USA > New York > History of the state of New York, for the use of common schools, academies, normal and high schools, and other seminaries of instruction > Part 15
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15. The Governor, in his speech at the opening of the session, recommended the application of the proceeds from the sale of unappropriated lands to the payment of the State debt and the current expenses of the government. This opened the
The public lands. - Act providing for their sale. - Disposition of them. - Western and Northern Inland Lock Navigation Companies. - Proceed- ings of the Legislature.
149
THE FRENCH MINISTER ..
whole question of the disposition of the public lands, and gave rise to an animated debate in the House on a resolution censur- ing, in strong terms, the commissioners for the course pursued by them, resulting, however, in the rejection of the resolution, and the adoption of a substitute, approving their proceed- ings.
16. The April elections, after a spirited canvass, resulted in the re-election, by a close vote, of Governor CLINTON and Lieu- tenant-Governor VAN CORTLANDT, over Chief-Justice Jay and Stephen Van Rensselaer, the candidates of the Federalists. On the 6th of November the Legislature again assembled in New York, and proceeded to the choice of presidential electors. The presidential canvass resulted in the unanimous re-election of General WASHINGTON and Vice-President ADAMS.
17. The arrival of Citizen GENET, in the spring of 1793, 1793. as the envoy of the new French Republic. a few days after the declaration of war between that country and England, was the harbinger of new political complications. The obvious policy of the American Government was that of strict neutrality, while all the sympathies of the people were with their late chivalrous allies in the Revolutionary struggle. The Federalists ranged themselves, as a party, in support of the Government, and their opponents in favor of active interference in behalf of the French. Genet, secure of the popular support, proceeded to fit out priva- teers for the destruction of British commerce on the high seas, while Washington sternly declared his determination of enforc- ing the proclamation of neutrality.
18. The reception of the French minister in the city of New York in the summer of this year was enthusiastic in the extreme, and his hostility to England was so warmly seconded through- out the country, that nearly fifty British vessels were captured during the year by privateers from the various ports manned by American seamen. Genet still further strengthened his interest and increased his popularity by a marriage with the daughter of Governor Clinton, the leader of the republican party. He
Debate on the public lands. - Approval of the commissioners. - Re- election of Governor Clinton. - Meeting of the Legislature. - Choice of presidential electors. - Re-election of President Washington and Vice- President Adams. - Diplomatic mission of Citizen Genet.
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150
SIXTH PERIOD.
was, however, soon afterwards recalled, on the demand of the President, by the French Government ; but, although deprived of all official authority, still remained in the country, of which he became a permanent citizen.
CHAPTER III.
FOUNDATION OF THE COMMON-SCHOOL SYSTEM. - ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR JAY. - INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
1. THE Legislature met at Poughkeepsie on the 6th of Janu- ary, 1795. Governor CLINTON communicated his annual
1795. message, in which, after renewing his recommendation for the revision of the criminal code, he reminded the Legislature, that, while liberal provisions had been made for the endowment of colleges and other higher seminaries of learning, no legislative aid had yet been afforded to the Common Schools. Deeply im- pressed with the paramount importance of these agencies for the diffusion of knowledge among the people, he earnestly recom- mended a suitable provision for their encouragement and support.
2. An act was accordingly, at an early period of the session, introduced and passed into a law, appropriating an annual sum of fifty thousand dollars for five years to this object, the inter- est of which was directed to be paid over to the several county treasurers in amounts proportioned to the population of the respective counties and towns, the latter of which were also re- quired to raise by tax an amount equal to one half of the appor- tionment made to them respectively, - the whole to be applied, under the direction of proper officers in cach school-district, to the payment of the wages of teachers duly employed and proper- ly qualified. This was the origin of the present Common-School system of the State, now so important and flourishing a branch of its government.
3. On the 27th of January, RUFUS KING was re-elected a Sen- ator in Congress for the ensuing term of six years. Governor
Session of 1795. - Governor's message. - Original foundation of the Com- mon-School system. - Re-election of Rufus King as United States Senator.
151
THE STATE GOVERNMENT.
