The Connecticut courant, and the weekly intelligencer — Hartford [Conn.], 1783-09-02 00:00:00, page 2

An ADDRESS to the difeontented People of AMERICA.
Continued from our last.
HAVING stated the national debt, the annual interest
and our proportion of the commutation—and having
answered popular objections with precision, and I hope with
Satisfaction, I proceed to lay before my readers, a plan of
finance which wid difeharge the whole debt without bur
thening the people, and mention several fa&s to show the
folly and danger ofthe measures which are now pursuing in
Connecticut.
Every,perfon complains ofthe scarcity of money—but the
remedy is easy-—our circulating cash may be more than
doubled in four months from this time. You will Rare and
ask me how. I answer, by establishing funds for the pay
ment of the interest of our public debts : Nothing more than
this is necessary to double our cash immediately. The mo
ment this is done, every public Security is as good as the
nominal Sum in fpec'e. Not on'y Americans, but foreign
ers will prefer these Securities to Specie, when they are cer
tain of receiving the interest at the moment it is due— eve
ry Security will re transferable and our debt will be of fer
vi.e to us at this time ; for while we owe the money, ithvi 1
all be in our hands and enable us to pay it gradually and
vi h ease. It is not ertpeaedthat we must pay the principal
ofthe debt at once ; even if we could do it, it would not be
policy, because we want to increase our cash and this debt
may with ease be converted to that pnrpofe. This found
policy, which for ages has been pradifed in the commercial
kingdoms of Europe, Congress have it in view to adopt—
they would adopt it instantly, if the jealousy and diicontent
ofcheirconftituents did not defeat all their Salutary measures.
The moment our credit is established, another plan may
be executed for discharging the principal ofthe debt without
any additional burthen upon the people. I have already ob
served that an annual tax of ten-pen.e on the pound, will
pay the interest of our whole continental debt at fix per cent,
which is the interest we pay for most of it. But if we are
wife enough to establish our credit, we may procure loans
in Europe to the amount of our whole debt at an interest of
three and an half per Cent. Then out of our own fund of
ten-pence on the pound, we should have a saving of more
than two per cent. But suppose it but two per cent, this will
amount to eight hundred and forty thousand dollars per an
num, which in 50 years would raise the whole sum of forty
two millions of do lars. Thus ten-pen e on the pound an
nually and punctually paid, would, in fifty years, cancel the
whole continental debt, principal and interest, without an
impost or any additional tax, and without any allowance for
the increasing wealth of America.
An impost upon foreign articles is certainly the most easy
and sure tax that can be collected; it takes off the burthen
from the farmers, and lays it upon the rich and luxurous ;
and if the United States are not loft to all sense oftheir true
interests, they will certainly adopt it. The impost, upon a
moderate calculation, will raise a sum equal to four-pence
on the pound. This sum, added to the ten-pence on the
pound before mentioned, and the increase of wealth and po
pulation will difeharge the whole debt, principal and inter
est in the space of twenty-five years.
You are all complaining about the burthen of taxes—for
God's fake then pursue the measures recommended by Con
gress. They have formed a plan for taking the weight from
the shoulders of the farmers, and the laborious part ofthe
community; they urge you to adopt it, and you are mad
enough to refufe it. They would ease you ofthe burthen,
but you will not let them. You are jealous ofthe power of
your rulers, when you can, at any time, not only displace
them, but legally bring them to trial for any m£condu&;
ray to the gallows. To be jealous of power in such hands,
is weakness, folly and meanness. If any person has abused
his trust, arrest and punish him. It wil do no good to re
fufe a compliance with bis measures, so long as he remains
unpunished. Brt you dare not my countrymen, impeach
any of your fefvants; you know that they can vindicate their
conduct before God and the World. However unpopular
their conduct may be, they are happy to let you know what
it is, and that it proceeded from principle. They feelcon
feious of their integrity—that they have conduced you thro'
the storm with the least poflible inconvenience—and that
popularity now is infamy.,
But while you are blindly wrangling at the annual sum of
one penny on the pound, other States are laughing at your
folly and reaping the f;oils. New-York ate pur^hafing the
public securities of this State at a low price ; nay foreigners
are doing the fame—and before you can possibly get any
redress of your fuptof dgrievance, New-York will make mo
ney enough out of Connecticut, to pay her whole proport on
ofthe publ c debt. Eve y note given by the public answers
as well as cash to pay rhe debt, and New-York are getting
them into their hands at ten shillings on the pound. In th s
way, we shall loose more money in four monthts, than five
times our share of the commutation. This is no whim, it
is an absolute fad : And while we are drawing town-meet
ing resolves, railing poles, and damning our men of merit
and all rheir salutary plans---we have already loft more than
double our share ofthe commutation --some of the officers
have already realized their public securities —we are fend
ing them all out of the State, and shall have the whole debt
to pay in hard cash. Good heavens ! Is it possible that such
blindness, such folly should infatuate the whigs of America !
