National gazette. (Philadelphia [Pa.]), 1792-05-17 00:00:00

National Gazette.
By P. FRENEAU: Published MONDAYS and THURSDAYS, at THREE DOLLARS per annum.
VOL. I.
THURSDAY, May 17, 1792.
NUMB. 58.
For the NATIONAL GAZETTE.
On the INJUSTICE of the EXCISE LAW and the SECRETARY'S REPORT.
IN my last publication I have asserted, that there never was in any country a more partial, oppressive, and unjust instrument of revenue, than the present excise system; But as I do not wish, nor expect, my assertions to pass for proofs, I have, throughout these animadversions, appealed to indubitable facts, an equal knowledge of which may be obtained by any careful enquirer; and conscious, therefore, that my statements, however defective in the arts of language and composition, are made with precision and candor, I can have no occasion to blush under the apprehension of the strictest scrutiny. I will now, however draw to a conclusion, with a further enumeration of facts, and apply these in refutation of the leading arguments which are urged in defence of the excise law, as it affects the produce of the soil. Unjust and impolitic as the system is, no part of its composition, no course of its operation, is without an advocate; nor is this matter for surprize, when we consider, that it is the nature of oppression to contribute to the interest and power of its authors.
Government has the right to make an election of the kind of property that should be taxed, to regulate the manner, and to prescribe the amount, with respect to the proportion of the tax to the value of the subject on which it is imposed, whether a tenth, as in the case of the tithes in Europe, or a fourth, as in the case of the excise on whiskey, the question is immaterial in the view of a rapacious financier, provided the revenue can be procured. It is the practice of all despotic governments to calculate rather upon what can, with the greatest ease, be extracted from the people, than upon what in prudence ought to be taken. Yet even the administrations of such governments never openly avow the nefarious principle on which they act: The people hear it not in the theories, though they feel it in the practice of the minister. But let it be remembered, that the refined sophistries of the ablest logician, can avail little in opposition to the injured feelings of the people. The monarchy of France, the most potent and apparently the most stable in Europe, has fallen a memorable sacrifice to the national sense of sufferance. Without the charm of antiquity to sanctify it, without the influence of prejudice and attachment to uphold, and without the force of royalty to defend, what is to prevent a similar dissolution of our new raised fabric, should the citizens feel, that notwithstanding every constitutional limitation, there exists a power capable, and an administration willing, to oppress them? Tho' the reasoning of the federalist may have induced us to give a fair trial to the government, the reasoning of the Secretary would hardly be sufficient to counteract the effects of our experience in that event.
I mean not, however, to impute to the constitution itself the evils which flow from a perversion of its genuine principles and an abuse of its delegated authority: The government in the abstract may be good, though the administration is bad; but it is the administration, and not the frame of government, which acts immediately upon the people; our men in power will do well, seasonably to reflect upon the consequences of involving the latter in the odium which is only due perhaps, to the former.
Among the variety of arguments that are offered in support of the excise, we find this notable position; that those persons who are not affected by the excise upon whiskey, consume a proportionably greater quantity of coffee, tea, sugar, and other foreign goods, on
which an impost is paid; and contributing largely to the revenue in this way, they ought to be exempted, while the western parts of the states which do not in the like manner aid the public revenues, ought to contribute upon their whiskey; upon which principle the excise is the most equal tax that can be devised.
In order to discover the fallacy of this plausible pretext, it will be necessary to state the subject in its proper point of view. There are more than 100,000 people in Pennsylvania, who have no other mode of manufacturing their grain into a portable form, so that they can convey it to market, but by distilling it into whiskey. This number of persons may be distributed into near 18,000 families; and they are chiefly employed in farming; though, in my estimate, I am satisfied to omit one third of them, as employed partly in trades, or as not being sufficiently industrious, to work their farms to advantage. Suppose, therefore that the remaining 12,000 families raise annually at the rate of 100 bushels of grain each, for the market, this quantity of grain will produce 225 gallons of whiskey; upon which the farmer will pay 18 dollars; and the whole amount being 84,000. is more by 8000. or thereabouts, than the whole state has annually paid in a direct tax, during seven years past; whereas upon an equitable assessment of the value, or yearly rent of their property, the one sixth part of that amount, would be their full share of contribution to the public revenue. Nor is this all that these distant families have to pay. It is asserted by those who have lived as well in the new as in the old settlements, that a much greater proportion of salt is needed in the former than in the latter; and from the best information I can get, four bushels to a family would not be an excessive allowance; but as one bushel there, costs them at an average, as much as eight would do here, I will suppose that they must put up with a less quantity—therefore they cannot subsist at a lower rate than will on this article alone produce an impost of at least 1500. We must consider, likewise, that the whiskey is not a cash article, but is ultimately bartered for goods to the storekeepers either on this side, or beyond the mountains; and as the impost is undoubtedly charged in the price paid by the consumer, we may fairly conclude that on every article thus bartered, a greater proportion of that duty is paid by the western people, taking into view their relative means of payment, than by their more fortunate brethren in the old settlements. Many an article of dress and furniture, many a delicacy for the table, is used by them, which they would not use, if they could get money for their produce; and this satisfactorily accounts for their dress being so much better than, compared with the state of their houses, would be expected. But surely I need not repeat, to demonstrate the truth of what I say, that vast quantities of goods are carried from Philadelphia, from Baltimore, &c. over the mountains, or to the towns east of the mountains, whose commerce is chiefly carried on with the western frontiers; or again appeal to the merchants in this city, to the storekeepers in the towns near the mountains, and to travellers, who can scarcely get room to pass along the road, for the pack horses with which it is crowded in the fall and winter.
