels in the ports of the United States, had the same under his
consideration, and thereupon makes the report to the President of the United States. By order of the court,
the charge d'affaires of France represents that they consider so much of the acts of Congress of July 20,
1789 and 1790, as imposes an extraordinary tonnage on foreign vessels without accepting those of
France, to be in contravention of the fifth article of the treaty of amity and commerce between the two
nations.
Correspondingly, this would have authorized on their part a proportional modification in the favors of the
American navigation, but that his Sovereign had thought it more acceptable to his principles of friendship
and attachment to the United States to command him to make representations thereon, and to ask in favor
of French vessels a modification of the acts which impose an extraordinary tonnage on foreign vessels. The
third and fourth articles of the treaty of amity and commerce between France and the United States subject
the vessels of each nation to pay in the ports of the other only such duties are paid by the most favored
nation, and give them reciprocally all the privileges and exemptions in navigation and commerce which are
given by either to the most favored nations. However, the question is whether the fifth article cited in the
note is anything more than an application of the principle comprised in the third and fourth to a particular
object, or whether it is an additional stipulation of something, not so comprised.
Overall, the articles
makes a point that if it be the opinion that the first construction is to be insisted on as the United States’, in
opposition to the second urged by the Court of France, and that no relaxation is to be admitted, an answer
shall be given to that Court defending that construction, and explaining as friendly terms as possible the
difficulties opposed against the exemption they claim. Secondly, if it were the opinion that it is
advantageous for America to close with France in interpretation of a reciprocal and perpetual exemption
from tonnage, a repeal of so much of the tonnage law will be the answer. Lastly, If it be thought better to
waive rigorous and nice discussions of right and to make the modification an act of friendship and of
compensation for favors received, the passage of such a bill will then be the answer, telling that the treaty
of amity and commerce with France failed poorly.
“I lay before you a representation of the charge d'affaires of France,
made by order of his Court, on the acts of Congress of the both of
July, 1789 and 1790, imposing an extra tonnage on foreign vessels,
not excepting those of that country, together with the report of the
Secretary of State thereon, and I recommend the same to your
consideration, that I may be enabled to give to it such answer as may
best comport with the justice and the interests of the United States. “
TALLEYRAND
Talleyrand was a French diplomat. Under the regime of Louis XVI, through the French
Revolution and then under Napoleon I, Louis XVIII, Charles X, and Louis-Philippe, he
worked very successfully also known as a figure that polarizes opinion. For instance,
some regard worship him as one of the most versatile, skilled and influential
diplomats in European history, while the others regard that he was a traitor, betraying
in turn, the Ancient Régime, the French Revolution, Napoleon, and the Restoration.
He is also notorious for leaving the Catholic Church after ordination to the priesthood
and consecration to the episcopacy. Shorty after he was ordained as Bishop of Autun,
Talleyrand attended the Estates-General of 1789, representing the clergy, the First
Estate. During the French Revolution, Talleyrand strongly supported the anticlericalism of the revolutionaries. He participated in the writing of the Declaration of
the Rights of Man and proposed the Civil Constitution of the Clergy that nationalized
the Church, and swore in the first four constitutional bishops, even though he had
himself resigned as Bishop following his excommunication – a religious censure used
to deprive, suspend, or limit membership in a religious community or to restrict
certain rights within it—by Pope Pius VI in 1791. During the Fete de la Federation in
1790, Talleyrand celebrated Mass. Evidently, he promoted public education in full
spirit of the Enlightenment. Yet, after 9 Thermidor – a revolt in the French Revolution
against the excesses of the Reign of Terror, triggered by a vote of the National
Convention to execute several leading members of the Terror— He even mobilized his
friends to lobby in the National Convention and then the newly established Directoire
for his return. His name was then suppressed from the émigré list and he returned to
France on 25 September 1796. In 1797, he became Foreign Minister. He was
implicated in the XYZ Affair, which escalated the Quasi-War with America.
John Adams - Special Message to the Senate and the House; May 16 1797
Haha, no pay no
gain!
