The Rhode-Island American, and general advertiser — Providence [R.I.], 1810-10-30 00:00:00, page 2

THE EXAMINER....NO. IV.
•• Thou hypocrite! who dost profane,
•* And take the patriot'i name in vain;
* Then moat ihy country’s foe, when moat
* Of love and loyalty you boast;
“ Who fur the filthy bve of gold
* Thy friend, thy king, thy God, hast sold,
“ An<|,.marking the just claim of hell,
* We<q|jfera found, thyself would sell"
Although the' object of the present
number is intended more particularly foj;
the consideration of the Legislature, yet it
may be perused with some interest by all
thorn Wjfca concerned to the welfare
and the State. The business of
a Legislature is not merely to enact laws,
transact the concerns of private individu
als, and adopt measures for the welfare
and prosperity of the government, but they
have a more delicate, though not less im
portant duty to perform, that of purifying
their own body. This is a doty they owe to
themselves as well as to the community at
large. That they have a right to impeach,
try and expel their own members, cannot
be doubted. That they oqgAf to do it is a
question on which their own judgement
and feelings must decide. But that the
present Legislature have one among their
number, who b netsrorthy of a station but
at their bar, I shall deem it my duty and
my privilege to shew. The name of Al*
drich excites within us a degree of hor
rour, which our natures can with difficulty
endure. This man whose •• breath is pes
tiferous, and whose excrement is poison tu
the land," has again obtruded himself up
on the publick in the character of a Legis
lator. The “ scenes and changes" through
which he has passed, and the ladder by
which he has gained his present station,
demand a few moments consideration. It
is well known he was a favourite of the
, late Governour Arthur Fenner, by
whose influence be obtained a Mat in the
Legislature, and from thence was promoted
tu the Senate. la this station, he became
influential. No affair of a political nature
could be transacted without his consent.—
At this time the memorable Bank of Glo
cesterwas in the “fill tide yf" un"ei»r
ceotful experiment.** Aldrich was a Di
rector, but whether his Directorship .in
creased his influence or respectability, is a
question which some of his advocates and
adherents can best answer.
Under the Dexter mansgement of the
Aldrich became an interlinedDi
anJ “ bartered his soul” for one
cents per day. After defrauding
the pubiick, swindling individuals and M
curing for himself sufficient to compensate
the loot of character he should sustain, he
«* ceased to be a Director." He now be
t gcame a private citizen, and contented him
?>rlf with retirement, because his infamy
had become publick. An investigation of
the high mettled sons of liberty, with what
.' is manifestly the temper of a large portion
of our nation at the.present day. But we
leave the reader to make his own comments
and reflections.
that Bank, and it* Directors, and officers
■was had before the Legislature. The pub
lick have bad the Report and the Docu
ment* before them. By that Report it will
be seen how far Jamks Aldrich was in
terested apd implicated in the fraud and
willany that was then practised. After this
Aldrich was hardly known in political
affair* till a short time since. Our Legis
lature became respectable, unanimity pre
vailed through both branches. The Govern
our appeared a moderate man. Ha was
esteemed and caressed by tbe federalists,
because he was ostensibly the friend of
union, and wished to do away the violence
of party. This situation of affairs did not
suit the factious demagogues, whose max
ims it ha* always been to corrupt, divide
and conquer. To cover their design* with
the specious guise of liberty and republi
canism, hath always been the bait to de
coy and betray the multitude. Tbe Gov
ernour was wrought upon by this faction,
and he suffered his partialities and bto pre
judice* to overcome his reason. Democra
cy now reared her head. The Goverpour
and Aldrich were chosen leader*. Tbe
latter was again elected a member of tbe
Legislature, which seat be now bolds. A
democratick Senate was chose fl, and a
ttbwill made chief. We trust, howevfec,
that the majority of the Senate possess suf
ficient virtue and information, to avoid the
enave which Al dr fbte and hi* adherents
are laying for them. That tboy will ma Bi
fest to the world that an undeserving man
is not to be placed into office because ba
assumes the name of “ Republican.** ar
that an upright* candid, intelligent man
is to be rejected because- he to My led a,
Federalist. Aldr<c« bto infltfoncej
for Hazard and Bnown. Hto afovrn foot
was seen, and these candidates were not
elected. He is now using hi* influence te
re-elect Elisha Matrxwsob abenstui
Such was the spirit that'was displayed
in our country, in the years ’73,4, 5 and 6;
and for some time thereafter. Such was
the spirit that accomplished the American
revolution, that established our indepen
dence, and that'secured to the whole peo
ple the privileges of freemen. Such was
the ingrained courage of men, whom it is
more fashionable tu admire thaa to Imitate.