It is possible-- it is too trie. Connecticut was always
drained of her cash by her neighbours, tho' involuntarily---
Now she is determined to throw it all otof her hands by an
a&ofviolence —and what is worse, she glories in it. Ra
ther than enri h a few of her own inhabitants at the annual
expence of one penny, she wi 1 madly enrich her neigh
'bours at the expence of all her public securities, and when
she has done, find herfelf without redress.
But while you are attempting to get rid of one penny on
the pound, you arc expending that sum in the waste ofyour
own time. I find by computation that the lifts in the town of
Hartford, amount upon an average to 44 pounds each. This
at a penny on each pound, makes 44 pence or three and
ei^ht-pence per lift, for the annual interest ofthe commuta
tion. Suppose thatno more thanhalf as many men as there
are taxable lifts, attend a town-meeting only two days in
the year; and such a town expends as much money at the
price of day labour, as would pay its proportion ofthe com
mutat'on.
The officers would be exceedingly glad to relinquish all
claim to the commutation, provided they could receive
the full value of their wages in cash within the term of 1
twelve months., But this is inpoflible. In the firft place,
we cannot afeertain the losses they have sustained from the
depreciation of their notes; which have been parted with at
dfferent discounts ; and other articles which would be ne
cessary in a settlement of such precision. In the second
place, if this could be done, it is impossible for the people
to pay other monies which they acknowledge to be just,
and raise such a sum for the officers, as the arrearages of
their wages. For this reason, it is fruitlefs to make
the attempt, it would oppress the people more than
to pay the interest of the commutation and establish
funds for converting the whole debt into circulating
property. This later measure is easily practicable, and not
in the least oppressive. It will secure our credit at home and
abroad, and enable the people to pay their taxes with ease.
Butanother thing ought to be considered-—we have unlocat
ed lands in the limits ofthe United State's jurifdidion fuffi
cient if properly disposed of, to cancel every farthing of our
debt, both continental and provincial. What enormous
sums may be raised by the sale of several hundred millions
of acres of valuable land, whi h might be disposed of for
the benefit ofthe United States ? It is unreasonable for par
ticular States to reap the sole benefit of this yah: territory ;
but they certa nly will unless the attention ofthe northern
States can be turned from trifles to matters of importance.
From trifles did I fay? The commutation is a trifle in pro
portion to these other matters; I mean in point of value.
In refped to our union, it is of the last importance ; because
a rcfufal to comply with it, annihilates our existence as a
united body—lt is a grievance indeed---butit sprung from
necessity, and is by no means offufficient magnitude to jufti
fy a breach of faith. No people have clamoured more about
breaches of public faith than those, who amaw^ndea
vouring to commit the fame crime : A crimf"i„ih would
dissolve the confederation --infringe the most Arced trea
ties—retard the establishment of a pirn of finance or pre
vent itforever. Commutation stands oft tip fame faith as
the debts to France and Holland—and these last must be paid
at any rate. The &rent Congress find it impossible to
furnish funds for the I&ular and punctual payment ofthe
interest of our debts, ffi&e and Holland will leek for other
recompence from an uiq„teful people, than what they can
find in our fath and detour. They will issue le^E 61
marque and reprifal--3p vcffels will be taken aUßour
whole trade will be upon, to pay both interfit and
principal---This thefi&ft and this they certainly will do,
if a jealousy of our ruffs and a mistaken idea of liberty,
should drive us to a violation of*ir public faith.
