Mount Vernon.
274. Washington Refuses a Third Term.—In 1796, in his famous “Farewell Address,” Washington declined reëlection for a third term, thus setting a precedent which has been followed ever since. He served his country from the spring of 1789 to that of 1797. During his second term his political assailants were especially venomous.[[112]] As criticism hurt him sorely, he was glad to lay down his office, and retire to Mount Vernon, particularly as it seemed that the new government was now stable enough to be able to exist without him.
References.—General Works which should be consulted in connection with Chapters XIII.–XVII.: W. Macdonald, Select Documents of United States History, 1776–1861; J. Schouler, History of the United States (6 vols.); J. B. McMaster, A History of the People of the United States (to 1830, 5 vols.); J. Winsor, The Narrative and Critical History of America (8 vols.); H. von Holst, The Constitutional History of the United States (8 vols.); G. Tucker, The History of the United States (4 vols.); Bryant and Gay, A Popular History of the United States (4 vols.); R. Hildreth, The History of the United States (1492–1821, 6 vols.); A. B. Hart, Formation of the Union, chaps. vii.–xi.; F. A. Walker, Making of the Union (“American History Series”); J. W. Burgess, The Middle Period, chap. i. (“American History Series”).
Special Works in Connection with Chapter XII.: H. C. Lodge, George Washington, Vol. II., Alexander Hamilton; J. T. Morse, Thomas Jefferson; S. H. Gay, James Madison (these are in the “American Statesmen” series). See also other biographies of these four statesmen and their collected writings, as well as the Messages of the Presidents.
| [104] | New York City was the temporary capital until 1790, when Philadelphia took its place. In 1800 the government was moved to Washington, which at the time contained few houses. |
| [105] | General Henry Knox of Massachusetts was the first Secretary of War and was also intrusted with the charge of naval affairs. The Navy Department was not established until 1798. Edmund Randolph of Virginia was the first Attorney-General. The two most important secretaryships were those of State and of Treasury respectively (§§ [267], [268]). The Cabinet officers did not obtain the privilege of appearing before Congress in order to explain and defend the measures advocated by them. Thus an important variation from British parliamentary government was introduced. Another variation has come about through the fact that the Speaker of the House, who was at first an impartial moderator, has become for three quarters of a century the most influential of party leaders through his privilege of appointing all committees. |
| [106] | Jefferson was chiefly instrumental in obtaining this compromise. |