Republican ledger, and Portsmouth price current — Portsmouth, N.H., 1803-04-12 00:00:00, page 3

COMMUNICATION & EXTRACTS
—: for the Ledger.
BUT though a Republican thinks every
species of government equally lawful, he
does not think them equally expedient ; or
for every Country indifferently. There
may be something in the climate, naturally
disposing men towards one fort of obedience ;
as it is manifeft all over Asia, where we ne
ver read of any common-wealth. There
may be a great deal in the situation of a
country and in the present Genius of the Peo
ple. It hath been observed, that the tem
perate climates usually run into moderate
Governments, and the Extremes into defpo
tick Power. 'Tis a remark of Hobbes,
that the Youth of England are corrupted in
their principles of government by reading
the authors of Greece and Rome, who write
under common-wealths. But it might have
been more fairly offered for the honor of
Liberty, that while the rest of the known
world overrun with the arbitrary govern
ment of single Persons, Arts and Scienes took
their rife, and flourifhed only in those few
small territories where the people weiefr#.
And though Learning may continue after
Liberty is loft, as it did in Rome, for a while
upon the foundations laid under the common
wealth, and the patronage of fume emperors
yet it hardly ever began under a Tyranny in
any nation. Because Slavery is of all things
the greatest clog and obstacle to Speculation.
And indeed arbitrary power is but the firft
natural tfep from Anarchy or the Savage
Life ; the adjuring Power and Freedom be
ing an effedl and consequence of rnaturer
thinking ; and tais is no where so duly re
gulated as in a Republic ; B-cause I believe
it may pass for a maxim in State, that the
adminflration cannot be placed in too tew bands
nor the Legislature in too many. Now in
this material point, the conttitution of the
American government far exceeds all others
at this time on the earth, to which the pre
sent eftabliment of the toleration of religion
doth so happily agree, that 1 think, whoev
er is an enemy to either, mult of necessity be
so to both.
He thinks, as we are constituted, an elec
tive right is much to be preferred before
hereditary. Becayfe the government here, is
so regularly disposed in all its parts, that it
almost executes itfelf. And therefore upon
the exit of a prefiderit among us, the admin
istration go^ on without any rub or inter
ruption. For the fame reasons we have lit
tle to apprehend froth the Pfeaknejs or Fury
of Pfefidents who have such wile councils to
guide the firlt, and laws to retrain the o
ther. And therefore this elective right
should be kept forever sacred..
The great advocates for fucceffon, do infill
much upon one argument that Teems to car
ry little weight. They would have it, that
a Crown is a monarch's birthright, and
ought at lead to be as well secured to him
and his posterity as the inheritance of any
private man ; in Ihort, that he has the fame
title to his Kingdom which every Individual
has to his property ; now the tonfequence
of this dodrine must be, that as a man may
find several ways to waste, mifpend, or abuse
his patrimony, without being answerable to
the laws ; so a king may in like manner do
what he will with his own, that is, he may
;fquander and misapply his revenues, and ev
en alienate the crown, without being called
to an account bv his fubjeds. They allow
such a prince to be guilty indeed of much
folly and Wickedness, but for those he is to
answer to God, as every private man must do
that is guilty of Mismanagement in his own
concerns. Now the folly of this reasoning
will best appear by applying it in a parallel
case : Should any man argue, that a Physi
cian is supposed to underhand his own art
best ; that the law proteas and encourages
his profeffion ; and therefore, although he
should manifestly prescribe poison to all his
patients, whereof they should immediately
die, he cannot be justly punished, but is an
swerable only to God : or should the fame
be offered in behalf of a divine, who would
preach againlt Religion and moral duties:
In either of these two cases, every body
would find out the sophistry, and presently
answer that although common men are not
exa&ly (killed in the composition or appli
cation of medicines, or in prescribing the
Limits of duty ; yet the difference between
Poisons and Remedies is easily known by
their effeds ; and common reason soon dif
tinguilhes between Virtue and Pice : and it
must be necessary to forbid both thele the
further practice of their profeffions, because
their crimes are not purely personal to the
Physician or the divine, but deftrudive to
the public. All which is infinately stronger,
in refpea to a monarch, with whose good
or ill condu& the happiness or misery of a
whole nation is included ; whereas it is of
final! consequence to the public, farther than
examples how any private person manages
his property.
