Gazette of the United-States. (New-York [N.Y.]), 1791-01-08 00:00:00

John DeGuz B. Green [—697—] Gazette of the United States.
PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS BY JOHN FENNO, No. 69, HIGH-STREET, BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD STREETS, PHILADELPHIA.
[No. 73, of Vol. II.]
SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 1791.
[Whole No. 177.]
L O N D O N, Oct. 12.
LETTERS from Frankfort say, that the Assembly met there for the election of an Emperor, has ordered,
That all books, pamphlets and writings attacking or reflecting on Sovereigns, or their governments, shall be prohibited under the most rigorous penalties, the authors of them prosecuted criminally, the booksellers and distributors fined 200 ducats for the first offence, and for the second punished with confiscation of goods.
The approaching dissolution of the present National Assembly, and the consequent general election that will take place throughout France, will be the true epocha for the permanent establishment or final destruction of the liberties of that country.
The latest seeds of the revolution in France may be said to have been germinating upwards of five and twenty years; that is to say, from the most alarming convulsion by the sentence of banishment being pronounced by the King against the Members of his parliaments, in consequence of their having refused to register, and remonstrating against the injustice of his arbitrary edicts. On this occasion he told his Parliaments, that he would not suffer an association to be formed in his kingdom, which might grow into a confederacy of resistance; and that his coronation oath was not, as they vainly supposed, an oath made to the nation, but to God alone, to whom only he was accountable.
On Sunday last a gentleman, whose curiosity had induced him to examine the internal parts of St. Paul's Church, mislead himself, by the multiplicity of passages into the North front tower [corresponding to that where the clock is placed] and from which he was unable again to find his way. There he remained till Monday in the afternoon, when by tying his waistcoat and handkerchief to a stick, and repeatedly waving them, for at that height his voice could not be heard, he attracted the notice of some workmen in the church yard. Accompanied by a verger, they went to his assistance, but, from the intricacy of the passages, had almost bewildered themselves in their return. At the moment of his release, his wife came into the church yard, almost frantic with the apprehension of his having experienced some fatal accident.
Though in Europe and America the ordinary colour for mourning is black, yet in China, it is white; in Turkey it is blue; in Egypt it is yellow; in Ethiopia brown. Each country has its reasons for each particular colour; black denotes the privation of life, as being the privation of light; white denotes purity; blue expresses the felicity which the deceased is wished to enjoy; yellow, that death is the end of all human hopes in regard to leaves that fall, and flowers that fade; and brown denotes the earth in which the deceased is deposited. The ancient Spartan and Roman ladies used to mourn in white.
FROM THE COLUMBIAN CENTINEL.
B O S T O N, December 25.
Those who rejoice in the prosperity of their country, must feel a pleasure on reading the SPEECH of our beloved PRESIDENT, which no language can fully describe. The prospects it holds out to the citizens of the United States, are highly flattering; and it more than realizes the anticipations of the friends of the general government. May AMERICA be wise, and justly estimate the blessings of her highly favored situation. In the splendor of her rising beams, the damps, the fogs of anarchy, sedition and every evil work, die away, and are exhaled into nothingness. The oppressed of the elder world will seek an asylum in this last retreat of liberty and her attendants—and founded on the rock of union, the world shall see our country,
"To glory, wealth and fame ascend— Her commerce rise, her realms extend; Where now the Panther guards his den— Her desert forests swarm with men— Her cities, tow'rs, and columns rise, And dazzling temples meet the skies; Her pines descending to the main In triumph spread the wat'ry plain, Ride inland lakes with fav'ring gales, And crowd her ports with whit'ning sails, 'Till to the skirts of western day, The peopled regions own her sway."
Accounts from the West-Indies mention, that Count Damas had been reduced to such extremities as to solicit assistance from the Governors of the English islands. The same accounts add, that the British Governors had denied his request.
N E W - Y O R K, January 4.
By a letter from Judge Morris, of New-Jersey, a vessel which appears to have been the Schooner Unity, Captain Barker, from Ocracoke Sound, which place she left on the 18th December last, for New-York, was found on shore at Deal, in the county of Monmouth, bottom upwards, on Monday the 27th December. Part of her cargo had been pillaged through a hole cut in her bottom, the remainder was secured by the sheriff, consisting of 57 cales of
wine, 6 casks, and a barrel or two of flaxseed, and about 5500 hhd and barrel staves. The wine was shipped by Capt. Thomas Cox, lately arrived at Edenton from Bordeaux, and consigned to Messrs. Bound and Co. of New-York, as appears by a letter found in the vessel. Four men, rather better dressed than seamen, the sheriff informed Judge Morris, were driven ashore about a mile to the southward of the wreck.
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
T U E S D A Y, Jan. 4.
The following RESOLUTIONS, as the basis of a bill for the establishment of a LAND-OFFICE for the sale of the unappropriated lands in the Western Territory, were passed the house.
THAT it is expedient that a general land office be established and opened at the seat of the government of the United States.
That two subordinate land offices be established and opened, one in the government northwest of the Ohio, and the other in the government south of the Ohio.
That all contracts for the sale of land above the quantity of _____ acres, shall be exclusively made at the general land office.
That no land shall be sold, except such in respect to which the titles of the Indian tribes shall have been previously extinguished.
That the seven ranges already surveyed be sold in lots as laid out.
That any quantities may be sold by special contract, comprehended either within natural boundaries or lines, or both. But no survey shall in any case be made on a river or watercourse, but in the proportion of _____ chains back from such river or watercourse, for every chain along the bank or course thereof.
That the price shall be thirty cents per acre.
That warrants for military service be put on the same footing with warrants issuing from the land office, and that the exclusive right of locating the same in districts set apart for the army, cease after the _____ day of _____.
That no credit shall be given for any quantity less than a township of ten miles square, nor more than two years credit for any quantity.
That in every instance of credit, at least one quarter part of the consideration shall be paid down, and security, other than the land itself, shall be required for the residue. And that no title shall be given for any tract or part of a purchase beyond the quantity for which the consideration shall be actually paid.
That the _____ of each subordinate office shall have the management of all sales, and the issuing of warrants for all locations in the tracts to be set apart for the accommodation of individual settlers, subject to the superintendency of the commissioners of the general land-office, who may also commit to them the management of any other sales or locations which it may be found expedient to place under their direction.
