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Editorial
March 12, 1779
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
An editorial defends Doctor Lee's opposition to unequal articles in the Franco-American treaty of commerce, crediting his efforts for France's agreement to rescind them, making the treaty equal. It criticizes Silas Deane's charge against Lee and praises Lee's vigilance over Franklin and Deane.
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OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
To THE PUBLIC.
It is now indubitably certain the Court of France has agreed to rescind the 11th and 12th articles of the treaty of commerce, which makes that whole treaty perfectly equal. By those articles, the molasses sent from the French West India islands to the United States of America, was to be clear of any duty or imposition; in return for which, the French were to have every article exported from these states to their islands, duty free. This was very unequal; for, as Doctor Lee has well expressed himself, they tied up only their little finger, whilst we bound our whole body. It was owing to that Gentleman's remonstrance against such inequality, that Silas Deane, Esq; has made his charge against him, of "being dragged into the treaty." Doctor Lee has since by his vigilance, firmness, and integrity, obtained this beneficial alteration; and the publick are left to judge, if he does not deserve their approbation, rather than censure for his opposition to Mr. Franklin and Deane in this instance.
A VIRGINIAN.
It is now indubitably certain the Court of France has agreed to rescind the 11th and 12th articles of the treaty of commerce, which makes that whole treaty perfectly equal. By those articles, the molasses sent from the French West India islands to the United States of America, was to be clear of any duty or imposition; in return for which, the French were to have every article exported from these states to their islands, duty free. This was very unequal; for, as Doctor Lee has well expressed himself, they tied up only their little finger, whilst we bound our whole body. It was owing to that Gentleman's remonstrance against such inequality, that Silas Deane, Esq; has made his charge against him, of "being dragged into the treaty." Doctor Lee has since by his vigilance, firmness, and integrity, obtained this beneficial alteration; and the publick are left to judge, if he does not deserve their approbation, rather than censure for his opposition to Mr. Franklin and Deane in this instance.
A VIRGINIAN.
What sub-type of article is it?
Foreign Affairs
Trade Or Commerce
Economic Policy
What keywords are associated?
Franco American Treaty
Trade Inequality
Doctor Lee
Silas Deane
Molasses Duty
Treaty Revision
What entities or persons were involved?
Court Of France
Doctor Lee
Silas Deane
Mr. Franklin
French West India Islands
United States Of America
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Defense Of Doctor Lee's Revisions To Franco American Treaty Of Commerce
Stance / Tone
Supportive Of Doctor Lee Against Deane And Franklin
Key Figures
Court Of France
Doctor Lee
Silas Deane
Mr. Franklin
French West India Islands
United States Of America
Key Arguments
Original Treaty Articles Allowed Duty Free Molasses From French Islands To Us But Duty Free Us Exports To French Islands, Creating Inequality.
Doctor Lee Remonstrated Against This Inequality, Likening It To Tying Their Little Finger While Binding The Whole Body.
Silas Deane Charged Lee With 'Being Dragged Into The Treaty' Due To His Opposition.
Doctor Lee's Vigilance, Firmness, And Integrity Led To Rescinding Articles 11 And 12, Making The Treaty Equal.
Lee Deserves Approbation, Not Censure, For Opposing Franklin And Deane.