siana within sixty days
after he took possession. The treaty of Amiens was at an end; Austria
was threatening; a British fleet was in the West Indies; he was
disgusted at the disastrous campaign in Santo Domingo, angry with Spain,
and desired to be free for new campaigns in Europe. The First Consul,
impressed by our minister's social rank in his own country, no less than
by his merciless logic and solid understanding, had given his promise
that debts due for the spoliation of our commerce should be paid. This
promise, of which he was again reminded, could only be kept by realizing
on sale of public lands, as he had no other resource. Small wonder that
he wished to be rid of the whole irritating subject of Louisiana.

Monroe, on his arrival in Paris, found that the negotiations for the
purchase were already far advanced by Minister Livingston. Owing to the
illness of the special envoy, he was not presented to the First Consul
until May 1, and hence, as a negotiator, had nothing officially to do
with the treaty, which was virtually negotiated April 13, and finally
concluded April 30. On that day the treaty was signed in the presence of
Napoleon by Marbois and the two American representatives, and when the
negotiations were completed Napoleon made the following prophecy: "This
accession of territory strengthens forever the power of the United
States. I have given England a rival."

The agreement, in the form of a treaty, reached Washington July 14 for
ratification. Congress was called in special session October 17; the
treaty was confirmed by the Senate after two days of discussion; a
resolution was passed, to take effect immediately, but only after much
opposition. Many persons were strongly opposed to the purchase,
condemned the acquisition of a wilderness, and expressed their belief
that the territory was not worth the price to be paid, and that its
control would be difficult and unprofitable.

The exact cost ultimately agreed upon was 64,000,000 francs in the form
of United States 6 per cent bonds, representing a capital of
$11,250,000. In addition to this, the American Government agreed to
assume and pay the obligations of France to American citizens for French
attacks upon American shipping. These were estimated at 20,000,000
francs, or $3,750,000, making the total payment $15,000,000. The tract
comprised 554,000,000 acres. Napoleon sold the territory for 2 cents an
acre, or 10 acres for one franc. When the negotia