government, the result of which was, a want of
such tone in the governing powers, as might effect the good of those
committed to their care. The nation, become sensible of this, have
changed its organization, made a better distribution of its powers, and
given to them more energy and independence. The new government has now,
for some time, been under way; and, so far, gives a confidence that it
will answer its purposes. Abuses under the old forms have led us to lay
the basis of the new in a rigorous economy of the public contributions.
This principle will show itself in our diplomatic establishments; and
the rather, as at such a distance from Europe, and with such an ocean
between us, we hope to meddle little in its quarrels or combinations.
Its peace and its commerce are what we shall court, and to cultivate
these, we propose to place at the courts of Europe most interesting
to us, diplomatic characters of economical grade, and shall be glad to
receive like ones in exchange. The important commerce carried on between
your country and ours, and the proofs of friendly disposition towards us
which her Majesty has manifested, induce us to wish for such an exchange
with her, to express our sensibility at the intimations heretofore
received of her readiness to meet our wish in this point, and our regret
at the delay which has proceeded from the circumstances before touched
on. The grade to be exchanged is the present question, and that on which
I ask a friendly and informal consultation with you. That of _Charge des
Affaires_ is the one we would prefer. It is that we employ at the court
of Madrid. But it has been said, that by the etiquette of your court,
that grade cannot be received there under a favorable countenance.
Something like this existed at the court of Madrid. But his most
Catholic Majesty, in consideration of our peculiar circumstances,
dispensed with a general rule in our favor and in our particular case;
and our _Charge des Affaires_ there enjoys at court the privileges, the
respect, and favor due to a friendly nation, to a nation whom distance
and difference of circumstances liberate in some degree, from an
etiquette, to which it is a stranger at home as well as abroad.
The representative of her Majesty here, under whatever name mutual
convenience may designate him, shall be received in the plenitude of
friendship and favor. May we not ask a reciprocal treatment of ours
with you? The nations of Europe have alre