That preference be given, for a limited time, to those actual settlers, whose titles are not secured by the former governments of that country, and the existing ordinances and acts of Congress.
That there shall be a surveyor general, who shall have power to appoint a deputy surveyor-general in each of the western governments, and a competent number of deputy surveyors to execute in person all warrants to them directed by the surveyor-general or deputy surveyor-generals within certain districts to be assigned to them respectively. That the surveyor-general shall also have in charge all the duties committed to the geographer-general by the several resolutions and ordinances of Congress.
That all warrants issued at the general land-office, shall be signed by _____ and shall be directed to the surveyor-general. That all warrants issued at a subordinate office, shall be signed by _____ and shall be directed to the deputy surveyor-general within the government. The priority of locations upon warrants shall be determined by the times of the applications to the deputy surveyors: and in case of two applications for the same land at one time, the priority may be determined by lot.
That the Treasurer of the United States shall be the receiver of payments for sales made at the general land-office, and may also receive deposits of money for purchases intended to be made at the subordinate offices, his receipts or certificates for which shall be received in payment at those offices.
That the secretary of each of the western governments, shall be the receiver of all payments arising from sales at the office of such government.
That controversies concerning rights to patents or grants of land, shall be determined by the _____ of that office, under whose immediate direction or jurisdiction the locations in respect to which they may arise, shall have been made.
That the _____ of the general land-office, surveyor-general, deputy-surveyors-general, and the _____ of the land-office in each of the western governments, shall not purchase nor shall others purchase for them in trust, any public lands.
That the secretaries of the western governments shall give security for the faithful execution of their duty, as receivers of the land office.
That all patents shall be signed by the President of the United States and shall be recorded in the office of the Secretary of State.
That all officers acting under the laws establishing the land-office, shall make oath or affirmation faithfully to discharge their respective duties, previously to their entering upon the execution thereof.
That all surveys of land shall be at the expence of the purchasers or grantees.
That the fees shall not exceed certain rates to be specified in the law, affording equitable compensation for the services of the surveyors, and establishing reasonable and customary charges for patents and other office papers, for the benefit of the United States.
That the _____ of the general land-office, shall as soon as may be, from time to time, cause all the rules and regulations which they may establish to be published in one gazette, at least, in each state, and in each of the western governments where there is a gazette, for the information of the citizens of the United States.
W E D N E S D A Y, Jan. 5.
[It should have been noticed in our last that the bill for the relief of Shubael Swaine was read the third time, on Tuesday and passed.]
The bill more effectually to provide for the national defence by establishing a uniform militia throughout the United States, was read the second time, and referred to the committee of the whole house on Wednesday next—100 copies were ordered to be printed.
A message was received from the Senate, informing the house, that they have passed the bill to provide for the unlading of goods, wares and merchandise, in cases of obstruction by ice.
The house agreeable to the order of the day resolved itself into a committee of the whole, and took into consideration the bill, repealing after a certain time, the act laying duties on distilled spirits, &c. and imposing others in their stead.
Mr. Boudinot in the chair.
Mr. Parker moved that the whole bill should be again read. This was objected to, as a needless expence of the time of the committee, especially as the substance of the bill had been printed. Mr. Parker insisting on his motion, and the rules of conducting business in the committee of the whole, being called for and read, the opposition to reading the bill was withdrawn.
The bill being read through, and the first paragraph being repeated by the Chairman,
Mr. Jackson moved to strike out the essential part of the first clause. He stated his objections at large against the principles of the bill—and reprobated the funding system, and an excise in particular, as an auxiliary to it.
The tenor of his observations were to shew that this mode of taxation was odious, unequal, unpopular and oppressive—more particularly in the Southern States—In which he observed, its unequal operation would be most sensibly felt, as the citizens of those States have no alternative to adopt, by which they can diminish the weight of the tax—no breweries, or orchards, to furnish a substitute for spirituous liquors—hence they become a necessary article. He contended that they were not only necessary, but salutary in the southern regions: This he said had been ac-

acknowledged by an eastern author, Mr. Morse, an authority which he presumed would not be disputed by the northern gentlemen, especially when it was considered he was a clergyman. Mr. Morse declares that grog is a necessary article of drink in the southern States.
Mr. Jackson took notice of the petition of the college of physicians, which had been lately read in the house on the subject of distilled spirits. He disapproved highly of their interfering in the business. He thought they might with equal propriety, interpose their offices to prevent the use of many other articles which were deemed pernicious or of a poisonous quality—He instanced mushrooms —They might petition Congress to pass a law interdicting the use of ketchup , because some ignorant persons had been poisoned by eating mushrooms.
Mr. Jackson then gave a short sketch of the history of excises in England. He said they always had been considered by the people of that country as an odious tax, from the time of Oliver Cromwell, to the present day—even Blackstone, a high prerogative lawyer, has reprobated them. He said, he hoped this country would take warning by the experience of the people of Great-Britain—and not sacrifice their liberties by wantonly contracting debts which would render it necessary to burthen the people by such taxes as would swallow up their privileges. We are, said he, too much in the habit of imitating that country—and I plainly perceive that the time will come, when a shirt shall not be washed without an excise.
He then expatiated on the unequal operation of excises—and instanced the experience of this State. A few counties, said he, approximate to the capital, have borne the weight of the whole—while the distant parts of the State did not feel the burthen—and by an induction of several particulars, he shewed its unequal operation in the southern States. It will, said he, deprive the mass of the people of almost the only luxury they enjoy, that of distilled spirits. He did not see the necessity of passing this law the present session. The amount of the produce of the duties laid the last session, is not yet known—nor is it yet ascertained whether the citizens will subscribe to the assumption. Let us not lay a tax for a purpose, which may never exist—for my part, said he, I hope they never will subscribe. He then adverted to the excess of the duties already laid, and the probability of a great encrease of that excess—and urged the propriety of waiting at least another quarter to see what that excess may amount to.
These observations he enforced by recurring to the recent transactions of the States of Maryland, Virginia, and North-Carolina—and he expected to hear very shortly that the Assembly of Georgia had expressed similar opinions with the latter States on the business of the assumption.
He concluded by expressing a general disapprobation of the various parts of the bill.
M. Parker said he had seconded the motion of the gentleman from Georgia not because he was more averse to this particular clause, than to the subsequent parts of the bill. He exceedingly disliked the several provisions contained in it.