Connecticut was always poor, and eternally will be, till
she can consent to be governed by men of ability. At the
time the French arrived at Rhode-lfland, it was proposed
by some men of difeernment, that the stare should make a
contract with them for supplying them with provision. But
the proposal was rejefted by the majority, who did hot un
derhand the policy of it. Two private gentlemen made the
contrast and reaped the benefit. Itis said the French expend
ed in America sixty millions of crowns ; five per cent upon
which is three millions of crowns, which the State might
have made by the contra&, and which is about our proportion
ofthe Continental debt. Instead of this, two individuals
have put this sum in their own pockets; and those who
might have had the centrad, are now curling the g^od for
tune of these enterprising gentlemen. For my part, I am
happy that a part of it is fallen to an inhabitant of Connec
ticut, who knows how to use it. A few such characters, if
the narrow, illiberal politics of Connecticut did not cramp
their efforts, would make this State refpedable and affluent.
They would import largely into the State and in some mea
sure check those streams of cash that are constantly flowing
to New-York and Boston.
But Connecticut seems not only determined to be poor—
but to alter her constitution— a constitution the most mild
and favourable to liberty of any on the continent. This
is no empry suspicion ; people begin to fay openly, if they
can get rid ofthe upper house of Assembly, they can do as
they please. First however they are attempting to change
the members---tq drop every man of ability, of liberal and
independent sentiments and in their room, to choose men
of intrigue, who are artfully working upon the passions of
the multitude to.anfwer their own felfish purposes. It is
astonishing to find that people, in the night, can apply to a
printer's boy, to print a new lift of members, to stand in
the nomination for magistrates---privately and withoutcon
fent of his master. This is a fa& and one that ought to a
waken every man to a sense of his duty, who wishes to
preserve an excellent constitution, and save the State from
ruin. People have been conftandy changing their represen
tatives, for several years ; but to no purpose, they are as
difeontented as ever. And should they change every mem
ber of both houses and choose creatures of their own—they
would find some of them tyrants at heart whose '' little
fingers are thicker than the thighs of their present rulers,"
Nay should God Almighty place Gabriel at the head of our
affairs, they would find fault with his adminiftrarion, espe
cially if it were rigouroufly just—they would wrangle him
out of office and choose some ignorant or unprincipled
demagogue. I have only to make a fewremarks on the pre
sent measures of the people. Had the legislature of this
State abused their power to oppress the people, adociations
conventions and town-meetings, for the purpose of petition
ing the legislature, would have been legal and honorable.
But when the people conceive rhemfelves injured by aft of
the United S aces in Congress, it belongs to the leg Nature
to make the proper reprefencion to Congress, and solicit a
.redress of grievances. The only legal measure the people
can take is to give proper inftrudions to their representa
tives. Every other measure is illegal and unconstitutional;
aid it is with concern I mention it, the resolves of some
towns in this State according to our own laws, amount to
high treason against the United States and render the leaders
liableto an impeachment. Several infurre&ions, and riots, a
refinance of the execution oflaw, and a trampling upon the
executive authority of this Stare have already pafled unno
ticed, and the perpetrators of such crimes walk the roads
with as much security and refpedability as the best citizen.
Let me now ask every sober thinking person where these
irregular [radices will end ? If they are fuffered to proceed
with impunity, for a few months longer, I would not give
, a flushing for the b^ft intficU in the $ at;-— our persons and
our properties wi:l be insecure, and Conne&icut will be £
jest and a by-word among the nations. Of all situations iw
the world anarchy is the most to be dreaded—-despotism
is far preferable to it. I flatter myfelf however, that the
evils ofthe present popular measures will recoil upon the
heads of the leaders without the confafions of anarchy or the
cogivulfions of the civil war---that*onvineed of their follv,
they will fubmic to a free, but energetic government and
restore the State to tranquillity. If however the people
should determine to get rid of afmall grievance, at the ex
pence of our union, and to subvert the constitution of the
S-ate, to save the annual sum of one penny on the pound ,
a part of which, the most rancourOus foe to commutation,'
must acknowledge to be just --I must warn the people of
the fatal con equences--the hifto^y of mankind evinces, that
rebellions only serve to give rigour to law--and chat anarch,
is inevitably followed by tyranny.
HONORIuS.
P. S. The writer cannot forbear to publish the prudent
judicious condud of die town of Coventry. They met to take
into confederation the fubje& of commutation; and after
debating upon the matter, they concluded, that they had
no business with it, and went home like men of sense.
ON or about the 27th day of July last, the dwelling-l^ufe
ofthe fubferibet in North-Guilfoid, was broke open,
and the following Orders on t < Ply-Table Rolen, viz.