But it may be objected, that my estimate of the quantity of grain or whiskey which they can spare for the market, is not supported by experience. I grant that a surplus to that amount has not hitherto existed; but let us reflect, that the greater part of that country, which is now divided into eight counties, was laid desolate by the war, and the inhabitants rendered so poor, that
they have not yet been generally able to repair their ruined habitations, and to raise their bread; nor indeed, can many of them be said to have enjoyed peace at all. When, therefore, we make a proper allowance for these distressing circumstances, we must be surprized that they have already had so much to spare; and when we consider how much they have disposed of at so cheap a rate; that it is but a few years since whiskey was carried from Conechocheague to Pittsburg, and sold at 5s. per gallon; and that new settlers have hitherto been going thither annually, who needed to purchase their first year's bread; we shall be convinced that a few years would enable them to go even beyond the estimate I have made, if there was a demand sufficient. Before the distilling was promoted there, bread was frequently scarce. People having no prospect of selling their grain, put in such crops only as they supposed would be sufficient for their family and stock; when their crops failed there was a general scarcity. But since they have engaged in the practice of carrying their whiskey abroad to barter for goods, a spring is given to industry, and there is grain in abundance. Of this fact, the contractors for the army have had the fullest proof. But there never can be a demand for such a quantity of whiskey as that country could produce, until the prejudices against the liquor are removed. Even at this period the demand is not nearly equal to the quantity that can be made, notwithstanding the temporary wants of the army. If it were in sufficient esteem to constitute a commercial remittance to foreign countries; or if it could find a ready and general sale in the resorts of opulence, the supply would be cheap and abundant from all parts of the United States, that are at a distance from market.
A moderate tax, according to an equal assessment on visible and productive property, to the amount that the necessities of the United States still require, would not oppress the citizen, nor discourage industry; but a tax at a rate between 24 and 30 per cent. upon all a man can spare from his labor, and including 40 per cent. for the expence of distilling, produces a degree of oppression that is unknown in any country, which has a claim to freedom, and must necessarily discourage industry to an extent beyond calculation. If it was at all a necessary policy to lend the special aid of government to spirits manufactured from the produce of a foreign soil, it was sufficient to have laid high duties upon foreign spirits until whiskey, made from grain, had attained such estimation in the market, as to claim a competition with the favored liquor. But the argument of equalizing the tax, will, on no pretence, apply to the great body of farmers, who live within reach of a market; which is the case with all the citizens of some of the states, and with the majority of the citizens of all the states, except of Vermont. They surely can supply their necessary consumption from their farms with more advantage and ease than the western people can; the wolves do not kill their sheep, their farms being improved, their labor being less arduous; mechanic assistance is more easily procured: sweet cyder, &c. supply them with refreshments; they will, of course, pay less excise, and make more of their clothing; and they can take their grain, butter, cheese, and many of them their fowls and eggs to market; articles which those at a distance must eat themselves or lose. Have they then greater appetites than the people in or over the mountains? or have those people, distressed by their situation, forfeited a right to have their appetites gratified?
But if this argument applied to the towns, it is not certainly the produce of
the western farms exclusively, which ought to be excised; but the produce of those farms also which enjoy greater advantages. That it does not apply to the towns, however, will be evident, when we reflect, that great towns are the centers of wealth, and that much of that wealth is invisible as to a subject of taxation; and that in those towns profitable employments, and lucrative offices, which pay no tax, have their residence. It ought also to be considered, that a house of 20 feet front, will bring more annual rent than perhaps, four or five farms in the western country; generally speaking, residence in a town is the result of choice, but in the western country an act of necessity.
The result of the most candid examination is that the people who reside in the western country, in order to live as comfortably, are under the necessity of paying more to the revenue upon the consumption of goods, in proportion to the value of their estates, than the people in the old settlements who have access to the markets; and that there is no more reason for putting the western people than the eastern upon a competition with those who prefer living in towns. Therefore if this argument falls to the ground, the excise upon whiskey cannot be supported upon any principle of equity or good government.