We did intend to contrast the spirit of
roa thi bhopb-islam■ ambbisan.
1 know him too well to believe, that he is
so devoid of feeling and sensibility as to be
their leader He will return back.
Probably the next spring will work a re
formation in his political conduct. Though
he has erred, he is at bottom wise and
good. These two qualities are united in
him in an eminent degree, not only io his
publick character, but in private life; in
deed, It was in consequence of these quali
ties, shining forth with so much Ibstre, in
every part of his conduct, to every trait of
his private life, that he became the object
of pubiick attention, and the moat grateful
affection and profound veneration of the
people at large; but though it must require
a bulky volume to contain a detail of the
many deeds performed by this virtuous and
pious mao, in the many years he has been
employed ip doing good, yet no part of his
life reflects more honour on his character,
than his late conduct in refuting to call a
special meeting yf the Legislature in order
to set aside the election yf Representatives
to Congress. But the wisdom of our be
loved Governour is also eminently display
ed in his greet regard for decency. He
would rather, lam sure, run the risk of
breaking his own neck at the shrine of Bac
chus, than be guilty of following the exam
ple ofthe Governour of New-Hampshire,
or of establishing a precedent for any fu
ture successor. I dare any of his enemies,
(for good and great as be is, he has ene
mies, to the disgrace of human nature be
it spoken, though he is continually spend
ing his fortune and himself to promote tbe
happiness of his people,) I say, I dare any
of- his enemies to bring forward any act of
his pubiick or private life, in which his pi
ety, condescension and love of truth, arc
not eminently displayed. No, tbe days and
pights of this paragon yf moral and reli
gious virtue and pious excellence have
been spent for the good of the people.
whene’er
"You wish to be hid, such as Governour
Aldrich is now before the legislature.
His conduct has been exhibited before the
publick. Should they deem the matter of
sufficient importance to institute an investi
gation, aod have tbe courage to reject and
degrade him, if found unworthy, they will
discharge an important duty, and reflect
honour on themselves and their constituents.
