Gazette of the United-States. (New-York [N.Y.]), 1791-03-05 00:00:00

Gazette of the United States.
PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS BY JOHN FENNO. No. 69. HIGH STREET, BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD STREETS, PHILADELPHIA.
[No. 89, of Vol. II.]
SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1791.
[Whole No. 193.]
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
FRIDAY, Feb. 4.
The BANK BILL under consideration.
MR. SEDGWICK said he would endeavour not to fatigue the patience of the house in the observations he should make on the important subject now under consideration. Without entering into the discussion on a scale so extensive as had been indulged by some gentlemen—he would dwell only on a few important principles, and such consequences as were conclusively deducible from them, which had made a strong impression on his own mind. The opposition to the bill had called in question the constitutional powers of Congress, to establish the proposed corporation, and the utility of Banks, neither of which till within a few days, did he suppose was doubted by any intelligent man in America; and had charged the present system with holding out unequal terms against the government to those who should subscribe to the proposed stock.
With regard to the question of constitutionality much had been said, which in his opinion, had not an intimate relation to the subject now before the house. "We have with great earnestness been warned of the danger of grasping power, by construction and implication; and this warning has been given, in very animated language, by the gentleman from Virginia, (Mr. M.) I do not wish to deprive that member of the honor of consistency; but I well remember the time when the energy of his reasoning, impressed on the minds of a majority of this house, a conviction, that the power of removal from offices, holden at will, was by construction and implication, vested, by the constitution, in the President—so there could be no pretence that it was expressly granted to him."
He said he would only observe in answer to every thing which had been said of the danger of extending construction and implication. That the whole business of legislation, was a practical construction of the powers of the legislature; and that probably no instrument, for the delegation of power, could be drawn with such precision and accuracy, as to leave nothing to necessary implication . That all the different legislatures in the United States had, and this in his opinion indispensably must, construe the powers which had been granted to them, and they must assume such auxiliary powers, as are necessarily implied in those which are expressly granted. In doing which, it was no doubt their duty, to be careful not to exceed those limits within which it was intended they should be restricted. By any other limitation, said he, the government would be so shackled, that it would be incapable of operating any of the effects which were intended by its institution.
He observed, that on almost all the great and important measures which come under the deliberation of Congress, there were immense difficulties to be surmounted. "If we attempt," said he, "to proceed in one direction, our ears are assailed with the exclamation of the constitution is in danger ; if we attempt to attain our objects, by pursuing a different course, we are told the pass is guarded by the stern spirit of democracy .—Did I concur with gentlemen in opinion on this subject, I should think it my duty to go home to my constituents, and honestly declare to them, that by their jealousy of power, they had so restrained the operations of the government, that we have not the means of effecting any of the great purposes for which the constitution was designed—without attempting, what perhaps would be found impracticable, to fix by general rules, the nice point within which Congress would be authorised to assume powers by construction and implication, and beyond which they may be justly considered as usurpers."
He wished gentlemen to reflect, what effect a single principle, universally acknowledged, would have, in determining the question now under consideration. It is universally agreed, That wherever a power is delegated, for express purposes,
all the known and usual means for the attainment of the objects expressed, are conceded also. That to decide what influence this acknowledged principle would have, on the subject before the house, it would be necessary to reflect on the powers with which Congress are expressly invested. He then repeated that Congress was authorised, to lay and collect taxes, to borrow money on the credit of the United States, to raise and support armies, provide and maintain navies, to regulate foreign and domestic trade, and to make all laws necessary and proper to carry these and the other enumerated powers into effect; they were, in fine, entrusted with the exercise of all those powers, which the people of America thought necessary, to secure their fame and happiness, against the attacks of internal violence, and external invasion, and in the exercise of those powers the legislature was authorised, agreeably to the principle which he had mentioned, to employ all the known and usual means, necessary and proper , to effectuate the ends which are expressed. It might be of use to determine with precision, what was the meaning of the words necessary and proper :—They do not restrict the power of the legislature, to enacting such laws only, as are indispensable: Such a construction would be infinitely too narrow and limited—and to apply the meaning strictly, it would prove, perhaps, that all the laws, which had been passed, were unconstitutional; for few, if any of them, could be proved indispensable to the existence of the government. The conduct of Congress had a construction on those words more rational, and consistent with common sense, and the purposes for which the government was instituted; which he conceived to be, that the laws should be established on such principles and such an agency, in the known and usual means, employed in the execution of them, as to effect the ends expressed in the constitution, with the greatest possible degree of public utility. If Banks were among the known and usual means, to effectuate or facilitate the ends which had been mentioned—to enable the government with the greatest ease, and least burden to the people, to collect taxes, borrow money, regulate commerce, raise and support armies, provide and maintain fleets, he thought the argument irrefragable and conclusive to prove the constitutionality of the bill. Pursuing farther the same idea, he asked, for what purposes were Banks instituted and patronized by governments, which were unrestricted by constitutional limitations? Were they not employed as the means, and the most useful engines to facilitate the collection of taxes, borrowing money, and the other enumerated powers? Besides, he said, it was to be observed, that the constitution had expressly declared the ends of legislation; but in almost every instance had left the means to the honest and sober discretion of the legislature. From the nature of things this must ever be the case; for otherwise, the constitution must contain, not only all the necessary laws under the existing circumstances of the community, but also a code so extensive, as to adapt itself to all future possible contingencies. By our constitution, Congress has power to lay and collect taxes, but every thing subordinate to that end, such as the objects, the means, the instruments, and the purposes are left to the honest and sober discretion of the legislature. The power of borrowing money was expressly granted; but all the known and usual means to that end were left in silence. The same observations might with truth be made respecting the other delegated powers. The great ends to be obtained, as means to effectuate the ultimate end—the public good, and general welfare, are capable, under general terms, of constitutional specification; but the subordinate means are so numerous, and capable of such infinite variation, as to render an enumeration impracticable, and must therefore be left to construction, and necessary implication . He said on this ground he was willing to leave the general argument—it was simple—intelligible, and he hoped would be thought conclusive.