But we are informed by the Secretary that a much greater amount of money is transmitted to the western country on the account of the supplies to the army, &c. than would pay the excise tax. Does not the Secretary know that the money received by the contractors is sent back again to the merchants in Philadelphia, for goods with which the supplies are paid for, even the pittance which the soldiers are entitled to is purchased for a trifle by the contractors and other storekeepers. I have myself seen large files of orders for even the pay of the militia transmitted by the storekeepers to their merchants, no money being sent to pay them until long after the service was reduced, they gave their discharge for such goods as they could get for them. The late contractor, Col. Duer, only proposed to purchase for money, but it is certainly known, that, in the course of the last campaign, he only transmitted a few hundred dollars to procure supplies to the army; and therefore, though he promised money, his not paying it, gave an uniformity to the magnitude of his villainy. From him the people had not even the gratification of receiving Coffee, Tea, Shawls, Chintzes, &c. itself, therefore this contract, calculated to promote speculation, did not even aid the impost.
But does the Secretary design that the war shall be as permanent as the excise? if not, his argument does not apply, even if money were given for the supplies.
We are further informed, that, the war being for the defence of the frontiers, the people residing there ought to pay for it. The war is conducted by, and for the protection of the United States. The people of the frontiers are the immediate sufferers by the mistakes or misfortunes, that have attended its progress. Was it ever suggested that the debts of the late war should press heavier upon those states, or places, where it raged longest, and with greatest violence? Surely not. This argument is inconsistent with the idea of a national government, and with humanity and common sense; how absurd is it to say that those people who have had the blood of their dearest relations shed like water around their dwellings, who themselves eat their bread with terror, and lie down and rise with trembling and dread, and who have just cause to complain, that their protection has not been early nor effectually provided for by government, should also pay an over

proportion of the public taxes: To those who have stood for a long time, as a constant piquet guard to the interior settlements; to those who have been long victims to the ravages of war, even a Roman emperor would have granted an exoneration from public taxes, not only during the war, but until the damages which individuals sustained by it, could be repaired: I am sorry that in the United States a contrary doctrine has been first advanced.
But, to reason for a moment in opposition to absurdity, let us enquire, whence the war originated, by what authority it can either be prosecuted, or terminated, and what property, or interest, is at stake upon the contest? Did Pennsylvania originate the war? No: at this moment there is not an Indian tribe, that does not respect the generous policy which her government has uniformly exercised towards them. Is there a dispute with the Indians about a single acre that Pennsylvania claims to be within her jurisdiction—no: wherever she has treated for herself, she has fairly paid the stipulated equivalent: and even where she has purchased, for a full consideration, as in the instance of the Lake Erie tract, from the United States, she has confirmed her title by another purchase from the aboriginal claimants. Is there the pretence of a single wrong offered to the persons or property of Indians, by Pennsylvania, or her citizens, as the ground of the war? no: the trespasses and crimes of individuals have never in any instance been charged upon the government, much less ought they to be charged where a government has, like that of Pennsylvania, exerted every instrument to bring the offenders to justice and made ample retribution to the injured.
It is enough, however, upon this point, to shew that the war has not originated with this state, which nevertheless, in the opinion of some political casuists ought to sustain the whole, or at least, a very disproportionate part of the expence. But let the war have sprung from what source it may, can Pennsylvania prescribe the manner of its being prosecuted, or the terms on which it shall be terminated? This is clearly the duty, as it is exclusively the province of the federal government. Then whose property is at stake? Pennsylvania claims not an inch of all the territory within the jurisdiction of the western governor: if land, therefore, is the object of contention, she has nothing at risk; and if the contest is not about land, in the name of heaven, let us ask (for at the tribunal of heaven we must answer) what has produced all this waste of blood, of treasure, and of happiness?
If, then, Pennsylvania has not originated the war; if she has no right to prosecute, or terminate the dispute; and if she has no property at stake; what plausible pretext is there to affect, that she ought, in particular, to be saddled with an excise, because the produce of the tax is appropriated for the defence of the frontiers! Has she not rather reason to complain, that her country is desolated, her citizens harried, and her habits of peace disturbed, by wars and devastations, which she did not occasion, which she could not prevent, and which, but for her union with her sister states, she would never, probably, have known?
But, I perceive, that it is better, for the preservation of concord and mutual esteem among the states, to leave this argument to the contempt, which its obvious absurdity naturally will excite, than to pursue an investigation into the origin and progress of the war, which if it did not tend to dissolve the cement of our confederation, must, I am persuaded, involve in confusion and disgrace, the ostensible instrument of the government. SIDNEY.
