The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1799-03-06 00:00:00

The Providence Journal.
AND
TOWN AND COUNTRY ADVERTISER.
Published on WEDNESDAYS, by JOHN CARTER, JUN. at the NEW PRINTING-OFFICE, West Side of the great Bridge, PROVIDENCE.
[ No. 10. ]
WEDNESDAY, March 6, 1799.
[ Vol. I. ]
Address,
Of the Legislature of the State of Delaware, To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES.
SIR,
AT the present important and interesting crisis of our national affairs, the Senate and the House of Representatives of the State of Delaware deem it their duty to convey to you those sentiments and feelings which your public conduct, in relation to foreign powers, has so naturally excited.
In viewing the active, vigilant and efficient measures, dictated by your administration, in detecting the perfidy of the French government; and in the earliest preparations to repel and frustrate their invidious and hostile intentions towards this country, we cannot withhold our most cordial expressions of congratulation to our fellow-citizens, and perfect approbation of the firm and energetic steps you have pursued. The tribute of respect is not less due to you, for the firm and decisive principles you have adopted in the recent instance of the impressment of our seamen, by the commander of a British ship of war. While we regret the occasion which has given rise to this sentiment, we cordially approve of the measures you have taken to prevent future aggressions of a similar nature; and thus declaring to the world, that the United States will protect their rights from every violation.
Placing our trust in that magnanimity, and those talents, which upon every important occasion so eminently distinguished your character, we feel the most confident assurance, that we are not to experience the desolated condition of those once flourishing states of Europe, which have either been allured to their ruin by the perfidious and delusive promises of the French government, or devoted to more certain destruction, by the rapacity and cruelty of their still more sanguinary armies.
In that magnanimity, and those talents, supported by the unanimity and courage of a great country, we assure ourselves, that we can neither yield our independence nor become tributary to any power on earth.
Not less, Sir, do we admire and approve of your conduct, as it regards the internal arrangement of our public affairs: the selection you have made of the illustrious character who is to take the active command of the army; the many gallant and distinguished officers you have united with him; the effectual diligence, and prompt measures, which have been so successfully employed to check, and almost to have destroyed, the infamous piracies and depredations so long committed on our vessels and commerce; the vigorous exertions, by which our infant navy has so soon grown to a state of high respectability; and, in short, the strong and prosperous situation, which our country at this time so truly exhibits.
All these important events, with many others that might be enumerated, achieved as it were in a moment, while they convince us upon real experiment of the energies of our constitution and government, and secure to the executive the noblest wreath of patriotism, the well deserved confidence of a great nation; must alike preserve us from all dangers, either from foreign invasion or domestic machinations.
In offering to you our strongest assurances of support, we beg you also to accept our fervent wishes for the continuance of your health, and the enjoyment of the undiminished confidence of your fellow-citizens.
(Signed) ISAAC DAVIS, Speaker of the Senate. STEPHEN LEWIS, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Dover, Feb. 1799.
THE PRESIDENT'S REPLY.
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Delaware.
GENTLEMEN,
AN address, full of the most generous sentiments and elegant expressions, as dutiful and faithful to the public, as they are indulgent and candid to me, subscribed by Mr. Davis, the Speaker of the Senate, and Mr. Lewis, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has been presented to me in a letter from my respected friend, your excellent Governor, by your Senators and Representatives in Congress.
The approbation, by the government of Delaware, of my public conduct, in relation to foreign powers, and particularly in a late instance of insult to our flag, and as it regards the internal arrangements of our public affairs, and particularly in the appointment of that illustrious character who is to take the command of the army, is very flattering and obliging to me. No man in my situation, who had equal confidence in the magnanimity and public affections of that first character, could have committed so great an error, as to omit to invite him again to superintend the defence of his country.
The rapid growth of our navy, though still in its infancy, is extremely flattering, and encouraging to every thinking being in America. With the highest pleasure I reciprocate your congratulations on the pleasing prospects it ex-
hibits to our view; and the favourable sentiments which appear in its favour in Congress, and in every part of the Union, seem to promise a very fortunate progress.
Your assurances of support are received with great respect, and your fervent wishes for the continuance of my health, and the enjoyment of the undiminished confidence of our fellow-citizens, are reciprocated with great sincerity.
(Signed) JOHN ADAMS.
Philadelphia, Feb. 7.
For the PROVIDENCE JOURNAL.
BIOGRAPHY is one of the most instructive and amusing studies of literature. The virtues and foibles of eminent characters form a standard by which we may regulate our conduct.
Historical writers may declaim on the public virtues or public vices of eminent men—but this will never ascertain what their real characters may be. In the shifting scenery of public life there are many temptations for men to assume masks, to adopt characters for which neither nature or education have designed them. This artifice is very frequently resorted to; so that a man's real disposition can never be ascertained by the part which he acts in the ordinary vocations of life. But the biographer, who gives us a man's private and domestic character, furnishes us with the best method of deciding on the real and intrinsic virtues or vices of his mind. To judge of the real character of an actor, we must not have recourse to the drama. Here we may behold misers affecting prodigality, spendthrifts parsimony, and women not entirely votaries of Diana converted into prodigies of chastity and virtue. When the play is over, retire with the actors to their several habitations, and you will know how to estimate their worth. This remark holds equally true with respect to the characters of men.
Biographers, however, would do well to consider whether their genius qualifies them for the task, before they undertake it. Special care should be taken that low, trivial and unimportant incidents should not be presented to the eye of the public: Whether Prince Eugenie took snuff or not, is a fact posterity care nothing about, and which it was very impertinent in his biographer to mention. I have now a particular allusion to Mr. Boswell's life of Dr. Johnson. Every little frivolous anecdote of that great man is related with a gravity of countenance that beggars all description. He fastidiously boasts of his long and intimate friendship with the moralist, at the same time that he blackens his memory by an officious relation of all his little foibles and frailties, which, without his impertinent interposition, would have been buried in oblivion. It is better to have a prudent enemy than an ignorant friend. I need give my reader but one instance, among a thousand that occur, to prove the truth of my observations. Mr. Boswell relates an anecdote of his dining with Dr. Johnson on a loin of roast veal. The doctor, it seems, immediately, and without any prompter, made this very sage remark—"This calf was ill fed, ill kept, ill killed, and ill dressed." I think by this time that every man of judgment will join in the witty observation of Soame Jenyns, "that Dr. Johnson has suffered the fate of Adam, who was devoured by his own hounds."