It is the opinion of a Republican, that the
freedom of a nation consists in an.abfolute
unlimited legislative power, wherein the
whole body of the people are fairly represen
ted, and in an Executive duly limited ; be-
CRufe on this fide likewise there may be dan
. (Continued from our last.)
gerous degrees, and a very ill extreme, For
when two parties in a State are pretty equal
in Power, Pretensions, Merit, and Virtue,
(for these two last, arc with relation to par
ties quite different things) it hath been the o
pinion of the bed writers upon government
that a governor ought not in any fort to be
under the guidance or influence of either,
because he declines by this means from his
Office of presiding over the whole, to be the
head of a party which, besides the indignity
renders him answerable for all public misma
nagements, and the consequences of them ;
and.in whatever State this happens, there
mutt be a weakness in the government.,
To conclude; a true Republican may
with prudence and a good conference ap
prove the profeffed principles of one party
more than the other, according as he thinks
they belt promote the good of his country ;
but he will never be fway'd by passion or in
terest to advance an opinion, merely because
it is that of the party he moll approves ;
which one single principle he looks upon as
the root of all dur Civil Animofitics. To
enter into a party as into an order of Fryars,
with so refined an obedience to superiors, is
very unsuitable both with the Civil and Rel
igious Liberties we so zealously assert. Thus
the understandings of a whole Senate are of
ten enslaved by three ot four leaders on each
fide,who inAead of intending the public weal,
have their hearts wholly set upon ways and
means how to get or keep employments. But
to speak more at large, how has this spirit of
faction mingled itfelf in with the mass of
the people, changed their natures and man
ners, and the very genius of the country ;
broke all the laws of charity, neighbourhood
alliance, and hospitality, deftroy'd all ties of
friendfhip, and divided families against them
selves r And no wonder it should be so, when
in order to find out the chara&er of a per
son, instead of enquiring whether he be a
man of Virtue, Honour, Piety, Wit, and
good Sense, or Learning ; the modern ques
tion is only whether he be a Republican or a
Federalist, under which terms all good and
ill qualities are included.
Now because it is a point of difficulty to
chufe an exaa middle between two ill ex
tremes, it may be worth enquiring in the
present cafe',which of these a wife and good
man would rather seem to avoid : Taking
therefore their own good and ill charaders
with due abatements and allowances for par
tiality and passion I should think that in or
der to preserve the constitution entire, who
ever has a true value for would be sure to
avoid the extremes of either.^ ~
I have now said all I could think conve
nient upon so nice a fubjed, and Sind I have
the.ambition common with other reasoners,
to wish at least that both parties may think
me in the right, which would be of some
use to those who have any virtue left, but
are blindly drawn into the extravagances of
either, upon falfe representations, to serve
the ambition or malice of designing men
without any profpea of their own. But if
that is not to be hoped for, my next wish
Should be, that both might think me in the
wrong : which I would underhand as an
ample justification of m,felf, and a sure
ground tobelieve that I have proceded at least
with impartiality, and perhaps with truth.
Philadelphia, March 29.
Every day seems 10 bring again on the
tapis, and with additional evidence on our
fide the story of Messrs. Coleman, Mason
and Hunter, which travelled from Kentucky
alone with nobody knows who—By this
time Coleman must be as sick of it as he was
of the Wm. and Mary College business.
The following is not the least authentic
part of what has appeared, as it will be re
membered Mr. Davis was said to have had a
Washin&lo>-Cirr, March 21.
It has long been an important object
with the United States to obtain a peace re
gulation in Portugal admitting our flour into
its markets ; we have now the pleasure of
publishing official information of such re
gulations on the fubjed, for which, it is be
lieved that much credit is due to the judici
ous representations, and fttehupus exertions
of Mr. Jarvis, the American Consul at Lis
bon.
The following is the official order, re
moving the late severe quarantine regula
tions imposed in Portugal : —
D. Joao de Almeida de Mello de Castro,
offers his compliments to Mr. William
Jarvis, and has the fatisfaaion to commu
nicate to him, that in conleauence of the
news received by this Court, H. R. H. the
Prince Regent his matter, was pleased to
Hired the expediting the neceffarv orders,
that all velTtls that may arrive from any
ports of the United States of America,
should be immediately admitted to traffic ;
and a free entry of all the articles they
may bring on board ; if no Signs appear in
their crews and in their bills of health, of
any,contagious disorder.