The following sentiments were delivered by Mr. MOORE in the House of Representatives, in the debate on the Excise Bill ,—April 30. [not before published.]
Mr. MOORE observed that in the district of Virginia he represented, there had been no opposition made to the execution of the excise law. He believed it had been duly executed, and had no doubt of a cheerful acquiescence, so long as the necessity for its adoption existed, or until some more eligible mode could be adopted, to pay the expence necessarily incurred for the western defence; provided , the law was so amended as to operate equally through every part of the union—But (he further observed) the bill, in its present form, was calculated to encourage and promote the distilling from foreign materials, and to oppress and discourage distillation from materials, the production of the United States. The argument made use of, viz. that the object of the bill is to provide for the western defence, and urged as a reason for the excise being continued as it now is, can have no force. It cannot be a reason for imposing an unequal burthen on the western inhabitants. They have a right to demand protection, and at the joint expence of the whole. If they are to pay for their protection, or if their defence (which it is hoped will require only a temporary provision) is made the ground of inequality in a law intended to be permanent, it would be refusing them the equal rights of citizens. If they are to pay the expence, why not suffer them to pursue such mode of defence as they may choose. A gentleman has observed, that a tax ought to operate equally
on every citizen. I agree with him in the principle, but not in the extent in which he applies it. I have no idea that every man ought to pay an equal sum, without any regard to his situation, ability, or circumstances. The bill itself, in the very parts by that gentleman advocated, contains a different principle. It is contrary to the policy of the government, and is impossible to be executed. The report of the secretary proposes by different rates of excise to encourage home-distilleries.—If this be the object, we can have sufficient data on which to make certain and conclusive calculations; and may fix on such a proportion in the excise as will produce the desired end, and duly encourage both. What are the prices of the raw materials—what the expences of distillation, and what the price of the different spirits in the market?—The former price of molasses was one-fourth of a dollar per gallon, which will produce one gallon of rum. The price of distilling, is about three and an half cents per gallon. The market price of the spirit is assumed to be five shillings to 5/6. The price of rye is said to be three shillings per bushel. But it is certain no part of the United States is so fertile, as that the labour employed in producing one bushel will not be worth one third of a dollar. The bushel will produce two gallons of whiskey. The price of distilling is, I believe, one shilling per gallon. It is not lower, however, than nine pence. The liquor sells at one third of a dollar per gallon.—If this is a true statement (and it has been often made and not contradicted) gentlemen must see that the proportion is not just.—It operates in favor of the distillers from molasses. Their profits are considerable. The other is oppressed; and no person will engage in it but from necessity.
Some gentlemen seem to think the excise ought to be equal on all kinds of spirits—but, ought not the value of the article, in some degree, to regulate the proportion? Whiskey, though of the same proof with rum, is yet of inferior quality. This is fully proved. Both brought to the same market, the rum will sell for double what the other can be sold for. I think it unfair to introduce arguments from the present price of molasses, owing wholly to adventitious circumstances. But, even admitting it should continue at the present price, the profit to the distiller from that article will be considerable.
The statement made by a gentleman from Massachusetts of the increase and flourishing state of grain distilleries is to me unaccountable. If so many have engaged in the business, they have done it imprudently, and will soon find themselves under a necessity of declining it. If rye sells at the price that has been mentioned—if the spirit distilled therefrom sells at the price it is affirmed it does, it is impossible they can succeed, as may be demonstrated by an easy calculation; and therefore they must inevitably lose by the business. I hope the duty will be reduced to six cents per gallon.—If the present price of molasses is three shillings, the price of distilling three pence, the profit to the distiller, after paying the excise, is nearly 1/6 on the gallon—On the other hand, the distiller has no profit. It is only engaged in from a kind of necessity by those who are so distant from market that their grain will not bear the expense of transportation.
Of lake SUPERIOR, or, the upper lake. THIS immense lake, or rather inland ocean is said to be the largest body of fresh water in America, if not in the whole world. It approaches nearer to the form of a square than any of the large lakes on this continent, and has a coast of more than 1600 miles. The greatest part of this coast, however is bounded by mountainous and rocky land, and the lake itself lies upon a vast bed of rocks, which at certain seasons, from the limpid clearness of the water may be seen to a great depth, huge, vast, and irregular, and in some places exhibiting an appearance of having been hewn, and inclining the spectator to believe that large cities had been sunk by some convolution of nature, of whose foundations these were the remains.
In summer time the waters constituting the superficies of the lake are tolerably warm, but if you take it up from the depth of only a single fathom, it is equally cold with ice; the long continuance and extremity of the winters cold prevailing in the temperature of the waters over the short and transient heat of the summer atmosphere.
Lake Superior is, in extent, about 290 English miles from north to south, and about 360 miles in length from east to west; the 48th degree of north latitude passing through the middle of the lake, and its western extremity lying in 93 degrees 30 minutes, west longitude from the meridian of London.