One for 2021. 19s. yd. on the zf6 tax, dated February 22,
1782, in favour of Guilford Sekam^n. One for 551, „s.
Bd. on the 1 s. tax, dated May 1, 1783, 'figned Oliver Wol
cott, in favor of said Salesmen.
The Cordfables in this State are warned not to receive
the above Orders; and the Printers in this end the neigh
bouring States, arc desired to insert this ar'veitifement.
The Coriftables of Killingworth, are particularly dr ficd
not to receive the above Orders, as it is fufpe&d that 2
number of them are now in the town.
TIMOTHY BALDWIN, Constable of Guilfords
Guilford, August ]g, 1783.
- 0 L D,
^ excellent Farm es LAND, containing 160 acres, Iv
ing in Hartland, in the exit tier of lots, with a fmali
improvment Any person inclining to purchase, map
know the terms by applying to the fubferiber.
„ JOHN E. OLCOTT.
Stratrerd, August 6, 1783.
TAKEN up by the Subfcribcr, between Blanford andßeck-
I et, on the 28th of July last, a bay HORSE, about 14
hands high, four years old, trots and paces, fomethirg low
in flesh.-- -Allo, a black MARE, three years old, with a
white spot in her face, shod before, trots and paces. The
owner or owners are desired to prove their property, pay
charges and take them away.
GORDEN SEDGWICK.
T'HE Subfcribcr having repeatedly (both by letter and in the:
present method) called on those indebted to the estate
of Nathan Brers, late of New-Haven, deceased, to fettle
their notes and accounts, to which little attention has been
paid Being neceffitatcd to have these matters adjusted as
soon as possible, Now gives notice for the last time, that
without refpc& of persons their notes and accounts will be
put in suit at next November court, unless prevented by fet~
element.
ISAAC BEERS, Adrainiftrator on said efface.
New-Haven, August 11, 1783.
STRAYED from the Subferiber in Hebron, about the 15th
of August instant, a small dark chefnut coloured MARE,
used to drawing, shod all round with toe corks, and trots
chiefly. Whoever will take up said Mare and leave wordae
landlord Fuller's tavern in Hebron, or with the Printer here
of, or give information in any ether way, that thc owner
may have her again, shall be intitled to a handfeme reward
and all necessary charges, paid by
ABNER MACK.
Hebron, August 25, 1783.
A FARM lying about a mile weft of the State-Hcufe its
Hartford, containing about sixty acres, eight acres of
which are excellent for mowing, and the remainder ver,
good for pasturing and plowing, with a young Orchard, and
alfp a large convenient Dwelling. House and Barn, with an
excellent Well of water on the fame. Whoever inclines to
purchase the above premises may knew the conditions of
tale, by an early application to the Subfcribcr, who will give
an indifputablc title thereto.
PETER VANDERVOORT.
Hartford, August 28, 1783.
CT^HE Hon. Court of Probate, for the diffrid efEaft-
Windsor, having allowed until the firft day of March
next, to the creditors to the estate ofCapt. Russel Woodbridge,
late of Hartford, deceased, to bring in their claims against
said estate. The executors to the Will of the said deceased,
hereby give notice to the creditors that nnlefs their claims
are exhibited within the time limited by said Court, the,
will not be accepted. All perfans indebted to said estate by
Book or Note are once more defined to fettle the fame im
mediately or they must expeft trouble.
ANNE WOODBRIDGE, Executrix.
JONATHAN STANLEY jun.) r
WARD WOODBRIDGE. )^ xecut ers.
Hartford, August 23, 1783.
rrHE Subscribers being appointed Commissioners, on the
4 estate of Do&or Robert Kinkead, late of Southington
deceased, represented insolvent, hereby give rdyce, that we
shall attend upon the business ofour appointrnentat the beufe
of Mr. Job Lewis in said Southington on the third and last
Mondays of September next from 9 o'clock, A. M. until 6
o'clock P. M. DANIEL LANKTON, )Commiffioners
JOHN CURTISS. ) on said estate.
THE Administrator will attend at the fame time and
place, to receive what funis are justly due-all persons
indebted are desired not to fail of meeting him and elofirg
their accoeepts—as he purposes to leave this State in a short
time, he will be obliged (contrary to his inclination) to fee
all who negleß to comply with his request.
OLIVER LEWIS, Adminiftrater on said estate,
Southington, August 25, 1783,