If my reader will excuse me, I will introduce to his observation a dream, which perhaps will illustrate the opinion that every man of judgment must entertain of this kind of composition. I thought that I was led by an invisible hand to the side of a lofty mountain, difficult of access. After much toil and incessant application, I arrived at its summit, which amply rewarded me by the glory of the prospect. A large and magnificent flight of stairs seemed to ascend, and to lose themselves in the heavens. This, as I was informed by a beautiful inscription, written in large capitals, was called "The stairs of Fame." On the top, not withstanding the surrounding clouds, were distinctly to be seen the divine poets and historians, philosophers and heroes of antiquity. They were encircled by a radiance of glory, such as is feigned to have encompassed the heads of the saints and other candidates for eternal felicity. Their splendour illuminated the whole mountain top, and was strongly reflected, with a lustre almost equal to the original, by the English authors and candidates for glory, who sat the next in succession. The immortal ages on the summit seemed to look with a smile of approbation on their rivals in glory. Amongst them the countenance of Dr. Johnson, frowning with his natural austerity, might distinctly be discerned. The remaining stairs, even to the lowest, were filled up with men according to their different degrees of merit and reputation. Methought (what will not fancy suggest?) that I was nothing less than the celebrated Mr. Boswell, striving in vain for a seat with unremitting industry and perseverance. It was easy to discover that my company was not much courted or desired, even by those who obtained the lowest seats on the consecrated stairs. Baffled in all my attempts, I at length uttered a violent outcry against the justice of the allotment. The
noise was so loud and unusual, that it even assailed the ears of Dr. Johnson, in his elevated station: At length, by some supernatural assistance, he discovered me at the bottom, and with that imperious dignity for which he was always so remarkable, exclaimed, "Sir, all our seats are not disposed of; there is room enough for you; the rat-hole in the underpinning still remains unoccupied."
VERITAS.
From the Anchor Club.
There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows, and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat; And we must take the current when it serves, Or lose our ventures.
JULIUS CÆSAR.
THE present moment is certainly fraught with more serious consequences to America than those she has experienced at any former period. Heretofore she has made her way through a hazardous voyage with the assistance of a valuable few to direct her inexperiance; but in that flexible state she has received impressions, and taken bents, which, from the peculiarity of her situation, threaten her with serious evils. She was intoxicated with the fumes of poetic liberty, and, amid the irritation of war, intoxication became somnolence almost into delirium. The soberness of enquiry was relinquished for the enthusiasm of speculation, and her philosophers regarded less the system of duties which the nature of man renders inseparable from tranquil society, than the delightful picture of human excellence and felicity which their fancies had drawn, and which presented to their minds a view of unlimited gratification, inexhaustible plenty, and undisturbed repose. The vulgar were flattered by the doctrine of equality, and soon began to rate their own worth and importance by the reputations of eminent men. Their insolence was called independence of spirit; and not a circumstance was left unimproved, which had a tendency to realize those wild and extravagant reveries, which nothing but experience can correct, nor any thing but suffering can awaken. In her councils, however, she had still some wise men; and she was not without faithful and steady guides to conduct her through the glimmerings of her doubtful morning into day, which, while it unveils the dangers which surround her, presents also the means whereby they are to be avoided. At this moment we are to determine whether we shall employ those means for our own preservation, or suffer avarice, love of ease, and fallacious hopes, to seal our misery. Two paths are now evidently open before us; the one leading into the bloody fields of French turbulence, irreligion and wretchedness; the other, under the auspices of heaven, to the temple of order, piety and happiness. But it is necessary that our choice be now made. Every moment's procrastination will weaken our resolution, and every step we take in error must be retraced. We have had our season of conviction, and if we refuse to profit by it, the impression will wear out, the opportunity will pass by, and those horrid principles, which we now have it in our power to eradicate, will continue their insidious labours till they prostrate every virtue, and precipitate us into that depth of misfortune and depravity which is now the object of our dread and abhorrence. Already have we experienced the evil effects of delay; familiar with insult, we have received blow after blow, till our sense of honour is become callous, and we even begin to question our own right to revenge. Is not this sufficient to arouse us from our lethargy? If it is not, the motive may be strengthened, by observing the progress of French manners amongst us. It is only to paralyze the hand of government, that frugality and plainness of life are recommended by its enemies, while they themselves are indulging in every species of extravagance and debauchery. And who can hope that amid the continual display of alluring wantonness and seductive pleasure, our now honest, though unguarded citizens, will long remain free from contamination? No one can harbour such an expectation. The door therefore should be barred to their entrance; and this is the time to employ the expedient. Let us therefore, by a firm and unalterable resolution, convince mankind that we are ripening into an honest reputation, which at all hazards we are determined to defend and preserve: that our national character is to guard our national rights and honour; that we mingle with calm prudence, keen penetration and prompt decision; and that we are not a nation of licentious visionaries and patient victims; but men who know how to estimate the blessings they enjoy, and will risk every thing to perpetuate them. S.
ADDRESS TO THE DEITY.
PARENT OF LIFE! TO THEE we give Our land, for favours shown our land:— That WASHINGTON and ADAMS live, Our REALM to guide, our ARMS command.
Address,
Of the LEGISLATURE of NEW-JERSEY, To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES.
SIR,
AT a time like THIS, when our rights are invaded by a foreign nation, and our property unjustly taken away; when our ministers of reconciliation are treated with contumely, and rejected with disdain; when the fate of conquered republics is presented to our view to terrify us into submission; and that through the instrumentality of our own citizens; at a time like this, Sir, when weak men despond, and wicked men forsake their country—the Legislative Council and General Assembly of New-Jersey think it their duty to express to you their entire confidence in the administration of their government, and their fullest determination to maintain and support it.
While we have strictly pursued the duties of neutrality, they have plundered our citizens on the high seas; they have seized and condemned our defenceless trading vessels, and they have interdicted our commerce on pain of forfeiture. Under these injuries we have remonstrated and reclaimed our right; but we have remonstrated and reclaimed in vain.
When we sent our ambassador, with full powers to negotiate, and if we had offended, to make satisfaction, they refused to hear him; when we bore with patience this wanton insult, and again sent three of our most distinguished citizens as envoys extraordinary, with more explicit, and if possible more ample powers—they did worse—they not only refused to hear them, but actually claimed the right of selecting for themselves the man with whom they would negotiate: when we refused tamely to submit to such treatment, and continued to assert our rights, they pointed to their conquered provinces, groaning under the weight of their exactions, and told us our fate. Nay, they even presumed to found their hopes of conquest here, on claims of interest in the American mind, superior to that which its own government had attained.
In a situation like THIS, when we had exhausted, in vain, all the means of conciliating the friendship of that nation, what less could be done, consistently with our own honour and our own safety, than to DECLARE that treaty no longer obligatory on our part, which they, on theirs, had openly violated, and professedly set at nought; than to abandon all further attempts at negotiation, and prohibit a friendly intercourse with those who had abused our friendship; and draw forth the resources of the republic, in making preparations for defensive war? Nor while we feel the injuries of one nation, are we insensible to those of another. When we would protect ourselves against the ravages of France, one of our ships of war has been attacked on the high seas by the English with a superior force; and her men unjustly taken from her. Though we confidently hope that such an outrage against the laws of nations, and such an infraction of our recent treaty, will not be justified by that nation; yet, we feel a noble pride in the firmness and decision of our executive, when he gives peremptory orders to the commanders in our navy, never to yield their men, while they can maintain their ships.
Sensible of the blessings of liberty, we rejoice that we have in our Chief Magistrate a man who, in times like these, DARES to speak the sentiments of every true American, and at least CLAIM TO BE FREE!—The first to propose the independence of our country, always engaged in directing her councils, and making her interest the business of his life, we repose with confidence, Sir, on your wisdom and integrity, aided and supported by the energy of the American people, to conduct her in this alarming crisis of her affairs, and to lead her to prosperity and peace.