This lake includes several fine islands, the undisturbed haunts of the native quadrupeds of the forest, secluded from other parts of America by the vast extent of the lake, and far out of view of all other land. These Islands seem never to have been inhabited by men, a superstitious notion having prevailed among the Indian nations, that they are haunted by invisible powers, inimical to the race of man, avenging with the utmost severity every attempt to penetrate those lonely forests.
One of these Islands ( Royale ) is at least one hundred miles in length and about forty five in breadth; Maurepas is something less, both are covered with thick woods, and inhabited by deer, foxes, rabbits and
few other quadrupeds, if any. How these came there, is a question not easy to be solved, unless we suppose with some free philosophers, that the earth itself is alike productive of vegetable and animal life.
The water in a large extent of this lake is 80 or 90 fathom deep, and in some places is said to be unfathomable. The navigation is equally, if not more hazardous than that of the Atlantic, the waves swelling to a vast height in gales of wind, and at the same time so short, that it is difficult for a vessel to rise them.—Fish abound here, particularly the sturgeon and the trout which grow to a size unknown in the more eastern parts of the United States.
Many rivers empty into Lake Superior, of which two are very large on the north and north east.—And partly are discharged through St. Mary's Straits into Lake Huron, partly through subterranean passages.
Notwithstanding the pretended influence of the moon upon the waters of the great ocean, so as to occasion tides, she is found to have no such influence over the waters of Lake Superior; which she surely would have, to a sensible degree, if there were any truth in the Newtonian theory of the tides.—There is a gradual swell however in the lake, which rises to about 3 feet four inches in seven years and an half, and in the same space of time again falls gradually to its former level: Nearly the same thing is observed of the Caspian sea, in Asia.
May 15.
PHILADELPHIA.
May 17, 1792.
On Friday last the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania laid the corner-stone of the PRESIDENT'S HOUSE in Ninth-street. The following inscription is on the stone— "This Corner-Stone was laid on the 10th of May, 1792. The State of Pennsylvania out of debt. THOMAS MIFFLIN, Governor." The building will be about one hundred feet square.
A letter dated Cumberland, April 2d says "The Indians have commenced hostilities against this country upon every quarter: we believe them to be the Greeks and Cherokees, from the best information that can be obtained. They have lately taken a station, and committed several murders and depredations upon our frontier settlements."
By a Cape Francois paper of the 15th of April, it appears that the rebellion in Leogane is, in a great degree, crushed. Two of the negro chiefs have been taken and put to death, and the mulattoes in that quarter (it is said) have laid down their arms.
A new town, in South-Carolina, was begun to be erected early in April last at the confluence of Broad and Pacolet Rivers, to be called Pinckneyville , from the respectable family in that state to which the name alludes. Scarcely had the name, however, been officially conferred upon the infant city when a tremendous fresh poured down the two rivers, from previous heavy rains, and overwhelmed all that had been done, in promiscuous ruin; thus disappointing the expectations and labors of the founders, who, like Romulus of old, had been but a few days before comparing their situation to his, when employed in cutting away bushes from the spot which was afterwards the seat of the mistress of the world. The commissioners, we hear, have since agreed to change the position of Pinckneyville to a pleasant, romantic, and more elevated situation farther up, on the banks of Broad River, not far distant from the confluence before mentioned, and nearly in the centre of one of the most desirable countries in the world, the back-parts of South-Carolina.
A late New-York paper asserts, that there are now settled to the westward of the Seneca Lake, in that state, upwards of four thousand inhabitants, chiefly industrious emigrants from Massachusetts and Connecticut, and whose numbers are daily and rapidly increasing. The same paper represents the projected northern and eastern canals in that state in a fair way of being carried into execution, and, probably, completed in the course of ten years, whereby a navigation will be opened into the heart of the American continent; the far greater part of the way, on those immense bodies of fresh water called the Lakes; and, where they fail, by means of locks, canals, and natural communications. It is computed that in ten years after the canals are completed the produce now brought to New-York market will be increased at least one third.
Accounts from Pittsburg as late as the 5th and 6th of May mention no further particulars of Indian depredation, of consequence. Even those already published appear to have been in some degree exaggerated.
Considerable misunderstandings have prevailed between the merchants of this port and the pilots for the Delaware, relative to the rates of pilotage, which by the latter are thought too low; who now demand one dollar for each half foot draft of water, for
vessels drawing 12 feet and under; and 12/6 per half foot for vessels above that draft—and require vessels not registered within the United States to pay 20/ with some other demands, which are either disagreed to by the merchants, or taken no notice of. In consequence of these misunderstandings, several large vessels, ready for sea, have been some time detained at the wharves, the pilots having refused to take charge of them unless their demands are allowed.—Some of the captains have determined to proceed to sea without pilots, relying on their own skill, shallow-men, and the direction of charts; a considerable number have already failed, and others are preparing to follow, at a risque easy to be conceived of by those who have any knowledge of the intricate navigation of Delaware Bay, and the danger of a heavy ship grounding on the shoals.