Clinton's official term having nearly expired, he declined being considered as a candidate for re-election. A continuous service of nearly thirty years in the colonial assemblies and executive department had undermined his health, and entitled him, in his judgment, to a retirement from the public service. Lieuten- ant-Governor Van Cortlandt also declined a re-election on ac- count of his advanced age. JOHN JAY was again placed in nomination by the Federalists as Governor, with STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER for Lieutenant-Governor, while the Republicans nominated Chief-Justice Yates and William Floyd as their can- didates.
4. At the ensuing spring election, Messrs. JAY and VAN RENS- SELAER were duly elected, with a decided Federal majority in both Houses of the Legislature. Mr. Jay, at the time of his elec- tion, was absent from the country, having been despatched to England by the United States Government to negotiate a treaty with Great Britain. He arrived at New York on the 26th of May, where he was received with the greatest enthusiasm. The treaty with England concluded by him was exceedingly unpopu- lar with the Republican party throughout the country, which sympathized almost universally with the French revolutionists, and were equally hostile to British influence.
5. Governor JAY, in his speech at the opening of the 1796. session of 1796, after expressing his acknowledgments for the confidence reposed in him by the electors, urged the adop- tion of efficient measures for the military defence of the State in the event of invasion. Provision was made by the Legisla- ture for the improvement of the criminal jurisprudence, and for a reapportionment of representatives and senators under the census of the preceding year. A bill was introduced early in the session, in accordance with the views of Governor Jay, pro- viding for the gradual abolition of slavery in the State, which, however, after a prolonged and exciting debate, was virtually de- feated by a close vote, in committee of the whole, by the adop- tion of a resolution providing for compensation to the holders of that species of property.
Governor Clinton declines a re-election. - John Jay elected Governor. - Jay's treaty. - Meeting of the Legislature. - Bill for the abolition of davery.
152
SIXTH PERIOD.
6. Through the violent and revolutionary excesses of t! ยป French republic, and the rash and indiscreet conduct of the .: agent, M. Genet, in this country, the popular excitement agaitr. the treaty concluded by Governor Jay with Great Britain had . a very great extent subsided. The universal confidence reposed i !: the administration of General Washington, whose second ter .. approached its close, and who declined a re-election, and the hie !. character of Jay in connection with his unexceptionable di- charge of the official duties intrusted to him, had strengthene! the hold which the Federal party had already obtained upon th ... public confidence and support. The spring elections, therefore, exhibited the usual preponderance of that party in both branches of the Legislature.
7. This body assembled in the city of New York on the Ist of November for the choice of presidential electors, and ap- pointed electors, who cast the twelve votes of the State in favor of JOHN ADAMS of Massachusetts for President, and Thomas Pinckney. of South Carolina for Vice-President. JOHN LAW- RENCE, of the city of New York, was chosen United States Sen- ator in place of Rufus King, who had recently been appointed Minister to England. The Legislature then adjourned to meet at Albany on the 3d of January ensuing. The congressional election in December terminated in the election of the Repub- lican candidates, - Edward Livingston of New York, Philip Van Cortlandt of West Chester, J. N. Havens of Suffolk, and Lucas Elmendorff of Ulster.
8. On the reassembling of the Legislature, an act was 1797. passed creating the office of Comptroller, which was be- stowed upon SAMUEL JONES, of New York. The county of Delaware was erected from portions of Albany and Ulster ; and the seat of government was permanently located at Albany, and provision made for the erection of a capitol and suitable govern- ment offices. Colonel Burr's term of office as United States Senator having expired, PHILIP SCHUYLER, of Albany, was chosen in his place.
9. In the mean time, JOHN ADAMS, of Massachusetts, had been
Spring elections. - Meeting of the Legislature. - Presidential electors. - Congressional elections. - United States senators. - Appointment of Comp- troller. - Location of the capital at Albany.
153
ADAMS AND JEFFERSON.
elected President, and THOMAS JEFFERSON, of Virginia, Vice- President of the United States, and duly inaugurated at Phila- delphia on the 4th of March. The State elections in April indi- cated a decided gain in favor of the Republicans, especially in the city of New York, where their representatives in the Legis- lature, including Aaron Burr, Dr. Samuel L. Mitchell, and De Witt Clinton, were returned by a heavy majority.