He said the constitutionality had been attacked from another quarter. It was said we could not give commercial advantages to one port above another. The constitutional provision which had been quoted, was undoubtedly intended to prevent a partial regulation of commerce; if extended to the case under consideration, it would much more strongly prove, that Congress ought not to reside in any commercial city; for he verily believed, that the commercial advantages of Philadelphia were incomparably greater, from the
residence, than they could be supposed from the institution of a National Bank. Indeed, it was his opinion, that considering that this city had a Bank, the capital of which was adequate to all her commercial exigencies, that she could enlarge that capital as her necessity should require, and that her Bank will, if this bill shall be rejected, receive the benefit of national operations, that the measure will not advance her individual interest.
With regard to the utility of Banks, he observed, that he would not attempt to display a knowledge of the subject, by repeating all he had read and heard in relation to it, nor fatigue the house by a detail of his own reflections and reasoning upon it; the causes were unnecessary to be explained—the effects had been such, in all countries where Banks had been instituted, as to produce an unanimous opinion, that they were alike useful for all the great purposes of government, and to promote the general happiness of the people. Nor was our own experience wanting to the same purpose. At a time when our public resources were almost annihilated, our credit prostrate, our government imbecile, and its patronage inconceivable, a Bank, of small capital, was among the most operative causes, which produced that first dawn that ultimately terminated in meridian splendor, by the establishment of peace, independence and freedom. There were two circumstances which he would take the liberty to mention, which would render Banks of more importance in this country, than in any where they are at present in use. The first, the commercial enterprise of our merchants compared with the smallness of their capitals, which, as we had no large manufacturing capitals, whereby the precious metals would be retained in circulation, would frequently, by their exportation, greatly distress the people; the other originated from a measure of the government—Congress, from a laudable intention of accommodating their constituents, instituted treasuries in all the States: In some of these there would be, in the ordinary course of events, a deficiency, and in others a redundancy. To keep them in equilibrium by the transportation of the precious metals, or by the purchase of bills in the market, would be not only inconvenient and expensive, but would keep out of circulation a considerable part of the medium of the country.
Gentlemen, he said, had been pleased to consider the proposed terms as giving an undue advantage to the stock-holders. He would leave this part of the subject to gentlemen who better understood it—only observing, that as government must rely principally on merchants to obtain the proposed stock, it would be necessary to afford to them sufficient motives to withdraw from their commercial pursuits, a part of their capitals.
He said he would attempt an answer to some of those desultory objections which had been made—and in doing this, he would omit to answer such as had been in his opinion already refuted. He observed, that it had been said, that granting charters of incorporation was a high prerogative of government. He supposed it was not intended that it was, in the nature of things, too transcendent a power to be exercised by a national government; but that the exercise of it should only be in consequence of express delegation. Let this objection be compared with the conduct of Congress on another subject, in all respects at least as important. There is not by the constitution any power expressly delegated to mortgage our revenues, and yet without any question being made on the constitutionality of the measure, we have mortgaged them to an immense amount—From whence he asked, do we acquire the authority to exercise this power?—Not from express grants, but being empowered to borrow money on the credit of the United States. We have very properly considered the pledging funds as among the known and usual means, necessary and proper to be employed for the attainment of the end expressly delegated.
It had been said, that the bill authorised the stock-holders to purchase real estate. He considered the provision in the bill in that regard, not a grant, but a limitation of power. Any man or body of men, might, by the existing laws, purchase, in their private capacities, real estate to any amount. This right was limited as it respected the proposed corporation.
It is said there are banks already, and therefore the proposed incorporation is unnecessary. To this he answered, that if the government should

agree to receive all its demands in the paper of the existing banks, it would give to them every advantage, which in the opinion of gentlemen, renders the present system objectionable, without stipulating for any equivalent to the government. But are, he asked, gentlemen serious in these observations? Do they believe the capitals of the present banks adequate to the exigencies of the nation? Do they believe that those banks possess any powers by which they can give a projectile force to their paper, so as to extend its circulation throughout the United States? Or do they really wish to have the government repose itself on institutions, with which they have no intimate connection, and over which they have no control?
Mr. Sedgwick concluded by observing, he was very confident a majority of that house could never be induced to believe that it was the intention of the constitution to deprive the legislature of one of the most important and necessary means of executing the powers expressly delegated.
WEDNESDAY, March 2.
A message from the Senate, by Mr. Secretary Otis, informed the house, that they have resolved to postpone, to the next session of Congress, the consideration of the land-office bill*; and, that they had passed, with amendments, the bill relative to the rix dollar of Denmark.
The house having taken the said amendments into consideration, concurred therein.
Passed the bill for making compensation to the widows and orphan children of certain officers, who were killed, or who died in the service of the United States, during the late war, and for the relief of certain invalids, and other persons therein mentioned.
Mr. Floyd, from the committee on enrolled bills, presented, and the Speaker signed, an act supplemental to the act establishing the Treasury Department, and for a further compensation to certain officers; and an act to amend the act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the government of the United States.
Mr. Burke, reported a bill, for the relief of David Cooke, which was read a first time.
In committee of the whole (Mr. Livermore in the chair) on the bill supplemental to the act establishing the salaries of the executive officers of government, with their assistants and clerks; the same was reported without amendment, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading. Being brought in engrossed, it was read a third time, and passed.
In committee of the whole (Mr. Boudinot in the chair) on the bill making further provision for the collection of the duties by law imposed on teas, the same was reported without amendment. The bill being then taken up in the house, was amended by the addition of a clause respecting the duties on wines. It was then recommitted to a committee of the whole house. The committee having further amended the bill, and the amendments being adopted by the house, it was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.
A message was delivered by Mr. Secretary Lear, informing the house, that the President of the United States had this day approved and signed.
An act giving effect to the laws of the United States, within the state of Vermont.
An act to explain the act making further provision for the payment of the debts of the United States:—
An act supplemental to the act, incorporating the subscribers to the Bank of the United States;—and
An act fixing the time of the next annual meeting of Congress.
In committee of the whole [Mr. Boudinot in the chair] on the bill concerning consuls and vice-consuls; the bill was reported with sundry amendments. The house having agreed to the report of the committee, and further amended the bill, it was read a third time and passed.
Sundry reports from the Secretary of the Treasury, on petitions referred to him, were read, and laid on the table.