By a late arrival English Newspapers are received, to the 10th of March. Nothing very material occurs in addition to prior accounts.—Abolition of the slave trade seems to be the great topic in England and Scotland, and the parliament had been almost universally petitioned on the subject—the emigrated French nobility and princes had published a manifesto signifying that the courts of Russia, Turin, Madrid, Vienna, & Berlin are to guarantee certain parts of the French constitution,—notwithstanding which, many were of opinion that a war between France and a combination of European powers is inevitable—Paris was in a good deal of confusion, as well as some other parts of the kingdom, which was wholly imputed to the intrigues of clubs, particularly the Jacobine.
Let any person look around the several seaports, both in this and other states, (says the Boston Independent Chronicle ) and observe the persons who have acquired property since the adoption of the federal constitution. On enquiry, he will find speculators in general to be the men. The industrious merchant has been the hackneyed drudge thro' the whole business. The store of the merchant is filled with articles of merchandise, for which he is in advance to the government, thousands; while the gambling speculator is receiving his quarterly payments at the loan office, and at the same time not helping government one penny to encrease the revenues.
But what is more distressing, additional duties are now laid upon articles of commerce—to be appropriated, not barely to pay the debt already contracted , but to provide for an immense one, to be contracted , for carrying on the INDIAN WAR!—The property of our merchants is to be squandered in the wilderness, as if the commerce of the United States depended for its success on the scalps of the innocent natives, and the acquisition of their uncultivated territory. This measure, it is probable, will prove serviceable to the War Department, but why Commerce is called on to aid the sanguinary purpose, is a question too serious not to demand a satisfactory answer.—Boston, and the other seaports, can but ill afford to pay "additional duties" towards this western expedition.
Very wholesome advice is administered in a Boston paper of last week, relative to the popular choice of Legislators. Sufficient caution is there given to the people, 1st, to choose no man who is remarkable for a super-abundance of low cunning; such a man in a legislative body will always have his private interests more at heart than those of the public.—2dly. Twistical characters, who are easily swayed, and will assent to any question that promises to favor self or party interest.—3dly. Speculating characters; men who creep into legislative bodies with a design to turn their legislative knowledge of state secrets to private purposes.—4thly. Greek and Latin not to be essential qualifications.—5thly. Legislators ought not to be concerned in pilot-boats, bound for the modern Colchis . Such, if put to the test, would in all likelihood, sell their country for a scrip . As Plato wrote over the door of his academy, Let no one enter here who does not understand Geometry , in the same manner let us write over the doors of our federal and state legislatures, Let no one enter here to whom none of the above characters is applicable .—"Let us not suffer a single ranger, speculator, or swindler in our public bodies—let us purge the tabernacle of all contamination by stock-jobbers, who consider the United States as a lottery office and the rights and privileges of the people as a discount from their prizes. Let us sweep the legislative floors of such vermin, who devour liberty in the bud, and suck the vitals of the honest industrious farmers, merchants, and tradesmen. Let us unite, to a man, and elect only such as will promote agriculture, the arts, true commerce, and the general good of the country."
One advantage (says a letter from New-York) generally attends a spirit of speculation; the speculating character acquiring his money with safe, as easily parts with it, so that it is again scattered among the people and not hoarded up in strong boxes.—Had the paper bubble been upheld some time longer, it would have been impossible for a foot-citizen to have walked the streets

with safety for the number of equipages that actually were, and were preparing to be rolled over the pavements of this capital. At present their wheels being taken off, they drive very heavily, or are gone into port; the fall of paper having in a great degree caused the fall of splendor—
Peleus et Telephus, pauper et exul, uterque Projicit ampullas et sesquipedalia verba."
A paragraph appears in the Salem Gazette of the 8th instant mentioning the arrival of a vessel at Marblehead from St. Martins, which island the left the 16th of April; and bringing an account of a brig having arrived at St. Martins from St. Lucia the 15th of the same month, by which intelligence had come to hand that a war was declared between France and Spain: This intelligence, it seems, was brought to St. Lucia by an English man of war, which if there be any truth in the matter, must have had a passage remarkably short. Very little dependence can be put upon this information.
Late English papers say that Lord Cornwallis is recalled from India, to be succeeded by Lord Macartney: and the Lord knows who will be the conqueror of India if he should not succeed—Commodore Cornwallis is also to relinquish his command in the Indian Seas.