That the fine-spun philosophy of some visionary men, and the overweening ambition of others, disappointed in the pursuit of honours and offices for which they were never fit, should array them against the government; that this band should aggregate to themselves many discontented foreigners, who can be happy under no laws, and even many honest emigrants, who, being strangers in our land, are also strangers to that amor patriæ which warms every true American bosom; and that these, in a day of difficulty, should oppose themselves to our public measures, is neither a subject of wonder, nor a cause of dismay.
Misrepresentations and falsehood may for a time lead even honest men astray. In these, as if they were the peculiar weapons of their warfare, the enemies of our country cannot bear restraint. But however restless and uneasy they may feel, and however hard they may struggle, we rest assured, that the force of truth is great, and must at length PREVAIL.
Representatives of a people warmly attached to the constitution and laws of their country, we may venture to say, the sentiments which we express, are the sentiments of our constituents. Accustomed to order, and duly appreciating the blessings of good government,

they will be the last to oppose, but, we humbly presume, not the last to protect and defend it. Accept, Sir, our sincerest wishes for your health and happiness; and be assured, when we thus present them, we are actuated not solely by the respect and esteem which we have for your person and character—but also by the love which we have for our country, and for the whole human race.
European Intelligence,
Received by late Arrivals at New-York and Salem.
L O N D O N, December 16.
The fall of Buonaparte.
This important event, which a combination of circumstances taught society to look for, is generally believed to have taken place; and Buonaparte, whose name has been an host in the hands of tyrants, is stated by some accounts to have fallen by the pistol of a slave. Mr. Tooke, the India Company's agent at Constantinople, has transmitted to his employers intelligence that this celebrated general had been killed: one report says, in an action with the forces of Egypt and the Pacha of Acre, whilst another represents that he was assassinated in the town-house, as he was giving orders for a new contribution. Mr. Fawkner, who came with all possible expedition from Vienna, made his passage from Hamburg in an advice boat with dispatches to government, which, for the individual information of the House of Commons, issued the following note:—
"Accounts had been received at Constantinople from Grand Cairo, by seven different Tartar messengers, stating, that on the report of the approach of a formidable army from Syria and Upper Egypt, Buonaparte had summoned all his officers, and those of the native chiefs who had joined him at Cairo; that upon Buonaparte's demanding supplies, a Tripoline soldier drew from under his cloak a pistol, and shot Buonaparte dead; that this was the signal for a general massacre, which was extending itself through the whole of the French army when the last accounts were dispatched to Constantinople, and that Alexandria had been taken from the French."
The victory of the Nile appears to have operated with the rapidity, and, so far as affects the interest of France, with the effect, of the most fatal lightning. Confidence to the Arab Chiefs, and union to their followers, and the hostilities of the Ottomans, have been amongst its immediate consequences. It has called into action the long talked of energy of the hitherto torpid Russian; whilst the revolt of Malta points to other conquests and the way to liberty. Nor does its operation terminate here; the continent of Europe, ceasing to be paralyzed by the consequences of a phantom, have been enabled to behold her without her mask, and are preparing for vengeance and redress.
The French army of Italy, stated to comprise 180,000 effective men, including Cistalines, is likely to be reduced by the defection of the latter, ere a campaign commences, which, for carnage, and probably for events, will exceed most others. The iron rod of France, so grievous to the Swiss, the Sardinians, the Belgians, &c. is begun to be felt in Cistalpine, whose people have resolved to try for something more than the name of Liberty.
December 17.
The Hamburg mail announces, that the islands of France and Bourbon had renounced their allegiance and connection with France; that the demands of the Russian and Danish ministers at Rastadt would probably protect, if not prevent any effectual negotiation for peace with France; that the renewal of hostility was considered at Vienna as inevitable; that the preparations for war in Italy indicated a very early recommencement of warfare; that the orders of Gen. Joubert corroborated this idea, obliging all Austrian officers to leave Milan in 24 hours; that notwithstanding these hostile appearances, a general Congress was talked of for the adjustment of differences; that the Dey of Algiers had declared war against France; that great disturbances were prevalent in Corsica; that the reduction of Malta was soon expected; that the king of Naples had taken the command of his army in person; that the Russian and Turkish fleets had captured Corfu; and that the rebels, in the neighbourhood of Brussels, in several engagements, had been defeated.
A letter from Triest of the 15th ult. confirms the capture of the islands of Zante, Zephalonia and Cerigo, by the combined Russian and Turkish fleet. It appeared off the latter place on the 9th of October, and debarked 1000 men, of whom 600 were Russians.
The Ex-Venetian troops in the service of France, after a slight resistance, evacuated Bourg St. Nicholas; but about 50 French soldiers defended the fortress for two entire days, and on the third capitulated, on condition of being conveyed to Toulon or Ancona. The fleet sailed on the 17th, took the other islands without resistance, and arrived on the canal of Corfu on the 3d of November.
The Porte on the 5th ult. notified to the minister of the combined powers, that Ali Pacha, Governor of Janina (Thessaly) had conquered three of the Ex-Venetian possessions in Albinea, occupied by the French, and was on the point of reducing their only remaining post on that coast.
In the Roman republic the French have seized every description of property, houses, estates, &c. as belonging to the great nation in right of conquest.
General Championet is collecting an army of 60,000 men, chiefly Romans, impressed into the service of France to act against Naples.
The Elector of Bavaria has obtained a Bull from the Pope to secularize Church property to the amount of 15,000,000 of florins, which he was about to effect.
FOR THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL.
THE defective police of this town, the irregularities and frauds of the markets, and the increase of nuisances, dangerous as well as inconvenient, have long been topics of conversation and complaint. While the existence of such evils is on all hands acknowledged, no remedy has yet been applied; and indeed nothing that promises a radical cure has even been publicly proposed. When any particular grievance has become intolerable, we have called a Town-Meeting, scolded a few hours away in digressions to a hundred subjects unconnected with the main question, and then dissolved the meeting, sometimes without doing any thing, and sometimes contenting ourselves with the adoption of an hasty and inefficacious expedient.
The mode in which business is done in a Town-Meeting prevents that calm deliberation, and dispassionate argument, which are so indispensably necessary to the formation of a system. The tumult, the declamation, the haste, always observable on such occasions, are productive of crude indigested projects, embracing only a few objects, and producing in their operation unforeseen and frequently inconvenient consequences. The time allowed to such meetings is seldom adequate to the multifarious concerns which are submitted to their consideration. The meetings are composed of different men; in the same meeting a constant change is observable; and oftentimes, at the conclusion, there will not be a single freeman present (except the Moderator and Clerk) who was there at the opening.
Another objection to this mode of proceeding is, that when a part of the freemen have a favourite measure to propose, they will attend with the most rigid punctuality, sit quietly till the close of the business, or till they are sure of their majority, and then carry their point unopposed, in the absence of three-fourths of the disinterested citizens. The consequence is, either the execution of a measure disagreeable and possibly injurious to the town, or the calling of another meeting, to undo tumultuously all that had been done before.
The time, short as it is, which is consumed in Town-Meetings, is a serious object to a place where every inhabitant has some occupation or business.
In Town-Meetings there is no responsibility, not even a responsibility of character. The names of the freemen who attend are not registered; no one can be pointed out or called to account. How often do we hear a vote censured, when no one present knows the mover of it, or was at the meeting when it was passed!