It is from the influence of such a man we
have much to fear, when delegated to an
improper subject. Of the influence of Al
dbicm I should have taken no notice ; but
when he goes about to the name, and by
the sanction of co good and so great a man
as our excellent Chief Magistrate, I think
it my duty to warn the people of their dan
ger. How tbe Governour should be so in
fatuated with this man, I do not pretend
to determine; but Satan has snares, and
Afr Dann Fninno —l have just been
viewing tbe movements of a military pa
rade. There is something in the appear
ance ci a band of soldiers, to my feelings,
peculiarly grand and impressive. .The
waving flag—the gleaming* of the bayonet
and sword—the bold front of the steed of
Mara—and tbe irresistible glare of splendid
uniform, are object* that mstantaneouoiy
inspire u* with awe. Add to these me
lively tones of the trumpet and drum, tbe
clashing of arms, tbe discharge of musket
ry, and tbe loud voice of artillery; and we
have a scene that Ails the breaeuwith the
strongest ardour. We ar* roused. Weal
most burst with tbe feeling* of eagerness
and heroism. On such occasions I often give
myself op to musing*. What if some in
vader should think of thto country Suppose
Napoleon. Sappoee his ambition should
load him to America. Suppose weshould
stand oo our shores oa*t our eyes on tbe
Atlantick—and see a Beet wafting the mili-
tate of Napoleon. Tbe thought* of Italy,
and Germany, and Poland, and Prussia,
dart across the mind. The fleet to at the
-bore. The battalions land, and give the
shout of insulting defiance. What shall
•• In some things, I own, he pursues the good
“ A sort of dark lantern, to skulk behind,
“ A Gov’nour to make, when you wish for a
tool;
* An Omni
” A strange and motley crew,
•• Indians in heart and savages in shew,
to Congress for the ensuing six years from
the 4th of March ngxt. Of Mathew
son's qualifications I know but little. He
has been a Senator for six years, and bis
voice has never been raised but to grunt in
the sublime language of a '* WUdboar’’—
yea and nay to the embargo and Its repeal-
He was a Fellow-Director of tbe Gioces
ter Bank with Aldrich. This may be
the reason why Aldrich wishes him
elected. I hope it will not be thought from
any severity of expression, which may be
discovered, that, I am unfriendly to the
Governour. I positively am not. 1 regret
that he has become the dupe of a faction,
to sanction their evil doings. I lament that
he should have deserted the path of “ re
conciliation,” and become the leader of q
party. I sincerely deplore that he should
have joined
FOR THE RHODE-ISLAND AMBBICAW.
LETTERS
TO A FRIEND IN THE COUNTRY.
• PTo. 11.
Providence, 15th October, 1810.
of the vile and base."
we do ? Tliese very battalions are the same
that swept the plains of prostrate Europe.
’O»ey were invincible. They were op
posed ; but opposition was in vain. Theii
enemies sunk in defest. They are now
here. And shall we have power to resix
them ? Suppose we collect an army. Wr
are unpractised—they are inured to arm«—
their daily lot has been to vanquish and to
slaughter. Suppose we atfeck them. Will
not long-worn discipline in a moment break
our ranks ? How can it be otherwise ? And
suppose they do. Suppose they plant their
standard on our fortifications. Omy coun
try—it is finished .'—Shan we then dare to
attack them I See their banners floating,
insultingly terrible. They dare us to the
combat. Shall we sot retire—cry mercy
to the foe—and grieve that our country has
so soon a master? Gracious heaven—no!
The foe is indeed terrible. The visage of
war is full of horroty. The calm scenes of
peace and tranquil «aie are pleasing. To
leave them—to bid adieu to friends, to dear
companions, and tht softest scenes thqtqur
natures know—is Weed terrible. And to
exchange them for the bloody haunts of
war is indeed most appalling. Yet liberty
is more than even al these. Liberty wo
will eqjoy. •• But peraata death will meet
you. Battle Jo Death’s carrival. Thousands
fall to an tfour. in Probably
you will be in t^p‘number.’’ I may.. The
fatal steel may pierce me. ••'Are yon then
ready to quit flfe and all its phasures ?” J
indeed love life. I love its pleasures. The
innocent enjoyments of society wre pleasing
to me. But there is a sacrifice too great
for them. To stand on the field of battle—
to be overcome by the power of numbers—
to breathe out my last in agonies, far from
my tender friends, and close my eyes on
life—O it is distressing to the thought. But
shall I see my country sink? I will not.
Trnelmnydie. Sei must if fact the cow
ard. I cannot stay here always. And stay
to disgrace—in dependence—in shackles—
I will not. I will take the sword. Danger
I believe, let moralists say what they will,
that whatever Bonaparte does is right—
that what used to be called murder, if he
pleases to do it, becomes an act of justice;
that when it suits him to deceive and de
stroy his friend, .it is nothing more nor less
than a masterly stroke of policy, and that
by bloodshed alone he merits the empire of
the world; not to mention that, by the un
paralleled generosity of vesting all power
aod all property in his own person, he lays
all men under an obligation of which they
can never acquit themselves, but by be
coming bis devoted slaves. Furthermore,
I believe that whatever nation resists him,
as for example the Spaniards have done,
forfeits all the rights of humanity, and de
serves to be put to the sword.
nr.
