University of Virginia Library

ART. 17.

So much of the Article as relates to the admission of ships
of war, would be advantageously exchanged for a general
stipulation, allowing on this subject the privilege granted
to the most favored nation. It would then be in the power
of the United States to limit the number admissible at one
time; whereas such an indefinite admission of British ships
imposes on our neutrality a like indulgence to the fleets of other
nations. Such an alteration of the article is the more reasonable
and important, as there will be little reciprocity in its
operation, the United States having but few ships; and the
inconveniences from British ships in our ports being much
greater than those from our ships in British ports.

The engagement to treat officers of the Navy with respect,
is not only too indefinite to be enforced by penal regulations,
but implies a reproachful defect of hospitality and civility.
In this light it was viewed during the discussions of the
Treaty of 1794, The clause probably grew then out of recent

complaints, well or ill founded, of disrespectful conduct
on some occasion towards British officers. If latter occurrences
were to be consulted, it would be a more apt provision
now, to stipulate for the punishment of naval commanders
making insulting and ungrateful returns for the kindness and
respect shown them in our ports and towns. The President
makes almost a point of excluding this part of the Article.

Arts. 18 & 19 already noticed.