Pacificus-Helvidius Debates of 1793-1794

The Pacificus-Helvidius Debates of17931794 matched Hamilton and Madison in thefirst chapter of an enduring discussion about the proper roles of executive andlegislative branches in the conduct of American foreign policy. Ignited byPresident Washingtons Neutrality Proclamation of 1793, which annulled theeleventh article of Americas treaty with France of 1778, the debate addressedwhether Washington had the authority to declare America neutral, despite theearly alliance treaty with France. The Liberty Fund edition brings together forthe first time all the relevant original documents of this controversy.Morton J. Frisch (19232006) was Professor Emeritus of Political Science atNorthern Illinois University.