implicate him in the ambitious plans and
dark schemes for the subversion of liberty, which were ascribed to a
part of the administration, and to the leading members who had
supported the measures of finance adopted by the legislature.

Yet it was becoming apparent that things were taking a course which
must inevitably involve him in the political conflicts which were
about to take place. It was apparent that the charges against the
secretary of the treasury would not be relinquished, and that they
were of a nature to affect the chief magistrate materially, should his
countenance not be withdrawn from that officer. It was equally
apparent that the fervour of democracy, which was perpetually
manifesting itself in the papers, in invectives against levees,
against the trappings of royalty, and against the marks of peculiar
respect[66] which were paid to the President, must soon include him
more pointedly in its strictures.

[Footnote 66: On the 22d of February, the birthday of the
President, a motion was made to adjourn for half an hour. It
was perfectly understood that this motion was made to give
the members an opportunity of waiting on the chief
magistrate to make the compliments adapted to the occasion.

This was seriously opposed, and the ayes and noes called
upon the question. The adjournment was carried by forty-one
to eighteen. The day was celebrated by several companies,
and some toasts were published manifesting the deep sense
which was entertained of the exalted services of this
illustrious citizen. These circumstances gave great umbrage
to some of those who could perceive monarchical tendencies
in every act of respect, and the offenders were rebuked in
the National Gazette for setting up an idol who might become
dangerous to liberty, and for the injustice of neglecting
all his compatriots of the revolution, and ascribing to him
the praise which was due to others.]

These divisions, which are inherent in the nature of popular
governments, by which the chief magistrate, however unexceptionable
his conduct, and however exalted his character, must, sooner or later,
be more or less affected, were beginning to be essentially influenced
by the great events of Europe.

[Sidenote: Progress of the French revolution and its effects on
parties in the United States.]

That revolution which has been the admiration, the wonder, and the