Rhode-Island Republican (Newport, R.I.), 1804-02-23 00:00:00

Rhode-Island Republican.
AN INDISSOLUBLE UNION OF THE STATES, IS ESSENTIAL TO THEIR LIBERTY AND EXISTENCE.—WASHINGTON.
Published weekly, by OLIVER FARNWORTH, (Printer to the State, and of the LAWS of the UNITED STATES,) Thames-Street, NEWPORT.
Wm. C. Baen, & Co. BEG leave to inform their Friends and the Public, that they are about to dissolve their connexion in Trade, and offer for sale their stock, which will positively be sold at the original cost. CHEAP-SIDE, Newport, Jan. 18. 72  FLOUR STORE On Col. CHRISTOPHER CHAMPLIN'S Wharf,—By  JOHN BOURS, jun. & Co. Who will always have on hand a supply of the best Superfine FLOUR. Newport, Oct. 20, 1803.
FOR SALE, A TRACT OF LAND, situated in South-Kingstown, consisting of about forty-two acres, with a suitable proportion of mowing, pasturing, tillage and orcharding; a dwelling-house and other buildings thereon, late belonging to Stephen Potter, deceased.—Also, one dwelling-house with one acre of land, situated in said South-Kingstown, late the property of Peter Whaley.—Also about nine acres of beach and marsh land, situated near Point Judith beach, in said South-Kingstown.—For further particulars enquire of EDWARD THURSTON. N. B. Possession will be given on the twenty-fifth day of March next. Newport, Jan. 25, 1804.
Valuable Real Estate. THE Subscriber offers for Sale, that valuable Real Estate in the town of Westerly, situated within about eight rods of Pawcatuck Bridge, and opposite to the Washington Bank, on the North side of the Post-Road, consisting of about ten acres of valuable Land, with a handsome grove of young timber thereon, and a large garden, with a brook of good water running through it; a convenient dwelling-house, with a shop and store adjoining (suitable for a merchant or a mechanic) a barn, and other out-houses.—The house has been occupied for a number of years as a public house, and is one of the best of stands for that purpose. Possession will be given on the 25th of March next.—Terms of payment will be one half of the purchase money down, and the remainder in a reasonable time, with interest, and good security. For further particulars enquire of the subscriber, living in Richmond. SAMUEL BRAND. Richmond, January 19, 1804.
Rhode-Island Union Bank. THE Stockholders are requested to meet at said Bank, on Wednesday next, at 10 o'clock A. M. for the purpose of choosing a Director. The Stockholders are informed that on the 1st Monday in March, the 3d instalment of 25 dollars falls due, and payment is to be made in specie at said Bank, agreeable to the articles of association. The Certificates issued, are then to be given up, and new ones will be returned for the three instalments. By order of the President and Directors. JOHN L. BOSS, Cashier. Newport, Feb. 18. 1804.
WINTER GOODS.  JOHN F. TOWNSEND & Co. HAVE just received a large supply of Woolen and other GOODS, purchased with cash, & which they offer for sale unusually low: Among which are, best superfine broadcloths; second, middling & low-priced do.; low-priced and fine ladies coatings and Orleans cloths; flannels; baizes; waistcoating; blankets; ribbed and plain velvets; 6-4 & 4-4 white, black and coloured, cambric muslins; white fustian; bordered and black 5-4 & 6-4 camel's-hair shawls; Turkey-down shawls; coloured and black satins; cotton and silk umbrellas; counterpanes; black bombazine; one box men's hats of an excellent quality, and one trunk of coloured lute-riages, of assorted handsome colours; with a variety of other Goods, too tedious to enumerate. Those who may be indebted to them, where the debt has been three months standing, are desired to call on them, and settle the same. Newport, Jan. 4, 1804. 70
NEW HOTEL. THE subscriber informs the Public that he has now opened, and made provision for keeping a genteel Boarding-House, a little South of Capt. Caleb Gardner's wharf, Thames-street, where Ladies and Gentlemen may depend on being accommodated to their satisfaction. Every attention will be given, and the smallest favors gratefully acknowledged, by the public's humble servant, BENJ. FAIRBANKS. Newport, April 16. 133
Nathan B. Miller RESPECTFULLY acquaints the Public, that he has for sale, at Mrs. Elizabeth Miller's, on the Parade, the undermentioned articles, which he will dispose of on moderate terms, viz. Barcelona Brandy, 4th & 1st proof by the pipe, or less quantity, of an excellent flavor. Amsterdam Geneva, 4th proof in pipes. Malaga Wine, by the quarter cask. Port Wine, ditto do. Likewise (just received) a few quarter casks excellent Sherry Wine, fit for family use. Boston Chocolate, No. 1, & No. 2, by the box, and a few bags Chocolate Shells, by retail. A few boxes 21 inch pipes, tipped, Zant Currants by the barrel, fresh and good—with several other articles in the Grocery line. Newport, Nov. 9th. 62
SAMUEL JAMES HAS FOR SALE, AT his Paper Hanging Manufactory, which is in the House he now occupies, opposite to Mr. Lewis Peck's, on the West-Side of the Bridge, Providence, a great variety of House Paper and Bordering, of the newest and most elegant Figures at wholesale and retail, on as good terms as can be purchased in America. A generous credit given to those who purchase by the quantity for retailing. N. B. The above is printed on good paper, and the work well executed, by and under the direction of a workman from Europe. May 14, 1803. 6m
BOOK-BINDING. THE subscriber has lately engaged a first-rate Workman at the Book-Binding Business, who, for Neatness, Elegance, and Durability, will perform its various branches equal to any Binder in New-England.—Account any pattern, at the shortest notice. BIBLES, and old Books of all kinds, re-bound on the most moderate terms. OLIVER FARNWORTH.
FOR SALE BY  Henry Moore, & Co. WEST-INDIA Rum by the Hhd. Gin by the pipe; Brandy do. Milaga, Port, Sherry, } Wines. 100 barrels superfine Flour, 30 casks fresh Raisins, Loaf, powdered and brown Sugars, Coffee, Chocolate, Bohea and Souchong } Teas. Pepper, Ginger, and Allspice, Nutmegs, Cloves & Cassia, Brimstone, Allum, Copperas, Soap by the box; All kinds Knives and Forks, Pen & jack Knives, Razors in cases, Shears and Scissors, Patent hour and half hour Glasses, Casters, English Pewter, Sad Irons. Likewise, a handsome assortment of DRY GOODS, which they will sell on reasonable terms, for Cash or approved Notes, by wholesale or retail, at their Store on the Ferry Wharf. Newport, Feb. 2, 1804. 174
Hard Ware, Stationary, &c.  DAVID MELVILL, jun. RESPECTFULLY informs his friends that he has just received a very handsome addition to his former assortment of Hard-Ware, Cutlery, Ironmongery, Japan-Ware, Stationary, &c.—German-Steel—Fishing-Lines—Bed-Cords—Cloth-Lines, &c. &c. New-York Manufactured TOBACCO and SNUFF of the first quality, at a small advance—Consisting of Negro-Head; Plug; Pigtail; Ladies' Twist; Paper, for chewing and smoking, and Scotch SNUFF. *$* Cash given for Lead. Newport, June 4, 1803. 1401f
MR. TAYLOR'S SPEECH, On the Amendment to the Constitution, delivered in the Senate of the United States, on the 2d of December, 1803. [Concluded from our last.] SIR, the endeavour to excite a national jealousy against the idea of amending the constitution, is in my view, infinitely more dangerous and alarming, than even the attempt to marshal States against States. The gentleman from Connecticut, (Mr. Tracy) has twice pronounced with great emphasis, "man is man," and attempted to make inferences against all attempts to amend our constitution, from the evil moral qualities with which human nature is afflicted! Sir, he has forgotten, that governments as well as nations are constituted of men, and that if the vices of governed man, ought to alarm us for the safety of liberty, the vices of governing man are not calculated to allay our apprehensions. Sir, it is this latter species of depravity which has suggested to the people of America, a new idea, enforced by constitutions. Permit me to illustrate this new idea, by the terms political law and municipal law. The former is that law, called constitutional, contrived and enacted in the United States, to controul those evil moral qualities, to which this creature "man" is liable, when invested with power! The latter is that law enacted to controul the vices of man in his private capacity. It the former species of law, should be suffered to remain unchanged, the effects would be the same, as if the latter should remain unchanged. Both, unaltered, would be evaded, by the ingenuity, avarice and ambition of public men, as well as private men. And therefore it is as necessary for the preservation of liberty, that constitutions or political law, should be amended from time to time, in order to preserve liberty against the avarice and ambition of men in power, by meeting and controlling their artifices; as it is, occasionally to amend the municipal law, for the preservation of property against the vicious practices of men not in power.
