The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
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MEMORANDUM. DECEMBER, 1789.
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 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
MEMORANDUM. DECEMBER, 1789.[129]
On the supposition that the business can be more
properly conducted by a private agent at London,
than a public minister at a third Court, the letter
and instructions for the former character appear to
be well adapted to the purpose. If any remark were
to be made, it would relate merely to the form, which
it is conceived would be made rather better by
transposing the order of the two main subjects.
The fulfilment of the Treaty already made seems to
be primary to the inquiries requisite to a subsequent
Treaty.
The reasoning assigned to those who opposed a
commercial discrimination, states the views of a part
only of that side of the question. A considerable
number, both in the Senate & H. of Reps. objected
to the measure as defective in energy, rather than as
wrong in its principle. In the former, a Committee
was appointed, who reported a more energetic plan,
and in the latter, leave to bring in a bill, was given
to a member who explained his views to be similar.
Both of these instances were posterior to the miscarriage
of the discrimination first proposed.
As Mr. Jefferson may be daily expected, as it is
possible he may bring informations throwing light on
the subject under deliberation, and as it is probable
use may be made of his own ideas with regard to
it, a quere suggests itself, whether the advantage of
unless there be special reasons for expedition.
| The writings of James Madison, | |