The house then proceeded to consider the amendments of the committee, to the bill for granting lands to the inhabitants and settlers at Vincennes, in the Illinois country, in the territory N. W. of the Ohio; and having adopted the same, the bill was passed.
A message being received from the Senate, which required secrecy, the gallery was ordered to be cleared.
The amendments, proposed to the bill concerning consuls and vice-consuls, having been communicated to the Senate, and by them disagreed to, the house, (after the opening of the doors) took the same again into consideration; and the question for receding being put and lost, it was [on motion of Mr. Sedgwick] resolved, that the house do insist on their amendments.
An engrossed bill, to grant to George Gibson the sum of one thousand dollars, for services rendered to the United States, was read a third time, and passed.
An engrossed bill, making further provision for the collection of the duties by law imposed on
teas, and for extending the term of the payment of the duties on wines, was read a third time and passed.
On motion of Mr. Boudinot, resolved, that Gifford Dally be, and he is hereby authorized to take care of the rooms appropriated for the use of the House of Representatives, until the next meeting of Congress, and also to make the necessary provision of firewood, for the next session.
Adjourned.
THURSDAY, March 3.
Mr. Floyd of the committee of enrolment, reported a bill, making certain appropriations for the purposes therein mentioned—and a bill relative to the rix dollar of Denmark; as duly enrolled: to which the speaker affixed his signature.
The petition of Thomas Claxton, assistant door keeper; was read the second time—and on motion of Mr. Madison, the following resolution was adopted—That certain expenses incurred by the petitioner in the discharge of his duty, not to exceed one hundred dollars, be included in the Clerk's account of contingent expenses of the present session.
The committee on the petition of John Tucker, Clerk of the Supreme Court, reported, that said petition be deferred to the next session. Report agreed to.
A resolution, received from the Senate, was concurred in, That the President of the United States be requested to cause to be laid before Congress, at their next session, an estimate of the quantity and situation of those lands, not claimed by Indians, nor occupied by citizens of the United States, in the territory ceded in North-Carolina, N. W. of the Ohio.
A message from the Senate by Mr. Secretary Otis, informed the house, that they adhere to their disagreement to the amendments proposed by the house to the Consul Bill.
A resolution was received from the Senate at same time, for the establishment of a Mint, pursuant to law, and authorizing the President to cause such principal Artists and Apparatus to be engaged, as may be necessary to carry said resolution into effect.
The house insisted on their amendments to the bill; and concurred in the above resolution with amendments.
Another message received from the Senate, informed the house that they have passed the bill making compensation to the Commissioners of Loans for extra services, with an amendment.—The house after some debate, non-concurred the amendment.
Another message informed that the Senate adhere to their amendment—On which a motion was made in the house to recede, which was carried in the affirmative.
The bill making further provision for a collection of the duties on teas, and for prolonging the term of payment of the duties on wines; and the bill, with amendments, in addition to the act establishing the salaries of the executive officers, their assistants and clerks, having passed the Senate, were sent to the house, which concurred in the amendments.
A message from the President of the United States, by Mr. Secretary Lear, informed the house that the following acts had received his approbation and signature, viz:—
An act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid on distilled spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead—and also upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same.—An act supplemental to the act establishing the Treasury Department—and an act relative to the rix dollar of Denmark.
Sundry messages from the Senate, informed that they have passed with amendments, the temporary Post-Office bill—the bill granting lands to the inhabitants of Vincennes—the bill making compensations to the officers of the judicial courts, jurors and witnesses—the bill supplemental to the act making provision for the reduction of the public debt: also informing that the Senate concurred in the amendments to the resolution for the establishment of a mint.—The house concurred in the amendment, to the Post-Office bill—and to those in the supplementary bill, for the reduction of the public debt; to some of the other amendments they disagreed.
A message from the Senate informed the house that they have postponed till the next session of Congress; the bill making compensations to the widows and orphan children of certain officers &c and the bill to compensate George Gibson.
A resolution proposed by Mr. Smith (S. C.) was agreed to—authorizing the marshals of such districts, as are unprovided with goals for the detention of prisoners, under the authority of the United States, to provide convenient houses to serve as temporary goals, till permanent provision is made by law.
On motion of Mr. Lawrence, it was voted, that the proposed amendment to the constitution offered by Mr. Benson, to be considered by the next Congress:—be printed.
A message from the Senate, informed the house that they recede from each of their amendments to the bill making compensations to the officers of the Federal Courts, &c. and disagreed to by the house.
A bill was then originated and passed the usual forms to the third reading, for carrying into effect the consular convention between his most Christian Majesty, and the United States of America.
Sundry enrolled bills, and the resolutions respecting a Mint, and unappropriated Lands, were signed by the Speaker. The house then adjourned till 6 o'clock, P. M.
THURSDAY EVENING.
Passed—the bill for carrying into effect the Consular Convention. A bill to continue the act therein mentioned, and to make further provision for invalid pensioners, and for the support of Light-Houses, &c. was read the first, second, and third time, and passed. Sundry enrolled bills were signed by the Speaker.
A bill for the relief of David Cook was read the second and third time, and passed.
A message from the Senate, informed the house, that they concur in the resolution for the safe-keeping of prisoners &c. also that they have considered the bill for carrying into effect the consular convention; and the bill for the relief of David Cook, and resolved that said bills do not pass to a second reading.
Seven enrolled bills and resolutions were signed by the speaker.
A message from the President of the United States, by Mr. Secretary Lear, informed the house, that the following acts have received his approbation and signature viz: An act making compensations to the commissioners of loans, for their extra services: an act in addition to an act, establishing the salaries of the officers of the Treasury Department, their assistants and clerks.
An act to provide compensations for the officers of the Judicial Courts, and for Jurors and Witnesses, and for other purposes.
An act making further provision for the collection of the duties on teas, and to prolong the time for the collection of those on Wines.
An act to continue in force an act, for the temporary establishment of the Post-Office.
An act, supplementary to the act, making further provision for the public debt; and a resolution for the safe-keeping of Prisoners, confined under the authority of the United States.
A message from the Senate informed the house, That the President had signed the following acts, which originated in the Senate.
An act to continue in force the act therein mentioned, and to make further provision for invalid pensioners, and for the support of light houses, &c
An act, for granting lands to the settlers at Vincennes, in the Illinois country.