To illustrate this argument, I will repeat the instance of a constitution may be effectually destroyed, and yet its form may remain unaltered. England illustrates it.—The government of that country took its present form in the thirteenth century: but its aspect in substance has been extremely different at different periods, under the same form. Without taking time to mark the changes in substance, which have taken place under the form of kings, lords, and commons, it will suffice to call our eyes upon the present state of that government. What are now its chief and substantial energies? Armies, debt, executive patronage, penal laws and corporations. These are the modern energies or substance of the English monarchy; to the antient English monarchy they were unknown. Of the antient, they were substantial abuses; for, whether these modern energies are good or bad, they overthrown the antient monarchy substantially, without altering its form. Under every change of administration, these abuses proceeded. The out were clamorous for preserving the constitution, as they called it; for though divorced from its administration, the hope of getting in, again caused them to maintain abuses, by which their avarice or ambition might be gratified upon the next turn of the wheel; just as in Prussia, where divorces are common, nothing is more usual than for late husbands to affect a violent passion for a former wife, if the carried off from him a good estate! And the ins tearing the national jealousy, and the prepossession against amending the form of government, and meeting new abuses by new remedies, brought no relief to the nation. So that under every change of men, abuses proceeded.
The solution of this effect exists in the species of political craft familiar to priest craft. Mankind were antiently deprived of their religious liberty, by a dissemination of a fanatical zeal for some idol; in times of ignorance, this idol was of physical structure; and when that fraud was detected, a metaphysical idol in the shape of a tenet or dogma was substituted for it, infinitely more pernicious in its effects, because infinitely more difficult of detection. The same system has been pursued by political craft. It has endeavoured to excite the same species of idolatry and superstition, for the same reason, namely, to conceal its own frauds & vices. Sometimes it sets up a physical, at others, a metaphysical idol as the object of vulgar superstition. Of one, the former "grand monarch of France;" of the other, the present "church and state" tenet of England, is an evidence. And if our constitution is to be made like the "church and state" tenet of England; a metaphysical political idol, which it will be sacrilege to amend, even for the sake of saving both that and the national liberty;—and if, like that tenet, it is to be exposed to all the means which centuries may suggest to vicious men for its substantial destruction; it is not hard to imagine that it also may become a monument, of the inefficacy of unalterable forms of political law, to correct avarice and ambition in the new and multifarious shapes they are forever assuming.
A constitution may allegorically be considered as a temple for the preservation of the treasure of liberty. Around it may be posted, one, two, or three, or more centinels; but unless these centinels are themselves watched by the people, and unless the injuries they are frequently committing upon the temple are diligently repaid, such is the nature of man in power, that the very centinels themselves have invariably broken into the temple, and conveyed away the treasure. And this because of the delusion inspired by political idolatry, which forbids nations to meet abuses by amending their governments or constitutions; and teaches them that municipal law alone will suffice for their happiness.
Permit me, Sir, to illustrate this argument by declaring how I would proceed, if such was my design, to destroy the constitution of the United States; premising that I speak prospectively and not retroactively. I would have recourse to those very energies which constitute the English monarchy; armies, debt, executive patronage, penal laws and corporations. I would endeavour by these monarchical energies, to produce the same effects as in England; and I would hide my intentions by exciting a fanatical adoration for the constitution, which I would endeavour to make a metaphysical idol; and which I would myself adore—in order to destroy. Whilst I pretended to be its devotee it should become my screen.
This Sir, will be the consequence, if the people of the United States, should become jealous of the amending the constitution; and therefore this species of jealousy, so industriously attempted to be excited, is calculated if it could operate, to bring upon them the utmost calamity. Abuses of a political system will happen; and amendments only can meet abuses.—Public opinion, and not an idolatrous tenet, is the element of our policy; and however the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Pickering) may deride the opinion of the people, it is the element in which our policy is rooted, and which can at all times be safely entrusted with moulding their
Mr. Pickering said, Sir, I quote gentlemen's ideas, and not their words; it is not true that the gentleman ridiculed a recommendation of this very amendment, even from a State Legislature, because of some grammatical inaccuracy; and that he reasoned against the possibility of knowing what the public opinion was; and yet, however inaccurately it may be expressed, that gentleman certainly has had sufficient evidence to convince him, that public opinion is really a none substance!
It has been urged, Sir, by the gentlemen in opposition, in a mode, as if they supposed we wished to conceal or deny it, that one object of this amendment, is to bestow upon the majority a power to elect a Vice-President, Sir, I avow it to be so. This is one object of the amendment; and the other (so to which I have heretofore expressed my sentiments) is to enable the electors, by perfecting the election of a President, to keep it out of the House of Representatives. Are not both objects correct?—if, as I have endeavoured to prove, the constitution in all cases wherein it refers elections to the popular principle, intended that principle to act by majorities? Did the constitution intend that any minor faction should elect a Vice-President? if not, then an amendment to prevent it, accords with, and is preservative of the constitution; permit me here again to illustrate by an historical case: England in the time of Charles the Second, was divided into two parties; protestants and papists; and the heir to the throne was a papist. The protestants, constituting the majority of the nation, passed an exclusion bill; but it was defeated, & the minor papist faction, in the person of the duke of York, got possession of executive power. The consequences were, domestic oppressions and rebellions, foreign wars occasionally, for almost a century, and the foundation of a national debt, under which the nation has been ever since groaning, and under which the government will finally expire.
Had the majority carried and executed the proposed exclusion of James II. from executive power the English would have escaped all these calamities. Such precisely may be our case. I beg again that it may be understood, that in this application, I speak prospectively, and not retroactively.
But it is far from being improbable, that in place of these religious parties, political parties may arise of equal zeal and animosity. We may at some future day, see our country divided into a republican party and a monarchical party. Is it wise or according to the intention of the constitution, that a minor monarchical faction, should, by any means, acquire the power of electing a Vice-President; the possible successor to executive power? Ought a republican majority to stake the national liberty upon the frail life of one man? Will not a monarchical executive, overturn the system of a republican executive? And ought the United States to shut their eyes upon this possible danger, until the cause shall

happen, when it may be too late... Sir, let us consider the state of the world... which the English nation has been... hostile to the national opinion; they suffered, because their ex... elective. Election is our ex... efficacy depends upon their... majority. It is only a minority... which can render election insufficient to ex... na... hical principles from executive po... is against minority that election is intended to operate, because minority is the author of mon... archy and aristocracy.
Shall we Sir, be so injudicious, as to make election destroy the principle of election by ad... hering to a mode of exercising it, now seen to be capable of bestowing upon a minority the choice of a Vice-President? Shall we make election, invented to exclude monarchy a handmaid for its introduction? Or shall we if we do not see monarchy at this day assailing our repub... lican system, conclude that it never will; altho' we know that this system has but two foes, of whom monarchy is one? No, Sir, let us rather draw instruction from the prophetic ob... servations of a member of the English House of Commons, whilst the bill for excluding James II, was depending; who said:
"I hear a lion in the lobby roar, Say, Mr. Speaker, shall we that the door, And keep him there? Or shall we let him in, To try if we can get him out again."
Instead of shutting the door, the English left it open; tyranny got in; and the evils pro... duced by its expulsion, to that nation, may pos... sibly have been equal to those which submission would have produced.
Sir, much has been said about the rights of minorities, and the tendency of this amend... ment to keep up party spirit. I wish I could bear these rights of minorities defined. It is easy to comprehend the justice of the position, "that every individual in society, has equal rights, whether he belongs to a majority or a minority;" but the idea of a minor faction, having political rights, as a faction, to me is incomprehensible. On the contrary, I consider all minor factions, as inflamed, excited and invigorated by a prof... pect of success; just as the papish faction in the period quoted of the English history, was kept alive and propelled to make attempts, which they never would have made, had it not been for the excitement arising from a prospect of gaining possession of executive power; so here, if at a future day, a minor and monarchical party should arise, that also will be propelled and excited, by the chance of getting possession of executive power, to keep party spirit alive and to make attempts, which they never would have made if no such excitement existed. Hence the amendment, if it will have the effect of depriving a minor faction of the possibility of getting possession of the executive power, will suppress and not provoke party and faction.
