But its greatest mischief was, that it favoured a system of British influence, which was dangerous to their political security.
As the debate advanced, the expressions of exasperation against Britain became stronger; and occasionally allusions were made to those party questions which had long agitated the public mind, with a bitterness which marked their intimate connexion with the conduct of the United States to foreign countries.
It was said to be proper in deciding the question under debate, to take into view political, as well as commercial considerations.

Ill will and jealousy had at all times been the predominant features of the conduct of England to the United States.

That government had grossly violated the treaty of peace, had declined a commercial treaty, had instigated the Indians to raise the tomahawk and scalping knife against American citizens, had let loose the Algerines upon their unprotected commerce, and had insulted their flag, and pillaged their trade in every quarter of the world.

These facts being notorious, it was astonishing to hear gentlemen ask how had Britain injured their commerce?
The conduct of France, on the contrary, had been warm and friendly.
That nation respected American rights, and had offered to enter into commercial arrangements on the liberal basis of perfect reciprocity.
The period which Mr.Smith had taken as that at which the systems of the two nations should be compared with each other, was reprobated with peculiar severity.

It was insinuated to proceed from a wish that the United States should directly countenance the restoration of despotism; and much regret was expressed that a distrust of the permanency of the French revolution should be avowed.