So strong was this sentiment, that to its operation the existing constitution was principally to be ascribed.

They thought it important to prove to those nations who had declined forming commercial treaties with them, that the United States possessed and would exercise the power of retaliating any regulations unfavourable to their trade, and they insisted strongly on the advantages of America in a war of commercial regulation, should this measure produce one.
The disposition France had lately shown to relax with regard to the United States, the rigid policy by which her counsels had generally been guided, ought to be cultivated.

The evidence of this disposition was an edict by which American built ships purchased by French subjects became naturalized.

There was reason to believe that the person charged with the affairs of the United States at that court, had made some favourable impressions, which the conduct of the American government ought not to efface.
With great earnestness it was urged, that from artificial or adventitious causes, the commerce between the United States and Great Britain had exceeded its natural boundary.

It was wise to give such political advantages to other nations as would enable them to acquire their due share of the direct trade.