Mr. President, we have been warned by a picture of the evils produced by the French re... volution, to forbear to amend our constitution; for what end I am at a loss to conjecture. Sir, how are these arguments intended to apply to the people of the United States? If the state of national information in France, has disquali... fied the great mass of that nation for the enjoy... ment of self government, does it therefore fol... low, that the people of America are disqualified for self government? If this state adapts the French nation for the species of government now existing in France, does it follow, that we are adapted for a similar government? Sir, it is our superior degree of national knowledge, which enables us safely to use national opinion as an element of government. This is evinced by facts. In France, constitutions were several times made and amended, without producing good effect; in America, constitutions have been good in many instances, perhaps to the extent of sixty or seventy made, repealed and amended, without producing the least disturbance or evil effects in a single case. Changes in France, were often for the worse; here, generally, and per... haps constantly for the better. It is because the public will is here rooted in a sufficient degree of public knowledge, to preserve a moderate and free government. Shall we sacrifice this will, and the right to amend our constitutions, to a species of metaphysical idolatry, although we owe to these fources all the prosperity and happiness we now possess. For the doctrine, that it is a species of political sacrilege to amend constitutions, and that the people should be jealous of every such attempt, is precisely the best means to destroy the right in the people to do so. It is a doctrine levelled against the people themselves, under the predominance of whose will the right can only be exercised; and tending to throw this mode of national self de... fence against the arts of avarice and ambition, into the background; whilst these foes can carry on their encroachments upon liberty and property, by form of law. Let not then, Sir, the people of the United States be deterred from exercising their right to alter their constitution, to frequently and so successfully exercised, by a picture of the French revolution.
Finally, Mr. President, this amendment receives my approbation and support, because I think it conformable to public opinion, evi... dently the special recommendation of sundry States, and the concurrence of a great majority of the Representatives of the people in the other House; because it accords with the principle of self government that this expression of the pub... lic will should be obeyed, that the right of the nation to amend the form of its government, should upon that ground, be solemnly recog... nized; because elections, the result of preference, are more consistent with moral rectitude, than those influenced or guided by intrigue, party artifice, or the intrigues of diets; and because it was the intention of the constitution, that the election of a President and Vice-President should be determined, by a fair expression of the public will by a majority, and not that this inten... tion should be defeated by the subsequent oc...
urrence of a... pariet, neither foreseen nor contemplated by the constitution of those who made it.
THE RODE-ISLAND REPUBLICAN.
BANKING.—No. IV.
IT is the patient attention of the pub... lic a little while longer. When I commenced these numbers, I had no anticipation of the length of time which they would occupy. My first impression was, that the subject might be exhausted, in the course of a single communication. But as I advanced in the consideration of it, the field of matter seemed wider, and wider, and now to offer, an abundance for the formation of an ample volume. Indeed, the argu... ments in support of the grounds that have been taken, are inexhaustible. Like the light which proceeds from the sun, they fill all space, and ex... tend to infinity. But I must not trespass too much on the time, and patience of the public. They will, however, forgive me for the moments I have consumed; for they must, by this time, be convinced that I have no object other than the public good.
In the course of our enquiries we have asked this question:—Of what avail is a redundan... cy of money to the public? We there defined the sense to which it was restricted. Superficial ob... servers may contend that the question is a weak one: that there is no possibility of having too much money. What! (they will exclaim) too much money! a ridiculous idea: How is it possible that we can have too much money? And thus with reference to Banks, they will ad... vise by all means their extension: O, let them go on, "increase and multiply," for they will "replenish the earth." Let them become even as the frogs in the land of Egypt for number; and they will make money plenty. And when money abounds, who cannot live with comfort, and convenience! This is the language they hold; and it is as much as they know about it. It appears they are not capable of discrimina... tion. But if it be otherwise; if their zeal is not according to their knowledge, they offend in the sight of conscience, and merit the severity of execration.
The better to explain, and fortify the sen... timents which I have advanced on this point, I would introduce the very authority, which has been quoted on the opposite side. Adam Smith , in his inimitable work, entitled "The Wealth of Nations," speaking in comparison of the fixed and circulating capital of a society, says, that "as the machines, and instruments of trade, &c. which compose the fixed capital either of an individual or of a society, make no part of either the gross or the net revenue of either; so money, by means of which the whole reve... nue of the society is regularly distributed a... mong all its different members, makes itself no part of that revenue. The great object of circulation (to wit, money) is altogether differ... ent from the goods which are circulated by means of it. The revenue of the society con... sists altogether in those goods, and not in the wheel which circulated them. In computing either the gross or the net revenue of the so... ciety, we must always, from their whole an... nual circulation of money and goods, deduct the whole value of the money of which not a single farthing can ever make any part of either. It is the ambiguity of language only which can make this proposition appear either doubt... ful or paradoxical. When properly explained, and understood it is almost self-evident."
Again, "Thus (says he) if a guinea be the weekly pension of a particular person, he can in the course of the week purchase with it a certain quantity of subsistence, convenience and amusements. In proportion as this quantity is great or small, so are his real riches, his real weekly revenue. His weekly revenue is certainly not equal both to the guinea, and to what can be purchased with it, but only to one or the other of those two equal values; and to the latter more properly than to the former, to the guinea's worth rather than to the guinea. If the pension of such a person was paid to him not in gold, but in a weekly bill for a guinea, his revenue surely would not so properly consist in the piece of paper, as in what he could get for it. A guinea may be considered as a bill for a certain quantity of necessaries and conve... niences upon all the tradesmen in the neigh... borhood. The revenue of the person to whom it is paid, does not so properly consist in the piece of gold, as in what he can get for it, or in what he can exchange it for. If it could be exchanged for nothing, it would like a bill up... on a bankrupt, be of no more value than the most useless piece of paper."
Again, "When we compute the quantity of industry which the circulating capital of any society can employ, we must always have regard to those parts of it only which consist in provisions, materials and finished work: the other, which consists in money, and which serves only to circulate those three, must always be deducted. In order to put industry into motion, three things are requisite; materials to work upon, tools to work with, and the wages or recompence, for the sake of which the work is done. Money is neither a material to work upon, nor a tool to work with, and though the wages of the workman, are commonly paid to him in money, his real revenue, like that of all other men, consists not in the money but in the money's worth; not in the metal pieces, but in what he can get for them."
Again, "Money, therefore, the great wheel of circulation, the great instrument of com... merce, like all other instruments of trade, tho' it makes a part, and a very valuable part of the capital, makes no part of the revenue of the society to which it belongs; and though the metal pieces of which it is composed, in the
See Newport Mercury of the 11th inst. Wealth of Nations, vol. 1. p. 357, 58, 59, 60, and 66.
course of their annual circulation, distribute to every man, the revenue which properly belongs to him, they make themselves no part of that revenue."
By the preceding extracts, we are enabled distinctly to discern the proper, and appropriate sanction of money in society. From this high, and unquestionable authority we plainly per... ceive that it bears no occult, and talismanic re... lation to that state of briskness with respect to business, and employ, which contributes to the ease, and prosperity of a community. For it is industry alone, of which money is but the facili... tious representative, which enables the purchase either of subsistence, convenience or amusement; and as he says, "when we compute the quanti... ty of industry, which the circulating capital of any country can employ, we must always have regard to those parts of it only which consist in provisions, materials, and finished work: the other, which consists in money, and which serves, only to circulate those three, must always be deducted." Hence it follows that the uti... lity of money with respect to the trade, or gen... eral advantage of any particular country, is lim... ited and confined to a certain, single, and defi... nitive object. It was intended as "the great wheel of circulation" to "distribute to every man the revenue which properly belongs to him." It is in this view, a mechanical device, calcula... ted for the accomplishment of a mechanical pur... pose; and it is evident that it should be pro... portionate to the system of which it is a part. But the adjustment of this proportion does not de... pend on calculation as some have pretended. I defy even a Necker to say what particular sum is required in France for the circulation of its an... nual produce. I defy even a Gallatin to calcu... late with exactitude the precise sum necessary for the accomplishment of a similar purpose in A... merica. They have not the data necessary to calculate to this point; and as best can only judge from the effect produced. They can only say that at such a time there was money in circu... lation to a certain amount, which from particu... lar symptoms that appeared was evidently insuf... ficient; and that at a certain other time there was money in circulation to a different amount, which from the quantities that were sent abroad, appeared to be more than sufficient; and from these two extremes (suppose some assignable me... dium, which, things regaining the same would probably be a due proportion. Indeed, there is no necessity for calculations of this nature: they would be entirely a work of supererogation. As well might a lawyer devote his at... tention to anatomical researches, or the opera... tions of the animal economy; as well might a physician wear out his eyes in the perusal of English statutes; as for a financier to waste his time, and wear out his faculties in an attempt to calculate, and adjust the circulating medium of a country to a due proportion to its annual pro... ductions. It would be as reasonable to under... take to calculate, and adjust the exact propor... tion of food which a man would consume in a given time. The most and the best that can be done is to allow him his reasonable ration, and to leave the rest to his particular habit. When, therefore, we hear men, who affect a mighty deal of wisdom in these things, laying down positions with respect to the extent to which Banks may safely be multiplied; and pretend... ing to support those positions by broad asser... tions of the calculations they have made upon the subject, it would be well to require of them the principles upon which those calculations were predicated, and instructions upon them as to acquiring the result. If there are, in fact, these cogent arguments resulting from calcula... tion, why are they not systematically arranged and submitted to the public? Are they too pre... cious for common inspection? Or would it be too great a condescension to undertake by fair, and laudable means to clear up the doubts, and remove the apprehensions which are entertained? Why this contemptuous silence? Or why the niggling distortion of theoretical authorities? This is, at least, presumptive evidence of a de... fective cause.
