With persevering labour, guided by no inconsiderable portion of virtue and intelligence, these objects were, in a great degree, accomplished.

Out of the measures proposed for their attainment, questions alike intricate and interesting unavoidably arose.

It is not in the nature of man to discuss such questions without strongly agitating the passions, and exciting irritations which do not readily subside.

Had it even been the happy and singular lot of America to see its national legislature assemble uninfluenced by those prejudices which grew out of the previous divisions of the country, the many delicate points which they were under the necessity of deciding, could not have failed to disturb this enviable state of harmony, and to mingle some share of party spirit with their deliberations.

But when the actual state of the public mind was contemplated, and due weight was given to the important consideration that, at no very distant day, a successor to the present chief magistrate must be elected, it was still less to be hoped that the first congress could pass away, without producing strong and permanent dispositions in parties, to impute to each other designs unfriendly to the public happiness.