I believe that Bonaparte does infinite mr
vice to mankind by silencing the clamours
of law and justice, and proving, by his own
illustrious example, that the right of the
strongest is an indefeasible right; thereby
dismissing forever thoM superstitious re
gards to a supposed Divine Providence,
which have been known sometimes to gripe
even a good democrat, and paving the way
for future enterprise, as often as any po
litical regenerator shall be disposed, in his
magnanimity, to meliorate the world in the
same way.
I will' laugh at; and the thought of death
shall only give nerie to my arm. I should
love life, but I will not disgrace it. Give
me arms—and heaven protect me. Such,
my friend, are sometimes my feelings.
Mere phantasies* yett will my. I grant it.
But phantasies make up much of our lives
Only let them be honest, and I will cherish
them. Adieu, my friend. PHILO.
As I did believe ihi Marat, Robespierre,
and the rest of the Parisian heroes, suc
cessively, who propitiated the goddess of
liberty by hundred* and thousands of vic
tims, and indulged the republican feelings
of the people wUb the charming spectacle
of guillotine LktLUtfone, andlhooting en
matte—\ my as I did believe In them, so I
now believe in Bonaparte; and as the
French, with those stanch democrat* who
admire them, are the only true republi
cans, I do hereby declare my sincere belief
that the cause of liberty essentially depend*
open their aggrandisement.
I believe that liberty according to times
and seasons take* different form*—that
during the American revolution, it was a
government of laws made by th* repre
sentatives of the people—that in the French
revolution it was insurrection and blood
shed, and that now it is th* absolute will of
Bonaparte. But under all its mutation*
«o* Inseparable property it never loses,
i. a, a/ a# cvento to fight the Englith.
VI.
I believe the English never did, and
never can do an honourable thing.
VII.
I believe the federalist* to be averse to
tbe domination of Bonaparte, and conse -
qucatly traitor* and enemies to liberty.
Indeed the same actions are good or bad as
I belilve in— Bonaparte,
11.
raoM thi ybdbral rbvvwligaw.
CREED.
Dear Mungo— Turrer day I meet misse
Phillisse fa de street, she trut like a turkey
wls he tail spread; trait like a lampos;
her head so high she no able for see de pa
ment, she stumble over de top-tone, she
broke her toe on de sidewalk ; and de deb
ble to pay— M Why, FhOHsse, say L What
d< debble make you so trait like a pickerel ?
what make you so blind you no can see for
go F* Phillisse she tell me she had on a
gossup, or foasip, or cassup, or what you
call dem tings de buckram lady wear be
fore, for make him hold up she head ? Cos
sup, I believe ? •• Cossup ! why what yob
call cossup, misse Phillisse ? say I, where
you put him ? what he look like F* Phillisse
she tell me for feel. “ Lord blesse me!