The Secretary then informed the house, that the Senate having finished the legislative business before them, are ready to adjourn.
On motion of Mr. Vining, the following was unanimously agreed to.
Resolved, That the thanks of the House of Representatives of the United States be presented to FREDERICK AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, in testimony of their approbation of his conduct in the Chair, and in the execution of the difficult and important trust, reposed in him as Speaker of the said house.
To which, the Speaker made the following reply.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,
THIS unexpected mark of your approbation of my conduct has made so deep an impression on my mind, that I cannot find words to express the high sense of gratitude I entertain on this occasion.
I have not vanity sufficient to suppose, that my feeble, tho' well-meant endeavors merit so great a reward; for it was your kind indulgence and support alone, which enabled me to go through the duties of the station which you were pleased to assign me; but I shall ever consider this distinguished and honorable testimony as the most pleasing circumstance of my life.
Gentlemen, I most sincerely thank you.—May every possible happiness attend you, and every individual of this body; and may your zealous endeavors to promote the welfare of our beloved country, which I have so long, and so often been a witness to, be crowned with unbounded success.
On motion of Mr. Jackson, the following resolution was unanimously agreed to—That the Speaker communicate to the Mayor and corporation of the city, and the Commissioners of the county of Philadelphia, the thanks of this house for the elegant and convenient accommodations furnished by them for the use of Congress.
The house then adjourned fine die.
PARIS, Dec. 7.
AMONGST the strongest instances of the fluctuation of popular opinion, may be reckoned the change of sentiment which has taken place with respect to M. de la Fayette. At one time the idol of the people, he is now the object of suspicion with many; and suspicion in certain situations is nearly equivalent to hatred! Of this the Marquis has experienced a recent instance.
He was attacked on Tuesday last by 8 men armed when accompanied by only 2 of his guards de corps.—The latter were fortunately armed with pistols, by the discharge of which two of the assailants were wounded. After a short contest, these, with two others, were taken; the rest saved themselves by flight.
ARISTOCRATIC FINESSE DEFEATED.
The late overflowing of the rivers having in many places in France, retarded the arrival of the post, the Aristocratic Horde (as they are now politely called) enjoyed the triumph of a moment, by giving out that the National Assembly was dissolved; that Paris was given up to be plundered to the king's troops, and that all the patriots who refused laying down their arms, were butchered on the spot. The people believed the report, but instead of yielding to despair, or any other unbecoming weakness, they assembled, and repeated their civic oath, "to defend the constitution until death!" In many places in Languedoc the national cavalry were ready to fly to the assistance of the capital; their hangers were whetted in the presence of the preachers of slavery, who were given to understand that, on the first signal of a counter-revolution, they should be the victims of national indignation.
The Municipality of Paris went on Thursday to L'Isle des Cygnes, to see a mill put in motion by a fire pump; it contains twelve mill-stones, which in twenty-four hours, grind seven hundred septiers of corn; [a septier is twelve bushels] this curious piece of mechanism, will be found wonderfully useful for Paris, as the Seine is frozen over every winter.
A new military body is established here, under the appellation of the federal club; the protection afforded to it by M. de la Fayette, the service the soldiers are employed in, being at the Louvre, give much food for conversation, and last week the whole was denounced at the Jacobins, as pregnant with mischief.
Virtue, modesty, and experience, will now occupy in the French Church, the dignified places, hitherto, too often usurped by ambition, intrigue, pride and ignorance; where the people have a bishop to name, their choice is worthy of the primitive church. A parish priest, of Sedan has been lately elected to fill the episcopal chair of that city; his elevation is the reward of beneficence, toleration, patriotism, in short every virtue.
National Assembly, Sunday December 5.
PUBLIC TREASURY.
M. Pinteville Cernon's statement of the public treasury afforded the greatest joy to the assembly. Imposts are therein represented as much accelerated, and indeed settled. The public coffers full of bills and specie—last month there was only three millions, now there are twenty-six; and the value of specie considerably lower.
MONDAY, Dec. 6.
M. de la Rochefoucault presented his statement of the supplies for the year 1791, and with the most lively satisfaction, the assembly learned that the anterior contributions exceed now, by a hundred and sixty millions, the amount exacted by the expenses of that year, since their estimate was only 560 millions. When the reporter, however, stated, that 300 millions of this were to come from the landed property, long and loud murmurs proceeded from a great part of the members.
* Erroneously stated in a few of our last number to have passed the Senate with amendments.

L O N D O N, Dec. 6. Westminster Hall, Court of Exchequer. The KING versus TIMSON.
A case of considerable importance to merchants and importers was tried on Friday last. The question [in the words of the lord chief baron] "lay within a nutshell." viz. Whether after a ship arrives in port, and has reported her cargo at the custom house, the separate articles of goods may be considered to be legally imported, and whether until they are landed upon the legal quays, the consignee is liable to pay the customs on the whole.
Mr. Timson, in March last, imported in the Isabella, from Bourdeaux, a large quantity of brandy. The guagers on board the ship took an account of it. Mr. Lorrimer, and Mr. Hallet the two officers, swore that a particular cask of brandy, when put into the lighter in order to be landed, contained 120 gallons.—Mr. Taylor, the landing guager, proved that at the time of landing, that particular cask at the quays, it contained only 31 gallons of brandy, with intent to settle the point of law.
Mr. Rous, for the defendant, called two witnesses, who proved that the cask was injured in the lighter, and had actually lost the quantity of brandy by leakage. He contended, with great ability, that goods and merchandise were not legally imported until the actual landing on the quays.
The chief baron divided the question into a matter of law. The fact, he observed, was plain. The law he apprehended, must be determined by another jurisdiction.
The Jury retired for two hours, and having taken the fact and the law under their serious consideration, came into court with a verdict for the defendant.
Extract of a letter from Flanders, Dec. 3.
