National gazette. — Philadelphia [Pa.], 1793-01-30 00:00:00, page 2

mory of the former, while the groans of tlie
latter,decrepit!, unpeniioned, and indigent,
are uttered around us. Are those entitled
to all the joys and bliss of a firjt relnrrec
tioti, while the many virtuous soldiers and
citizens, who have .fallen in defence of their
native freedom, are treated as though they
were scarcely worthy of the lajl. Those
three men have long slept in dud and li
lence ; they yet (lumber among the heirs
of those equal rights for which they con
tended, and no less injultice will beinflidtec
011 them, by drawing them in folenin des
pite of their principles from their drear a
boiles than indignity to the military mar
tyrs of our country, by an attempt to dif
tinguilh others, while they are left in ob
fcnrity.
hut it is suggested, that by (landing ir
front of Yale College where Dixwell lies
such a monument would be to the youth f
good lesson, and cottjpicuoiu example, vjfr
The purpose of a monument is to lerve a:
a iilent preceptor, and admonition to attei
ages, from some great personage or event;
since the late donation of our Legifla
itir tothat venerableuniverfity, littleneer
apprehended from a deficiency iu filen,
pre :eptort.
But this example is to bespeak a moral,
and what is it ? " That the fame of great
men, win [uff'r i<i t>ie cntje of public free
dom, is not to perish. utterly." What! ftial
the liberal youth of that academy, line tin
unlettered laity of Rome, need the grof
addreff-s of feniible objects to inform then
of their rights by birth, and the inalienable
freedom of their anceitors, tranfmittec
without mixture ? In the (acred records o;
what family will the difficult birth ot 0111
republic be to remote posterity wnregit
tercd ? In whose nerves wili not the vigoi
remain of making the lad appeal, when s
concurrence of flagrant circumltances (lial
awake the occalion ? In whose bosom wil
not the ardour of liberty enkindle, whei
the abnfe of power, or the infringement o(
the dignity of man (hall trespass upon hi;
spirit ? Iu the bones of ourcitizens are bred
a love of virtuous independence, and ajuil
ly discriminating discernment between the
interelt of the people, and the partiality oi
government, which they will no fuoner
cease to possess, than they will cease to be.
In th°ir breads is a monument more dura
ble than brass, which time lliall neither
eradicate or efface ; and which future ages
and generations (hall defend with a rever
ential ferocity, as the venerable tomb oi
their fathers.
Altho' it is the warm wi(h of every liberal
man, that a proper jealousy relative to go
vernment (hould be kept alive, as the mod
vigilant guardian of our (ecurity ; it would
Hill be a thing greatly to be deprecated , that
a refpeftable part of our community (hould
be offended, or the lead encouragement
given to disloyalty, by a Hep either unusual
or romantic. A conduct like that of the
three men in quedion, though perhaps high
ly laudable in itfelf, is extremely dange
rous, and judicable alone on the narrow
bans of urgent compullion. The mod
powerful and dangerous medicine (hould
be but in few hands, for though necell'ary
and indifpenfible in-extreme cases, quacks
by misapplying them, may evince a fatality
repugnant to their end.
Jf in fine, the proposal of Mr Burke be
rather the hasty fuggedion of his feelings,
than that of ripe deliberation ; if it will
canfe compunction in the heart of the war
worn soldier at the ingratitude of his fel
low citizens-, if it be reflefling on the youth
of our country, by supposing that they
have not a monument in their minds,
whose moral is dill more forcible than
that proposed : if it will impugn that ex
cellent reflection, which has ever beer
made on viewing the scarcely didingnifh
edgrave of [ohnjDixwell, Here amonghv.
brethren, the advocates of equal rights, lie
a man who condemned a king to die, it mud
be thought futile & impolitic, & those whe
promote thepropofal mud,in the opinion ol
ail calm and candid men, be considered a;
facrificing their good sense at the (hrine ol
their feelings, and by attempting to con
fer honor on others, bring disgrace on
themselves.
