In the next place, the amendment contained another proposition, viz: that we rely upon a spirit of conciliation on the part of France for an accommodation of differences. And, said Mr. G., do we really rely upon this? Have we such evidence as should incline us to rely upon it? Have the French Government expressed any inclination to settle the differences subsisting between them and us? The communications which were received from the Supreme Executive, do not bear this complexion. The communication from the French Minister to this Executive does not wear it. Our proclamations are called _insidious_; our Minister is insulted and rejected; and attempts are made to divide the people of this country from their Government. Is this conciliation? Does it not rather appear as if they intended to alienate the affections of the people from their Government, in order to effect their own views? He was convinced it did, and that they could not rely upon a spirit of conciliation in them. For his own part, he did not rely upon it; he relied upon this country being able to convince the world that we are not a divided people; that we will not willingly abandon our Government. When the French shall be convinced of this, they will not treat us with indignity. Therefore, he trusted, as the proposed amendment did not contain such sentiments as were likely to accord with the feelings of the committee, that it would be rejected. Mr. GILES said the subject under discussion was a very important one. It appeared to him, from various documents, that all the steps taken by the Executive had a view to an eventual appeal to arms, which it was his wish (as it was the wish of many in that House) to avoid. It was proper, therefore, that the clashing opinions should be discussed. If the proposition brought forward for this purpose was not sufficiently simple and explicit, he wished it might be made more so. For he believed the question to be, whether the committee be prepared to pass a vote, approving of the whole course of the conduct of the Executive, or whether France should be put upon the same ground with the other belligerent powers. That she is at present upon the same footing, no gentleman had attempted to show. Gentlemen who wish to get rid of this ground, say this is a thing which should be left to the Executive. He thought it was, however, a proper subject for their discussion; for whatever power the Executive had with respect to making of treaties, that House had the means of checking that power. Suppose, said Mr. G., I were on this occasion called upon to tax my land, was it not necessary I should inquire into the subject, and endeavor to avoid a measure which would probably prove a serious drain upon the blood and treasure of the country? He was unwilling to have his land taxed for the purpose of supporting a war on this principle. It was evident that the French took one ground in this dispute, and the United States another, and whilst