He then adverted to the general process of the revenue business the last session—and observing on the conduct of the mercantile interest, to which so much credit had been given, said, he thought they were not entitled to the liberal encomiums which had been bestowed on them for their promptitude in paying the duties, as the certainty and increase of the revenue, had served to enhance the value of the public securities, of which it is well known, they hold a very considerable proportion.
He then touched on the subsequent parts of the bill, which he reprobated, as hostile to the liberties of the people—as contrary to the general sentiment, not only as partial and unequal, in the mode of assessment, but particularly on account of the mode of collecting the tax. It will, said he, convulse the government—it will let loose a swarm of harpies, who, under the denomination of revenue officers, will range thro' the country, prying into every man's house and affairs—and like a Macedonian phalanx bear down all before them—And tho' the government has proceeded with a degree of prosperity and success beyond the most sanguine expectations, yet he very much doubted the policy of trying its strength by an experiment of this nature.
Recurring to the actual and probable produce of the duties already laid, he attempted to shew that the additional sum of upwards of 800,000 dollars contemplated to be raised by this bill, is not necessary.
He controverted the policy of the measure, and contended, that it would, in all probability, rather diminish than increase the revenue of the United States: For the mercantile part of the community, who have been applauded for acting so honorably in making their entries, and paying the impost, will find it for their interest to alter their conduct; they will combine to defeat the excise, which will in its operation bear so unequally on them.
He objected very particularly to the bill on account of its tendency to promote smuggling.—Mr. Parker said no man was more heartily disposed than he was, to give his approbation of every just measure, for supporting the public credit—and doing every thing in his power to support the constitutional operations of the government; but this mode of raising a revenue, he considered as particularly odious to the people; and at the present moment, he was not satisfied that such an encrease of the public burthens are necessary.
Mr. Stone said he had no objection to the design of the bill, so far as an additional revenue was necessary; but the mode of raising it by excise, he exceedingly disliked. He had no doubt that other means might be devised—but, at present, he thought the committee was not sufficiently informed respecting the actual and probable amount of the revenue from the duties already imposed, to determine the necessity of an addition to the revenue. He therefore moved that the committee should rise, without any further discussion of the bill; at this time, and that a select committee should be appointed to make the necessary previous enquiries upon the subject, and report to the house.
Mr. Fitzsimons observed, that there was already on the table a statement from the proper offices of the product of the revenue, from Sept. 1789, to Sept. 1790.
This statement was read.
The motion for the committee's rising was put and lost.
The question on Mr. Jackson's motion for striking out the clause, was put and negatived by a great majority.
Mr. Fitzsimons moved that the third clause should be struck out, and that a clause should be inserted referring to a clause in the collection law. The object of this motion was to shorten the proposed term of credit for the duties, to four months, which, Mr. Fitzsimons observed, was as long a period as was generally required to turn West-India produce into cash—and an extension of the credit beyond that time would be no advantage to the merchant, and would prove injurious to the revenue.
Mr. Goodhue said he hoped the clause would not be struck out. He conceived that no possible injury to the revenue could arise from extending the time of credit beyond four months, especially as the duties will be secured by sufficient bonds or deposits. He hoped the bill would be made as easy and as palatable as possible, for in any event it will be an unpleasant business.
Mr. Lawrance, Mr. Partridge, Mr. Ames and Mr. Sedgwick, severally objected to the motion.
Mr. Sherman was in favor of it. He said it appeared to him to be necessary that the revenue of the United States should be as stable as possible; he considered an undue extension of the credit for the duties, as tending to defeat that object, while it proves no advantage to the seller of the dutied articles; it rather creates a remiss and careless habit in doing business, and in its consequences will render the revenue unproductive.
The motion for striking out was negatived.
The committee proceeded in the discussion as far as the twelfth section, without making any essential alteration. They then rose and reported progress.
Mr. Fitzsimons presented the petition of Patrick Caldwell, praying compensation for damages done to his farm and lands during the late war—referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
Mr. Ames presented a petition from the Baptist Association of Massachusetts, and of Rhode-Island, praying the interposition of Congress to provide for correct editions of the Bible—read and laid on the table.
Mr. Parker laid the following resolution on the table:—That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to lay before the house an estimate of the probable amount of the duties arising from the impost on the tonnage of ships and vessels, and on goods, wares and merchandise, from the first January, 1791, to the first January, 1792.
Adjourned.
THURSDAY, Jan. 6.
Mr. Boudinot presented the petition of Jacob Phillips—praying compensation for supplies, furnished during the late war;—read and referred to the Secretary of Treasury.
Mr. Benson presented petitions from the following persons—viz, Abraham Davis, John Post, Donald McDonald and John Miles—which were read, and referred to the Secretary of War.
Mr. Clymer presented the petition of William Cook—stating the loss of several Loan-Office certificates, and praying that they may be renewed,—laid on the table.
Mr. Madison of the committee on the memorial of John Churchman, bro't in a report—which stated that there were two objects contemplated in the memorial; the first respected equipping one or more vessels to enable the memorialist to ascertain, by a voyage, the truth of his magne'tical theory—the other respects enhancing the penalty imposed by law, for counterfeiting original
maps and charts: With respect to the first, the committee declined giving any opinion; but left it to the decision of the legislature—the other object the committee supposed might be accomplished by an increase of the penalty already provided by law—the report was laid on the table.
A message was received from the Senate, with the bill, to continue an act intitled "an act, declaring the assent of Congress to certain acts of states of Rhode-Island, Maryland and Georgia, concurred in with amendments—the amendments were to strike out "Maryland"—and to reduce the term proposed by the House, for the continuance of the act from five years, to one year.
Another message was received from the Senate by their secretary, informing, that he was directed to bring to the house the proceedings of the Senate, on the bill for the relief of Shubael Swaine—which being read, it appeared that the Senate had negatived that bill.
A letter from the Secretary of the treasury was communicated by the speaker, enclosing a statement of the amount of the duties on tonnage for one year, from the 1st of October 1789 to the 30 September 1790:—also a report relative to appropriations for purposes therein mentioned—300 copies of these papers were ordered to be printed for the house.
Mr. Floyd of the committee on enrolled bills, reported that the committee had examined the bill providing for the unlading of ships and other vessels, in cases of obstructions by ice, and found the same duly enrolled—the speaker then affixed his signature to the bill.
