"I. Shall a proclamation issue for the purpose of preventing
interferences of the citizens of the United States in the war
between France and Great Britain, etc.? Shall it contain a
declaration of neutrality, or not? What shall it contain?

"II. Shall a minister from the republic of France be received?

"III. If received, shall it be absolutely without qualifications;
and if with qualifications, of what kind?

"IV. Are the United States obliged by good faith to consider the
treaties heretofore made with France as applying to the present
situation of the parties? May they either renounce them, or hold
them suspended till the government of France shall be
_established_?

"V. If they have the right, is it expedient to do either, and which?

"VI. If they have an option, would it be a breach of neutrality to
consider the treaties still in operation?

"VII. If the treaties are to be considered as now in operation, is
the guaranty in the treaty of alliance applicable to a defensive
war only, or to war either offensive or defensive?

"VIII. Does the war in which France is engaged appear to be
offensive or defensive on her part? or of a mixed and equivocal
character?

"IX. If of a mixed and equivocal character, does the guaranty, in
any event, apply to such a war?

"X. What is the effect of a guaranty such as that to be found in
the treaty of alliance between the United States and France?

"XI. Does any article in either of the treaties prevent ships of
war, other than privateers, of the powers opposed to France, from
coming into the ports of the United States to act as convoys to
their own merchantmen? Or does it lay any other restraint upon them
more than would apply to the ships of war with France?

"XII. Should the future regent of France send a minister to the
United States, ought he to be received?

"XIII. Is it necessary or advisable to call together the two houses
of Congress, with a view to the present posture of European
affairs? If it is, what should be the _particular_ object of such a
call?"[45]

The cabinet meeting to consider these questions was held at the
president's house. All the heads of departments and the attorney-general
were present; and after a protracted discussion, it was unanimously
determined that a procl