"The troubles which have for some time past afflicted these unfortunate provinces are at an end. The respective states have at last returned to their allegiance, and submitted to the emperor Leopold. The province of Namur was the first that detached itself from the Union, and surrendered that strong fortress to the Austrian forces, under the command of Gen. Bender. The Belgic army, upon this, retired from the posts they had occupied upon the banks of the Meuse, in two divisions, towards Brussels and Mons. The Congress, finding it in vain to resist any longer, withdrew, and the States gave up the city of Brussels, upon being summoned by Marshal Bender. The remains of the Belgic army, consisting of about 6000 or 9000 men, arrived at Ghent on the 2d, in great confusion, and the States of Ghent submitted yesterday. The whole counter revolution has been effected with the loss of but very few men on either side. All that were left of the Brabant army, have been disbanded, and paid one month's pay.—Thus all is now settled in the Netherlands, and nothing is heard but L O N G L I V E T H E E M P E R O R L E O P O L D.
Assignats —The counterfeiters of France seem to have intended an immediate harvest, before even currency had made men suspicious of the paper. Thirty-six people have been at once apprehended.
According to the new constitution in France, the bishops and higher dignitaries have been stripped, without mercy, of their over-grown livings; but the incomes of the inferior and officiating clergy have been raised. The former measure, without the latter, would have brought a load of odium on the assembly; but by the latter they have secured an immense majority of the clergy on their side.
Saturday at eleven o'clock, Mr. Shaw, one of the travelling messengers, arrived post at the Duke of Leeds's office, White-hall, from Madrid, with the exchanged ratification of the convention with Spain: he was only eleven days on his journey.
It may be useful to many of our readers to know that one of the most simple and efficacious remedies for a sore throat, is a gargle made with a strong decoction of carrots, which very soon removes all inflammation and soreness.
N E W - Y O R K, March 2.
The following letter of the Senators from this State in the Congress of the United States, was read in the legislature.
Philadelphia, Feb. 23, 1791.
GENTLEMEN,
"We have each had the honor to receive from you a letter, covering a copy of the resolutions of the Senate and Assembly of the fifth instant. Having for some time thought that it would be expedient that the legislative debates of the Senate should be public, it affords us much satisfaction that our sentiments on the subject concur with those entertained by the Senate and Assembly of the state we have the honor to represent. With great respect, we are gentlemen your very obedient servants,
PHILIP SCHUYLER, RUFUS KING.
Hon. Isaac Roosevelt, President. Hon. John Watts, Speaker.
GEORGE-TOWN, Feb. 23.
By accounts from Frederick-Town, we learn, that in the night of the 19th inst. the house of GEORGE SCOTT, Esq. of that county, accidentally caught fire. The wind blowing hard, enraged the flames so furiously, that in less than half an hour the whole property of Mr. Scott, with two of his Sons, one of eleven, the other of nine years of age, fell victims to this dreadful and truly calamitous accident.
Mr. ELLICOT, we learn, finished the first line of his survey of the Federal Territory, in Virginia, yesterday, and crossed below the Little-Falls, the River Patowmack, on the second line.
FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
MR. FENNO,
As you were once so obliging as to tolerate the effusions of my rustic Muse, and invite the continuation of them, enclosing the copy of a little Ode to you, needs no apology.
A L Y R I C O D E.—Feb. 28.
FROM dreams I wake to real woe, While winds from every quarter blow, And urge the beating rain; Ill leave my pillow, sleep'd in tears, And try to dissipate my cares With my sweet lyre again.
Ah! where is fancy's magic power, That us'd to charm each dreary hour, And gild the darkest storm? Ev'n in the howling of the wind, Soft plaintive murmurs she could find, Breath'd by some airy form!
Oft has she borne me on her wing, To climes that know eternal spring, To sweet Arcadian vales; To where the vi'lets fragrant breath, Perfumes unseen the desert heath, With aromatic gales.
To groves whose dark embrowning shades, Skirted with ever-verdant meads, And woodbine mantled round; With streams, whose velvet margins bear, The blushing rose, and lilly fair, Spontaneous on the ground.
But now no more her presence cheers; Her wand no soft enchantment rears, To sooth my heart-telt pain: How loud the tempests horrid roar, I see the wrecks on every shore, And hear the dying strain!
My mind congenial with the gloom, That hides fair nature's brightest bloom, Welcomes contending storms; Sad emblem of the griefs that prey, And waste my widowed heart away, In retrospective forms.
Philadelphia, March 5.
The third inst. closed the political career of the first Congress of the United States, under the new Constitution: As the skilful pilot, after he has conducted the vessel, committed to his charge, through straits, abounding with rocks, quicksands, and shoals, and has given her a fair offing to the port of her destination, experiences indescribable sensations of pleasure, so our political fathers may congratulate themselves on the success of their endeavors in conducting our political affairs through paths before untried. From this auspicious period, may they behold the labours of their hands maturing to a happy state of perfection! It is a pleasing reflection, that their administration has been so far to public acceptance, as to secure the re-election to office of a great majority of their number: In several instances, a re-appointment has been voluntarily declined—and those who have lost their re-election, are not without reflections to counter-balance the disappointment.
Extract of a letter from North-Carolina, to a member of Congress, dated 16th February, 1791.
SIR, I do myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th inst. together with the copy of a resolution of the committee on the House of Representatives of the United States, respecting the cutting a canal between the waters of Virginia and North-Carolina. I have to inform you, that the same was laid before the General Assembly of this State, at their last session; and an act accordingly was passed by them, for cutting a navigable canal from the waters of Pasquotank River, in this State, to the waters of Elizabeth River, in the State of Virginia. A copy of which act, duly authenticated, has been transmitted to his Excellency the Governor of Virginia.
"I beg leave to congratulate you on this event, pregnant, I flatter myself, with great commercial advantage to the sister States of Virginia and North-Carolina."
According to the proclamation of his Excellency Governor TELFAIR—the Hon. ABRAHAM BALDWIN, ANTHONY WAYNE and FRANCIS WITLIS Esqrs. are elected members of the second house of Representatives, of the United States for the state of Georgia.—
Yesterday, pursuant to notification from the PRESIDENT of the United States, the Senate assembled in their Chamber of Congress, for the dispatch of business in their executive capacity.
The Hon. William S. Johnson, Senator of the United States from the State of Connecticut, has resigned his seat in the Senate.
APPOINTMENTS.