The Queen of Portugal has absolutely lost her senses, and is with difficulty restrained from tearing herself to pieces, or dashing out her brains against the walls of her apartment—her madness is said to proceed from religious concern.—Poor Royalty!
In the late war, a certain person of a coxcombical character in the American army, was, more by good luck than merit, promoted from an insignificant station to be deputy-quarter-master-general in a certain line of troops. On all occasions, after this, he took care that the initials of his official dignity should be affixed to his name; so that let the name go were it would, D. Q. M. G. was sure to be its constant, never failing concomitant. Being at York, in Virginia, with the troops at and after the capture of Lord Cornwallis, in order to acquaint the most inattentive passenger of his military dignity, he procured his name to be affixed in monstrous large letters over the house where he quartered, with its old appendage, D. Q. M. G. Some gentlemen (mostly strangers) passing by one morning, one of them could not forbear asking what those four capital letters were intended to stand for;—What do they stand for! (said one of the company, who knew the quarter master) why what else should they stand for but D—d Quick Made Gentleman?
The phrase man in power seems to be totally inapplicable to any man whatever in the United States. It is indeed an imported phrase, and was first used in England by the tools of a tory junto in the latter end of the reign of queen Anne, in order to flatter certain characters, who, in fact were, for a time, the arbitrary governors of the nation. The term man in power becomes ridiculous when applied to any officer of government in this country, as no man possesses in himself any power independent of the power of the law established by the free voice of the people, to which alone we look up as the object of our obedience. Instead of man in power , let us therefore in future, read in our American Vocabulary, servant of the people .
PRICE OF STOCKS.
Table with 2 columns: Item, Price. Items include Six per cents, Three ditto, Deferred ix ditto, 2 shares Bank Stock, Shares Bank N. A., Indents, Final settlements.
FROM GAZETTE de LISBOA, (a Portuguese paper) Feb. 11.
The following is a list of the foreign vessels that have arrived in and departed from the Port of Lisbon, during the year 1791.
Table with 3 columns: Vessel, Arrived, Departed. Lists various nationalities like Americans, Bremers, Danes, Dantzekers, French, Genoese, Spaniards, Hollanders, Hamburgers, English, Imperial, Lubeckers, Mecklenburghers, Neapolitans, Prussians, Russians, Ragusans, Swedes, Venetians, and a Total row.
** A few Copies of the Report of a Committee of Congress, on the causes of the failure of the Western Expedition, under Major-General St. Clair, for sale at the Office No. 209, Market-Street.
For the NATIONAL GAZETTE. Mr. Freneau.
IN quoting the Gazette of the United States a few days ago, your correspondent ENCORE forgot to quote a passage, that would have done great honor to the candor of the Editor of that paper, and perhaps in some measure alleviated the odium, which never fails to attend the author and publisher of such harsh abusive language, as that which was quoted. In the passage I allude to [Gaz. U. S. May 5] the Editor fairly acknowledges, that, where "one sentence" is published in favor of the measures of government, "whole columns" appear on the other side of the question. Now this is an honest manly confession. But what conclusion are we to draw from the premises? The smallest number of columns is two; and allowing two columns of a newspaper to contain, on an average fifty sentences (which is a very moderate calculation) must we not conclude, that, since fifty times more are written against the measures of government, than in favor of them, fifty persons disapprove, for one who approves? and that, notwithstanding all the pains taken by those, who "call themselves the friends and admirers of the government," to thrust their honied bonnets of adulatory PUFF down the gaping throat of credulity,* the people cannot swallow such "choking morsels" by which "their faith would certainly be strangled."
And although the junto should hire fifteen more printers, one in every state of the union, to praise the measures of government, and abuse every one who writes against them, the people are not such fools, as to be puffed out of their senses, and made to believe, that black is white, or that funding systems, calculated to enrich a few speculators at the expense of a multitude of honest men, Excise systems, calculated to ruin and oppress one part of the union for the aggrandizement of another, &c. &c. are national blessings. All the puffing and abuse of a whole legion of such printers will never satisfy the independent and enlightened citizens of America, who have long looked for, and will have a change of measures at least, if not of men also, whatever any one news paper may say to the contrary.
