A change in the government of France, and the vigorous action of the U. S. government in arming for war, induced the French to retreat from their unfriendly position and offer to arrange the difference. The refusal of our government to entangle themselves with European politics became a settled principle, of great value to us; though it was strongly opposed by the Anti-Federalists.
1800.
Jan. 23—Edward Rutledge, of S. C., signer of Dec. of Ind. died.
Feb. 1—The U. S. frigate Constellation beats without capturing the French frigate La Vengeance.
April 4—General bankruptcy law passed by Congress.
May 7—The Territory of Indiana organized by act of Congress.
” 10—An act authorizing the election of a Territorial Assembly in the Territory of Mississippi, organized some years before, was passed.
July—The government is moved to the new capital at Washington.
Oct. 1—The envoys to France arrange a convention, or temporary treaty, which prevents the formal outbreak of war, though it had long continued to be waged on the sea. More than 50 vessels had been captured from the French this year. The gratitude of Americans to France for her aid, formerly, made a large part of the people very unwilling to declare war; but her arrogant demands and war on our commerce had the good effect to separate the country from all close alliances in Europe.
Nov.—The fourth presidential election resulted in the defeat of the Federalist party, by the election of Thomas Jefferson as President. Its opponent, the anti-federalist, or Republican party, feared a strong central government; yet when they came into power they adopted the same policy. Any other policy would have ruined the country.