In committee of the whole, on the bill repealing after the last day of next the act laying duties on distilled spirits &c. and imposing others in their stead.
Mr. Boudinot in the chair.
The 12th section which specifies the rates of the duties being read, Mr. Parker moved that it should be struck out—in order to admit a substitute, which should provide for a different mode of raising the requisite additional revenue;—the proposition he had in view, he said was a duty on Molasses—this he observed would answer every purpose, without being liable to the objections which had been offered against the plan of the bill.
Mr. Madison observed, that he had felt the force of the objections which had been urged against the bill: He was in general principled against Excises—but of all excises, that on ardent spirits he considered the least exceptionable.—The question now to be determined he conceived was this, is an addition to the present amount of the revenue necessary? It had appeared that an addition is necessary—for his own part he should prefer direct taxation to any excises whatever; but he conceived this would be contrary to the sentiments of a majority of the people of the United States—and he was fully convinced that it was contrary to the opinion of a great majority of the house. If said he, any mode could be adopted, without having recourse to excises, he would be the last that should give them his support; but he conceived there was none, and the plan proposed was divested of the most exceptionable provisions usually connected with an Excise System.
Mr. Jackson observed, that his defeat yesterday should not deter him, while he had a monitor within, from rising in his place to do his duty, in opposition to a system unfriendly to the liberties of the people. He said he was not the first on this floor, who had been outvoted by silent majorities: Gentlemen of superior abilities had met with similar treatment—He however felt so much respect for himself, as to suppose that this silence proceeded from an inability to answer the arguments which he had the honor to offer against what he considered a most ruinous and mischievous system of taxation.
He then stated certain particulars respecting the produce of the revenue, to shew, that so great a sum as is proposed to be raised by excise, was unnecessary.
He doubted not other resources of revenue might be explored, which would be more palatable: He instanced a tax on salaries, pensions, and lawyers—and in these particulars, he wished that the example of Great Britain might be followed.
He then dilated on the practice of smuggling, which he contended would be promoted by this bill, also the difficulties and opposition which was justly to be expected, by which the dignity of the government would be insulted. Can this government, said he, protect its officers from the resentments of any one State in the Union: He reprobated the idea of placing the government in such a situation.
Mr. Lawrance observed that he doubted not every gentleman's mind was open to conviction, and he hoped and expected that every question would be treated dispassionately. He did not rise yesterday to answer the gentleman, because he was not impressed with the force of his arguments in the manner the gentleman supposed the house was. He then adverted to the act of the last session by which the debts of the particular States were

assumed: Having taken this debt upon ourselves said he, the consequence is obvious, nor can we ever get over the dishonor of not making the necessary provision for paying it.
He then adverted to the statements which had been submitted to the house by the officer to whom the Union had entrusted the direction of its finances—From these it fully appeared, that a much greater deficiency in the revenue existed than some gentlemen appeared willing to allow. If this deficiency exists, and if the United States are bound to make provision for the debts they have assumed to pay, the duties contemplated by the bill, appear the most obvious for the government to recur to.
He adverted to the idea of direct taxation, and enquired on what principle will gentlemen consent to this mode of raising the necessary supplies? Will they make the representation of the several States the rule by which it shall be apportioned? He doubted whether direct taxes, on this principle would be agreeable, even to the gentlemen who have mentioned them.
He then remarked on the objections to an excise, on account of the mode of collection. He said a rigorous collection would bear hard only on the dishonest—while it would protect the fair trader from bearing an undue proportion of the public burthens.
He observed on the uneasiness which are said to prevail in some of the States—and to obviate the force of these reflections, he instanced the harmony and peace, that prevailed in those States, which bear a much greater proportion of the public burthens, than those which complain, as was abundantly evident from the documents in possession of the house.
Mr. Steele stated his objections at large to an Excise: He adverted to the particular situation of affairs in some of the southern States, especially North Carolina. The Assembly of that State had rejected the proposal of taking an oath to support the constitution of the United States, with scorn; they had also refused to admit continental prisoners into their goals—and another circumstance, more hostile to the general government than either of the foregoing had taken place—which he forbore to mention.
He said such was the present state of the public mind, in various parts of the Union, that he should dread taking any measures which might serve to encrease the fermentation which the people are in. An excise he considered of this nature: It would in its operation produce the worst consequences—A more exceptionable mode of taxation, he conceived could not be devised.—A direct, or poll tax, he supposed would not be so odious—and tho' for his own part he should prefer an excise to either of the former, yet such was the aversion of the people to it, that he should prefer almost any other alternative. He thought other objects may be found from which the necessary revenue may be raised. He instanced duties on inland navigation, law proceedings, legal conveyances, &c.
He then adverted to the operation of an excise especially in the State of N Carolina, and said that the consumption of ardent spirits in that State was so great, that the duty would amount perhaps to ten times as much in that State as in the State of Connecticut. On the whole, he hoped if the section is not struck out, that the excise will be reduced.
Mr. Sherman observed, that the subject now before the committee was thoroughly discussed the last session—and as nothing new or of weight and importance had been offered the present session against it, he thought it would be a useless waste of the time of the house to go into a particular reply to the objections offered against the bill. This he thought a sufficient answer to the charge of carrying questions by silent majorities.
He then entered into a short consideration of the subject generally, and defended the system from the charges which had been adduced respecting its unequal operation.
(To be continued.)
FRIDAY, Jan. 7.
Mr. Livermore presented the memorial of William Simmons, principal Clerk in the Auditor's Office, praying for an addition to his compensation as such, for reasons therein stated. Referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
Mr. Goodhue observed, that the Senate having negatived the bill for the relief of Shubael Swaine, as the house was informed by message, yesterday, without assigning any reason; and as he was at a loss to account for its rejection, he wished some steps should be taken in the business, for he hoped that the proceedings of this government would never be marked with an improper degree of rigor and severity.
He moved for leave to bring in a bill to provide generally for the relief of persons thus situated: Leave was accordingly given to bring in a bill.
The amendments of the Senate to the bill for continuing the act, declaring the assent of Congress to certain acts of the States of Rhode-Island, Maryland and Georgia, were taken into consideration.
Mr. Jackson observed, that on enquiry he found that the State of Maryland had been struck out of the bill, because it was found that the law, to which the clause referred, had been repealed: He hoped therefore, that the house would concur with the amendment of the Senate, otherwise the bill would be lost.
