Restrained by this defect in the constitution from insisting that the evacuation of the western posts should precede the removal of the impediments to the _bona fide_ execution of the treaty on the part of America, government exerted its earnest endeavours to prevail on the several states to repeal all existing laws which might be repugnant to that compact.

The resolutions which were passed on that subject, and the circular letters which accompanied them to the several governors, contain arguments which ought to have demonstrated to all, the constitutional obligation of a treaty negotiated under the authority of congress, and the real policy, as well as the moral duty of faithfully executing that which had been formed with Great Britain.

To the deep mortification of those who respected the character of the nation, these earnest representations did not produce the effect which was expected from them.

"It was impolitic and unfortunate, if not unjust in these states," said General Washington to a member of congress by whom the objectionable conduct of America was first intimated to him, "to pass laws which by fair construction might be considered as infractions of the treaty of peace.

It is good policy at all times to place one's adversary in the wrong.