Pursuant to the powers vested in the President of the United States by the act, entitled an act, repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid on distilled spirits, imported from abroad, &c. he has thought proper to divide the United States into Fourteen Districts, and to nominate the following SUPERVISORS to each respectively:
 For the district of New-Hampshire, } JOSHUA WENTWORTH.  Do. Massachusetts, NATHANIEL GORHAM.  Do. R. I. and P. P. JOHN S. DEXTER.  Do. Connecticut, JOHN CHESTER.  Do. Vermont, NOAH SMITH.  Do. New-York, W. S. SMITH. 
 Do. New-Jersey, AARON DUNHAM.  Do. Pennsylvania, GEORGE CLYMER.  Do. Delaware, HENRY LATIMER.  Do. Maryland, GEORGE GALE.  Do. Virginia, EDWARD CARRINGTON.  Do. North-Carolina, WILLIAM POLK.  Do. South-Carolina, DANIEL STEVENS.  Do. Georgia, JOHN MATTHEWS. 
The President of the United States hath also been pleased to make the following appointments.
NATHANIEL CHIPMAN, Judge of the district of Vermont.
STEPHEN JACQBS, United States' Attorney for Vermont.
LEWIS R. MORRIS, Marshall for do.
STEPHEN KEYES, Collector for the port of Allburgh, in the state of Vermont.
To all of which nominations the Senate of the United States did advise and consent.
We may estimate the value of the national government by the losses we have suffered for the want of it. For want of a government, many years of back interest are added to our debt, including the interest on the state debts, more than 20 millions of dollars—Perhaps 30 have been in arrears for interest only. Some will say, perhaps, that if we have paid no interest, we have paid no taxes—and that we have saved by one way what we have lost in another: So far from it, the country bore a heavier burden before any sufficient provision was made for its debts, than it has done under the general government—the taxes formerly were higher, and yet the creditors were sufferers. But it would be wrong to consider the taxes that we did not pay as so much saved.—When the war ended, luxury came in upon us like a torrent: Duties on imported goods would have been rather a saving, than a loss: From 1783 to 1789 we might, if the new constitution had been in operation during that time, have collected more than 20 millions of dollars by Impost and Excise. That sum has been eat and drank, and as it regards the nation, may be considered as mere loss. It is indeed worse than lost. For duties not only encourage frugal habits, but they encourage our own manufactures. Every dollar of duty on foreign articles is a bounty to our own. This bounty causes a great deal more work to be done—and work is money. If the national government had been in full force at the end of the war, instead of the year 1789, our country would have saved all these great sums. If any are remaining among us who hate the government, they will not suffer it to be subverted, if they love their money. Five years of disorder would cost us more, than 20 years of hard work would pay for. It will take many years to wipe off the debt that the six years of no government after the peace, have thrown upon the nation. Experience ought to warn us against anarchy, and those measures which are calculated to restore it.
The legislature of North Carolina has passed an act, to carry into effect the resolution of Congress, respecting the safe-keeping prisoners of the United States in the goals of that State.
Discourses on Davila—One of the People—Essay on Agriculture—Tablet—Sonnet, No. I. and other favors, necessarily postponed.
In the Yeas and Nays on the motion for opening the doors of the Senate—as published in our last; Mr. SCHUYLER should have been inserted among the YEAS.
ARRIVALS at the PORT OF PHILADELPHIA.    Ship Francisca, Tobin Russia.   Delaware, Art, Charleston, 8 days.   Brig Phoebe, Williams, Lisbon, 30   Schooner Industry, Brewster, Virginia,   Brothers, Ross, ditto.   Sloop William, Scott, ditto.   Samuel, Butler, ditto.   Lion, ditto. 
PRICE CURRENT.
P U B L I C S E C U R I T I E S.
  FUNDED DEBT.   6 pr. Cents 16/10 17/6 85 pr. cent.   3 pr. Cents 9/ 9/1 45 do.   Deferred 6 pr. Cents 9/1 45 do.   UNFUNDED DEBT.   Final Sett. and other Certificates 15/9 16/ 80 do.   Indents 9/ 9/1 45 do.   N. and S. Carolina debts, 12/6 13/6 do. 
MANUEL NOAH,
B R O K E R,
No. 91, Race-Street, between Second and Third-Streets, BUYS and SELLS
Continental & State Certificates,
Pennsylvania and Jersey Paper Money, And all kinds of SECURITIES of the United States, or of any particular State.
Philadelphia, Feb. 1790.
TO BE SOLD.
THE SEAT OF THE LATE GOVERNOR L I V I N G S T O N,
Situate about a mile from Elizabeth-Town, on the public road to Morris Town. The farm contains between 90 and 100 acres of land, 15 or 20 acres of which are wood land; there is also appertaining to the said farm about 19 acres of salt meadow. Particular attention having been paid to the cultivation of fruit; there is on the farm a very large collection of various kinds of the choicest fruit trees, &c. in full bearing; the house is large, convenient, well built and in very good repair.
Enquire of the Printer, for further particulars.
New-York, Jan. 1791.
30 3m

Report of the Secretary of the Treasury, on the subject of a MINT.
(CONTINUED.)
CONSIDERING, therefore, the uncertainty of the success of the expedient, and the inconveniences, which seem incident to it, it would appear preferable to submit to those of a free coinage.
It is now proper to resume and finish the answer to the first question; in order to which the three succeeding ones have necessarily been anticipated. The conclusion to be drawn from the observations, which have been made on the subject, is this—That the unit in the coins of the United States, ought to correspond with 24 grains and 3-4 of a grain of pure gold, and with 371 grains and 1-4 of a grain of pure silver, each answering to a dollar in the money of account.
Each of these, it has been remarked, will answer to a dollar in the money of account. It is conceived that nothing better can be done in relation to this, than to pursue the track marked out by the resolution of the 8th of August, 1786.
With regard to the number of different pieces which shall compose the coins of the United States, two things are to be considered: convenience of circulation, and cheapness of the coinage.
As it is easy to add, it will be most advisable to begin with a small number, till experience shall decide whether any other kinds are necessary.