Get Off XYZ (:
XYZ Affair
-Neutrality strains
relations with
France and Britain
-U.S sends
ambassadors to
France to patch
relations
-Bribes were
demanded by the
French
-US outraged as
story emerged
-U.S. not taken
seriously
“Cinque-tetes, or the Paris Monster,” is
the title of this political cartoon
satirizing the XYZ Affair. On the right,
the five members of the French
Directory, or the ruling executive
body, are depicted as a five-headed
monster demanding money. The three
American representatives, Gerry,
Pinckney, and Marshall, are on the left,
exclaiming, “Cease bawling, monster!
We will not give you six-pence!”
XYZ AFFAIR SPEECH BY JOHN ADAMS
•
•
•
•
•
Analysis: The speech given by John Adams on May 16, 1797 discusses the
circumstances in which congress has been inconvenienced with
France’s serious discontents and thoroughly explains the diplomatic
interactions between the governments of the two nations. Adams gives
a depiction of the platonic, post-treaty relationship that the US had
seemed to have before their relationship soured, however he does not
provide much background on what occurred on France’s side of the
diplomatic affair that engendered animosity between the two republics.
His speech moves toward the diversion of blame toward France and
their questionable credence. What Adams does do is make a reference
to public audience and draws attention to its importance in the grand
scheme of diplomacy. Adams explains his support of the idea that the
opinion of the people is also reflected in a countries government.
Adams perceivers to convince France and other nations that the US
government is not backed by “degraded people, humiliated under a
colonial spirit of fear and sense of inferiority, fitted to be the miserable
instruments of foreign influence, and regardless of national honor,
character, and interest.” He goes on to explain that the result of his
perseverance was regrettable, stating that “but they have passed on
the great theater of the world, in the face of all Europe and
America…They have inflicted a wound in the American breast. It is my
sincere desire, however, that it may be healed.” Another thing to take
away from his speech is that his heart and his intentions are fully
engaged in unifying the people and the government by implementing
fair conduct preserving international peace. This primary source would
have been more useful though if it had directly addressed the xyz affair
in detail.
Addresses France’s discontents
Not enough background on what France might be thinking
Potential lack of communication with France
“Nations should treat for the mutual advantage of their
•
affairs, and especially to accommodate and terminate
differences”
“It evinces a disposition to separate the people of the United
•
States from the government… and thus to produce divisions
fatal to our peace
Such attempts ought to be repelled with a decision which
shall convince France and the world that we are not a
degraded people, humiliated under a colonial spirit of fear
and sense of inferiority
I should have been happy to have thrown a veil over these
transactions if it had been possible to conceal them; but
they have passed on the great theater of the world, in the
face of all Europe and America
MESSAGE TO SENATE
Analysis:
John Adams’ message to the Senate and House on March 19, 1798
discusses the reports of the envoys who were sent to France. Adams began
by saying, in a nutshell, “The envoys have done their best to try to ease
political tensions between the two republics, though at this point our
diplomatic efforts have been fruitless.” With the Quasi War having occurred
during this time period, one can infer that giving up on the preservation of
peace ordeal as soon as an impasse was reached was not beneficial – of
course the affair would result in a war. Adams almost prefers not to believe
that war is the direction that the governments are heading in, and has a very
euphemistic way of describing his semi-preparation for it. He states that the
nation’s circumstance has shifted to one pervaded by meticulous caution
when dealing with seafaring vessels or any vulnerable extremity of the United
State. Adams is uncomfortable with the fact that vessels are now being sent
in “armed condition”, which is an instruction by the government that is
becoming difficult to justify.
•
•
•
“It is incumbent on me to declare that I perceive no ground of
expectation that the objects of their mission can be accomplished on
terms compatible with the safety, the honor, or the essential interests of
the nation”
“Ample resources of the country afford for the protection of our seafaring
and commercial citizens, for the defense of any exposed portions of our
territory, for replenishing our arsenals, establishing foundries and
military manufactures”
“The present state of things is so essentially different from that in which
instructions were given to the collectors to restrain vessels of the United
States from sailing in an armed condition that the principle on which
those orders were issued has ceased to exist”
•
Diplomatic efforts failed
•
Quasi War approaching
•
Political impasse
•
Only mild proposals to
increase military strength
After the XYZ Affair,
Congress created a navy
department and
authorized American ships
to seize French vessels.