I do not know that any thing can be intro... duced in this place with more pertinence than the words of the author from whom I have be... fore so lengthily quoted. The following par... agraph from that matchless writer, marks with more perspicuity than any thing I can say, the most prominent feature of Banking, when carried to excess. It is the same paragraph a part of which appeared in the Newport Mercury of the 11th instant; the other part having been there omitted, evidently through fear of its operating to the prejudice of certain sentiments which the interests of some would require to prevail. I shall give the paragraph entire, by which the reader will be enabled to perceive (if he will take the trouble of recurring to the Mercury of the date abovementioned) the wicked treachery which some lurking coadjutor has basely at... tempted, to palm and practice upon the public. The paragraph follows.
"Let us suppose, for example, that the whole circulating money of some particular country amounted at a particular time, to one million sterling, that sum being then sufficient for cir... culating the whole annual produce of their land and labor. Let us suppose too, that sometime thereafter, different banks and bankers issued promissory notes, payable to the bearer, to the extent of one million, reserving in their differ... ent coffers two hundred thousand pounds for answering occasional demands. There would remain therefore in circulation, eight hundred thousand pounds in gold and silver, and a mil... lion of bank notes, or eighteen hundred thou... sand pounds of paper, & money together. But the annual produce of the land and labor of the country had before required only one million to circulate, and distribute it to its proper consu... mers, and that annual produce cannot be im... mediately augmented by those operations of banking. One million, therefore, will be sufficient to cir... culate it after them. The goods to be bought and sold, being precisely the same as before, the same quantity of money will be sufficient
for buying and selling them. The channel of circulation, if I may be allowed such an expres... sion, will remain precisely the same as before. One million we have supposed sufficient to fill that channel. Whatever, therefore, is poured into it beyond this sum, cannot run in it, but must overflow. One million eight hundred thousand pounds are poured into it. Eight hundred thousand pounds, therefore, must overflow; that sum being over and above what can be employed in the circulation of the coun... try. But though this sum cannot be employ... ed at home, it is too valuable to be allowed to lie idle. It will therefore be sent abroad in order to seek that profitable employment which it cannot find at home. But (continues he) the paper cannot go abroad; because, at a dis... tance from the banks which issue it, and from the country in which payment of it can be ex... acted by law, it will not be received in com... mon payments. Gold and silver, therefore, to the amount of eight hundred thousand pounds will be sent abroad, and the channel of home circulation will remain filled with a million of paper, instead of the million of those metals which filled it before."
How plain, intelligible, and conclusive.—So incontrovertibly clear, that "he who runs may read; and he who reads cannot fail to un... derstand. Is it, then, a desirable object to have the gold and silver exported to foreign coun... tries, and the channel of home circulation filled with paper money? Are the guardians of the public safety, to be called upon to sanction the repetition of projects calculated for this end un... til they are enabled to compass the purpose? or, at least, whose ponderous tendency inclines to such an effect? Most we then, at all events, be deluged with paper money, because, forsooth, some bold projectors, wisely calculate, that it will turn to their particular benefit. They must learn, ere it be too late, that the world was not made for them alone, but for the common en... joyment of all mankind. They must yet learn that governments were created for the peace and safety of the community; and not as a common stock for the tenants of avarice, and ambition."
But the Mercury extractor, not contented with clapping his full hand over the mouth of his witness in the middle of a sentence, and silencing his utterance when what was to be said would operate against the probable success of the def... ired project, also breaks his sentences to pieces, and transposes, and mutilates the fragments. Ac... cording to the extracts which appeared in the Newport Mercury, the paragraph which has just been quoted concludes with the following words—"It is like a new fund created for car... rying on a new trade"—when in truth these words are at the distance of two or three senten... ces from it, and are even there employed in a connection which has been wholly omitted. So that even periods, as well as sentences, and par... agraphs, have sustained the weight of the mer... curial cleaver, and have been severed and dis... joined, as best suited the convenience of pecu... niary epicureans. The period stands thus. "It is like a new fund created for carrying on a new trade; domestic business being now trans... acted by paper, and the gold and silver, being converted into a fund for this new trade." Let us attend for a moment to what immediately fol... lows, and see how much it favors the construc... tion which seems to be so very desirable to some one.
"If they employ it in purchasing foreign goods for home consumption, they may either, first, purchase such goods as are likely to be consumed by idle people, who produce noth... ing, such as foreign wines, foreign silks, &c. or, secondly they may purchase an additional stock of materials, tools, and provisions, in or... der to maintain and employ an additional num... ber of industrious people, who re-produce with a profit the value of their annual consumption."
"So far as it is employed in the first way it promotes prodigality, increases expence, and consumption without increasing production, or establishing any permanent fund for support... ing that expence, and is in every respect hurtful to the society."
This is indeed no more than a verbal veri... fication of our own experience. But I disdain to take an advantage of the opportunity which the selection of certain passages of a writer would afford of misrepresenting his sentiments. My concern is to arrive at the truth of the business, and not by any unwarrantable means to succeed in the establishment of a favorite point. I am willing, and wish that the public may have "a view of the whole ground;" and therefore am solicitous to notice what the same author has af... terward said in qualification of the opinion en... tertained in the last quotation. It is substan... tially this:—"That the greater part of the gold and silver which, being forced abroad by those operations of banking, is employed in purchasing foreign goods for home consump... tion, is, and must be employed in purchasing those of this second kind, seems not only pro... bable, but almost unassailable." Let it be re... membered, that "this second kind" which he speaks of "are a flock of materials, tools, and provisions, in order to maintain and employ an additional number of industrious people, who re-produce with a profit, the value of their annual consumption."
Now do we not know, from actual obser... vation, that his first hypothesis is most applica... ble to this country? Do we not know that the greater part of the gold and silver, which being forced abroad by the operations of banking among us, is employed in the purchase of for... eign goods for home consumption, is, and ever has been employed in purchasing those of the first kind, such as foreign wines, foreign silks, &c. which are likely to be consumed by idle people who produce nothing? What is the prin... cipal vent for this gold and silver which is thus forced abroad? Why the India trade? Do we derive from that trade an additional stock of materials, tools, and provisions, to maintain and employ an additional number of industrious people? Not at all. What is the result of that trade

with respect to American industry and improvement? It has no relation to it: All that we can say, is, that the country becomes deluged with ship loads of new-fangled teas, at exorbitant prices, porcelain, silks, &c. and set around with toys, nicknacks, and gewgaws, which only serve to evince the strange and fulsome ingenuity of the Chinese artist, and to swell the cascade of American consumption. Industry derives from them no refreshment: they afford no employment but to the mariner who discharges them from the vessel in which they are imported; and they run their radiant course, and expire either upon the peccadillo holders of the wanton, and lascivious, or upon the pembroke tables of the gay, and giddy. Here then is the boasted compensation for the entire surrender of our specie currency. For this we are invited, with all the fawning suavity of political adroitness to commit our future safety to the paper emission of Banks! But let us go further.