1 Gold piece, equal in weight and value to 10 units or dollars.
1 Gold piece, equal to a tenth part of the former, and which shall be a unit or a dollar.
1 Silver piece, which shall also be a unit or dollar.
1 Silver piece, which shall be in weight and value a tenth part of the silver unit or dollar.
1 Copper piece, which shall be of the value of a hundredth part of a dollar.
1 Other copper piece, which shall be half the value of the former.
It is not proposed that the lightest of the two gold coins should be numerous, as in large payments, the larger the pieces, the shorter the process of counting, the less the risk of mistake, and consequently the greater the safety and the convenience; and in small payments, it is not perceived, that any inconvenience can accrue, from an entire dependence on the silver and copper coins.
The tenth part of a dollar is but a small piece, and with the aid of the copper coins, will probably suffice for all the more minute uses of circulation.
The largest copper piece will nearly answer to the half-penny sterling, and the smallest of course to the farthing. Pieces of very small value are a great accommodation, and the means of a beneficial economy to the poor; by enabling them to purchase, in small portions, and at a more reasonable rate, the necessaries of which they stand in need.
The denominations of the silver coins contained in the resolution of the 8th of August, 1786, are concurred to be significant and proper. The dollar is recommended by its correspondency with the present coin of that name, for which it is designed to be a substitute; which will facilitate its ready adoption as such in the minds of the citizens.
The eagle, is not a very expressive or apt appellation for the largest gold piece, but nothing better occurs. The smallest of the gold coins may be called the dollar or unit, in common with the silver piece, with which it coincides.
The volume or size of each piece is a matter of more consequence than its denomination. It is evident, that the more surfaces or surface, the more the piece will be liable to be injured by friction; or, in other words, the faster it will wear.
As it is of consequence to fortify the idea of the identity of the dollar, it may be best to let the form and size of the new one, as far as the quantity of matter (the alloy being less) permits, agree with the form and size of the present.
The tenth may be in a mean between the Spanish 1-8 and 1-16 of a dollar.
The copper coins may be formed merely with a view to good appearance, as any difference in the wearing, that can result from difference of form, can be of little consequence in reference to that metal.
A stated meeting of the HIBERNIAN SOCIETY, for the relief of Emigrants from Ireland, will be held at Mr. Patrick Byrne's tavern, on Monday next, the 7th inst. at 6 o'clock in the evening. MATHEW CAREY, Sec'y. March 2, 1791.
PROPOSALS FOR PRINTING BY SUBSCRIPTION, A COLLECTION OF STATE PAPERS, INTENDED AS MATERIALS FOR AN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
By EBENEZER HAZARD, A.M.
IN this collection will be contained the CHARTERS of the several states which now compose the UNION;—the Records of the UNITED COLONIES of NEW-ENGLAND;—Royal Instructions to COLONIAL GOVERNORS;—EXTRACTS from PUBLIC RECORDS;—and other authentic Documents tending to elucidate our History.
The design of this compilation was intimated to Congress, and honored with their approbation.—On the 20th July, 1778, their committee, to whom his memorial was referred, reported it as their "Opinion, that Mr. Hazard's undertaking is laudable and deserves the public patronage and encouragement, as being productive of public utility;" Whereupon they "Resolved, That it be recommended to the Governors, Presidents, and Executive Powers of the several states in the union, to assist Mr. Hazard, and give facility to his labors; and that for this purpose he be admitted to an inspection of public records, and be furnished without expense with copies of such papers as he may judge will conduce to the valuable end he hath in view."
He was, of consequence, admitted to the inspection and use both of public records, and the collections made by individuals, from whence this compilation (much the largest he has ever met with on the subject, and he flatters himself, the largest ever made in America) was formed.
The compiler cannot suppress the following letter from the honorable the Secretary of State, to whose inspection part of the compilation was submitted, as it contains so flattering and respectable a testimony in favor of the importance of the work.
Philadelphia, February 18, 1791.
SIR, I return you the two volumes of Records, with thanks for the opportunity of looking into them:—they are curious Monuments of the Infancy of our country. I learn with great satisfaction that you are about committing to the Press the valuable Historical and State Papers you have been so long collecting. Time and accident are committing daily havoc on the originals deposited in our public offices: the late war has done the work of centuries in this business: the lost cannot be recovered; but let us save what remains; not by vaults and locks, which vaults them from the public eye and use in consigning them to the waste of time, but by such a multiplication of copies as shall place them beyond the reach of accident; this being the tendency of your undertaking, be assured there is no one who wishes it a more complete success than
SIR, Your most obedient and most humble Servant, THOMAS JEFFERSON.
MR. HAZARD.
CONDITIONS.
I. The Work to be published in numbers, each containing 160 pages, large quarto:—A number to be delivered every three months.
II. On delivery of the first Number, payment to be made for the first and second, and afterwards for each Number as delivered (except the last) so that the price of one Number will be constantly in advance.
III. The price to Subscribers will be one Dollar for each number.
IV. To those who choose to subscribe for the Work in Volumes, the price will be Four Dollars and a Quarter of a Dollar for each Volume, in boards.
V. The collection will be put to the Press as soon as there shall be a sufficient number of subscriptions to justify an hope that the expenses will be defrayed.
Those who receive Subscriptions will please transmit accounts of the numbers obtained to Thomas Dobson, No. 41, Second-Street, Philadelphia, by the first of May next.
SUBSCRIPTIONS will be received in Portsmouth, (N. H.) by Jeremiah Libbey;—Boston, Thomas & Andrews;—Worcester, Isaiah Thomas;—Hartford, Thomas Hildrup;—New-Haven, Isaac Beers;—New-London, Timothy Green;—New-York, (R. I.) Jacob Richardson;—Providence, John Carter;—New-York, Hodge, Allen & Campbell;—Albany, Abraham G. Lansing;—Philadelphia, Thomas Dobson, and Hazard & Addoms;—Wilmington, (Delaware) Frederick Craig;—Baltimore, I. Holmes;—Alexandria, Joshua Merriman;—Norfolk, Mr. Lindsey;—Fredericksburg, Callender and Henderson;—Petersburg, John Grammer;—Richmond, Augustine Davis;—Newbern, (N. C.) F. X. Martin;—Wilmington, John Bradley;—Charleston, (S. C.) William P. Young.
A NEGRO MAN ELOPED.
