2809. EXECUTIVE, French Directory.—[continued].
I had formerly looked
with great interest to the experiment which
was going on in France of an Executive Directory,
while that of a single elective Executive
was under trial here. I thought the issue
of them might fairly decide the question between
the two modes. But the untimely fate
of that establishment cut short the experiment.
I have not, however, been satisfied
whether the dissensions of that Directory
(and which I fear are incident to a plurality)
were not the most effective cause of the successful
usurpations which overthrew them.
It is certainly one of the most interesting
questions to a republican, and worthy of great
consideration.—
To Judge Woodward. Washington ed. v, 449.
(M.
May. 1809)