MF.RCURIUS.
Subdance of Mr. Sedgwick's Speech, ir
the House of Representatives, on Mon
day January 14 ; the memorial of officer:
of several lines of the late army of the
United States, being under conlideration.
in committee of the whole.
Mr. SEDGWICK firft observed, that he
did not rife to express an opinion as to any
vote which he might ultimately give on the
fubje£t now before the committee. It was
undoubtedly an important fubje£t—impor
tant, as it refpeits the chai after of the ap
plicants, and as it involved a confederation
of the services which had been rendered bj
them. Mo man had a more refpectful o
pinion than he entertained of the honorable
patriotism of those brave and meritorious
citizens, who had ventured their lives in de
fence of their country. No man wouk
more regret than himfelf, that those ser
vices should remain unremunerated. Thus
feeling, he should be sorry if the motion ol
thegentleman from New-Jersey should pre
clude a discussion of the various questions
which might otherwise arise in the contem
plation of this fubjeit.
He (aid he knew several gentlemen who
believed that it was impraiticable to grant
the prayer ofthe memorials,without produ
cing evils, so many and lb great, as infill te
iy more than to counterbalance the benefits
intended. That it would be a criminating
reflection on gentlemen who, withfo much
warmth ot declamation, had espoused the
cause of the applicants, to suppose that they
forefaw those evils and were not prepared
to guard against them. It would be indi
rectly charging upon them as the motive of
tlieir conduct, to give an approving coun
tenance to an impracticable object, an in
tention of acquiring popularity at the ex
pence of the reputation of the government.
This was a charge he had ro difpolition to
make; he would therefore suppose the gen
tlemen had digelted fume fchenie, in their
opinion of practicable compeufation ; which,
by what they have said, they have pledged
to bringforward to the conlideration ot the
committee ; but they would be precluded
from doing it, Ihould the mover of the pre
sent queltion, perlilt in having the fate of
the memorials decided on his motion.
He laid that, confident in the hope that
the gentleman would gratify the uilhes of
'lis friends, he wouid take the liberty
jf mentioning some of the embarratlinj
which the committee mult meu
n the progress of this bulinefs."
The whole merit of the present applica
:ion, in his opinion, retted on the fuppoti
rion til at by the terms of the funding law
the government had made a saving to itfelf;
ar, to speak with more precision, to the
tlebtor part of the community. In other
words, that by the terms of the loan an ad
;qnate proviiion was not made for the pub
ic debt. This fuppolinon denied by ma
ny gentlemen, who did not helitate ex
tirefsly to declare, that the proviiion is am
■>ie and ought to be fatisfactory. Others,
le said, went further, and even infinuateil
hat there existed a sympathetic fenlibiJity
between the majority of Congress and the
ittblic creditors, injurious to the great bod)
jf tilt people. Tins saving coilfhtuted thai
•eliduuin of the original contrail which wai
he subject ofthe present demand. If ther
here was no laving there was norefidi um
—no subject of distribution. On this idea
:he application is to the ge'nerofity, not the
ultice of Congress. On this ground the
nemorials. he presumed, were not advo
tated by those gentlemen. Should it how
ever, be demoiiltrated that the eonteiiiplat
d saving had been made to the public, he
liked whether this v as the only defcriptioi:
>f creditors to whom injustice had been
lone ? and would not the fame arguments
.vhich fhoulddemonftrate their rights,prove
equally the title of every other original hol
der to further proviiion ? Was there any
iifcriminating principle by which it would
ippear that tiiefe men alone were entitled
to redrefsfor a violation of justice ? These
jueflions were important, and being obvi
ous, they must have occurred to the gen
tlemen; who, it might reasonably be pre
"umed, had come prepared, if not with fa
isfaitory, at least with plausible answers.
he said, that among the evils which had
ieen endured during our struggle for free
lom and independence, was a lapfeof pub
ic credit, by which there had been appor
tioned a severe tax on the citizens; and
dthough this was not in exa£t proportion,
set it was generally more equal than pro
jably any re-apportionment would make it.