Mr. Sneyd said he had been informed, that the reason for striking out "Maryland" was, because the law referred to, had not been properly authenticated, or conveyed to Congress through the proper medium, the President of the United States.—He how-
ever should not at present object to the amendments, as he doubted not that when the law of the State of Maryland was produced, with the authentication said to be necessary, a bill might then be introduced for declaring the assent of Congress to it.
The amendments of the Senate were agreed to by the house.
Mr. Sherman, of the committee appointed for the purpose, reported a bill for the establishment of post-offices and post-roads in the United States—read the first and second time, and 100 copies ordered to be printed.
It was then voted that it be referred to the committee of the whole on Monday week.
The order of the day being called for, which was the bill laying additional duties on distilled spirits—Mr. Parker moved it should be postponed, in order to give the members time to consider the statements respecting the funds received from the Secretary of the Treasury. A short debate ensued—further procrastination was objected to—the bill was laid to be as old as Congress—it had been as fully debated as any subject that ever came before the house; the session is wasting, and the time will hardly admit of finishing the business which the house are particularly pledged to do this session—one article of which is to make provision for the support of the public credit.
On the other hand it was said, that the house was not in possession of the necessary information; the time while the requisite documents are preparing may be employed to advantage; and when the members have fully satisfied themselves of the exact sum necessary to be raised, they may proceed understandingly in the business.
The motion for postponing the bill obtained, and the house went into committee on the bill directing the mode in which the evidences of the debt of the United States, which shall be lost or destroyed, shall be renewed.
Mr. Boudinot in the chair.
A great division of opinion appeared in discussing this bill—the time of the committee was employed only on the first section; they rose without agreeing to any determinate principles—reported progress, and are to sit again.
A letter received from the Secretary of the Treasury, was communicated by the speaker, enclosing a statement of the amount of the import from August, to 30th September, 1789, and from 30th September, 1789, to first October, 1790.
A message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Secretary Lear, informing the house, that the bill providing for the unloading of ships and vessels in cases of obstructions by ice, had this day received his approbation and signature.
Adjourned till Monday.
ALBANY, Dec. 30.
Mr. Sheldon, an experienced distiller in this city, has brought the distilling of GIN to such perfection, that the first judges (Europeans and Americans) pronounce it equal to the best imported from Holland.
Mr. Sheldon having made some experiments on the Juice of the Maple Tree, declares, that when distilled, it yields a liquor not unlike ARRAC, and superior in flavor—and that, from the best computation he has been able to make, a tree will produce as many pints of this liquor, as it does pounds of sugar. Admitting this fact, a conclusion highly favorable to the interest of the United States must be drawn, viz. that our import trade from the West-Indies must soon decline, as the two principal articles of it are sugar and rum—the first of which we can produce superior and in sufficient quantities, and a substitute for the latter not inferior to the best Jamaica spirits.
NEW-YORK, January 5.
The legislature of this state is now in session.
At a meeting of a respectable number of the subscribers to a Dispensary about to be introduced into this city, for the relief of the poor and distressed, held at the City-Hall the 4th day of January, 1791.
The honorable Judge Duane was unanimously requested to take the chair, and William Cock to officiate as Secretary.
Doctor S. Bard moved that it be resolved, that the managers of the institution shall have power to make such alterations in the original constitution of this society as they from time to time shall find necessary.
Provided always, that such alteration shall be subject to amendment or revocation at any annual meeting of the members; and the same being seconded, and the question being put, it was carried unanimously in the affirmative.
The subscribers assembled then proceeded to elect twelve managers, of the Dispensary, for the ensuing year. And the ballot being taken, it appeared that the Rev. Dr. Beach, the Rev. Dr. Rodgers, the Rev. Dr. Livingston, the Hon. Judge Hobart, Mr. Moses Rogers, Isaac Stoutenburgh, Esq. Melancthon Smith, Esq. Gen. M. Clarkson, John Watts, Esq. John Broome, Esq. the Hon. Isaac Roosevelt and James Watson, Esq were duly elected.
On motion, ordered, that the said managers be requested to attend on Thursday the 13th day of January instant at the house of Mr. John Simmons in Wall-Street, at 6 of the clock, in the evening for the execution of the trusts, reposed in them, and it is further ordered, that the proceedings of this meeting be published.
Published by the direction of the Society,
Jan. 4. W. COCK, Sec.
Extract of a letter from Liverpool, dated 21st October last, to a Merchant in New-York.
"We beg leave to acquaint you, that an order of council, is issued to prohibit the importation of wheat, rye, barley, beans, and oats, into any part of the kingdom, at the end of six days after the price of each sort, taken upon an average of the prices of the whole kingdom, according to the tables published weekly in the London Gazette, shall be below the price at which such sort of grain is allowed by the consolidation act to be imported at the low duties."
"The first general average prices of the whole kingdom, to which this order of council refers, will be published in next Saturdays London Gazette; and as the prices have been on the decline for several weeks past, it may be expected that the ports will very soon be shut against all sorts of foreign grain, pease, alone excepted, which are not included in the prohibition."
Philadelphia, Jan. 8.
Extract of a letter from Governor St. Clair, to the Secretary of War, dated Marietta, 26th Nov.
"If the report respecting Major Hamtramck be near the truth, that he had destroyed four of the Indian villages, and all their provisions, and had returned without the loss of a man, the success will then have been as a complete as it could have been wished; and the first news we shall hear from the Indians, will be a humble supplication for peace: Should that, however, not happen soon, I will find means to let them know, that it will not be refused if they desire it on reasonable terms."
CHRISTOPHER RICHMOND, Esq. is appointed commissioner by the State of Maryland, to settle the accounts of that State with the United States.
The information contained in the extract of a letter from Fayetteville, as published in our last, purporting that the Senate of North-Carolina had rejected the extraordinary resolutions which had passed the House of Commons of that state, we are informed is premature. It seems that those resolutions were amended in the Senate, by striking out the preamble, and changing the word "monstrous" to enormous! and a message was then sent to the House from the Senate informing, that if the House would agree to these amendments, the Senate would concur in the resolutions.—The House accordingly agreed.