Palace of Samora,]
February Bth, 1802, J
Latest by the Mails.
dispatch about the r'fag in the weft —it is cop
ied from the Richmond paper :— ;
Mr.SAMUEL Pleasants. ' *
In your paper of this morning I find it
bated that' "Kentucky ts in arms, and' that
this news was bro't to Walhington by an
express, who was the bearer of a memorial to
me, from the people of Kentucky, &c. So
far as this report relates to met 'tis totally
without foundation; no express ormemorial
came to me—and f am totally at a^lofs to
ednjeature how a report so totally void of
foundation, (hould have found its way into
the news-papers. Yesterday at Hanover
coart-houfe, I saw a citizen of Kentucky,
who told me that three men immediately from
Kentucky had just puffed by that place, that
he, having heard of the report above alluded
to made thia enquiry as to the fa&, and was
told that the report was without founda
tion,
I am, Sir, refpe&fully,
Vour obedient Servant,
; P THOMAS T. DAVIS.
Swan Tavern, city of Richmond,
16th March, 1803.
NeW-YORK, APRIL 5.
Yesterday afternoon, about 5 o'clock, tome of
the convicts in the State-Prison made an attempt
to escape. The better to enable them to accom
plish their purpose, they set fire to a part of the
building ; but the alarm being instantly given to
the guards on the outside of the walls, they were
prevented from carrying their designs into com
plete effeft. In the aft of escaping, one of the
prisoners was (hot dead by the guard, another was
mortally wounded, and several others (lightly.—
The tumble was eventually quelled without any
offenders regaining their liberty.;
Worcester, March 30.
On the evening of Thursday the 17th inst.
the house of a Mr. Bachelder, in Grantham,
N. H. was confirmed by fire, together with
its contents, and what is more mel
ancholy, a child, five years old, was burnt in
it!,
As Mr. Ephraim Root, of Piermont, N.
H. and two other men were coming down
Conneaicut river with a loded Sleigh and
two horses, unfortunately the ice gave way,
and notwithstanding the most hazardous at
tempts were made to save them, all went un
der, and horses, sleigh and loading, were en
tirely loft.
“ The philosophical Society gave an elegant
dinner last Saturday to Dr. PriestlY, in token
of their personal regard, as well as refpeCt tor his
Philosophical difeoveries, and ufeful labours in the
application of them. The toads drank were ap
propriate to the object in view, and appeared to
have the good fortune of being unexceptionable.
It was pleasing to fee all distinctions of religious
feds and political opinion buried inthe pleating
sentiments of fratufnal esteem.?
It is but natural that a faction that is
avowedly inimical to the government, which
declaresit has no confidence in it, should
fafpea every ad which it recommends,
and oppose every proceeding which is cal
culated for the honour of the country, as
those ads much (Lengthen the men who are
attempted to be pulled down —but the body
of the people are not prepared to fufpe&
those who have never deceived them they
may rely that the frequency of elofing the
doors of Congress is not without cause, if
mifehief were plotting we should have
heard of it' thro' the federalifts long
ago. Aur. •
General Laufatt the French Prefect, for Lomfia
na has arrived at New-Orleans and taken bis re
sidence there. We have not heard that he has
undertaken to execute any official function, or
whether he means to await the arrival of any de
tachment of colonists said to have been intended
for that place.
Cbe Republican Ledger.
"TRUE AS THE DIAL TO THE SUN."
PORTSMOUTH, N. H.
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, ißog.
, Massachusetts Eleaion.
The last return of votes for Governor in Maf
fachufetrs gives Mr. Strong 14185, and Mr.
Gerry 6584.
The federal party, or rather the Eflex Junto,
presume to exult on the issue of the election.
But the votes for Gov. Srong are no real tell of
political principles, as many republicans gave their
votes for him with a perfuadon that he had by his
moderation, checked the detigns of those who had
contemplated a violent opposition to the federal
adminiftratiop. In the present slate of politicks,
when such a large proportion of the Union is re
publicanized, every trifling eircumftance excites a
temporary exultation among the oppofers of the
Government. The principles of the people of
Mafluchufetts are in favor of the economical mea
sures of President Jefferfon; Every proceeding of
the iaft Legillature (hows it more especially id the
salary of the Judges, and in every pecuniary deci
lion. If the federalists were disappointed last year
in the meafpres of the Legislature, and even indig
nant at the mildness of jhe Governor, we presume
they will have but little reason to rejoice at their
late electioneering acquisition. Chron.
After the alarm of Kentucky in arms, has sub-
Jided we mull be prepared for some other tremen
dous report from the federal lie-manufacturers.
Case and the highest price given
for Rags, at the Ledger Office.
Extras of a letter, dated Philadelphia, March 12.
Beflon, 'April 9,Arrived Ichooner Fohr Brothers,
Cap,..Rice, 24 days from Guadeloupe.
% VESSELS LEFT.
At Point-Petre, March 13, tirirs induffry, Bag
ley ; George Tucker ; Traveller, Motley ; and
——, Prentiis, of Portland.