Suppose that by this means, the country should be exhausted of its gold and silver (which, when we come to estimate the floods of paper already in circulation, and the unfortunate calls for the establishment of additional Banks, will not be considered a very wild supposition) — suppose I say, a time at which the country shall be completely drained of its gold, and silver, and that at this time an important crisis should occur, which called for the utmost exertion of our national resources: in what dire consternation might we, at once, be plunged! Wholly dependent on the Banks for "the one thing needful," could the nation, or the administration, assume, and maintain a dignified and becoming stand? Would it be in their power to assert with confidence and success the rights which had been committed to their charge? In such a crisis,
"perils would abound as thick as thoughts" "Can make them, and appear" "In forms more horrid"
The tumult and disorder which such a State of things would necessarily occasion, must paralyze the operations of the different Banks (whose emissions may have exceeded the bounds of discretion) and thereby induce occasional delinquencies, more fatal in their consequences than the sword of the enemy. "An unsuccessful war in which the enemy got possession of the capital, and consequently of that treasure which supported the credit of the paper money, would occasion a much greater confusion in a country where the whole calculation was carried on by paper, than in one where the greater part of it was carried on by gold and silver, the usual instrument of commerce having lost its value, no exchanges could be made, but either by barter, or upon credit. All taxes having been usually paid in paper money, the prince would not have wherewithal either to pay his troops, or to furnish his magazines; and the state of the country would be much more irretrievable than if the greater part of its circulation had consisted in gold, and silver. A Prince, anxious to maintain his dominions at all times in the state in which he can most easily defend them, ought upon this account to guard, not only against that excessive multiplication of paper money which ruins the very Banks which issue it, but even against that multiplication of it, which enables them to fill the GREATER part of the circulation of the country with it." The infinite variety which would inevitably exist, among the different emissions of the different Banks; together with that patriotic inadvertence to every thing but the most immediate measures of defence, incident to the public mind in such conjunctures, would constitute a pledge of impunity to the forger, and embolden him in the practice, and extension of his art. Hence the credit of the only remaining pecuniary hope, the worth and efficacy of which consists entirely in credit, becomes null, and void; and the nation is at sea in a tempest rapidly verging upon an iron-bound coast, with her fails thus shivered into atoms, and scattered by the winds.
It is impossible to paint from imagination a picture of this nature, which would, in frightful appendages, equal a reality. It is much more easy for a combination of remote causes to produce their natural effect, than it is for the limited comprehension of man to anticipate, and delineate that effect. There are innumerable casualties, incident to a predominance of the paper emissions of Banks, which in certain events might conspire in the production of disastrous consequences, other than those which have been already particularised; but time forbids the notice of them; and they are therefore left for the understanding, and apprehension of the reader to conceive.
These observations are either well founded, or they are not. If they are not well founded, let it be shown wherein they are fallacious. If they are passed in silence, by the friends of the opposite side of the question, it will not be from the want either of a disposition, or the ability to object, and it may therefore be concluded that objections cannot be raised to them. Whence it will inevitably follow, that the further extension of the business of Banking will proportionably swell the promotion of prodigality, increase expence, & consumption without increasing production, or establishing any permanent fund for the support of that expence, which in every respect would be hurtful to the society; and in the event of an important, and alarming crisis, surround the government with embarrassments, and facilitate the defeat, and subjugation of the country.
I shall here terminate my remarks upon the general principle of banking business as affecting the future safety and prosperity of the country, having already by far exceeded the limits originally intended; and come down to the consideration of the utility of a third Bank in the town of Newport. A CITIZEN.
"Wealth of Nations," vol. 1. p. 401, 402. Several articles prepared for this day's paper, and necessarily deferred, will appear in due season.
NEWPORT, Thursday, Feb. 23, 1804.
On Monday next, the Honorable General Assembly of this State will meet at Providence.
London papers have been received at New-York down to the 2d of December. No event of any great moment had then transpired. The most active preparations for the invasion were, however, continually making by the French, while the usual mode of defence was zealously pursued by the English nation.
AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION. The State of New-York may now be ranked among those States who have adopted the discriminating amendment to the federal constitution. The bill for that purpose, passed the Senate with only four dissenting votes. — On the agreeing to it, in the House of Representatives, there were — yeas 79, nays 14.
Gen. ARMSTRONG & Mr. JOHN SMITH are chosen to represent the State of New-York in the Senate of the United States. The former for five years, the latter for three. Mr. Smith had the unanimous vote of both Houses — Gen. Armstrong had all the votes except 7.
In choice of Chaplains for the Legislature of New-York, six persons were chosen from different Christian denominations — a generous example of the religious liberty of this country.
Federal proceedings relative to BANKS!
In the Senate of Massachusetts, Wednesday February 8, 1804. — The Committee on applications for BANKS, having reported leave to the petitioners to bring in bills, that part of the report, which respects the petition of ASIEL SMITH, Esq. and others, for a new Bank to be called "The Town and Country Bank," was taken up, and NOT ACCEPTED!
The applications for new Banks at Gloucester and Salem shared the same fate. The report in favor of the banks at Worcester and Cohoes, were accepted; and leave given to bring in bills.
In Senate, February 15, the petitioners for Banks at Roxbury, at Nantucket, at Marblehead, at Watertown, and at Haverhill, had leave to bring in bills. Those for Banks at Concord, at Augusta, at Bath, and at Lynn, and for the "Farmers' Bank," were REJECTED!
Counterfeits. — Base Eagles, not easily to be detected by the eye, but are lighter than the genuine coins; the interior is blanched copper. — Dollars of '97 and '99, pretty well executed, though washed; but their complexion readily discovers them. — Bank Bills, of New-London Union Bank, 20 dollars, altered — of Northampton Bank, 50 dollars, from five — of Salem Bank, 50 dollars altered from ten and eight — and 5 dollar bills of New-Hampshire Bank.
Banks are supposed to be instituted to facilitate commercial business, says a Salem paper, but we find by the Boston Gazette, that their operation in that town has almost put a stop to purchases and sales.
By a very accurate and particular bill of Mortality for Portsmouth, N. H. kept by the Rev. LYMAN STALDING, it appears that the whole number of deaths in that town in 1803, was 147, (61 males, 86 females, of these 9 died of the atrophy; 31 canker-rash; 20 consumption; 11 convulsions, 13 dropsy; 13 pulmonary fever; 10 old age: — 2 over 20 years of age, 65 under. The Births for 1803 were, males 106, females 107; total 213. Portsmouth has 5000 inhabitants.
Extract of a letter from Port Republican, dated 4th January last.
"The times here are truly distressing to the inhabitants, there are 100,000 dollars to be raised this week in the following manner, 1200 dollars from each merchant of the first class; 500 from the second; 120 from the third; 40 from the fourth; and all other descriptions of people 4 dollars. Those who do not pay are immediately sent to prison."
DIED! — At South Kingstown, on Sunday last, Mrs. SALLY WATSON, consort of Mr. John Watson, and daughter of the Hon. George Brown, Esq.
At Northumberland (Penn.) on the 6th inst. Doctor JOSEPH PRIESTLY, who, had he lived to the 24th day of March next, would have attained his 71st year.
Sales at Auction.
TO-MORROW, at 10 o'clock A. M. Will be sold at the Store of Wm. C. Baen, & Co.
THEIR whole Stock in trade, without reserve: — Consisting of — Superfine Broadcloths, low priced do. — 7, 8, & 9 1/2 Blankets, Cashmere, Fearnought, Baizes, Flannels Coatings, Swansdowns — Silk, Cotton, and Worsted Hose, Calimancoes, Durants & Russells, Dimities, Diapers — 80 pieces blue India Cottons, white India do. — Cambricks, Book Muslins, Jacksonet do, black Satins, Merseilles Quiltings, strip'd Nankins and Nankinets, Bed-ticking, black and white Laces — Threads, Tapes, and Bobbins — No. 4, and 4 1/2 Pins — an assortment of Ladies' Bonnets — a great variety of Calicoes, &c. &c. — Also, 400 paid Kid and Morocco SHOES; — and a few men's very nice HATS; — with many other Articles too tedious to enumerate.
Conditions of Sale: — All purchases under 100 Dollars, to be Cash — Over 100 Dollars, 60 days: — 200 Dollars and upwards, 90 days, with an approved Endorser. GARDNER & DEAN, Auct. Newport, February 23, 1804.
War Department, Feb. 8th, Notice is hereby given,
THAT separate proposals will be received at the office of the Secretary for the Department of War, until the eighteenth day of May next ensuing, for the supply of all rations which may be required for the use of the United States, from the 1st day of October, 1804, until the 30th day of September, 1805, both days inclusive at the following places, viz.
First At Niagara, Detroit, Michilimackinac, Chicago, Fort Wayne, the post on the Miami of the Lakes, and at any place or places, where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the State of Ohio; and at any place or places within the Indiana territory north of the 41st degree of north latitude.