I acknowledge these are common-place observations, but that very circumstance is an evidence of their truth; and they deserve to be well considered by the friends of reform. To obviate many of these inconveniences, it has been suggested that the town should be made an incorporated city. Should this take place, the business of the assembled freemen would be confined to elections, imposing taxes, and perhaps making appropriations. Let us consider of what a load of business the town would relieve itself. Suppose the corporation should consist of a Mayor, four Aldermen, and twenty Common Council men, elected annually. This body would have the direction and government of the poor, of highways, of the harbour, and the prevention of encroachments, of schools, of town lands; of the police of the town and markets, and in general of all subjects, except elections and taxes, which are now discussed and regulated in Town-Meetings. In addition, they would have all the powers of the Town-Council, and many of the powers of Justices of the Peace. Thus then would be formed a permanent, responsible, deliberative body, composed of the wisest citizens, charged with the conservation and direction of the prudential affairs of the town, and clothed with energetic and respectable authority. In this council would be discussed every plan for the improvement of the town and its police; here would be conducted that perplexed variety of necessary business which is now sometimes done by the Town-Council, sometimes by other town officers, and sometimes not done at all. This body would calmly debate and consider before they resolved. They would feel a responsibility for all their conduct; they would not only be answerable to the law, they would be tried by that test so venerable, so respectable in the eyes of all good citizens, the public opinion. Here then we might insure, so far as human virtue and wisdom can be trusted, caution in resolving, and energy in executing. The corporation of the city would be invested with power to enact and execute bye-laws relative to every object which might concern the government, health and safety of the city. The power of Town-Meetings to make bye-laws is vague and indeterminate; and if they had the power in the amplest manner, there is reason for believing them to be unsuitable bodies for the discharge of powers and duties so complex and important. The jurisdiction of the corporation would extend to the objects before enumerated, and to nuisances, chimneys, the prevention and extinguishment of fires, watches, lamps, vagrants, disorderly persons and houses, preservation of public property, settlement of accounts, burials, laying out, widening, repairing and cleaning streets, and to a multitude of other concerns, which can never be properly secured and regulated without a compilation of a code of ordinances which shall descend into a systematic detail. The observance of these regulations will be sanctioned by penalties and forfeitures, and the constant and vigilant superintendence of a few responsible executive officers. A great number of the objects above mentioned are either not attended to at all, or are regulated by votes and orders ill digested and worse executed. The Town-Council, from the necessity of circumstances, are obliged to
extend their parental care to numerous objects, not strictly within their province; and have been obliged in many instances to relinquish measures which the public interest required to be adopted, on account of the silence or obscurity of the laws which contain their authority.
To the legislative and executive functions of the city corporation will be superadded a judicial power. The Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen will probably be clothed with the powers of Justices of the Peace, and possibly with more ample jurisdiction. The charters of some cities have vested the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen with power to hold courts for the trial of all personal actions arising within their jurisdiction. This court, of which perhaps either the Mayor or Recorder must always by charter be one, would be a tribunal of the first reputation for wisdom and impartiality. The citizens would have the satisfaction of trying their controversies before judges of their own choosing; and citizens of other towns or states, having disputes with citizens of this town, might bring them to a speedier issue than they can do on the present establishment; the decisions of this court might be re-examined on appeal to the Supreme Court. Respectable as the commission of the peace in this town is, it will not be disparaged when we say that a city court, composed of the wisest and most discreet citizens, holding public stated terms, having records, an office and a clerk, will in general appear more dignified, and pronounce decisions more satisfactory and consistent, than single Justices, acting as their own clerks, and holding courts with no publicity, and at no regular period.
These remarks are hastily thrown together, with a view of calling to public attention a very important subject. It is to be hoped that no man can take offence at the proposition of a measure which promises to advance the general good, and that the intention with which these considerations are suggested will apologize for whatever may be thought exceptionable in the manner or matter.
A FREEHOLDER.
FOR THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL.
Mr. CARTER,
You are requested to insert in your next paper the following memorial and petition of the Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers, presented to the General Assembly, at their late session, and which was referred to a select committee, with orders to report, at the next session of the Assembly, a plan for carrying the object contemplated into effect.
A. Z.
To the Hon. the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of the State of RHODE-ISLAND and PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS, to be held at East-Greenwich on the last Monday in February, 1799:
THE MEMORIAL and PETITION of the PROVIDENCE ASSOCIATION OF MECHANICS and MANUFACTURERS,
Respectfully Represents,
THAT the means of education which are enjoyed in this state, are very inadequate to a purpose so highly important! That numbers of the rising generation, whom nature has liberally endowed, are suffered to grow up in ignorance, when a common education would qualify them to act their parts in life with advantage to the public, and reputation to themselves:—That in consequence of there being no legal provision made for the establishment of schools, and for want of the public attention and encouragement, this so essential a part of our social duty is left to the partial patronage of individuals, whose cares cannot extend beyond the limits of their own families, while numbers of the youth in every part of the State are deprived of a privilege which it is the common right of every child to enjoy.
That when to that respect which as individuals we feel ourselves bound to render to the representatives of the people, we add our public declarations of gratitude for the privileges we enjoy as a corporate body, we at the same time solicit this Hon. Assembly to make legal provision for the establishment of FREE SCHOOLS, sufficient to educate all the children in the several towns throughout the State.
With great confidence we presume to bring this our earnest solicitation before this Hon. Assembly, from the interest we feel in the public welfare, and from the consideration that our society is composed of members not originally of any one particular town, but assembled mostly in our early years from almost every town in the State:—That we feel as individuals the want of that education which we now ask to be bestowed on those who are to succeed us in life, and which is so essential in transacting its common concerns:—That we feel a still greater degree of confidence, from the consideration, that while we pray this Hon. Assembly to establish free schools, we are at the same time advocating the cause of the great majority of children throughout the State, and in particular of those who are poor and destitute—the son of the widow and child of distress: trusting that our occupations as mechanics and manufacturers ought not to prevent us from adding to these reasons an argument which cannot fail to operate with those to whom are committed the guardianship of the public welfare, and that is, that liberty and security under a republican form of government depend on a general diffusion of knowledge among the people.
In confiding this petition, and the reasons which have dictated it, to the wisdom of the Legislature, we assure ourselves that their decision will be such as will reflect on this Honourable Assembly the praise and the gratitude not only of the youth of the present generation, but of thousands the date of whose existence has not yet commenced.
Signed in behalf of the Association,
JAMES BURRILL, President.
JOSEPH BALCH, Sec'y.
PHILADELPHIA, February 26.
We are happy in announcing to the public, that the long existing dispute between the Pennsylvania claimants, and the Connecticut settlers, commonly called the Wyoming controversy, was brought to an issue in the House of Representatives of this State, on the following material and leading points, this forenoon:
1st, That this House will make compensation to the Pennsylvania claimants, for all lands purchased by them anterior to the decree at Trenton in 1783, on certain qualities of soil, to be hereafter estimated by commissioners.
2dly, That the Connecticut settlers shall pay to the State, for all such lands so held by them previous to the decree aforesaid, in the proportions aforesaid, as the legislature may ascertain and fix.
The public mind has for some days past been much agitated, respecting the nomination of Mr. Murray, and many hasty and ungrounded insinuations thrown out against the President for his conduct in that business. It would be well if the public would wait a few days for a proper understanding of the measures adopted by the Executive, before they hazard such dangerous and mistaken opinions. We are warranted in informing our readers, that the measures recommended by the President are not generally understood, and that upon their development, they will be found to be the result of sound wisdom and good policy.