It was said, at leall by some, that by coni
>aring the relative circumstances of the ar
ny belore and since the war, with the com
munity at large, it might be presumed thai
hey had not contributed to this tax beyonc
:heir proportion. If on the whole, the
;laim of the army could not be diftinguifh
;d from that ofthe other original credi
tors, and if justice required the provifioi
tontended for, then it would follow irre
illably, that an account was to be openec
with each original creditor ; that even if :
Jiftin£tion could be discovered which wotilc
luthorife a difference beiween the armj
md every other description of creditors, i
.vas, he said, further allied, by gentleme-i
,vho believe the project to be impi afticable
.vhether it was intended, by a further dif
inction, to separate the officers from tin
bldiers, to provide for the former and nol
for the latter ? If one part of the dilemnn
was chosen it would operate maniftft injus
tice, if the other the government would o
pen those sources of speculation whicl
Teemed to threaten to inundate the conn,
try withenormous evils. He said. gentle
men who were disposed to afford a favora
ble countenance to the present application
had undoubtedly confidereil these effects
and had also considered the means of pre
venting those evils, and candor requirec
that they fiiould be indulged with an op
portunity of exhibiting their system.
He said, that it was further objected tha
the proposed measure would materially al
tor the funding system, a ftri£t adherence t(
which was guaranteed to the public by ai
almost unanimous vote of both Houses.
He said, the objections he had mentionec
were among the molt important of thoft
which had occurred on this fttbjeflt; that ;
difcuflion of them would open an-extenfivt
field of argument. He thought it would b<
of public utility that they Ihould be discus
sed, he therefore againfolicited the gentle
man from Newjerfey, to withdraw his mo
tion, that an opportunity might be afforde<
to gentlemen to bring forward a digested
system.
Further proceedings relative to the fame
memorial, in committee of the whole, on
7 uelday Jan. rj.
The following; motion was made by Mr.
Serry :
" Kefolved, as the opinion of this com
nittee, That provilion bemr.de for such of
icers, non-commjffioned officers and fol
iiers of the late army of the United States,
,vho received certificates for the balances
lue to them on a final settlement of their
efpertive accounts. Provided, that such
irovilion shall not exceed the difference be
ween the nominal amount of tht said cert
ificates, and the real amount ef.imated
it the present rate in the market ; of the
ertificates which are or may be issued for
hose firft mentioned, pursuant to an afl
naking provifionfor the debt of the Unite
itates."
Mr. Clarke moved an amendment, which
ras to infect in the firft clause after the
Aord "for," all perj oils who hane receiv
ed liquidated certificates for Jervices ren
iered or Jitpplies fhrtiijhed Ai ring the latt
unr ; a', d.
On this motion to amend, Mr. Kartle)
nade the following obfer\ ations—
I wiflied that a question upon the prrver
yf the petitioners might be fairly taker
.vitlrout any embarrafTment or conne£lior
•vith another fubjeit.
Let us consider and d'fcufs the claims o)
he officers andfoldiers of the late srmy,aiu
either grant them, or dismiss their petition'
ivith decency.
The gentleman ffcmKcw-Jrrfev yefter
lay came forward with a rcfolution. ex-
Drefling that the prayer of the petitioners
ould not be granted—lf this was confif
ent with his opinion, it was candid—lie
ippeared openly to avow his sentiments—
[ cannot fay quite so much in his favor to
lay for withdrawing his motion.
Indeed, the motu.n presented by the gen
leman from MaffacJiiifetts, comes for war r
11 so queftiouable a shape. that I am at i
ofs to know who are friends or enemieste
:he objefrs of the petitioners.
To adopt the proposed amendment, ]
consider as death to the motion or. the ta
ble—it embraces too much—it contem
plates what the abilities of this country art
not competent to.
