Title
[Document, 1788 May 23]
Library Location
Name
Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 (Author)
Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
May 23, 1788
Language
English
Physical Description
8 pages
Subjects
United States--History--1783-1865; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
Imprisonment of two members of the Parliament of Paris on orders from the King. Reforms of the King are the modification of criminal procedures, and are alignment of the Court structure. Right of registering laws is transferred from the Parliaments and given to a plenary court created by the King. The last is a most obnoxious reform, as far as the people are concerned. Most of the political leaders press the ministry to call the States-General into session and to obtain a declaration of rights. Unless foreign war intervenes a revolution in the Constitution is inevitable. Austrian success in Schabatz paves way for attacks on Dubitza and Belgrade. Sweden and Denmark rearming. England sends a squadron to the Mediterranean to counter the Barbary pirates who just have declared war on her. To appease the popular sentiment against the trade concessions extended to the United States, and to relieve the ministry from its embarrassment in this regard, Jefferson agreed to waive the privilege concerning codfish. The provision concerning whale and fish oil was retained.
Identifier
columbia.jay.10171