NEW-YORK, February 28.
His Britannic Majesty's ship of war Colossus, of 74 guns, was wrecked off Scilly the 19th of December. None of the crew were lost except the quarter-master, Richard King, who was in the act of founding. She was forced from her bearings by a tremendous gale, and driven on a ledge of rocks called Southern Wells, near the island of Sampson, which were from 18 to 24 feet under water. She had on board several passengers, with many sick and disabled seamen, who had been in the memorable battle of the Nile.
A gentleman arrived on Sunday last, in the schooner Zenith, from Vera Cruz, via Havanna, informs, that six days before he left Vera Cruz, a frigate had arrived at Acapulco from Manila, with an official dispatch to the Viceroy of Mexico, from the Governor of Manila; the purport of which was, that the English had attacked Manila with a strong force, but were obliged to abandon the enterprise—that Tippoo Saib, taking advantage of this circumstance, had attacked the English settlements, and had massacred the inhabitants of three towns; and that (as our informant believes) he was then besieging Madras. The above took place about the beginning of November, to the best of his recollection.
FOR THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL.
Mr. CARTER,
INCLOSED is a Meteorological Diary for the two last weeks. The thermometer and barometer have both been kept in the house. As it has been requested that some one would make these observations, and none other offering, if you think them worthy a place in your paper, you will please to insert them.
H.
   FEBRUARY. Hour. Barom. Therm. W ind.     Thursday, 14, M. 29 43 40 N. W.   N. 45 44 N. W.   E. 51 41 N. W.   Friday, 15, M. 42 37 N. E.   N. 87 45 N. W.   E. 90 34 N. W.   Saturday, 16, M. 30 18 33 N. W.   N. 11 47 N. W.   E. 29 93 40 N. W.   Sunday, 17, M. 92 39 S. E.   N. 53 43 S. E.   E. 53 36 N. W.   Monday, 18, M. 52 30 N. W.   N. 59 33 N. W.   E. 60 28 N. W.   Tuesday, 19, M. 82 27 N. W.   N. 82 27 S. W.   E. 80 30 S. E.   Wednesday, 20, M. 86 29 N. E.   N. 99 29 N. E.   E. 99 29 N. E.   Thursday, 21, M. 82 28 N. E.   N. 78 32 S.   E. 50 30 S.   Friday, 22, M. 42 30 N. E.   N. 12 31 N. W.   E. 74 29 N. E.   Saturday, 23, M. 83 26 N. E.   N. 79 24 N. W.   E. 82 23 W.   Sunday, 24, M. 83 23 W.   N. 76 25 N. W.   E. 76 23 N. W.   Monday, 25, M. 83 22 N. W.   N. 49 23 N. W.   E. 32 22 N. W.   Tuesday, 26, M. 79 23 N. W.   N. 90 25 S.   E. 30 24 E.   Wednesday, 27, M. 29 53 25 N. E.   N. 53 28 N. E.   E. 53 30 N. W.   Thursday, 28, M. 72 28 N. W.   N. 84 34 N. W.   E. 97 32 N. W.   MARCH. M. 30 2 30 N. E.   N. 4 33 N. E.   E. 8 32 N. E.   Friday, 1, M. 5 29 N. E.   N. 2 32 N. E.   E. 29 95 32 N. E.   Saturday, 2, M. 63 30 N.   N. 58 31 N. E.   E. 54 33 Calm.   Sunday, 3, M. 47 32 N.   N. 61 35 N. W.   E. 8 29 N. W.   Monday, 4, M. 47 32 N.   N. 61 35 N. W.   E. 8 29 N. W.  

Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
THURSDAY, February 21.
Mr. Pinkney reported a bill in addition to the act for the relief of sick and disabled seamen, which was read, and made the order for to-morrow.
Mr. Gallatin, from the committee appointed on the 21st ult. reported a bill to amend the act regulating the grants of lands appropriated to military services, and for the society of the United Brethren for propagating the gospel among the Heathen, which was read, and made the order for to-morrow.
Mr. D. Foster, from the committee of claims, to whom was referred on the 9th inst. the petition of John Vaughan, made report, which was read, and made the order for to-morrow.
FRIDAY, February 22.
The following bills were read the third time and passed:
A bill allowing James Mathers compensation for services as sergeant at arms to the Senate.
A bill making appropriations for expenses which may arise in carrying into effect certain treaties with Indian tribes or nations of Indians.
And a bill to grant additional compensation, for the year 1799, to certain officers of the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States.
On motion of Mr. Harper, the House resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the bill making appropriations for the support of the military establishment for the year 1799; and, after filling the blanks of the bill, the committee rose, and the House having concurred in the amendments, the bill was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.
On motion of Mr. Josiah Parker, the House resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the bill for the government of the navy of the United States; and after going thro' the same, the committee rose, and the amendments being concurred in, the bill was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.
Mr. Bayard called up the resolution that he laid upon the table on Wednesday, proposing the expulsion of Mr. Lyon from his seat as a member of this House. After delivering an explanation of the record to the clerk, which was read, Mr. Bayard spoke at considerable length in support of the resolution.
It was opposed by Messrs. Gallatin and Nicholas. Mr. Lyon also said a few words with respect to the manner in which his trial had been conducted, and was replied to by Mr. Allen.
At length the question was taken by yeas and nays as follows: Yeas 49, Nays 45.
The Speaker declaring the state of the vote, said, the constitution requiring two-thirds of the members present to expel a member, the resolution is not carried.
Adjourned near five o'clock.
MONDAY, February 25.
Mr. Harper, from the committee of ways and means, reported a bill making additional appropriations for the year 1799, which was committed.
The committee to whom were referred the petitions praying for a repeal of the alien and sedition laws, reported the following resolutions:
Resolved, That it is inexpedient to repeal the act passed the last session, entitled "An act concerning aliens."
Resolved, That it is inexpedient to repeal the act passed the last session, entitled "An act in addition to the act, entitled An act for the punishment of certain crimes against the United States."
Resolved, That it is inexpedient to repeal any of the laws respecting the navy, military establishment, or revenue of the United States.
The question being upon agreeing to the first resolution, declaring it to be inexpedient to repeal the alien law,
Mr. Gallatin spoke at considerable length against its adoption.
On his sitting down, the question was put and carried, 52 votes being in the affirmative.
The next question was upon agreeing to the resolution declaring it to be inexpedient to repeal the sedition law.
Mr. Nicholas spoke at length against agreeing to this resolution. At the conclusion of his speech, and a few observations having been made in favour of the committee's rising and reporting progress, by Messrs. M'Dowell and Livingston; and against it, and in favour of taking the question upon the resolution, by Messrs. Bayard and Dayton, a question was taken on the committee's rising, and negatived, 41 to 42. The question on the resolution was then put and carried by exactly the same number of votes by which the former question was carried.
The question was put and carried on the last resolution, without a division.
The committee then rose, and the House took up the resolutions. The question being on concurring in the agreement of the committee of the whole to the first resolution, Mr. Livingston entered upon a defence of the sentiments, which he delivered when the passage of this law was under consideration, which he said had been much misrepresented: but after making some progress in his observations, the Speaker declaring them unconnected with the question before the House, he sat down, and the first resolution was decided by yeas and nays, as follows—yeas —, nays 48.
