Faults on Both Sides: A Comparison
Faults of the Democratic-Republicans:
1. The Federal Constitution: Fearing tyranny, they failed to give the federal government enough power when writing the Constitution.
2. The Navy: They objected to forming a navy.
3. Treaty with England: Jefferson rejected Pinckney and Monroe’s treaty with Britain without following proper procedure. He should have given it to the Senate for debate.
4. Separation of States: Jefferson failed to ask Congress to pass laws to prevent newspapers from publishing articles promoting secession.
5. The Embargo: Jefferson did not enforce the Embargo effectively in New England. That allowed dishonest businessmen to profit while those who were honest suffered.
6. The Alien and Sedition Laws and Eight Percent Loan: The Democratic-Republicans objected to the Alien and Sedition laws, which in retrospect, were necessary for the support of the government. A newspaper editor was jailed for objecting to Adams borrowing money at eight percent. During the Jefferson and Madison administrations the United States borrowed money at rates higher than eight percent
7. The Erskine Arrangement: If Democratic-Republicans were influenced by the French, Madison’s cabinet would have rejected the ill-fated Erskine Arrangement. [Editor’s note: Carey fails to mention that Madison’s cabinet would have objected to the arrangement if they knew Erskine was inexperienced and ignorant.]
8. War with England: After war was declared, the British, Carey claimed, offered Madison an arrangement for armistice. Madison should have accepted it.
9. Loans: Congress used loans to finance the War of 1812, damaging public credit.
10. Appointment of Mr. Gallatin: Carey faulted Madison for appointing Gallatin to the post when he was needed in Washington. He faulted Gallatin for accepting it.
11. Negotiation at Gothenburg: Madison chose Gothenburg for the site of negotiation. He should have chosen London.
Faults of the Federalists:
1. The Federal Constitution: Fearing anarchy, they sought to give the federal government as much power as possible when writing the Constitution. They criticized Democratic-Republicans for opposing social order, property rights, religion and morality.
2. Attacks on America’s Ships: At first the Federalists clamored for war with Britain, outraged at impressment. After the Orders in Council of 1807 were enacted, they changed their minds. They no longer favored war.
3. British Orders in Council and the Federalists’ Reaction to Jefferson’s Embargo: During the Alien and Sedition Acts Federalists called its opponents “factious.” During Jefferson’s embargo, the Federalists were just as factious.
4. The Embargo was Necessary: It protected the interests of American sailors. It was, Carey wrote, “prudent’ and “imperiously necessary.”
5. The Embargo and “Force Act” were Constitutional: During Washington’s administration, Congress passed an embargo. During Adams’ administration, acts similar to the embargo law were passed. The Federalists did not object to the constitutionality of these acts.
6. Incorrect Allegations Concerning Impressment: Federalist writers alleged that Jefferson’s malice toward Britain caused impressments. They wrote that Madison exaggerated claims about impressments, which Carey argued, were untrue.
7. The Erskine Arrangement: After the British rejected the Erskine Arrangement, Federalists claimed that Madison’s cabinet was aware of Erskine’s ignorance and inexperience. Federalists failed to mention the British violated a contract. Federalists railed against the French influence on the Democratic-Republicans.
Next: The War of 1812: Whose Fault Was It?
Look for it Monday, May 6, 2013
