advocated
and illustrated the Constitution. With his gifted coadjutors he became
an efficient political essayist; and, though prevented by illness from
contributing largely to the 'Federalist,' he wrote enough to identify
himself honorably with that favorite American classic of statesmen. His
frankness, lucid style, perspicuous sense, made him as effective a
writer in his own manner as the more intrepid Hamilton. When Washington
came to New York to be inaugurated as first President of the United
States, Jay proffered his hospitality with characteristic simplicity and
good sense; he received the votes of two States as Vice President; at
Washington's request he continued to perform the duties of Foreign
Secretary until Jefferson assumed the office, when, with eminent
satisfaction and in accordance with Jay's views, the President sent the
latter's name to the Senate as Chief Justice, thus associating him with
his Administration.

When Genet's arrival had stimulated partisan zeal into reckless faction,
and his insulting course widened the breach between the two political
sects, their representatives were exposed to all the unjust aspersion
and violent prejudice born of extreme opinions and free discussions: one
party held in high esteem the principles of the British constitution,
recognized the moral as well as civic necessity of a strong central
Government, and dreaded the unbridled license of French demagoguism;
they steadily opposed any identity of action or responsibility in
foreign affairs, cherished self-respect and self-reliance as the
safeguard of the States, and sustained the dignified and consistent
course of Washington: of these, John Jay was one of the most firm and
intelligent advocates, and hence the object of the most unscrupulous
partisan rancor: the name of Monarchist was substituted for Federalist,
of Jacobin for Democrat: on the one hand, the British minister
reproached the American Government with injustice to British subjects
and interests, contrary to treaty stipulations; on the other, Genet
complained of the ingratitude of the Government, and sought to array the
people against it: England had not as yet fulfilled her part of the
treaty; along the frontiers her troops still garrisoned the forts; the
lakes were not free for American craft, and no remuneration had been
made by Great Britain for the negroes which her fleet carried off at the
close of the war: meantime her warlike attitude toward France ma