Mr. M'Dowell then moved an adjournment, which was negatived, 55 to 38.
The question was then taken on the second resolution, upon which the yeas and nays were exactly the same as upon the first.
The question on the third was concurred in, 61 votes being for it.
Adjourned at half past five.
FOR THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL.
QUERIES, addressed to whom they may concern. When the building of a market-house in the town of Providence was first contemplated, was it any part of the plan to have it converted into a store-house for fresh provisions?
Does not the storing of fresh provisions in the market-house, for months together during the winter season, tend greatly to enhance the prices of them?
Eighteen colossal doors to a market-house, all barred or locked every evening! Is not this a gross absurdity; and might not thousands of dollars be saved yearly to the inhabitants, if these doors were taken down, and given to the poor for fuel?
Are not regrading and forestalling too much practiced in our market-house, to the great injury of the inhabitants?
And does not the practice of burning charcoal on the floor, in pots and kettles, endanger the public offices over the market, as well as the town at large? A FREEHOLDER.
BOSTON, March 2.
It is the duty of every true federalist to keep steady to the standard of government. The President of the United States has shown, in a thousand instances, not only his invincible firmness and unrivalled talents; but his penetrating foresight, and extensive knowledge of the intrigues of France; and he never would have nominated another minister to that government, except he had previously received solemn assurances that he would be received as the representative of a free, independent and powerful nation:—nor unless he had determined to instruct that minister to demand indemnification for all property piratically stolen from his fellow-citizens; to obtain a declaration from the Directory that all treaties, conventions and guarantees between the two republics were dead; and that in all the negotiations both parties should commence de novo , without reference to any thing but the subject of indemnification.
All the indemnification the sufferers by French depredations can expect, is from a transfer of the debt due to Holland by the United States, to them.—The Directory can very easily add this to the many squeezings which the poor Dutchman has been in the habit of bearing.
It will be for the interest of the United States, if the French republic should make ample compensation for their plunderings and insults, to place it in the same situation, as it respects commerce, as we stand with Great-Britain, Spain, Holland, Portugal, &c.
From St. Pierre, Martinico, Feb. 1, 1799.
"We have with us the Constitution, Capt. Nicholson. We have met three 74's, four frigates and a 98 gun ship, belonging to the English, who treat us with every possible civility. There are eleven American cruizers on the West-India station. We sail this afternoon with a convoy of American vessels, to clear them of the Islands, and to leave them under the charge of the George Washington, Captain Fletcher. The Constitution has taken a ship, which had been taken by the French from the English; but her orders would not permit to detain her; which is a great deficiency in our instructions. The Vengeance, English 74, has taken in and had condemned, an American vessel trading with Guadalupe. What rascals these are, who trade with the foes of their country! There are in Guadalupe, three 44 gun frigates, which with several privateers, will sail in a few days for France; by reason of which the Commodore, with the Constitution and Merrimack, are going immediately off Guadalupe, in quest of them."
Now or Never!
An Opportunity once lost, may never be regained.
IN Pursuance of Authority vested in the subscriber, by the Hon. General Assembly, at their present Session, and by virtue and under the advice of the Hon. Court of Probate of this town, there will be exposed to sale, at public auction, on the third Monday of March inst. at 11 o'clock, A. M. on the premises, that very valuable real Estate whereof Capt. Josiah Gifford died seized, situated in the southerly part of the town, on the west side of Water-street, whereon it fronts, measuring thereon 54 feet, and, holding that width, extends back to the channel about 200 feet, consisting of a two story Dwelling-House, very convenient, and in good repair; together with a large store, stable, and other necessary out buildings, and a never-failing well of water. The property hereby offered for sale unites so many advantages for the accommodation of the man of business, that a more particular description is rendered unnecessary.
In pursuance of the same authority as aforementioned, the following are advertised as the conditions of sale, viz.
One quarter part of the purchase money to be paid in one month, the second in three, the third in six, and the last in nine months, from the time of sale; the whole consideration money to be secured by promissory notes, payable at those instalments, at Bank, with approved indorsers.
PELEG GIFFORD, Administrator. March 6.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY, February Session, A. D. 1799.
IT is Voted and Resolved, That the several Town-Clerks be, and they are hereby required and directed to forward to the General Assembly, at May Session, copies of the town rate lists, and assessments of the State tax, ordered at October Session last; and all such lists, assessments and documents whatever, relating to the last general estimate, as may be in their respective offices: and that the Secretary cause this resolution to be published in one of the Providence, and one of the Newport newspapers, and in the Warren newspaper.
A true copy, Witness, SAMUEL EDDY, Sec'yry.
The Journal.
Providence, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6. COMMUNICATION.
On Saturday last, the General Assembly at East-Greenwich finished their winter session. The unanimity and federalism which all their proceedings have manifested, give pleasure to every lover of his country. That firm attachment to and confidence in the government of the United States, by which this State has for nine years been so honourably distinguished, were never more conspicuous. The Kentucky and Virginia resolutions, communicated by their Executives to ours, called for an expression of the true sentiments of our legislature.—Those sentiments were expressed in the form of resolves, in a firm, temperate, and dignified manner. The reasoning upon these subjects having been in other States fully gone into, the Assembly have contented themselves with an expression of their opinion, and of a few general principles on which that opinion is founded.
Legislature of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
February Session, 1799.
Certain resolutions of the Legislature of Kentucky, passed on the tenth day of November last, being communicated to this Assembly:
RESOLVED, That in the opinion of this Legislature, the second section of the third article of the Constitution of the United States, in these words, to wit:—The judicial power shall extend to all cases arising under the laws of the United States, vests in the Federal Courts, exclusively, and in the Supreme Court of the United States, ultimately, the authority of deciding on the constitutionality of any act or law of the Congress of the United States.
RESOLVED, That for any State Legislature to assume that authority, would be,
1st. Blending together legislative and judicial powers.
2d. Hazarding an interruption of the peace of the States by civil discord, in case of a diversity of opinions among the State Legislatures; each State having in that case no resort for vindicating its own opinion, but to the strength of its own arm.
3d. Submitting most important questions of law, to less competent tribunals; and
4th. An infraction of the Constitution of the United States, expressed in plain terms.
RESOLVED, That although for the above reasons this Legislature, in their public capacity, do not feel themselves authorized to consider and decide on the constitutionality of the Sedition and Alien laws (so called) yet they are called upon, by the exigency of this occasion, to declare, that in their private opinions, these laws are within the powers delegated to Congress, and promotive of the welfare of the United States.
RESOLVED, That the Governor communicate these Resolutions to the Supreme Executive of the State of Kentucky, and at the same time express to him, that this Legislature cannot contemplate, without extreme concern and regret, the many evil and fatal consequences which may flow from the very unwarrantable Resolutions aforesaid, of the Legislature of Kentucky, passed on the tenth day of November last.
The above resolutions, and similar ones in answer to those of Virginia, were concurred in by both Houses with only one dissenting voice.
Charters were granted to the Providence Insurance Company, and to an Insurance Company about to be established in Newport.