If government should be deterred from enacting particular laws, because some persons say, and perhaps with truth, that they are contrary to the sentiments of the people in some parts of the union:—It is evident the business of legislation must stand still.—There cannot be a more odious law to many persons, and the number is not inconsiderable, than that which compels the payment of debts—hence every previous step to that point is proportionably obnoxious to the cavils, objections and opposition of those it may ultimately affect.—One great object of government, and of the new constitution in particular, is the distribution of equal justice—the administrators of this government are as the arbitrators between debtors and creditors.—but it is a most monstrous, enormous business, that they should be paid, even at a less rate than private persons often pay the referees in a common commercial dispute between man and man.—It would be doubtless a consummation of the wishes of many, who would rejoice to see this country revert to its former state of anarchy and imbecility, to have the compensations of the legislature and the executive branches so reduced, as that the government may sink into contempt.
A correspondent observes that the reasonableness and modesty of a late resolution of a certain legislature, in which THE SENATORS OF THE UNITED STATES are instructed to oppose every excise, and direct taxation-law, are abundantly evident when it is considered, what a monstrous disproportion of the import and tonnage is now, and ever will be, collected from that state!—
The spirited and humane exertions of the citizens of New-York, we find have been crowned with success in the establishment of a public dispensary in that city. This institution is one of the most benevolent and extensively useful that can be devised; and it is but a just tribute of praise to say that on this, as well as on various other occasions, the philanthropy and good citizenship of the gentlemen of the faculty is abundantly exemplified.
Extract from the new year's address of the carrier of the Connecticut Courant.
"THEN let's leave other realms alone, And see what's doing in our own. Congress, 'tis true, in various arts Right manfully have play'd their parts; And in the scale of empire rais'd us So high, in truth it has amaz'd us; Fram'd resolutions and rescind'd, 'Till all they'd done was fairly mended; Made treaties with one tribe of Indians, And to another threaten'd vengeance; Sent General Harmar in a fever, To make a dam o'er Joseph's river; To tell the world one Indian Savage Is worth two white men on an average; To throw away the lives of many, And recommend Lieutenant Denny. All this has Congress done, and more; But why should we the list run o'er, For mighty deeds in Congress done, Or other States, when in our own We've quite enough on small reflection, To load the fiercest recollection?"
PRICE CURRENT.—PUBLIC SECURITIES.
   FUNDED DEBT.     6 pr. Cents 17 3/4—17 7/8. pr. £. 86 3/4 pr. cent.   3 pr. Cents 8 3/4—8 7/8. 43 3/4 do.   Deferred 6 pr. Cents 8 3/4—8 7/8. 43 3/4 do.   UNFUNDED DEBT.   Final Sett. and other Certificates 15 3/4—15 7/8. 76 3/4 do.   Indents 8 3/4—8 7/8. 43 3/4 do.   State debts 12 3/4—12 7/8. do.  

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
December 12, 1790.
In obedience to the order of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of the 9th Day of August last, requiring the SECRETARY of the TREASURY to prepare and report, on this Day, such further Provision as may, in his opinion, be necessary for establishing the PUBLIC CREDIT — the said Secretary further
RESPECTFULLY REPORTS,
(CONTINUED FROM OUR LAST.)
THE capital of every public bank will of course be restricted within a certain defined limit. It is the province of legislative prudence to adjust this limit, that while it will not be too contracted for the demand, which the course of business may create, and for the security which the public ought to have for the solidity of the paper which may be issued by the bank, it will still be within the compass of the pecuniary resources of the community; so that there may be an easy practicability of completing the subscription to it. When this is once done, the supposed effect of necessity ceases. There is then no longer room for the investment of any additional capital. Stock may indeed change hands by one person selling and another buying; but the money which the buyer takes out of the common mass to purchase the stock, the seller receives and restores to it. Hence the future surpluses which may accumulate, must take their natural course, and lending at interest must go on as if there were no such institution.
It must indeed flow in a more copious stream. The bank furnishes an extraordinary supply for borrowers, within its immediate sphere. A larger supply consequently remains for borrowers elsewhere. In proportion as the circulation of the bank is extended, there is an augmentation of the aggregate mass of money for answering the aggregate mass of demand. Hence greater facility in obtaining it for every purpose.
It ought not to escape without a remark, that as far as the citizens of other countries become adventurers in the bank, there is a positive increase of the gold and silver of the country. It is true, that from this a half-yearly rent is drawn back, accruing from the dividends upon the stock. But as this rent arises from the employment of the capital, by our own citizens, it is probable, that it is more than replaced by the profits of that employment. It is also likely, that a part of it is, in the course of trade, converted into the products of our country: And it may even prove an incentive, in some cases, to emigration to a country in which the character of citizen is as easy to be acquired, as it is estimable and important. This view of the subject furnishes an answer to an objection which has been deduced from the circumstance here taken notice of; namely, the income resulting to foreigners from the part of the stock owned by them, which has been represented as tending to drain the country of its specie. In this objection, the original investment of the capital, and the constant use of it afterwards, seem both to have been overlooked.
That banks furnish temptations to over-trading, is the third of the enumerated objections. This must mean, that by affording additional aids to mercantile enterprise, they induce the merchant sometimes to adventure beyond the prudent or salutary point. But the very statement of the thing shews, that the subject of the charge is an occasional ill, incident to a general good. Credit of every kind (as a species of which only can bank lending have the effect supposed) must be, in different degrees, chargeable with the same inconvenience. It is even applicable to gold and silver, when they abound in circulation. But would it be wise on this account to decry the precious metals, to root out credit; or to proscribe the means of that enterprise, which is the main spring of trade, and a principal source of national wealth, because it now and then runs into excesses, of which over-trading is one.
If the abuses of a beneficial thing are to determine its condemnation, there is scarcely a source of public prosperity which will not speedily be closed. In every case, the evil is to be compared with the good; and in the present case, such a comparison will issue in this, that the new and increased energies derived to commercial enterprise, from the aid of banks, are a source of general profit and advantage, which greatly outweigh the partial ills of the over-trading of a few individuals, at particular times, or of numbers in particular conjunctures.
The fourth and fifth charges may be considered together. These relate to the aid which is sometimes afforded by banks to unskillful adventurers and fraudulent traders. These charges also have some degree of foundation, tho' far less than has been pretended; and they add to the instances of partial ills, connected with more extensive and overbalancing benefits.