10. Governor JAY and Lieutenant-Governor VAN RENS- 1798. SELAER, were re-elected, the latter unanimously, and the former by a decided majority over Chancellor Livingston, the candidate of the Republicans. This party, however, obtained a decided preponderance in the Legislature. DE WITT CLINTON and AMBROSE SPENCER were elected to the Senate ; and among the leading Republican representatives in the Assembly were Aaron Burr and John Swartwout of New York, David Thomas of Washington, Erastus Root of Delaware, Obadiah German of Chenango, and Jedediah Peck of Otsego.
11. At this period the line of demarcation between the Federalists and Republicans was strongly marked, and party dis- sensions ran high. The administration of the general govern- ment, under the elder Adams, supported by General Hamilton and Governor Jay, was characterized by a series of high-handed and despotic measures, altogether at variance with the demo- cratic principles which were beginning to prevail. Governor Jay, ten years previously, in a communication to General Wash- ington, had expressed opinions decidedly averse to the sove- reignty of the States, and in favor of a concentration of power in the general government ; and the recognized leaders of the Federal party were despondent as to the issue of the experiment of republican institutions.
12. In the mean time these men were the dispensers of Fed- eral and State patronage; increased by a system of internal tax- ation adopted by the United States Government ; a standing army had been organized, unlimited authority to borrow money conferred upon the President, and arbitrary authority to prose- cute and imprison all aliens or citizens venturing to arraign the
Election of Adams and Jefferson as President and Vice-President. - State elections. - Spring elections. - Re-election of Governor Jay and Lieu- tenant-Governor Van Rensselaer. - State of parties.
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154
SIXTH PERIOD.
proceeding or policy of the administration exercised without restraint. All these circumstances combined to create an i :.. tense feeling of hostility to the party in power, both in the Stat. and nation.
13. A special session of the Legislature was convened a: Albany, by Governor Jay, in August. A war with France being imminent, as the result of the special mission to France of Messrs. Pinckney, Gerry, and Marshall and the nefarious practices of the French Republic, the Governor called the atten- tion of the Legislature to the necessity of efficient preparations, on the part of the State, for defence, to which that body re- sponded with energy and vigor.
14. The first practical suggestion for the improvement of the facilities for internal communication between the Atlantic Ocean and the northern lakes was made by General WASHING- TON in 1784. Having, during that year, personally explored the region between the Hudson River and Lakes Erie and On- tario, by the route of the Mohawk River, Wood Creek, Oneida Lake, and the Oswego River, and made a tour through Lakes George and Champlain to Crown Point, he communicated to Mr. Jefferson, the Secretary of State, and others of his cor- respondents, his views of the importance of opening and im- proving those channels of communication.
15. At about the same period, CHRISTOPHER COLLES, a resi- dent of the city of New York, who some twelve years previous had delivered a course of public lectures in Philadelphia on the subject of Lock Navigation, submitted a proposition to the State Legislature for the improvement of the navigation of the Mohawk. That body, deeming the enterprise too expensive for State adoption, offered to secure to him and his associates all profits which might accrue from its prosecution by private means, and in 1785 made him a grant of one hundred and twenty-five dollars for its encouragement.
16. During that year, Mr. Colles issued proposals for the es- tablishment of a company for the improvement of the inland
Legislative proceedings. - Apprehensions of war with France. - Origin of the system of internal improvements. - General Washington's explora- tions and views. - Proposition of Christopher Colles. - Legislative en- couragement.
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155
THE STATE GOVERNMENT.
navigation between Albany and Oswego, setting forth, with great ability and comprehensiveness, the advantages which would accrue from such an enterprise, and the facilities for its accomplishment. In the succeeding year the Legislature, on the renewal of his application, evinced their approbation and a sense of its importance, but no effectual measures were taken for its prosecution, and it was abandoned by its enterprising pro- jector, who long afterwards died in obscurity in the city which his genius, if properly encouraged, would have enriched. Others were destined to reap the abundant harvest of the fertile seeds sown by him.
17. At the opening of the session of the Legislature in 1791, Governor GEORGE CLINTON adverted to the importance of pro- viding facilities of communication between the seaboard and the frontiers of the State ; and an act was passed directing the ex- ploration and survey of the route between the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers and Wood Creek with the view to the construc- tion of a canal. At the succeeding session the report of the commissioners appointed for that purpose was favorable, and Governor Clinton renewed his recommendation for its earnest consideration.