The petition of the Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers, on the important subject of the general establishment of free schools was referred to a committee.
A motion to increase the fees of sheriffs, constables, &c. was also committed.
A petition from the people called Quakers, praying an exemption from military duty, and from the commutation therefor, was referred to the next session.
From the Mercantile Advertiser of Wednesday last.
A gentleman of the first respectability, who arrived yesterday evening from Philadelphia, which place he left on Sunday last, informs us, that previous to his departure a report was circulated (which he took pains to ascertain the truth of, and which he believes may be depended on) that the Senate had confirmed the nomination of Mr. Vans Murray as Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to treat with the Directory of France; but with this recommendation, that he should on no account leave a neutral territory to negotiate.
We understand, on the recommendation of the Senate that two other gentlemen be added to Mr. Murray, in the proposed mission to the French Republic, that the President of the United States has nominated for that purpose PATRICK HENRY, Esq. of Virginia, and OLIVER ELLSWORTH, Esq. of Connecticut, the present Chief Justice of the United States.
It was reported at Philadelphia last week, that the Editor of Porcupine's Gazette had been ordered by government to leave the United States.
The amorous epistles from Buonaparte's soldiers to their mistresses are the most curious of that species. They all abound with complaints of hunger and thirst, than which, it is well known, love has no greater enemies.
DIED.
In this town, in the 61st year of her age, Miss MARY POWER, sister of Capt. Nicholas Power. Her funeral was yesterday attended with great respect. At Johnston, Mr. RICHARD FENNER, aged 81.
Ship News.
PART OF PROVIDENCE.
ENTERED.
Sloops Bluebird, Rhodes, Alexandria, and Sally, Smith, Newbern.
CLEARED.
Sloop Betty, Rhodes, Norfolk; Schooner Commerce, Mauney, St. Croix; sloop Nancy, Jackson, St. Thomas; sloop Hiram, Earle, Charleston.
Important
NAVAL VICTORY.
A respectable gentleman from Newport informs, that a vessel arrived at that place on Monday last, from the West-Indies, the Captain of which brings the pleasing intelligence that he was eye-witness to an engagement off St. Christopher's, between the United States frigate Constellation, of 36 guns, Capt. Truxton, and a French 44 gun frigate. They lay yard-arm and yard-arm two hours, when the Frenchman, having one of his masts carried away, struck to the Constellation, and was carried into St. Christopher's.
Since writing the above, it is confirmed by another vessel arrived at Newport, which left St. Kitts after the prize arrived, the other vessel received the information at sea, from the brave Capt. Truxton. The battle was severe and well fought, but the "diplomatic skill" of our brave tars triumphed. Capt. Truxton had 13, and the Frenchman 50 men killed. It was fought off St. Kitts, and was seen from that place.
The brig Orion, Richmond, of Somerset, and the ship Hope, Smith, Schooner Collins, and brig Manchester, of Bristol; all of which sailed with the fleet from the Havana, under convoy of the Delaware sloop of war, have arrived safe.
By the above arrivals we learn, that the Spaniards are particularly friendly to the Americans;—that the Delaware sloop of war, during the embargo, entered the Havana, was supplied with every necessary refreshment, and permitted to depart at her pleasure;—that an armed French vessel, lying there, repeatedly solicited the Governor for liberty to depart, but was refused, and expressly ordered, not to leave the port until the American fleet had been out 48 hours.
The ship Rebecca, Tayer, of this port, was at the Havana, and to sail for home in 3 weeks.
Letters have been received in town from the United States frigate George Washington, fitted from this port last fall. She was cruising among the West-India Islands, and the officers and crew in good health.
The Schooner Zeruhsa, Turner, from hence for Baltimore, was dismasted on her passage, and has arrived in the West-Indies.
To be SOLD,
A BRIG of 120 tons burthen (now on the stocks on Taunton Great River) between the Needles and Rocky Nook (so called) built of white oak timber, well seasoned; calculated to sail fast. For further particulars, enquire of DAVID STANDISH.
Dighton, March 2.
Dancing School.
JOHN C. DEVERO
RESPECTFULLY informs the inhabitants of Providence, and its vicinity, that he purposes opening a DANCING-SCHOOL, on the fourth of April next, at Mr. Ammidon's ball-room—Mr. Devero to furnish room, music, &c. and the terms as follows: One scholar 8 dollars, two scholars coming from one family, 14 dollars; three scholars 18 dollars; four scholars 20 dollars; to continue twelve weeks, three days in a week, and give two lessons per day, if necessary.
Mr. Devero begs leave to observe, that he has taught a Dancing-School for these two years past in the state of Connecticut, with great success and approbation; he also taught in Newport last summer, where he received great encouragement, and flatters himself he gave general satisfaction; and as he now offers to teach on moderate terms, and pays the greatest attention to the morals, carriage, and address of his scholars, he doubts not but the inhabitants of the town of Providence will cheerfully perfect their children in this polite and necessary part of education.
Providence, March 6.
For SALE, by
Pitts and Chedel,
On the west side of the great Bridge, opposite the store of Amos Atwell, Esq.
10 Pipes of the best GENEVA 13 hogheads of Tobago RUM A few hogheads of retailing MOLASSES 20 Casks of new RICE 30 bbls. of TURPENTINE.
The above articles, with a variety of others, may be had, wholesale or retail, at a very low rate.
Providence, March 6.
For SALE, by
Munro, Snow and Munro,
At their Store, next east of the Coffee-House, FRESH Baltimore superfine FLOUR, in whole and half barrels—Also, Pilot and Ship BREAD; just received by the Schooner Olive-Branch, Capt. Remington.
They have also remaining on hand,
A few pipes of excellent Coniac Bourdeaux BRANDY—some Jamaica RUM and SUGAR, and Turks-Island Salt.
N. B. To be Let, and entered upon immediately, on the west side of the bridge, near Capt. James Aborn's, a convenient DWELLING-HOUSE, with a Wood-House, Yard and Garden.
Jan. 9, 1799.
(1.b.c.)

Poetry.
ENGLISH BOTTOM.
WHEN NELSON, on the briny wave, Was battering with Monseur, Dick Dreadnought, like a sailor brave, With heart elrang'd to fear:
TO EVELINA.
FAIR, lovely maiden, young and affable, Beauteous and stately as the eye-train'd bird, As glorious as the morning wash'd with dew, Within whose eyes she takes her dawning beams,
From the Desk of Beri Hesdin.
THERE is no vice so contemptible, so bale- ful as SLANDER. It is the poison of the soul, forever destroying the sweet streams of affection, and embittering the more sacred channels of do- mestic felicity. Slander is worse than mad- ness; for the venom of the first is concealed in the heart, while the latter rages in the counte- nance.
It is not enough to whisper abroad, that Mr. Harley is imprudent and careless; passes by all ceremony, and treats the world indifferently alike; but his charity, which springs from the best motives, is soon loudly talked about, as the offspring of mean selfishness and concealed vice. His bashful modesty is noticed as conscious guilt, and his waiting constitution, under the pressure of sorrow and keen sensibility, is point- ed at as the reward of loose morals.