Second. At South West Point, Tellico, Knoxville, Nashville, and within the Cherokee nation between Tennessee and Georgia, and on the Tennessee river, and on the road between the said river and Nashville, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the States of Tennessee and Kentucky.
Third. At the garrison near Vincennes, on the river Wabash.
Fourth. At Fort Massac, near the mouth of the Ohio, Kaskaskia, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the Indiana territory, south of the 41st degree of north latitude, (Vincennes excepted.)
Fifth. At St. Louis, New Madrid, and any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited in Louisiana, north of the settlements on the river Arkansas.
Sixth. At Chikafaw Bluffs, Arkansas, Natchez, Fort Adams, Fort Stoddard on the Mobile, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the Mississippi territory, and on the road between Natchez and the Tennessee river, (the post on said river excepted.)
Seventh. At New Orleans, and any place or places on the Mississippi river, below Fort Adams, and at Opelousas Natchitoches, and at any other place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited in Louisiana, not before mentioned, or provided for.
Separate proposals will also be received as aforesaid, for the supply of all rations, which may be required for the use of the United States, from the first day of January, 1805, until the 31st day of December of the same year, both days inclusive, within the several States herein after mentioned, viz.
Eighth. At Fort Wilkinson, Cockspur Island, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the State of Georgia, and on the Indian boundary between Georgia and the Creek nation.
Ninth. At Charleston, Rocky Mountain, on the head waters of the Santee, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the States of South and North Carolina.
Tenth. At Norfolk, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the State of Virginia.
Eleventh. At Fort M'Henry, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the State of Maryland and the district of Columbia.
Twelfth. At Fort Mifflin, Pittsburgh, Carlisle, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the States of Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, and Delaware.
Thirteenth. At Fort Jay, West Point, Albany, Schenectady, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the State of New-York, (Niagara excepted.)
Fourteenth. At Fort Trumbull, Fort Wolcott, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the States of Connecticut, Rhode-Island and Vermont.
Fifteenth. At Fort Independence, (Boston harbor) and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the State of Massachusetts, (the district of Maine excepted.)
Sixteenth. At Portsmouth, Portland, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the State of New-Hampshire and the district of Maine.
A ration to consist of one pound and one quarter of beef or three quarters of a pound of pork, eighteen ounces of bread or flour, one gill of rum, whiskey or brandy, and at the rate of two quarts of salt, four quarts of vinegar, four pounds of soap, and one pound and one half of candles, to every hundred rations. The prices of the several component parts of the ration should be specified; but the United States reserve the right of making such alterations in the price of the component parts of the ration aforesaid as shall make the price of each part thereof bear a just proportion to the proposed price for the whole ration.
The rations are to be furnished in such quantities, that there shall at all times, during the term of the proposed contract, be sufficient for the consumption of the troops at Michilimackinac, Detroit, Niagara and Chicago for six months in advance, and at each of the other posts on the western waters for at least three months in advance, of good and wholesome provisions, if the same shall be required. It is also to be permitted to all and every of the Commandants of fortified places or posts to call for at seasons when the same can be transported, or at any time in the case of urgency such supplies of like provisions in advance, as in the discretion of the Commandant shall be deemed proper.
It is to be understood that the contractor is to be at the expense and risk of issuing the supplies to the troops, and that all losses sustained by the depredation of an enemy, or by means of
the United States, shall be paid by the United States at the rate of the articles consumed or more person, on the deposition of a credible character, and the amount of the articles for which compensation shall be claimed.
Privilege is reserved to be referred to the States of requiring that none of the contracts, shall be issued until the supplies which have been or may be furnished under contracts now in force, have been consumed, and that a supply in advance may be always required at any of the fixed posts on the Sea board or Indian frontiers, not exceeding three months. H. DEARBORN, Secretary of War.
DANCING SCHOOL.
M. CARPENTIER has the honor to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Newport, that he will commence another quarter, on Thursday, the first of March ensuing. February 23, 1804. The French language taught as usual.
JOSEPH BRIGGS
HAS for sale, 50 barrels best mess and prime PORK and BEEF. — Also, a few Hhds. first quality retailing MOLASSES. Newport, February 23. 177.
Kitchen & Flower GARDEN SEEDS
Just imported from London, by the Ship Commerce (via New-York) warranted to be of the last year's growth, and have every appearance of being genuine, for sale by MARY DUNBAR, Opposite Mr. George Gibbs's.
  PEASE:  Scarlet & blood Beet    EARLY TURNER  Orange Carrot    Early Charlton  Large Parsnip    Blue Persian  Scarlet Onion    Green Marrowfat  Early-frame Cucumber    Dwarf Spanish Sugar.  Long Prickley do.    BEANS:  Bush & long neck Squash    Large Windsor  Annual FLOWERS:    White Bush.  Purple Egg Plant    CABBAGE:  White do.    Early Dwarf May  Purple Jacobaea    Early Sugar Loaf  White do. & Ice-Plant    Early Yorkshire  Sweet Alyssum    Early Cauliflower  Amaranthus Tricolor    Large Battersea  Mignonette    Large Dutch Red  Purple Candy-Tuft    Green Savoy  Double Balsam    Yellow do.  Cyanus minor    LETTUCE:  Summer Cypress    Early Cabbage  China Pink    Tennis Ball & Silesia.  Rose Larkspur    RADISH:  Sweet Marvel of Peru    Early Short-Top  Rose & Yellow Lupins    Early Salmon  Mix'd Sweet Sultan    And Long Scarlet.  Mix'd China Aster     Mix'd Sweet Pease.    Sweet Marjoram  Biennial and Perennial    Thyme and Sage  FLOWERS:    Summer Savory  Bloody Wall-Flower    Lavender & Angelica  Yellow do.    Curl'd Parsley  Sweet Rockets    Burnet & curl'd Cress  Sweet William    Solid Celery  Honesty & Carnation    Broad-leav'd Spinage  Pheasant-eyed Pink    Prickley-leav'd do.  Canterbury Bells.    White Mustard  ROOTS:    Nasturtium  Ranunculus    Asparagus  Ananconca.    Early Dutch Turnip   
Also, an Assortment of American SEEDS, the growth of this State. Newport, Feb. 23, 1804. 10w
CORK-SOLE SHOES
John M. Mansfield
HAS just received a supply of Cork-Sole SHOES, made to lace. — He has also just received a supply of Morocco, Kid, and Leather SHOES, of almost every description. Newport, February 23.
State of Rhode-Island, &c. &c. Jan. 16th, 1804.
THE Creditors of John Banister, jun. of Newport, are hereby notified to appear, if they think fit, at the General Assembly to be held at Providence on the fourth Monday of February next, then and there to show cause, if any they may have, why his petition for the benefit of an Act passed June, A. D. 1756, for the relief of insolvent debtors, ought not to be granted. B. HAZARD, Dep. Sec'y.
To be Sold at Public Auction,
(if not previously disposed of at private sale) on MONDAY the 12th of March next, at one o'clock P. M. (if fair weather, if not the first fair day)
ALL the right and title which Peleg Allen died possessed of, to a certain real estate in Middletown, containing between fifty and sixty acres of valuable land, with the buildings and orcharding thereon. — Said land is suitable for corn, barley, and oats; also for meadow and pasturing, and is well watered. — An indisputable title will be given. — The conditions of sale will be made known at the time and place of sale, which will be on the premises.
N. B. Possession will be given on the 25th of March next.
ELIZABETH ALLEN, Adm'x. THOMAS C. ALLEN, Adm'r. Middletown, Feb. 10, 1804.
"MERCHANTS' BANK."
For Sale at this Office, a few copies of a Pamphlet, entitled, "Remarks on the Merchants' Bank, submitted to the Legislature of the State of New-York." — Price 25 Cts.

The following elegant Ode, translated from the Latin, was sung at the late Festival in Washington City, on celebrating the glorious event of the acquisition of Louisiana.
FAX BELLO POTIOR. ALMIGHTY Jove, thy Suppliants hear, Indulgent grant our ardent prayer; May smiling Peace, with olive wand, Long scatter Blessings o'er the Land, And give to grateful Men the power Of wisely using ev'ry hour.
Where Peace extends her sicken wing, The Graces sport, the Muses sing; There Trade expands the fl'wing sail, And Commerce courts the breathing gale; There Justice sacred Vigil keeps To guard the couch where Virtue sleeps.