18. In the mean time, General PHILIP SCHUYLER and ELKA- NAH WATSON, in ignorance of the plans and views of Mr. Colles, had exerted themselves with great energy and spirit in the prose- cution of the same idea. In 1791, Mr. Watson made a journey through the western portion of the State, discovered its facili- ties for internal navigation, and published a series of able es- says, which essentially contributed to the adoption of initiatory measures for carrying out this important project.
19. During the session of the Legislature in 1792, as already stated, acts had been passed incorporating the Western and the Northern Inland Lock Navigation Companies, the harbingers of the Erie and Champlain Canals. General Schuyler was elected President of the joint company ; and among its most efficient members were Thomas Eddy, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, Barent
Unsuccessful efforts of Mr. Colles. - Governor Clinton's messages. - Survey of the route. - Favorable report. - Efforts of General Schuyler and Elkanah Watson. - Incorporation of the Western and Northern luland Lock Navigation Company. - Its principal directors.
156
SIXTH PERIOD.
Bleecker, Elkanah Watson, and Robert Bowne. Its objects w . the improvement of the navigation of the Mohawk River, at . the opening of canals and lock navigation between that river : Seneca Lake and Lake Ontario, and between the Hudson an Lake Champlain.
20. In the year 1796 the Western Company had completed a canal at the Little Falls of about three miles in length, with fiv. locks, and another of a mile and a quarter at German Flats ; and. in 1797, one from the Mohawk to Wood Creek, nearly two miles in length, - making in all about seven miles, with nine locks. Between the Hudson and Lake Champlain the Northern Com- pany had accomplished nothing of importance. The expenses of construction, reconstruction, and repairs of the canal between Schenectady and the Oneida Lake, when finally completed, were found to be so great that the tolls required for its navigation rendered it virtually useless.
21. In 1798 an act was passed incorporating a company for the construction of a canal from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie, with sufficient lockage, passing around the cataract of Niagara. Up to this period no distinct conception of a canal, with lock navi- gation, from the Hudson to Lake Erie, seems to have been en- tertained in any quarter ; and no further efforts were made for carrying into effect the partial enterprises which were already commenced. All that had been accomplished was the removal of obstructions from the channel of the Mohawk and its tribu- tary streams, and the construction, at an enormous expense, of a small canal connecting it with the adjacent waters.
1799. 22. An act "for supplying the city of New York with pure and wholesome water" was passed during the session of the Legislature of 1799, which was afterwards found to confer very important banking powers, under a clause authorizing the establishment of the Manhattan Bank, and gave rise to very se- rious political complications, resulting in the defeat of many of the leading Republican candidates at the spring election, espe- cially in the city of New York, and the triumph of the Federal party throughout the State. These successes were, however,
Objects of the Western and Northern Inland Lock Navigation Company. - Canal at Little Falls. - German Flats and Wood ('reek. - Proposed ca- nal from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. - The Manhattan Bank Charter.
157
DEATH OF WASHINGTON.
neutralized by the intolerant enforcement of the unpopular se- ditious laws of the general government by the executive officers of the State and nation.
23. The death of General WASHINGTON, on the 14th of De- cember, cast a deep gloom over the whole country. The most imposing funeral honors were paid to his memory in all the principal towns and cities of the Union ; and in the city of New York especially, all parties vied in the expression of their sym- pathy for the general loss.
24. The Legislature met at Albany on the 28th of Janu- 1800. ary, 1800. The Governor, after pronouncing a brief and feeling eulogy upon General Washington, submitted various recommendations for amendment of the existing laws, and con- cluded by earnestly urging upon the Legislature an adequate provision for the support of common schools. GOUVERNEUR MORRIS was chosen United States Senator in place of James Watson, resigned.
25. The April elections resulted in a complete triumph of the Republican (now known as the Democratic) party. De Witt Clinton, Brockholst Livingston, Mr. Swartwout, General Gates, John Broome, Henry Rutgers, and Samuel Osgood were elected to the Legislature from the city of New York, Aaron Burr from Orange, and Smith Thompson from Dutchess. THOMAS JEFFER- SON, of Virginia, was nominated by the National Republican Convention at Philadelphia, held in May, for President, and AARON BURR for Vice-President. Messrs. Adams and Pinckney were renominated for these positions by the Federalists.