Congress authorized the
creation of an army of
50,000 troops. While war
was never officially
declared, for the next two
years an undeclared naval
war raged between France
and the U.S.
QUASI WAR
•
1798-1800
•
United States V.S. France
•
Undeclared War With France, the Pirate Wars
and the Half-War
•
The US
• Over 2000 ships captured in total, one after
Naval involvement
•
France
• Unknown killed or wounded exactly, but
insignificant
• Several French privateers captured or
destroyed
SUSPENDING OF COMMERCIAL INTERCOURSE
On June 13th 1798 an act to suspend commercial intercourse between the
united state and France was passed. It was split up into 5 sections. Section
one states that any vessel of the United States shall not sail into any port
owned by the French republic or to any territories of France after the date of
July 1st. Any ship sailing from the French republic after the date of July 1 st to
the United States shall be seized by the United States. Section two states
that after July first that any ship wanting to receive clearance for a voyage to
a foreign country must pay a bond to the United States. Only are they
allowed to come ashore in a French republic if because of inclement
weather or by force. Section four states that all French vessel armed or
unarmed are not allowed to enter the Republic of the united states or any of
its territory’s unless granted special permission from the President of the
United States. Any French ship driven into a port of the United States due to
inclement weather may be seized or given refuge until repairs can be
completed. Section four states that this act will continue until congress
states otherwise. Section five states that if before the next congressional
meeting If France disavows the United states will remain neutral and have
no connection with the European war. It also states that the trade between
the two will continue to be seized and that only French ships will be allowed
to pick up French persons or by the order of the President of the United
States.
This document prevented all trade with the Republic or France. It let no French vessels
or people into the country of the United States unless granted permissions
otherwise by the president. It was very strict and if any vessel were to violate these
rules it would most likely be seized.
FURTHER TO PROTECT COMMERCE
On July 9th, 1798 John Adams approved an act to further protect the commerce of the United
States. This document broken into eight sections states the following. Section 1. Any French
vessels within United States waters or anywhere else on the high seas should be captured
by United States public vessels and have all onboard seized. All French property found
onboard the ship should be brought to a Port of the United States. Section two states that all
Privately owned vessels can do the same if such ship applies for an application under the
seal of the United States. Section three states that any man applying for a commission to
allow his armed vessel to fight against French vessels should produce a detailed description
of their vessel along with the tonnage and force. The number of crew on board, the name of
the acting commander and the names of the two officers of next rank should all be stated.
Once completed the application shall be passed to the secretary of state.
Section 4 states that a bond shall be given to the United States by the owner or owners of the
vessel and at least two sureties shall be listed. Those who fail to do so or do not follow the
treaties and laws of the United States will be fined seven thousand dollars. A ship with one
hundred and fifty men will be forced to pay double. Section 5 states that all seized from
French vessels captures should be given to the owners of the vessels and should be
distributed to the crew if an agreement has been made. Failure to meet an agreement will
result in discretion by the court.
Section 6 states that all property recaptures from the French, which belongs to a resident of the
United States, shall be returned to them. Upon returned the owner shall give a payment
which can range from 1/8 to ½ of that has been salvaged. Failure to meet this agreement
will result in court that shall determine the salvage given. Section 7 states that all seized by
vessels shall be brought to a port of the United States to be published and that a court shall
decide where the items will go for the most part they end up with the Owner and the crew of
the vessel which had seized the items. Section 8 states that all French men seized shall be
taken into any port and taken into the custody or a marshal, military officer which shall keep
them safe at the expense of the United states.
Overall this document was created during the beginning quasi war. It allows
vessels of the United States to capture and seize French ships and all
onboard. It lasted for about two years and many American and French ships
were seized or sunk.