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Subject Area: Economics
Subject Area: Political Theory

NOTES ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION. - Albert Gallatin, The Writings of Albert Gallatin, vol. 1 [1879]

Edition used:

The Writings of Albert Gallatin, ed. Henry Adams (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, 1879). 3 vols.

Part of: The Writings of Albert Gallatin, 3 vols.

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NOTES ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

February, 1809.

Comparative view of proposed plans: Embargo, Non-Intercourse, Letters of Marque.

I. Non-intercourse with France and England, and general embargo continued.

II. Non-intercourse with France and England, and opening trade with powers which have no injurious decrees in force,

permitting}vessels to arm.
forbidding}

III. Letters of marque and reprisal against France and England, and opening armed trade with powers which have no injurious decrees in force.

I. Advantages.

  • 1. Steadiness in persevering in plan adopted.
  • 2. Chances of favorable events in Europe.
  • 3. Distressing England and colonies for want of our supplies.
  • 4. Avoiding war for the present.

Inconveniences.

  • 1.
    { a.Government only seen in the effects produced. }have rendered the measure unpopular, New England, New York, Maryland, North Carolina.
    { b.Irksomeness of a passive state. }
    { c.Artificial effect produced by British faction. }
  • 2. Impracticability of effectually carrying it into effect.
  • 3. Habits of smuggling and disobeying the law.
  • 4.
    Permanence.{ 1.Not producing sufficient distress on E. and F.
    { 2.Answering their views of destroying our navigation or commerce generally, which will increase its unpopularity, and may ultimately force a repeal.
  • 5. Rather withdrawing from the contest than positive resistance; real evils will increase.
  • 6. Destruction of commerce and revenue.

II. Advantages.

  • 1. Remove, or much lessen, the inconveniences of the general embargo system.
  • 2. Does not necessarily lead to war, and preserves advantages from chances of changes in Europe.
  • 3. Will probably cause war only with one, and that made on us and not by us.
  • 4. A greater chance of unity at home.

Inconveniences.

  • 1. If England choose to make it, war will expose our trade to a sweep.
  • 2. Will furnish England with what supplies she wants from us, and be submission.
  • 3. May (from the unequal effect produced) probably lead to war with France.

III. Advantages.

  • 1. Removes several of the inconveniences of the embargo.
  • 2. Positive resistance; displays a higher national spirit; better calculated to prevent future insults.
  • 3. Commenced with all our resources of trade in, and unexpended treasure. These swept under II, 1; that gone in one year under I.

Inconveniences.

  • 1. War with both, friendly with none.
  • 2. Want of preparation.
  • 3. Loses the chances of changes in Europe, I, 2.
  • 4. Uncertainty of result at home and abroad.