The practice of giving fictitious credit to improper persons is one of those evils which experience guided by interest speedily corrects. The bank itself is in so much jeopardy of being a sufferer by it, that it has the strongest of all inducements to be on its guard. It may not only be injured immediately by the delinquencies of the persons, to whom such credit is given; but eventually, by the incapacities of others, whom their impositions or failures may have ruined.
Nor is there much danger of a bank's being betrayed into this error, from want of information. The directors themselves being for the most part selected from the class of traders, are to be expected to possess individually an accurate knowledge of the characters and situations of those who come within that description. And they have in addition to this, the course of dealing of the persons themselves with the bank, to assist their judgment, which is in most cases a good index of the state in which those persons are. The artifices and shifts which those in desperate or declining circumstances are obliged to employ, to keep up the countenance which the rules of the bank require, and the train of their connexions, are so many prognostics, not difficult to be interpreted, of the fate which awaits them. Hence it not unfrequently happens, that banks are the first to discover the unfoundness of such characters, and, by withholding credit, to announce to the public that they are not entitled to it.
If banks, in spite of every precaution, are sometimes betrayed into giving a false credit to the persons described; they more frequently enable honest and industrious men, of small or perhaps no capital, to undertake and prosecute business with advantage to themselves and to the community; and assist merchants of both capital and credit, who meet with fortuitous and unforeseen shocks, which might without such helps prove fatal to them and to others, to make head against their misfortunes, and finally to retrieve their affairs: circumstances which form no inconsiderable encomium on the utility of banks.
But the last and heaviest charge is still to be examined. That is, that banks tend to banish the gold and silver of the country. The force of this objection rests upon their being an engine of paper credit, which by furnishing a substitute for the metals, is supposed to promote their exportation. It is an objection, which if it has any foundation, lies not against banks peculiarly, but against every species of paper credit.
The most common answer given to it is, that the thing supposed is of little or no consequence; that it is immaterial what serves the purpose of money, whether paper, or gold and silver; that the effect of both upon industry is the same; and that the intrinsic wealth of a nation is to be measured, not by the abundance of the precious metals contained in it, but by the quantity of the productions of its labour and industry.
This answer is not destitute of solidity, though not entirely satisfactory. It is certain, that the vivification of industry, by a full circulation, with the aid of a proper and well regulated paper credit, may more than compensate for the loss of a part of the gold
and silver of a nation; if the consequence of avoiding that loss should be a scanty or defective circulation.
But the positive and permanent increase or decrease of the precious metals in a country, can hardly ever be a matter of indifference. As the commodity taken in lieu of every other, it is a species of the most effective wealth; and as the money of the world, it is of great concern to the state, that it possesses a sufficiency of it to face any demands which the protection of its external interests may create.
The objection seems to admit of another and a more conclusive answer, which controverts the fact itself. A nation that has no mines of its own, must derive the precious metals from others; generally speaking, in exchange for the products of its labour and industry. The quantity it will possess will therefore, in the ordinary course of things, be regulated by the favorable or unfavorable balance of its trade; that is, by the proportion between its abilities to supply foreigners, and its wants of them; between the amount of its exportations and that of its importations. Hence the state of its agriculture and manufactures, the quantity and quality of its labour and industry must, in the main, influence and determine the increase or decrease of its gold and silver.
If this be true, the inference seems to be, that well constituted banks favour the increase of the precious metals. It has been shown, that they augment in different ways, the active capital of a country. This it is which generates employment; which animates and expands labour and industry. Every addition which is made to it, by contributing to put in motion a greater quantity of both, tends to create a greater quantity of the products of both. And by furnishing more materials for exportation, conduces to a favourable balance of trade, and consequently to the introduction and increase of gold and silver.
This conclusion appears to be drawn from solid premises. There are however objections to be made to it.
It may be said, that as bank paper affords a substitute for specie, it serves to counteract that rigorous necessity for the metals as a medium of circulation, which in the case of a wrong balance might restrain in some degree their exportation; and it may be added, that from the same cause, in the same case, it would retard those economical and parsimonious reforms in the manner of living, which the scarcity of money is calculated to produce, and which might be necessary to rectify such wrong balance.
There is perhaps some truth in both these observations; but they appear to be of a nature rather to form exceptions to the generality of the conclusion, than to overthrow it. The state of things, in which the absolute exigencies of circulation can be supposed to resist with any effect the urgent demands for specie, which a wrong balance of trade may occasion, presents an extreme case. And a situation in which a too expensive manner of living of a community, compared with its means, can stand in need of a corrective, from distress or necessity, is one which perhaps rarely results, but from extraordinary and adventitious causes: such for example, as a national revolution, which unsettles all the established habits of a people, and inflames the appetite for extravagance, by the illusions of an ideal wealth, engendered by the continual multiplication of a depreciating currency or some similar cause. There is good reason to believe, that where the laws are wise and well executed, and the inviolability of property and contracts maintained, the economy of a people will, in the general course of things, correspond with its means.
(To be continued.)
MASSACHUSETTS STATE LOTTERY.
THE Managers of the STATE LOTTERY, present the Public with the First Class of the Massachusetts Semi-annual State Lottery, which will commence drawing in the Representatives' Chamber, in Boston, on the Seventeenth of March next, or sooner, if the Tickets shall be disposed of.
SCHEME.
NOT TWO BLANKS TO A PRIZE. 25,000 Tickets, at Five Dollars each, are 125,000 Dollars, to be paid in the following Prizes, subject to a deduction of twelve and an half per cent, for the use of the Commonwealth.
   Prizes. Dollars. Dollars.     1 of 10000 is 10000   2 of 5000 are 10000   3 of 2000 are 6000   6 of 1000 are 6000   10 of 500 are 5000   30 of 200 are 6000   80 of 100 are 8000   90 of 50 are 4500   100 of 40 are 4000   120 of 30 are 3600   161 of 20 are 3220   200 of 10 are 2000   7585 of 8 are 60680   8388 Prizes.   16612 Blanks. 125000  
25000. TICKETS may be had of the several Managers, who will pay the Prizes on demand—of the TREASURER of the Common wealth—of JAMES WHITE, at his Book-Store, Franklin's-Head Court-Street, and at other places as usual.
BENJAMIN AUSTIN, jun. } Managers. DAVID COBB, } SAMUEL COOPER, } GEORGE R. MINOT, } JOHN KNEELAND, } Boston, July 28, 1790.