RAN away from his owner about the 25th Jan. last, CAESAR, a negro man, country born, noted as a preacher among the blacks, 30 years of age, about 5 feet 7 in. high—thick, well set; had on a brown cloth coat, light cloth jacket, leather breeches, and coarse wilton stockings.—He also had a tow linen frock with him; and wore a small round hat. He is supposed to be gone to Virginia, as his father lives on Dr. Vandever's plantation, in that State. Whoever will take up said negro, and secure him in the jail of Philadelphia, or of Trenton, and give notice thereof to the subscriber living in Bound-Brook, New-Jersey, shall receive Twelve Dollars reward, and all necessary charges. HUGH ROWAN.
PUBLIC NOTICE.
Somerset County, ss. BY virtue of a writ of fieri facias to me directed, against the goods and chattels, lands and tenements of CHRISTOPHER BEEKMAN, I have levied on, and seized that valuable house and lot of land, situate on the north side of the Main Street, in Princeton, now in possession of Adam Shaw, and known by sign of the College; it is an excellent stand for a public house, and has been occupied in that way for many years. All the above mentioned premises will be exposed to sale, on Thursday the tenth day of March next, between the hours of twelve and five in the afternoon of said day, of which all persons concerned will please take notice. WILLIAM WALLACE, Sheriff. Western Precinct, 18th February, 1791.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, JANUARY 25, 1791.
THE Public Creditors are reminded that, in order to the proper dispositions for paying the Interest in the several States, it is necessary that the amount to be paid in each should be previously known at the Treasury. And as the expiration of the first quarter is not far distant, it is wished that those who have not yet done it, may be expeditious in making and signifying their election, pursuant to the act making provision for the debt of the United States.
HENRY KUHL,
No. 143, North Second-Street.
FROM an expectation that a mutual advantage would be derived by the dealers in public securities, and a person who should undertake to transact such business on commission only, has concluded to offer himself for that purpose. Being of opinion, that every requisite to convince them and others of his disinterestedness ought to be attended to on his part, he has duly made oath before the Hon. the Chief Justice of the State of Pennsylvania, that he will faithfully execute the trusts which may be reposed in him. COPY OF THE OATH.
"I Henry Kuhl, of the city of Philadelphia, stock broker, do swear, that I will not be concerned either directly or indirectly, on my own account, in any purchases or sales of the evidences of the debt of the United States or of particular States, but will truly and faithfully execute such purchases and sales on commission only for those who may employ me: that is to say, until I shall announce in one or more of the newspapers printed at the seat of the government of the United States, my determination to the contrary. HENRY KUHL."
Sworn at Philadelphia, February 12th, 1791, before THOMAS M'KEAN."
The commissions he will charge for the present, are—
On the specie amount of all sums below 5000 nominal dollars, one half per cent. on do. from 5000. to 10,000 do. one fourth per cent. on do. from 10,000 and upwards do. one eighth per cent.
Accounts stated, and certificates funded at the Treasury or Loan-Office of the United States, on moderate terms.
N. B. All orders for purchases or sales to be in writing. Philadelphia, February 19, 1791. (85 t. f.)
Virginia, Culpeper County, 25th Jan. 1791.
To be SOLD by the Subscriber, THE PLANTATION, where-
on he resides, laying on both sides the Carolina road, in the great fork of Rappahannock river, 36 miles from the town of Dumfries, 30 from Fredericksburg, and 28 from Falmouth; in a most healthy part of the country:—Consisting of 2,000 acres—half cleared, and in good fence, well adapted for farming and grazing—the soil is good, lays well, abounding with many excellent springs and streams of water, so dispersed as to afford great opportunity of making watered meadow of the first quality, perhaps more than 300 acres—of which 120, in one body, is already in grass, and all watered and drained at pleasure by a number of ditches, for that purpose, passing through the whole. Orchards of about 2000 bearing apple trees—near as many peach trees, and a variety of most other kinds of fruit, natural to the climate. A good dwelling house, the situation whereof is remarkably beautiful and pleasant; and many other valuable improvements of divers kinds.
And one other Plantation about 5 miles nearer said town, consisting of about 1500 acres, on which is good merchant, grist, and saw mills, where nature, labour and art, have fully conspired to render them complete; a large constant stream, on which they stand, affords them water in great abundance; convenient thereto is a kiln end house, for drying corn, a bake house, a dwelling house and several other improvements mostly new; about 300 acres of the lands are in cultivation, very good in quality; the other part thin soil, but abounding with timber, is an inexhaustible source for the saw-mill.
Also several detached tracts within said county, of about 2, 3, and 400 acres each, and though not of so fertile a soil, their vicinity to the towns render them valuable, on some of them there are small improvements, and the lands so situated, that they can easily be made convenient little farms.
The whole or any part of the abovementioned possessions will be disposed of, on very reasonable terms—a small proportion ready money, for the balance, the payments will be made entire, or to accommodate the convenience of the purchasers, who may be supplied on the same terms, with all kinds of stock, work horses, oxen, &c. &c. &c. by JOHN STRODE. [t. f.]
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.
Table with 4 columns: Prizes, Dollars, is, Dollars. It lists various prize amounts and their corresponding dollar values, such as 1 of 10000 is 10000, 2 of 3000 are 6000, etc.
8388 Prizes. 16612 Blanks. 25000. 125000.
TICKETS may be had of the several Managers, who will pay the Prizes on demand—of the TREASURER of the Commonwealth—of JAMES WHITE, at his Book-Store, Franklin's-Head, Court-Street, and at other places as usual.
BENJAMIN AUSTIN, jun.
DAVID COBB,
SAMUEL COOPER,
GEORGE R. MINOT,
JOHN KNEELAND,
Managers.
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, letters, post paid, directed to SAMUEL COOPER, at his Office, North side State-House, Boston, enclosing Philadelphia, New-York or Boston Bank-Bills, or other good Bills, will be particularly attended to, and Tickets forwarded immediately upon the receipt of such letters.
Boston, Dec. 22, 1790. The Managers of the STATE LOTTERY assure the public, that the first Class of the Semi-annual Lottery will positively commence drawing on the day appointed, viz. the 17th of March next. As the Managers have in their several Monthly Lotteries commenced drawing at the hour assigned, so they are determined to be equally as punctual in this. Jan. 52.