It was contended that the power of that body over the appointment of a foreign minister gave the right to inquire into the policy of making any appointment whatever; and that in exercising this power, they were not to confine themselves to a consideration of the fitness of the person nominated, but were to judge of the propriety of the mission; and were consequently to be informed of the motives which had decided the President to adopt the measure.

This opinion was overruled by a small majority.] Mr.Hammond's powers on the subject of a commercial treaty were far from being satisfactory.

To the inquiries of Mr.Jefferson on this point, he replied, that he was authorized to enter into a negotiation respecting the commercial intercourse between the two countries, and to discuss those principles which might serve as a basis for a treaty, but not to _conclude_ any definitive arrangements.

In fact, there was much reason to believe that the obstacles to a commercial treaty between the two countries would not be soon or easily surmounted.

In America, such an alteration in the law of nations as would permit the goods of an enemy to pass freely in the bottom of a neutral, was a favourite project; and a full participation of the colonial trade was also most earnestly desired.