But where the thund'ring God of war Spreads havoc round in blond stain'd car, Religion feels the gloomy shade And drooping Justice hangs her head, And Virtue loses all her charms Amid the horrid din of Arms.
To JEFFERSON, belov'd of Heav'n, May golden Peace be ever giv'n, And when Death at last shall come, To lay him in the silent tomb, May weeping Angels gather near, And Laurels strew around his bier, And waft him on the wings of love, To everlasting Peace above.
WASHINGTON CITY, February 3.
On Tuesday evening last, the public joy on the acquisition of LOUISIANA, was expressed by a BALL given at the assembly rooms of George Town, by a number of the MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. This Assembly was by far the most numerous & brilliant which has ever met in this district. The walls of the room were on this occasion decorated with festoons of Laurel. At the east end, in the centre, was placed a transparent portrait of the President of the United States, surrounded by the banners of several of our military corps. All the windows of the House were illuminated, and from its high situation, at the angle of one of the principal streets, the extent of its front, and the reflection of the snow, the effect and brilliancy of the illumination, were great, and extended to a considerable distance.
Two rooms were opened for dancing, and when the tickets were drawn, above 130 Ladies, and twice that number of Gentlemen were assembled. During the ball, about 200 Ladies, and near 300 Gentlemen were present, and notwithstanding the extreme pressure of so large a company, the most perfect good order, and the highest flow of hilarity were kept up, without being interrupted by any apparent efforts of management, every difference of opinion or contrariety of intention being melted into one single and unanimous sentiment of social and patriotic joy. Too much credit cannot, on this account, be given to the Managers, for their watchful attention to the course of the entertainment.
Such an occasion, and such feelings, cannot, in the course of the history of a nation occur frequently. The plain unadorned walls of our rooms, the want of that splendor, and of that admiration which painting, and gilding, and all the artful scenery of architecture can produce, and the still plainer equality of our manners, may, perhaps, to a foreign eye, and to foreign habits, place the grade of such a public festival far below the spectacles that celebrate the achievements of Warriors, or the peace that only suspends the career of destruction. But when humanity rejoices in the extension of the empire of freedom, and of peace, the superficial effects of the arts of the painter, and of the gilder, vanish before the splendor of the event, and put place and form out of consideration.
The Senate have, for some days past, been engaged on the bill for the government of Louisiana. After a debate of considerable length, it has been decided—Yeas 22—Nays 7—to prohibit the importation into Louisiana of slaves from all foreign countries. We flatter ourselves that this important principle will be confirmed by the ultimate vote of the two Houses, and that Congress will thereby evince an unabating spirit to exert every legitimate power, with which they are invested, to rescue the national character from its greatest degradation, and save the people they represent from the deepest evils which futurity might otherwise have in store for them.
Nat. Intel.
LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. An elegant edition of the Miscellaneous Works of DAVID HUMPHREYS, late Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to the Court of Madrid, is now in preparation by Messrs. GILBERT and DEAN, of Boston; to whom in consequence of their being among the greatest sufferers in the late fire in that town the copy right has been by the author gratuitously conceded.
Dry Goods for Cash only.
THE Subscriber intending to quit the business of business at present pursues, has marked all his Goods, including a box of Hats assorted, at not exceeding 5 per cent. (the usual profit being 20 per cent.) on cost, by retail many less, and some at cost.
A large quantity of the above Goods, especially Broad Cloths and other Woolens, were purchased at a very low advance, upon the sterling cost.
He likewise offers for Sale or Lease, his Estate, situate on Thames-Street (formerly the property of James Sheffield ). For terms, apply to EBENEZER SHEARMAN, or JOHN R. SHEARMAN. Newport, Dec. 22, 1803. 67tf.
Island Bridge.
THE subscribers, having been appointed a committee, to advertise for proposal, for rebuilding the Bridge at Howland's ferry, publish the following, to wit:
The distance from one abutment to the other, is 76 1/2 feet.—The average depth of water upon the stone already thrown in, from the western abutment to the draw, is 2 1/2 feet at low water.—From the eastern abutment to the draw, which is 140 feet, is 8 feet on an average at low water.—The draw to be 16 feet water, 24 feet wide.—The western side of the draw to be filled up with stone promiscuously thrown in, until they can be levelled off to the width of 40 feet, 2 feet below high water.—The abutment on the east side to be built out to the draw, with suitable stone.—A wall is to be built on each side the base, 6 feet high, 8 feet wide at the bottom, and 6 feet at the top, with large split hammer-dressed stone, to be perpendicular on the inside, with a slope facing the sea. The passage for carriages, which is to be 20 feet wide, to be filled up with small stone, 2 feet above high water and levelled off with gravel.—The abutments at the draw are to be built of the same kind of stone as the side walls, not less than 6 feet long, 1 foot thick, and 18 inches wide, secured with composition bolts at the corners, to be sunk in courses of 40 feet long and 12 wide. The draw to be constructed of timber and plank upon the most approved model—and railing to be placed on the outside walls, supported by iron standards, secured in the stone on the top of the wall. The whole to be completed in the year 1805.
Any persons desirous to contract for the whole, or in part, agreeable to the above statement, will please to send in their proposals sealed, to either of the subscribers.
HENRY SHERBURNE, DANIEL LYMAN, JOHN L. BOWD, CHRISTOPHER FOWLER, } Committee. WILLIAM R. ROBINSON, AUDLEY CLARK. Newport, Feb. 16, 1804.
No BLANKS in this Lottery.
For the Promotion of LITERATURE.
SCHEME OF THE Washington Academy Lottery.
THE following Scheme of a Lottery, for the benefit of this Public Institution, established at Wickford, in the State of Rhode-Island, is offered to the public, whose patronage is requested. There are no blanks. The prizes subject to a deduction of 16 & 2/3 per cent (from whence the benefit to the institution arises.) The price of a Ticket is five dollars, of which only one half is to be paid on the purchase of it, the other half to be considered as a part of any prize the ticket may draw, and shall be deducted from the same on payment thereof. This Lottery is made pursuant to an act of the Honorable General Assembly, granting Five Thousand Dollars to be raised for the use of WASHINGTON ACADEMY, in North-Kingstown, and bonds have been given according to law.
  SCHEME.    2 Prizes of 1000 dollars are 1000 1000  2 500 1000  1 250 250  10 100 1000  25 50 1250  20 25 500  100 20 2000  140 10 1400  200 8 1600  500 6 3000  500 5 2500  4500 3 13500  
6,000 Tickets at 5 dollars each are 30,000
The following persons are appointed to sell Tickets, viz.
Jabez Denison, at the Newport Insurance Office, Jacob Richardson, Post-Master, and William R. Wilder, in Newport.
William Wilkinson, and William Larned, in Providence.
Daniel E. Updike, Philip Tillinghast, William Hammond, jun. in Wickford.
James Helme, in South-Kingstown.
Joshua Bicknell, in Barrington.
Nathaniel Phillips, Post Master, in Warren.
William Rhodes, in Westerly.
Jeremiah Thurston, in Hopkinton.
It is hoped the sale will be so rapid, as to permit the drawing to take place in a short time, of which notice will be given.
By order and in behalf of the Trustees.
DANIEL E. UPDIKE, Secretary.
Washington Academy, 15th Feb. 1804.
TICKETS in the above Lottery, may be had at this Office.
TO THE PUBLIC.
Newport, Long-Wharf No. 12.
Keyes & Brigham,
HAVE now for sale, and of the first quality, by a large or small quantity, whole and half barreled prime mss, mss and prime Beef, mss and prime Pork, Lard, Hams, bar Soap, mould and dip tallow Candles. Also, corned and fresh Beef.
Gentlemen desirous of being accommodated with the best of provisions, by calling at said Store, will meet the greatest encouragement. April 23, 1803.
For Sale at this Office, BONNET PAPERS of the nicest kind, by wholesale or retail.—Also,
PLAYING CARDS of the first quality, per dozen or single pack.
Banks, or Sealers of Weights,
MAY be furnished with GOLD STANDARDS AND BALANCES, by applying to BENJAMIN DEARBORN, near the western end of the Theatre, Boston. Gentlemen who may contemplate ordering those instruments, may receive information respecting the different kinds and prices, by applying as above; and a knowledge of their accuracy can be obtained from any of the Banks in Boston, Portsmouth in New-Hampshire, Newport, in Rhode-Island, or almost any in the State of Massachusetts.
HYDROSTATIC BALANCES, For detecting Counterfeit Coins, and for ascertaining the proportion of alloy in coins which are more or less valuable than the American Standard, are furnished as above.
