"The discussion of this subject," said Mr.Tracy, "has assumed an appearance which must be surprising to a stranger, and painful in the extreme to ourselves.

The supreme legislature of the United States is seriously deliberating, not upon the welfare of our own citizens, but upon the relative circumstances of two European nations; and this deliberation has not for its object, the relative benefits of their markets to us, but which form of government is best and most like our own, which people feel the greatest affection for us, and what measures we can adopt which will best humble one and exalt the other.
"The primary motive of these resolutions, as acknowledged by their defenders, is, not the increase of our agriculture, manufactures, or navigation, but to humble Great Britain and build up France; and although it is said our manufactures and navigation may receive some advantage, it is only mentioned as a substitute in case of failure as to the great object.
"The discussion in favour of these resolutions has breathed nothing but hostility and revenge against the English; and yet _they_ put on the mild garb of commercial regulations.

Legislatures, always cautious of attempting to force trade from its own channels and habits, should certainly be peculiarly cautious, when they do undertake such business, to set about it with temperance and coolness; but in this debate, we are told of the inexecution of a former treaty, withholding western posts, insults and dominations of a haughty people, that through the agency of Great Britain the savages are upon us on one side, and the Algerines on the other.

The mind is roused by a group of evils, and then called upon to consider a statement of duties on goods imported from foreign countries.

If the subject is commercial, why not treat it commercially, and attend to it with coolness?
if it is a question of political hostility, or of war, a firmer tone may be adopted." On this side of the question, the conduct of Great Britain, if as hostile as it was represented to be, was spoken of with high indignation.