Tickets in the above Lottery are to be sold by Stephen Austin, corner of Front and Pine Streets, Philadelphia.
PLEASE TO NOTICE.
FOR the accommodation of those who would wish to become Adventurers in the First Class of the MASSACHUSETTS SEMI-ANNUAL STATE LOTTERY, his Office, post paid, directed to SAMUEL COOPER, at his Office, North side State-House, Boston, enclosing other good Bills, will be particularly attended to, and Tickets forwarded immediately upon the receipt of such letters.
Boston, Dec. 22, 1790.
N. B. A List of Prizes will be deposited with the Printer hereof, immediately after the drawing is completed. 71 1aw tf
EBENEZER HAZARD and JONAS ADDOMS have entered into partnership, and opened an OFFICE, at No. 173, in Market-Street, a few doors above Fourth-Street, where, under the Firm of
HAZARD and ADDOMS, CERTIFICATES—PAPER MONEY, and BANK STOCK.
They purchase and sell all kinds of N. B. Transfers made at the Public Offices, and Business in general transacted on Commission. December 29.
HENRY KUHL,
At No. 143, Second-Street, near Race-Street,
BY advice of his friends in New-York and Philadelphia, has opened an office for the purpose of buying and selling, on commission, the different species of Stock, and of liquidated and unliquidated paper in the market.
He will obtain such Certificates as are required by the funding law, for those who have unliquidated Securities; and transfer Stock from and to the Treasury and the Offices of the Commissioners of Loans, on moderate terms.
Having for several years past been employed in the Treasury of the United States, he is well acquainted with its operations and forms; and flatters himself that on that score he has a decided advantage in transacting business here. He is fully impressed with the truth of the adage that "dispatch is the soul of business," and will always make the interest of his employers an object of the first importance.
Philadelphia, December 29th, 1790.
IMPERIAL, HYSON, SOUCHONG, and BOHEA TEAS; REFINED SUGARS, COFFEE, and SPICES, &c.
Of the first Quality—by Retail, No. 17, Third-Street, between Chestnut and Market-Streets.
WHEREAS a certain WILLIAM TUFF, of Salem County, State of New-Jersey, has two nine pound notes of hand, given by Samuel Hollinshead, jun. and by certain information, it appears that my name as a security for the same is added to those notes, unknown to me. I hereby forbid any person or persons from taking any assignment of them from him; for I am determined not to answer those notes, or any assignment of them, as I know nothing of their dealings, nor will I answer for the same. REUBEN ROBINSON. Cumberland County, Nov. 30, 1790.
JOHN FRANCIS,
Late of NEW-YORK, respectfully informs the public, that he has opened a
Commodious Boarding House,
No. 53, FOURTH-STREET, one door from Race-Street, WHERE Gentlemen may be accommodated with GENTLE BOARDING AND LODGING, By the Week, Month, or Year, and on the most moderate terms. Phila. Nov. 20, 1790. [22w.3m.]
PHILADELPHIA, JANUARY 1, 1791.
THE partnership of JOHN DUNLAP and DAVID C. CLAYPOLE having expired this day, DAVID C. CLAYPOLE proposes to publish a Newspaper, entitled
The Mail,
and
New Daily Advertiser.
(To be continued every Evening, Sundays excepted.)
THE MAIL shall be printed with an elegant new Type, prepared for this particular purpose, on Paper, equal in size and quality to any of the Newspapers of Europe or America—And the Subscriber engages that no Means shall be spared to render the MAIL and NEW DAILY ADVERTISER in other respects worthy of the Public Patronage, which he now respectfully solicits.
The Price of the MAIL will be Eight Dollars pr. annum, to be paid at the end of the Year: And Advertisements will be received on such moderate Terms as to prove satisfactory to those who may be pleased to favor the Printer with their Commands in that line.
The MAIL will be published at the House No. 2, Lower Third Street (now occupied by Mr. J. D. Blanchard, who will shortly remove to the adjoining House, No. 4.) and at present SUBSCRIPTIONS are thankfully received at No. 48, Market-Street, by D. C. CLAYPOLE.
New Line of Stages.
THE Subscriber has established a line of STAGES from Hartford to Boston, by way of Norwich and Providence, which will run thro' twice a week during the Winter Season, and three times a week during the Summer Season.
Good Carriages, Horses, and careful Drivers are provided. Passengers pay three Pence per Mile, and are allowed 14 pound Baggage each.—Extra Baggage pays at the rate of three Pence per Mile for every 150 wt. As the Mail is to go in these Stages for the year 1791, fixed hours for starting from the respective Stage Houses is absolutely necessary—from which there can be no deviation. Norwich, Dec. 14, 1790.
The Stage for the Eastward leaves Hartford—Mondays and Thursdays, Norwich—Tuesdays and Fridays, Providence—Wednesdays and Saturdays, For the Westward, leaves Boston—Mondays and Thursdays, Providence—Tuesdays and Fridays, Norwich—Wednesdays and Saturdays. 69—1w3m JESSE BROWN.
GAZETTE of the UNITED STATES.
THE Editor requests those of his Subscribers whose arrearages amount to six and twelve months subscription, to make payment as soon as possible. He trusts it will prove a sufficient apology for this application, when he assures them that his receipts for the year 1790, do not amount to more than one half of the actual expense of the publication during that period.
Upwards of two hundred thousand copies of this Gazette have been published and circulated since the 15 April, 1789, the time when it commenced. From the very general approbation it has received, and the extensive and ample subscription which has offered, the editor has flattered himself with the possibility of its being supported; but at the present moment a most perplexing uncertainty rests on that event—owing to the difficulties attending the present mode of its circulation, and collecting subscriptions from situations remote from the place of publication. January 5, 1791.
THE Subscribers for this paper, in the city of New-York, are respectfully informed, that the charge of the papers proving inconvenient to Mr. Wetmore, at the Post-Office, the Editor has engaged Mr. Samuel Campbell, Book-seller, Hanover-Square, to receive them and superintend their delivery—by whom Subscriptions and arrearages will be received.
SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
A meeting of the subscribers to the plan for establishing Sunday Schools in this city, will be held at the Academy of Mr. Joseph Sharpless, in Second Street, between Market and Arch Streets, on Tuesday next, at six o'clock in the evening, for the purpose of choosing officers. Jan. 5, 1791. Signed by order, M. CAREY, Sec. P. T.