say I, why tis big and long like de hogsit
tave; how can you wear dem .' he pinch
you, make you look so a wasp. O Phil
lisse! Phillisse! dis nebber do. I hear mas
m, turrer day, read long letter in de nuse
paper, from MasSR Filampus, bout dese
ugly cossup; and Massa Filampus he say
how dat one fine chammin young buckram
misse, who had de rosy cheek and de shiny
eye, she go ded for dem plaguy tings. And
massa he read one odder letter and de nuse
paper too, from massa Filum Filampus,
bout misse Doubleco, she too most dead, all
for de cossup. O Phillisse ! spose you no
trow dese tings ’way you cum sick and you
die too. Phillisse 1,1 cannot bare for see
you sick; den you look so tin and so pale,
like de yellow molat, dan your eye no shine
no more.” Ky ! Ptyßbe she say, who
care for massa Filampiffiand FHum Filam
pus ? He buckram mats, he say so for frite
de lady of color, and make dem fraid for
follow de fasten of de buckram lady.—
Spose de buckram lady wear de cossup—
Finally, I believe that the end sanctifies
tbe means; which, by the bye, is a maxim
of the utmost utility to matters of political
reform; as was manifest to tbe French
revolution, where tbe principles of repub
licanism were developed, and the world
was favoured .with an example of tbe ef
fects of liberty, when put in operation,
without any of the embarrassments of law,
that cursed contrivance, to damp the ar
dour aad shackle the exertions of true re
publicans. I. spy* to the last place, I be
lieve that the end sanctifies the means.
And here again I find myself constrained
to indulge a momentary disgresslSn, while
I express my Admiration of French philo
sophy, and my thankfulness to its inven
tors, for a discovery, without which the
most zealous republican could never have
achieved any thing more than half-way
measures, and the mystery of making peo
ple free by fire and sword would never
have been understood. But once for all, I
say, the end sanctifies the means, and as
no republican ever proposes to himself any
ends but right ones, as may be instanced
in the heroes already mentioned, and the
mighty Emperour, who has put the finish
ing hand to the glorious design, I shall ever
bold it unworthy of democratick magna
nimity to suffer any embarrassment from
laws, human or divine, ns they are called,
or to pay any regard to censures' founded
upon such aristocratick principles. -So help
me Bonaparte.
»:o:swi
VaoM the nbw-yoak colcmsiav.
A letter from Sambo, on the interesting
subject yf Cossars.
I wear de cossup ; *he no oofrald.”
“ 6 Philiisse! say I, spoae you cum sick;
you no got mony for pay doctor, buckram
lady hab. Den you hab nothing for com
fort you. De white people day say let poor
nigger die; what bisnes* she make herself
sick because de buckram lady she' do so ?
Nigger fool.” Den Philiisse she promise
me she will trow way de cossup; and next
time I see her she feel so well—bless me
she dance, and she laugh, and she grin so,
and her eye shine, and she look so chirk, it
make my heart jump in my trout for see
her. “Ah hah, Philiisse—(say I,) you no
hab on decossup noy. If de buckram lady
was wise like you, dey could laugh, and
dance, grin too. Nigger wise now bugk
rairf lady fool. SAMBO.
KINGSTON, (U. C.) October S.
Juot and liberal policy of thio Province to-
wardt the United Staleo.
HiRKToroRB the bills of the bank* in the
United States were countefeited in Canada
with impunity, there being no law for puts-
I believe that tbe embargo was merely a
municipal regulation to secure our own
property, without doing any harm to any
body, and I believe also that it was intend
ed to annihilate the English. J
X.
they happen to be done by g democrat or
federalist, and nothing is more evident than
that federalists ought to be denounced as
enemies to their country, for what, in a
democrat, would be excusable and even
meritorious.
I believe that Bonaparte has all power
at Ma as well as on land, and that if he
seises a |hip and imprisons the crew, we
ought not to presume to make it a subject
of inquiry; but if the English do any thing
in tbe same way, although in their own de
fence, we ought to make war upon them.
2&P the jmailß. .
The Supreme Junta of this city, which -
ha* been employed the whole of this day,
on the communication* received by express
from the Supreme Junta of Santa Fee;
anxiously wishing that the noble and well ‘
affected inhabitants of this province should
have immediate information, of the fatal
events which have taken place in the city
of Quito, and in order to inspire them with
all that indignation and pity, which mast
alternately affect every mind over whom
nature or humanity holds rule, have deter -
mined to publish the following documents, 1
hi which the horrid barbarities are detail
ed.
From the Government of Santa Fee.