The only preventative of this baleful vice, is to keep the mind's eye continually open, and spun those who are affected with its poison in the smallest degree. Judge not hastily; con- sider well the person with whom you are con- versing; endeavour to find out the motives which lead him to a declaration of his opinion of the character which he is setting before you. Never lose sight of the manner in which the character was introduced; the peculiar em- phasis and tone with which it is described; and if you discover warmth and eagerness in the delinator, be rather willing to believe that he is interested in its bad appearance, than that the picture is just.
Meteorological Observations.
Table with 5 columns: FEBRUARY, 1799, Days, Hours, Therm. Wind, Weather. Rows for Tuesday through Monday.
Boston (and Newport Mail) STAGE-OFFICE. ESEK ALDRICH
Respectfully informs the Public, THAT the Boston (and Newport Mail) Stage Office is kept at his house, west side the river, Providence, where the regular Line of Stages for Boston leave and arrive every day.
State of Rhode-Island, &c.
WHEREAS Sarah Parker, wife of Edward Parker, late of said Providence, mariner, hath preferred her petition to the next Supreme Judicial Court, to be holden at Providence, in and for the county aforesaid, on the fourth Monday of March next, praying that a sen- tence of divorce may be passed.
PAUL ALLEN, jun. Clerk.
RAN AWAY from me the subcri- ber, the 11th of February inst. an indent- ed servant lad, named JOSEPH SMITH, about 16 years of age, dark complexion, dark hair, about 4 feet 8 inches high; had on when he went away a short thick jacket, dark brown or black and white vest, and blue trowsers.
RUFUS MACOMBER.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. PROVIDENCE, &c.
BE it remembered, that Mary Updike, of Providence, in said county, wife of RICHARD E. UPDIKE, of said Providence, mar- iner, hath filed in the office of the clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for the county afore- said, her petition to said court, praying, for di- vers causes therein set forth, that a decree of divorce may be passed, dissolving the bond of matrimony now subsisting between her and her said husband.
Notice therefore is hereby given to all persons, to appear (if they shall see fit) at the next term of said court, to be holden on the third Monday of March next, to shew cause, if any they may have, why the prayer of said petition should not be granted.
PAUL ALLEN, jun. Clerk.
FLAX-SEED.
WANTED by the subscriber, two thou- sand bushels of FLAX-SEED, for which a generous price will be given.
SAMUEL BROWN.
Said BROWN has for sale, painters' co- lours, dye-stuffs, &c. of almost every descrip- tion. He executes ornamental painting and gilding with accuracy and attention.
For Sale,
THE FARM on which the subscriber lives, in Plainfield, in Connecticut. It lies near the centre of the town, on the stage road from Providence to Norwich, containing about 200 acres. The buildings are good, the land fertile and pleasant, and the situation very healthy. It will be sold all together or in lots, as may best suit the purchaser.
He has also three very valuable JACK-ASS- ES for sale, raised from the Spanish breed in the country.
ELISHA PERKINS.
Plainfield, February 8, 1799. (t.b.c.)
For SALE, by the Subscribers, at a very mo- derate price, THE STORE lately occupied by Messrs. Benjamin and John Brown, a little north of the State-House, in the chambers of which is a convenient tenement for a large fam- ily. The terms of payment will be made easy.
BENJAMIN HOPPIN & Co.
New LANDS.
THE subscriber having purchased the fee of a tract of 210,000 acres of LAND, near White's Town, in Herkemer county, State of New-York, which is laid out into eight townships; he this day sets off to obtain a more accurate knowledge, from the set- tlers in the neighbourhood, of the true value of said tract, and to have the necessary provisions carried on, while the sleighing lasts, to accom- modate settlers who may go thereon the coming spring, and to have the same surveyed, and laid out into farms of half a mile square, say 160 acres each, so that each farm may adjoin a road of four rods wide.
JOHN BROWN.
February 19, 1799.
John Young
HAS FOR SALE,
At his Retail Grocery Store, In Westminster-Street, West side of the Bridge,
BEST French BRANDY,
Old Jamaica SPIRITS,
West-India RUM, Cherry ditto,
Holland GENEVA,
Old Sherry,
Port,
Lisbon,
Malaga,
Cacavilla,
Tent, and
Teneriffe
London PORTER,
Hyson, Souchong and Bohea TEAS,
Nutmegs, Cinnamon and Mace,
Loaf, Powder'd and Brown SUGAR,
Cayenne, India Pepper and Mustard.
W I N E S, of the first Quality.
An assortment of Handsome China Cups and Saucers, A number of complete Sets for Tea, and other CHINA.
Glass and Crockery Ware, assorted.
Elegant jappan'd Tea Waiters, of different sizes;
And many other Articles in the Gro- cery Line, equal in quality to any sold in this town. February 20, 1799.
NEW AND FASHIONABLE GOODS.
Samuel Ames
HAS JUST OPENED FOR SALE,
AN assortment of calicoes and chintzes, mouselins, muslinettes and dimities; lute- strings and suttins, modes, farsets and tiffanies; Italian, crape and Rutland net gauze; silk, worsted and cotton hose; black and white silk gloves; long and short white and coloured kid gloves; a variety of plain and fancy ribbons; laces, edgings and fur trimmings; ferrets, tapes, bobbins and threads; pins and needles; fine and superfine broadcloths and cassimeres; fashionable cape velvets, rattinets, shallons, ruf- fels, durants, tammies, Irish linens and sheet- ings, fine and low priced India cottons, gentle- mens and childrens fashionable fur hats, gilt, plated and steel coat buttons; ditto vest ditto, an assortment of thick woolen goods, with many articles of hard ware and other goods, too num- erous for an advertisement; all which he will sell at reduced prices for cash. Jan 30.
TO BE SOLD,
A Good FARM, pleasantly situated in the south part of Smithfield; contain- ing about 156 acres of land, including a valuable cedar swamp within half a mile of the premises: A dwelling-house, barn, and corn-crib near the centre of the improvements; well proportioned with pasture, orchard, meadow, and tillage land; a plenty of timber, and the farm well watered; two saw-mills, two grist-mills, a fulling-mill, and a blacksmiths' shop, within half a mile of the premises, with many other good advantages. It will be sold on reasonable terms, and the pay made easy, if applied for soon. For terms, ap- ply to the subscriber, on the premises. Smithfield, Feb. 13. JOHN WINSOR.
Prices Current at New-York.
February 23.
Table with 4 columns: Item, Unit, From D.C., To D.C. Lists prices for various goods like Ashes, Beans, Beef, Brandy, Bread, Candles, Coal, Cocoa, Coffee, Cordage, Cotton, Duck, Flax-seed, Fish, Flour, Furs, Geneva, Rye, Barley, Hemp, Hams, Indigo, Iron, Lumber, N. Riv. Pine, Staves, Hoops, Logwood, Molasses, Nail-Rods, Nails, Oil, Linseed, Whale, Spermaceti, Pitch, Pork, Plaster of Paris, Peas, Rum, Rice, Salt, Sugar, Steel, Shot of all sizes, Snuff, Saltpetre, Tea, Tar, Turpentine, Tin, Tobacco, Fallow, Bees Wax, Wines.
PRICE OF STOCKS.
Table with 3 columns: Stock Type, Price, Notes. Lists prices for 6 per cents, 4 per cents, Deferred, National Bank Shares.
COURSE OF EXCHANGE.
Table with 3 columns: Bill Type, Price, Notes. Lists exchange rates for Bills on London.