I hope it will not be agreed to.
The officers ar.d soldiers attempt to lhew
:!iat there is a diftinftion between their cast
and that of other citizens ; besides wlial
:hey have to hope from the bounty anc
magnanimity of the ration.
It may not be ainifs for me here to men
:ion, that I have never bad a certificate, am
hat I am not personally interested in the
question—l was an officer part of the war.
iut have nothing to ask for here. I confi
ilerthat the officers and soldiers have e
rlaiin of justice as well as equity, beside:
ivhat they might expeQ from the magnani
mity of the nation.
I shall fay but few words on the fuffer
ngs and distress of the army ; they v er<
;reat and unexampled in the hiflory o:
mankind—Those who are now pres ent, anc
were either in the cabinet or field, muf
know the force of my observation. I wii
not detail the scenes of miferv exhibitce
rluring the war.
To support the rights and liberties of the
country, eft'eers and soldiers freely enterec
into the fervice—ln the year 1-76, the offi
cers had half pay ; in the year 1777, the pa;
was nominally increased. but unfortunate!;
depreciation c?roe on, and their aPual com
pensation was less than the year before.
I have a refpefl for a militia-man, till
his cafe cannot be compared in point ol
difficulties and danger to that of the officer
and soldier—the former occafionallv callec!
forth—the latter constantly at the poll oi
danger and duty. There was certainly si:
inequality in their filiations, which ought
to have been compenf::ted for to the soldier
The officer w ho was married, though he
could meet the dangers of the field himfelf.
yet could not view with fortitude the po
verty and misfortune which threatened hi;
family.
Congrefshad made r.o prcvifion to gran'
half pay to the officers (w ho should fen etc
the end of the war) until some time in the
vear 17-? —Several offirers who v ere weli
attached to the cause. owing to their ne
cessities and the circumstances of tl.eir fa
milies, were obliged to rehgn.
The commander in chief saw the evils
which threatened his country and the ar
my ; he slated them to Congress; some
ftrorg promises and appearances w ere ab
folutelv necessary on the part of govern
ment, or the army would not be kept to
gether. These were rrade in the noli so-
Jemn manner. Many officers and soldier:
were retained.
Depreciation still continued—The sol
dier. hungry and forlorn, was obliged tc
take the paper that was offered him by the
government. This was not in general the
cafe with the farmer ; the latter moll com
monly parted with his property volunta
rily.
One kind of paper followed another du
ring the war. Each depreciated ; but still
Congress, by repeated resolutions (in order
to induce the officers and soldiers to re
main at their ports) engaged that they
should be compensated at the end of the
war.
Certificates of different kinds were issu
ed ; and I believe Congress and the w hole
American world, expefled they were tote
paid in specie as soon as there was fufficient
ability in the government. And I Hill think
there is a difference betwween their claims
and those of the other citizens.
At the firft fefiion of Congress under the
present government, the Honfe resolved
that they would support the public credit ;
and strong expreflions were used. This
gave confidence to the public ; certi
ficates were enhanced in value, and many
of them had passed into the hands of Gran
gers, under the faith of government; so
that when the funding bill palled, nothing
could be done without the consent of the
holders.
I wished exceedingly for an opportunity
:o give my aid in favour of the officers and
oldiers uho had served to the end of the
war.
It was a voluntary ast in the holder to
"und his debt at about four per cent, and
t appears there is a confderable saving to
Government out of the earnings of the offi
:er and soldier, and which may fairly anil
lonorably be granted to them.
I mean to reach this. Those who concur
ivith me in sentiment, ought to be against
he amendment now under confderation,
ind afiill to alter the motion so as to em
brace the objects we have in view.
[7c l>e continued.]
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF FFFRFSENTATIVES.
[The vras ;nd n«y on Mr. Mercer's a
mendment to the bill for the further af
"umption of the slate debts, (difctified on
Fhnrfdav last) were as follow—Yeas.'