“The hostile preparations with which
the despotick government of the Viceroy
and audiences have armed themselves ,
against the illustrious city of Quito, have
from September last, furnished u* a fore
sight of the misfortune* which threatened
that chy. At the same time that the cities
of Saafa Fee, Carthageua, and Socorro
were oppressed, in common with all place*
which in thulelAt hesitated to offer up that
incense and adulation, to which their des
pots had been for two centuries accustom
ed. Did they not insist that we should
condemn.** Crimea tbe hertoekvimmruf a
Montufar, Quiroga, Morales, Salenas, and
Larea ? but they failed in their attempts ; t
and from that instant their ferocious souls
pledged themselves for the extermination
of the father* of their country, of the up
holder* of our liberty. Their machinations
were discovered in Carthageua, and their
downfall enforced at Santa Fee. But they
shed the blood of our brethren in Pore; the
street* of the town of Socorro were made
bloody—and the citizen* of Quito were vic
tims to their iniquity. How dreadful are
the expiring struggle* of agonising tyranny ?
The noble city of Quite hath been witness
te its last efforts. They saw their dearest
sens, without opposition buried in the dun
pBCSB ; they saw them butchered remorse
lessly in the streets. The relation of these
event* in the following documents, will
cause this too feeling city tn shudder at
tbe atrocities of tbe 2d of August. But
this pain to salutary ; it to necessary to im
print on th* heart* of American* a detes
tation of tyranny.
** WMe the noble exertions of lhe cityof
Carthsgena are exhibiting warnings, to let
•lip no opportunity of contributing to the
publick safety, wo are vainly contented
The editor of the Norfolk Ledger, some
time since, published an account of French
and British captures of American proper
ty, issued to the office of the Marine In*
surance Company to Norfolk. The French
exceeded the British forty to one I The
same investigation has been made at Alex
andria, .fa Virginia, at the Marine In
surance Office, to that city, and with the
following result.
Amount captured aad condemn
ed by the French and by Spain,
while acting under French de- .
cre«. g 154,106
Restored, NOTHIPTG.
Amount captured and coademn-
edhy the British, 30,600
Restored, clear bf expense,
Recaptured from the French and
restored clear of expense, 9500 '
Total restored, 13.000
Retained by the English, 18,100
The difference here ienot so great as at
Norfolk, but it is as eight aada half to one;
yet thy resentment of government and its
partisans Is vented upon England, as the
tyrant of the seas, foe only impediment tn
American oommerow
such, and without any lawful cxcum.—
They were sentenced to six months impri
sonment, and are now suffering their pun
ishment in the gaol to this town. This sa
lutary law, and the spirit with which it is
aod will doubtless continue to be carried
into execution, is at once a measnre of
sound policy, and liberal justice towards
the stales: in most of which, ft is' said,
laws are already provided for punishing
the counterfeiting of bills of otheMnuntries;
and in states where such praqKns does
not yet exist, it is to he hoped iTwIU soon
be made in Imitation of our example. How
much more conductive to mutual prosperity
are such instances of the reciprocation of
acts of justice and liberality, than a state
of legislative counteraction aod hostility.
Tranelatiaas from an oflieial pubßcatiou
‘by the government yf Carthagema, re
ceived at the office yf the Baltimore fed
eral Gazette.
RY TUB OOVBBRNBWT OV bARTNAOBNA.
Ishlng the Counterfeiting of bills of any fo
reign banks. Advantage was taken of this
freedom from punishment, and hence the
states were Inundated with counterfeits, to
the great opprobrium of our government at
was lately observed by a learned Judge of -
our Court of Kings Bench. But at the last
session of our provincial legislature, an act
was passed on the subject; and on one of
its sections, two persons were indicted and
were convicted, at the late assises in this
district for having in their possession coun
terfeit bi)l« of some of the banks to the
state of New-York, knowing them to be ,
Baltimore, October 33.
Tbexe is xotHinG Lira PAcrs.
SPANISH AMERICA.