197 The Question of Titles

197.The Question of Titles

The first fiercely contested debate in the new Congress was over the question of titles . John Adams , the Vice - President and the presid - ing officer of the Senate , began the conflict by asking the Senate how he should address the President . One senator suggested that the Presi - dent should be entitled " His Patriotic Majesty .＂ Other senators proposed that he should be addressed as ＂ Your Highness , the President of the United States and Protector of their Liberties .＂ Fortunately , the House of Representatives had the first chance to address Washington and sim - ply called him " Mr . President of the United States .＂