Though these
considerations may not be strong enough to establish the absolute
inutility of consuls, they may make us less anxious to extend their
privileges and jurisdictions, so as to render them objects of jealousy
and irritation, in the places of their residence. That this government
thinks them useful, is sufficient reason for us to give them all the
functions and facilities which our circumstances will admit. Instead,
therefore, of declining every article which will be useless to us, we
accede to every one which will not be inconvenient. Had this nation been
alone concerned, our desire to gratify them might have tempted us to
press still harder on the laws and opinions of our country. But your
Excellency knows, that we stand engaged in treaties with some nations,
which will give them occasion to claim whatever privileges we yield to
any other. This renders circumspection more necessary. Permit me to add
one other observation. The English allow to foreign consuls scarcely any
functions within their ports. This proceeds, in a great measure, from
the character of their laws, which eye, with peculiar jealousy, every
exemption from their control.
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