Growth of the Seaport.   I691-1720.     71
 

CHAPTEE VIL

THE GROWTH OF THE COLONIAL SEAPORT.   1691-1720.

For three quarters of a century after the collapse of
Leisler's rebellion the internal and external politics of
New York City ran in monotonous grooves, and were
largely merged in those of the province, the interests
of the town and country being as a rule identical.
There was a succession of long wars with France, the
New Yorkers, like the other English colonists, and like
England herself, soon coming to look upon the French
as their hereditary and natural foes. This continuous
struggle with a powerful common enemy was a potent
cause in keeping the colonists of Manhattan, like those
of the rest of America, loyal to the mother country;
and the growth of sentiments and interests hostile to
the latter, though steady, was unappreciated even by
the colonists themselves. Their internal politics were
marked by unceasing struggles in the Assembly,—strug¬
gles, sometimes between the aristocratic and popular
factions, sometimes between one or the other or both
of these factions and whoever happened for the time
to represent, the Crown. The overthrow of the Stuart
dynasty had resulted in an immense gain for liberty,
and for free and orderly government in New York.
The last Stuart king had never granted the liberties he
had promised to the colonists; but by his successor