The brig Rio, Stevens, of this port, arrived at
Buenos-Ayres, Jaif. 23, from Brazils.
The fehooner Republican, of thiq port, was
spoken 26th March, lut. 38. long. 65.
' a letter from Bonrdeaux, mentions that 66 the
fliip Confidence, of Kenneoeck ; the fliip Oneida,
of New- York ; and a brig belonging to Portland,
commanded by Capt, Downing Lee; have beeil
wrecked on the coati—two men wereTaved from
the lalt, and all the crews of the two (hips fared.
A prate sloop has been eruiling off Vera Cruz,
and has taken a Spaniflibrig bound to Europe,
with 200,006 dollars on board.
COMMERCIAL.' At Cufracoa, M+rcb 9, Pork
12 to 16 dollars ; beef so to 12 ; Hour 6 duis.
At Grenada, March 9, pork 17, beef 20, flour 8
dollars. At Martinique, March 10, beef 12,
flour 9 dollars.- At HaVann,, March 17, pork
20 dollars, beef 16, flour 20, lumber 45 per M.
hhd. hoops 120 per M. horses low.
The government at Curracoa have lately railed
the duty on flour from 4 to 10 per cent.
Foreigners are to be prohibited doing business,
or being in Martinique after the 20th May.
Sales ar AuHion.
This Day, at 10 o'clock,
At the office of Alexander Ewen,
In Daniel Street,
ONE trunk Irilh Linens; a few
pieces fuperfine and fine Broad Cloths;
Callicoes ; Silk, Liudin & stamp'd Shawls ;
gentlemen's, youth's and boys' HAIS;
Knives and Forks ; with sundry other
articles. ALSO,
150 boxes Smoaked Herrings, in.
good (hipping order.
(^ The above articles will be fold for
cash without reserve. APRIL 12.
To be fold at Public Auction
This Day, at 12 o'clock,
On the premijes—without reserve,
A convenient Dwelling-House
near the Booth Mills, with a good Lpt, a
bout 70 feet front, holding its width
100 feet deep ; —and several House Lots ad
joining the fame.
FOR SALE at Public Audion
On Tuefday the 261 b of April, iff.
at 12 o'clock on the premijes, (if not previoufy
diJp Jed of at private fate,)
F&l^ A large three ftoty
HOUSE
in Buck-Street,
nearly opposite N< S. & W. Peirce's book;
store, and occupied by the fubferiber. Said
house has four tooms on a floor, and is very
convenient. The lot on which it (lands is
22 by 80 feet, with a narrow strip running
twenty feet back. There is also a three
story STORE on the premises?
far Any pei son wishing to purchase, may
know the terms, which are very liberal, by
applying to
, SAM'I GRIFFITH.
Portfmonth, March 15.
— — —^_t=Mto—tcct
.m^^^eggggßg
THE Proprietors of the
MAIL SI AGE from Portland to
Bolton, through Portfmonth, Newburyport,
Ipswich and Salem, to Boston, inform the
public that they have removed the Mail
Stage from Mr. Jahn Davenport's to Maj.
Seth Walter's, at the sign of the Bell, in
Portfmonth, where there is a Stage Book
kept. Those who wifb a paflage may ap
ply and take feats for either the above places#
Purtfmouth, Jpril 14,
/ r —MARRIED—
At Portland, Mr. John P. Thutflon, to Mils
Mary Tucker.-—:—At Boston, Me. Benjamin
Tucker to Miss Eliza Baily. At York, Mr. Abiel
Hamilton of Berwick, to Mus A 1 h kmerv.
----—^fotmt—-— —^htetott-
Mortality.
—DIED—
At Tiverton, R..1. Mr Stephen Cooke, aged too
years and 13 days; he never drank either tea or
coffee !——At Whahoo, one of the Sandwich isl
ands, Charles Derby, E(q. aged 30, late of Salem.
At sea, Mr. Jabez Dodge, printer, late of
Newburyport. At Bolton, Mrs. M^ry Fisher,
aged 21, wife of Mr. John Fisher; Miss Abigail
Whitman, aged 72 ; Mrs. Sarah Trott, aged 43 ;
Mrs. Debotah Knight, aged 78, widow of the late
Mr. Thomas Knight, merchant.
Melancholy. On the 20th tilt, as a son of
Mr. Caleb Cufliman, of Par s, Maine, was cutting
wood, a younger brother, about fix years old, ran
in the way of the axe, and a fatal blow cut his
head in twain, which put almost an instantaneous
period to his life.
^p ^eu
Cemple of ^gmen.