own countrymen? More than twelve thousand men sprang to arms at his command, and started to put down the insurrection. Before the army reached Pittsburgh, the whisky men had dispersed and their leaders had fled. Some were caught and convicted of treason,2 but Washington pardoned1 them, for the great lesson had been taught and the authority of the nation had been established.

284. Western Emigration and Indian Wars (17901794). While the country was discussing Hamilton's measures, a steady stream of emigrants was moving intc

LEAVING NEW ENGLAND FOR THE
WESTERN COUNTRY

the Northwest Territory. The red men bitterly resented this invasion of their hunting grounds, and, encouraged by the British at Detroit, began to burn, steal, and scalp whenever opportunity offered. They even ambushed and defeated a force of troops under General Harmar.

Washington sent a larger army, with St. Clair as its commander. But two thousand warriors, led by the famous chief, Little Turtle, cut his army to pieces near the headwaters of the Wabash River.

The frontier settlers demanded protection, and "Mad Anthony" Wayne was sent to break the power of the hostile tribes (§ 235). He built forts at important points, and completely defeated the Indians near Maumee Rap ids (1794). After this victory the army marched west. ward and built Fort Wayne. Wayne, "the chief that never slept," filled the tribes with fear, and the Indian power was soon broken. The next year the Indians signed a treaty at Greenville.

1 Constitution, Article II., Sec. 2. 2 Constitution, Article III., Sec. 4

An interesting event, common at the close of great Indian wars, was the giving up of all the men, women, and children that had been captured by the Indians. From distant places in Virginia and Kentucky, as well

FORT WASHINGTON, CINCINNATI, IN 1787

Built to protect the Northwestern settlers against the Indians

as from settlements in the territory, came relatives and friends seeking the lost. Many joyous reunions took place, although some suffered disappointment. Sometimes captives remained with the tribes, because no one had come to claim them, or because, having lived from childhood among the Indians, their friends did not know them. For fifteen years after this treaty peace reigned and settlers crowded into the Northwest Territory.

BEGINNINGS OF OUR FOREIGN POLICY

285. The Nature of the Question. The new nation had now to turn its attention to foreign affairs. Two problems arose:

1. What should the United States do if two nations friendly to her made war upon each other? Should she help the one she liked best or thought was in the right, or should she remain neutral and aid neither?

2. What should the United States do if another nation injured her trade? Should she declare war, or strike back and injure the trade of the offending nation?

These were important questions, and were made still more so by the fact that later Presidents would probably follow Washington's example.

286. The Proclamation of Neutrality (1793). During most of Washington's administration a terrible revolution was raging in France. Her oppressed people arose in their fury, beheaded the king and queen, abolished all titles, and set up a republic. The kings of Europe took alarm and prepared for war. France declared war against England, and sent "Citizen" Genet as minister to America to stir up sympathy and get help.

Washington knew that aiding France meant war with England. He consulted his cabinet and issued a proclamation to the people, declaring that America would not take sides in the conflict between France and England. This was Washington's famous Proclamation of Neutrality, and was the beginning of our wise policy of not interfering in the affairs of European nations.

287. The People Take Sides. The Proclamation of Neutrality made Genet angry and divided the people, Some Republicans accused Washington of favoring kings against the people. Was France not trying to do as we had done? they asked. Had she not sent men and money to America? Was not England our old enemy?

Although the government would not permit any one to help France, the Republicans were determined to show their sympathy. They toasted and feasted Genet, wore French colors, and called each other "citizen" instead of "Mr." Genet was so puffed up by this treatment that he called on the people to oppose the policy of Washington. But they resented this insult to the government and Washington asked France to recall Genet.

1 Constitution, Article II., Sec. 3.

288. Jay's Treaty (1794). Ever since the close of the Revolutionary War England had refused to surrender Detroit, Niagara, Oswego, and other western posts, and her agents had encouraged the Indians to make war upon our settlers in the West. On the sea she captured our vessels because they carried food to France and traded with the French colonies. France had opened her West India trade to our ships and hundreds of them were making large profits in the new field. These unarmed merchant vessels fell an easy prey to English men-of-war.

Whether nations at war had a right to treat a neutral country in this way was not then a settled question, but England acted as if she were right.

She even went so far as to seize

our sailors for her own ships on the ground that they

STONING HAMILTON FOR DEFENDING JAY'S TREATY After being struck in the forehead by a stone, Hamilton calmly said to the crowd: "If you use such striking

were subjects of England. America claimed that "free ships make free goods" and that all men have a right to change their citizenship.

Feeling rose so high that Washington, to avoid war, sent John Jay to England to make a treaty.' England agreed to surrender the western posts and to allow our vessels to trade with her West India Islands, but she refused to stop seizing neutral goods and impressing American seamen. The treaty was very unpopular, especially with the Republicans. In New York City

1 Constitution, Article II., Sec. 2, ¶ 2.

Hamilton was stoned while he was addressing a public meeting in defense of the treaty. But Washington and the Senate knew it was a choice between the treaty and The treaty, therefore, was ratified, with some

war.

changes.1

289. Washington's Retirement and Farewell Address. President Washington had been unanimously reëlected in 1792, but declined to be a candidate a third time. He had spent eight years in laying wisely the foundation of the domestic and foreign policy of the new nation. He was growing old, and felt that it was time to rest. Besides, the bitter party men of that day did not hesitate to attack him because he was supposed to be more friendly to England than to France.

Washington, therefore, sent forth his celebrated farewell address, a document full of patriotic wisdom. He said that union was the source of safety, prosperity, and liberty. "Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to your affections.

Let me now warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of party spirit."

Again Washington retired (1797) to Mount Vernon to spend his few remaining days. He died in 1799, mourned by the entire American people. In France and even in England honor was paid to his memory.

290. The Election of John Adams (1796). When Washington refused to be a candidate for a third term the majority of the Federalists supported John Adams for President, while the Republicans favored Thomas Jefferson.

This was the first Presidential election in which much campaigning was done. The people and the papers took sides. There were no great processions, but in papers, in pamphlets, and in private conversation both candidates were severely attacked and ably defended.

1 Constitution, Article II., Sec. 2.