26. On the first Tuesday in November the Legislature con- vened, and the Republican candidates for electors of President and Vice-President were elected by a large majority. Jonx ARMSTRONG was elected United States Senator in place of John Lawrence resigned, after which the Legislature adjourned until the last Tuesday in January. GEORGE CLINTON was placed in nomination by the Republican member for Governor, and
Intolerant proceedings of the Federalists. - Death of Washington. - Legislature of 1800. - Result of April elections. - The Democracy tri- umphant. - Nominations for President and Vice-President. - Choice of presidential electors. - Election of United States Senator. - Nomination of candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
158
SIXTH PERIOD.
JEREMIAH VAN RENSSELAER for Lieutenant-Governor ; and St. - phen Van Rensselaer and James Watson were the candidates of the Federalists.
CHAPTER IV.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COMMON-SCHOOL SYSTEM. - RE-ELECTION OF GOVERNOR GEORGE CLINTON. - DUEL BETWEEN HAMILTON AND BURR. - DEATH OF HAMILTON.
1. DURING the session of the Legislature of the ensuing year, the first of the century, a bill for the organization of the
1801. Common Schools of the State was introduced by Judge PECK, of Otsego, and an act passed directing the raising by lot- tery, under the control of managers appointed by the State, of the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, twelve thousand five hundred of which were to be apportioned by the regents of the University among the colleges and academies, and the residue, including the avails of the fund previously appropriated in 1795, among the Common Schools in such manner as the Legislature should prescribe. An act was also passed, recommending a con- vention of delegates to be held at Albany in the ensuing Oc- tober, for the amendment of the existing Constitution of the State in reference to the apportionment of members of the Legis- lature and the appointing power.
2. On counting the votes for President and Vice-President by Congress in February, it was ascertained that THOMAS JEFFER- Sox and AARON BURR had cach received seventy-three votes for their respective offices, and John Adams and Mr. Pinckney each sixty-five votes. Under the then existing provisions of the Con- stitution, requiring the election of the highest candidates voted for as President, and the next highest as Vice-President, no choice had been effected, and the election was thrown into the House of Representatives. The ballotings by States in this body con- tinued, amid intense excitement, during four days and nights ;
Organization of the Common-School system. - Recommendation of a convention for the amendment of the Constitution. - Contest between Jeffer- son and Burr for the Presidency.
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159
THE STATE GOVERNMENT.
- and it was not until the thirty-sixth ballot that Mr. JEFFERSON was finally declared elected President, and Mr. BURR Vice-Presi- dent.
3. Whatever may have been his private intrigues, it does not appear that Colonel Burr had in any way openly participated in this contest. During its prevalence he remained at Albany, in the discharge of his legislative duties ; and although it is scarcely to be supposed that he was devoid of interest in the result, there is nothing to show that any efforts were made on his part to de- feat Mr. Jefferson, the candidate of his party. His previous high standing, however, as a Republican leader was seriously impaired.
4. The spring elections resulted in the choice of Governor GEORGE CLINTON, and Lieutenant-Governor JEREMIAH VAN RENS- SELAER, with a Republican majority in both branches of the Legis- lature. Both the national and State governments were now in the hands of the Republican or Democratic party. At the spe- cial election, in August, for delegates to the State Constitutional Convention, a similar preponderance of Republicans appeared. John V. Henry was chosen from Albany, De Witt Clinton from Kings, Aaron Burr from Orange, William P. Van Ness and Daniel D. Tompkins from New York, and Smith Thompson from Dutchess.
5. The convention assembled at Albany on the 13th of Octo- ber, and organized its deliberations by the election of Colonel Burr as President. After transacting the special business for which they were convened, an adjournment was effected at an early day. JOHN LANSING, Jr., was appointed Chancellor in place of Mr. Livingston, who was soon afterwards made, by the President, Minister to France, where he succeeded in negotiating the celebrated treaty for the purchase of Louisiana.
6. The Legislature met at Albany on the 26th of Janu-
1802. ary, 1802, and AMBROSE SPENCER was appointed, by the Council, Attorney-General in place of Josiah Ogden Hoffman, re- signed. An apportionment of the members of assembly, now
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