The process with this instrument, is rendered so peculiarly simple, by an improvement heretofore unknown, that it is rarely necessary to make a single figure, either for proving a Coin to be counterfeit, or for calculating the sum at which a foreign Coin should be undervalued, or over rated, in consequence of a greater or less proportion of alloy, than is admitted in the American Standard for Gold and Silver. Boston, February 10, 1804.
Sales at Auction.
TO be sold at public auction, on the 5th of March (March) at the 10th hour in the morning, if fair weather, if not the first fair day, fifty acres of land, the greater part good for tillage, lying in Jamestown, the property of the subscriber, at the house formerly the property of Joseph Wanton. Also will be sold at the same time, a quantity of stock, consisting of cows, oxen, sheep and young cattle. Conditions of sale to be made known at the time and place. ARNOLD WEEDEN. Jamestown, 16th Feb. 1803.
NICOLAS GEFFROY,
HAS constantly on hand, an elegant assortment of warranted, and common English, & Geneva Watches & Timepieces, which he will sell on reasonable terms.—He also carries on the Goldsmith's & Silversmith's business in all its branches, & will make, or repair, any kind of Jewellery, in the neatest fashion.
He has likewise for Sale, Wholesale and Retail, all kinds of Jewellery, imported and of the latest fashion; officers' gold and silver epaulets; plated and brass candlesticks; plated and Britannia tea-pots; dirks, small swords and bayonets; plated butts, stirrups & spurs; tea-trays; cafés and adams, bowl and tongs; cutlery ware of all kinds; night and day spy-glasses; ladies and gentlemen's pocket-knives; dressing-glasses; pincers; trifles; horse-rubbs; razors; Hopkin's famous razor-strops; best Beaver hats; perfumery of all kinds, from London and Paris; hair-powder; flasks; best Mackabau & Scotch snuff; and a great variety of other articles, too numerous to insert in an Advertisement.
In addition to the above, he has received by the latest importations, a great variety of articles in his line, among which are, Gentlemen's fowling-pieces, double and single-barrel'd; a variety of musical instruments and books; elegant tea-urns; looking-glasses; Jewellery of various kinds and fashions; spectacles of various prices from 6/ to 30/ per pair; elegant gold RINGS & breast PINS, inlaid with pearl, CASH, and the highest price, given for Old Gold and Silver.
SAIL-MAKING.
THE subscribers having entered into partnership, under the firm of Dunham and Spooner, hereby inform the Public, that they carry on the Sail-Making business, in its various branches at their Sail Loft, on the wharf of the late Gen. John Malbone, at the South part of the town. Those who may favor them with their custom, may depend on punctuality and dispatch. All favors will be gratefully acknowledged, by CHARLES C. DUNHAM, WING SPOONER, ad. Newport, April 3, 1802. 79tf.
WHEREAS the Court of probate for the town of North-Kingstown, having appointed the subscribers, Commissioners, to receive and examine the claims of the creditors to the estate of SAMUEL HUNT, Esq. late of North-Kingstown, deceased, represented insolvent:—All persons having any demands against said estate, are hereby notified to exhibit the same to either of the subscribers, at our respective dwellings, within twelve months from the date hereof, that being the time allowed by said court.
GEORGE THOMAS, } Commis.
BENJAMIN SMITH, } Commissioners.
All persons indebted to the above estate, are desired to make immediate payment to
JEREMIAH HUNT of Newport, North-Kingstown, April 21, 1803. 138
CASH,
And the HIGHEST price given for Cotton & Linen RAGS, Sail Cloth, and Junk, at this Office.
WANTED.
A N active Boy, about 12 or 13 years of age, as an Apprentice to the Hair-Dresser's business. One from the country will be preferred.—Enquire at this Office. Newport, Jan. 4, 1804. 70
To be Sold or Let,
ONE Lot of land, lying eastward of Mr. Francis Brindley's Ropewalk. Apply to SAMUEL F. GARDNER.
WRITING-PAPER, By the Ream or Quire, for sale at this Office.
Commercial Information.
OFFICIAL. Don JOSEPH WISEMAN, Vice-Consul of His Catholic Majesty, for the State of Rhode-Island, &c. &c. &c.
ROYAL ORDER.
IN order that there may be an uniformity in the certificates of the growth of foreign merchandise required by the Royal Order of the 19th of November, 1802. His Majesty has been pleased to order, that in every instance in which there shall be no Consul of his Majesty in the port of the growth or manufacture whence produce or manufacture, intended to be imported into the peninsula and adjacent islands, and there should be any in the ports through which the same are laden, their certificates be brought with the same, proving the growth or manufacture thereof; but in case none should be established in either, the certificates of the Municipalities, Justices, Councils or Governors of the port or province to that effect, will be sufficient.
This order is to be understood as extending not only to the estate of the Emperor of Germany, those of Russia, of the Kings of Sweden and Denmark from whom representations, on the subject have been received, but to all the other powers similarly circumstanced.
And I communicate the said Royal Order to you, that it may be carried into effect. God preserve you, &c. Aranjuez, 18th June, 1803.
The following is the Royal Order alluded to:—
"The King has been pleased to order as a general rule, that in all the Custom-Houses in his Kingdom, certificates shall be required, that prove the exportation or origin of all foreign merchandise intended to be imported into this peninsula; the said certificate to be given by the Consuls of his Majesty resident in the respective provinces or departments, to which district the articles of produce or goods so certified shall have belonged. And in cases where no Consul shall be there residing then to be granted by them at the ports of exportation, with this general condition—that for each separate article and owner, a certificate must be produced, specifying the number of packages or chests therein contained. And again, that separate certificates will be required for every different article and owner according to the diversity of the articles, or the marks of the packages, chests or owners. And in every instance of contravening this order the goods shall be confiscated."
"Given at Aranjuez, November 19th, 1802, and transmitted to the Royal Chamber of commerce of Cadiz, by the Minister of Finance. "SOLER."
THE Hon. Court of Probate for the town of Westerly, have appointed the subscribers to receive, and examine the claims, as Commissioners to the estate of Ysaya Kinyon , late of Westerly, deceased, represented insolvent:—Give Notice, that six months having been allowed by the said Court from the 26th of September last past, for the above purpose, and that we shall attend upon said business at the dwelling house of Sylvester Garet , Esq. in said Westerly, on the first Monday of January, February, and March, at 9 o'clock, A. M. No accounts will be received unless properly attested to.
THOMAS HOXIE, } Commis.
THOMAS NOYES, } Commissioners.
All persons indebted to said estate, are requested to make immediate payment to
MARY KINYON, } Adminis.
ISRAEL CHAPMAN, } trators.
LUTHER PALMER, AMOS CROSS, Westerly, Oct. 20, 1803. 159-6m
Benjamin Wightman, & Co.
HAVE for Sale, at their Store on the Ferry Wharf, a general assortment of Groceries, Ship Chandlery, Hard Ware, &c. which they will dispose of, on reasonable terms, by Wholesale or Retail. Among which are the following Articles:
  Holland Gin, Cassia,  West-India Rum, Allum, Snuff,  Brandy, Wool & Cotton  Brown Sugar, Cards,  Souchong & Bohea Tobacco,  Tea, Cotton Wool,  Coffee, Ginger, Sheep's do.  Pepper, Pimento, German Steel,  Starch, N. Y. Soap, Nails assorted,  Mustard, Copperas, Glass Ware,  Sherry & Malaga Cheese by the large  Wines, or small quantity,  Superfine Flour by the Cordage, Codfish,  Barrel, Candles, &c. &c.  
THOMAS VOAX,
SUGAR-REFINER,
Has for sale, South end Thames-Street,
LOAF SUGAR—LUMP ditto—MOLASSES—and SYRUP.
Also, a constant supply of West-India and Refined Brown SUGAR, in barrels and bags, suitable for the use of families.
FOR SALE BY
SAMUEL VERNON, jun.
FRESH superfine Richmond FLOUR,—a few Hhds. of James River sweet scented mountain TOBACCO,—Cognac Brandy,—Holland Geneva,—Verdigrease,—and Loaf SUGAR. Newport, Feb. 9, 1804. 75
SHERRY WINES.
THE subscriber has just received from Boston, a few quarter-casks of Sherry Wine, of a very good quality, which he will sell on reasonable terms.—Likewise, Boston Chocolate, warranted, No. 1 and 2. NATHAN B. MILLER. Newport, Dec. 26. 69