Vieftrs. Afl?e, Baldwin, Clark, Dayton,
F'irdlcy, Croie. C r'fTn, Cregp. Giles,
Greenup, Heifer. Jacobs. Kitchell. Niles,
Lee. Miicon, Madi "on, Mercer, Miferge,
Moore, Orr, pi<ge. Parker. Steele, Schoon
maker, Treadwell, White. Wil
liamfon, Willi:— 30. Nays: Mefirs./mes,
Banwell. Benfon, Boudinot, B Bourne,
S. Bourne. Fit2fimons, Gerry, Oilman,
Goodliue, Gordon Huger, Hartley. Hill
houfe, Kirtera. Key, Laurence, Lirer
mcre, Lerrrcd, Leonard, IV i:rr;v. Muh
lenberg, Sterrett. W. Smith, Sturges., J.
Smith, 51 n.pter, Svlveffer, Sedgwick,
Tucker, Thatcher, Ward, Wadfworth—
js?>-
The motion made by Mr. W 7 illiamron,
Tee our lafl] was negatived, yeas 29 —
nays 30 (and not, " yeas 19," as was er
roreoufiy inferred in our minutes of that
day's proceedings.)
Friday. Jan. 2j.
A petirion of Julius Kirper was read
and laid on the table ; praying ccmpenfa
tion for.lofles ard services during the war.
The report of a committee was brought
in. allov\ii:g 7 bcmasWifharta lieutenant's
pay during a certain period mentioned—
also, a bili for fettling the da'ms of Jofejh
Henderfon, which was twice reed and
committed for to-morrow.
The house then, in ccmmittee of the
whole, took up the bill for granting fur
ther c< mpt nfntion to certain receivers of
continent;! taxes, who continued in fer
vicc after Dcc. ei. 1782. The ccmmittee
roie ard reported the bill without amend
ment : which the house having taken into
ronfderat on, and the question being put
For engrcfi rg the bill, it palled in the ne
irativc — year. — nays 24 —the bill was
lonfccuer.tly left.
The confderation of the bill was then
refrmed. for authorising a loan in the notes
ur certificates of the individual slates, to
Ihe amount which shall appear due by the
United States, upon a final fettlemeut of
accounts.
Mr. Dayton'; motion, made yesterday,
To pc.flpone the commencement of the
"übfcriptions to the loan,toJan. 15,1794,
ivas further conft'ered.
Mr. Dayton consented to vary his moti
on. which was pending yesterday when the
lou e adjourned, and fix the ift of Janua
ry 1-04, for opening the fubferiptiens ;
which pro if on was intended to give Con
zrefs, at their next feflion, an opportunity
r>f reviewing the settlement of the com
missioners, fl ould it be found necefTary.
The yeas ard nays were called on this a
menclment and were as follows :
Ayes—Mefirs. Ames, Afhe, Baldwin,
Barnwell, Berfon, S. Bourne, B. Bourne,
Dayton, Findley, Giles, Gi4man, Gregg,
Griffin, Grove, Hillhoufe, Jacobs, Kitchel,
Kittera, Learned, Lee. Livermore, Madi
son, Moore, Murray, Page, Parker,
Schoonmaker, Sedgwick, J. Smith, I.
Smith, W. Smith. Sterrett, Sturges.f v.mp
ter, Venable, VI hite, Greenup, Millcdge,
Orr—39. „
Nays— MelTrs. Boudinot, Clarke, Fitz
firnons, Gerry, Coodhue, Hartley, Heifier,
Huger, Laurence, Macon, Muhlenberg,
Niles, Steele, Sylvester, Thatcher, Tred
well, Tucker, Ward, Williamfon, Leon-,
arc—2o.
Mr. Boudinot moved aprovifo, giving a
preference to the state paper iflued for ser
vices Srd fuppl i s during the war, in the
fubferiptions contemplated by the bill.—
This smendir.ei't was agreed to.