Perhaps we may be gravely informed in print on Saturday next, that the very measures of which I here complain, are the greatest blessings that could possibly be conferred on the nation, that a torrent of happiness and prosperity pours in upon the people, from funding systems, speculating systems, banking systems, excising systems, puffing systems, abusing systems, and every other kind of new-fangled systems with which the country has of late been inundated. If so, why is fifty times more written against, than in praise of them? Perhaps it may be answered, that the people, though basking in the sun-shine of prosperity, and wallowing in the plenitude of sub-lunary bliss, are yet so ungrateful as not to acknowledge the blessings they enjoy: perhaps it may be said that they are blind and stupid, and can neither see nor feel the boasted blessings that are praised up to the stars, regularly twice a week in print. But it is to be imagined, that the people of America are so blind and so dull of apprehension, as not to see and feel those mighty blessings, if they really did exist? Or is it probable, that if they did see and feel them, they would ungratefully withhold the tribute of applause from the authors of their unexampled happiness, and suffer "whole columns" to be written against them, for every "single sentence" that is written in their favour! Here perhaps we may again be answered, that the "FRIENDS of the government are neither blind nor ungrateful, but that its "enemies" are fifty times more diligent, and that it is for this reason only they write fifty times as much. But let me ask one candid sensible American, whether he thinks it by any means probable, that one of those "enemies of the government" (as they are called) who are not goaded forward by the spur of private interest (as it is well known that some of the contrary description are) and who besides may be morally certain of being abused and vilified in print for daring to express their sentiments, can possibly feel a fifty times stronger temptation to write, than a man, who is interested in praising,—a man, who by his successful speculation has amassed an immense fortune, which he still hopes to see increased by saddling the nation with an irredeemable debt of eight or ten millions more, and thus providing for the prosperity of these "friends of the government," who are to be pampered in idleness, at the expense of those men, who are reviled as "enemies," for no other reason, than because they wish to retain the power of bequeathing to their posterity a right to feed upon at least the husks of their own corn, without being robbed of the whole produce of their farms, and reduced to feed upon the crumbs that fall from the luxurious tables of the well-born descendants of speculators.
May 16. ANTI-PUFF. * See the Gazette of the U.S. of this morning.
** For sale at this Office, Sermons by the Rev'd Dr. William Linn, of N. York. Price 5/7 1-2.
From the New-York Daily Advertiser of May 15. TO THE PUBLIC.
IN the Daily Advertiser of the 12th inst. there is a report of a Committee of Congress, on the causes of the failure of the late Western expedition, in which I am held up in a conspicuous point of view, as a principal author of that calamitous event. I pledge myself to prove at a proper period, and before a proper tribunal, that the charges, against me as a contractor are ill founded—In the mean while, I will exhibit to the public in the Daily Advertiser of Thursday next, a few palpable errors in this report, in order that a proper judgment may be formed of this legislative mode of investigation.
Wm. DUER. Late Contractor for the Troops on the Western Frontiers. New-York, May 13, 1792.
LONDON, March 5. Several letters from the north, inform, that the Russian and Swedish fleets combined, are to enter the Mediterranean in the spring.
A letter from Limerick, says, "it is imagined through the example and philanthropy of some individuals, upwards of 12,000 persons have, within these six months discontinued the use of sugar in this city!"
Another paper says, "the queen of Portugal, we lament to hear, at present labours under the most melancholy of all maladies; a mental derangement."
Although an attack upon France is at present far from probable, we think it necessary to state that the following are reported to be the forces designed for this expedition:
150,000 Austrians; 60,000 Prussians; 17,000 Swedes; 15,000 Russians, and 80,000 men furnished by the Germanic body.—in all 322,000 men.
FOR BRISTOL, THE SHIP
Birmingham Packet, LEESON SIMMONS, Master; A remarkable fast sailer, her cargo is all ready; nevertheless to accommodate those who may be disposed to put freight on board, it will be taken in. She will sail in a few days. The owners are determined that the ship shall leave Bristol with the first fair ships.
For freight or passag apply to the Captain on board lying at Walnut street Wharf, or GEORGE MEADE. Those who have goods on board are earnestly requested to enter them, take out their permits, and give the necessary directions to their porter to attend the ship. May 16. 2aw
Just imported in the ship Molly, Captain Pitt, from Lisbon—
A few Pipes and Quarter Casks of LISBON WINE, Far superior in quality to what is generally imported; and a few Dales of the very best CORKS, To be Sold by
GEORGE MEADE, Who has also for sale, Choice three and five years old Bill of Exchange Madeira Wine, By the Pipe, or Quarter Cask,
LONDON MARKET MADEIRA WINE five years old by the pipe, or quarter Cask, Choice old Sherry WINE by the quarter cask MESS BEEF of a superior quality and such as is fit for an East India Voyage—put up in this city.
Choice first quality BEEF do. Do Second do. BOSTON BEEF equal to any from that country.
Burlington Pork of the first quality, and one hundred and fourteen hds of FLAX SEED, &c. &c. May 16 2 a. w. 1m.
THIS DAY ARE PUBLISHED, [In Octavo—Price 2/9]
THE LAWS of the UNITED STATES, Passed at the First Session of the Second Congress.
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY.
To which are added the Ratifications of the Amendments to the Constitution, by the several ratifying States; the Armistice between the United States and Great-Britain; and the Treaty of Peace and Friendship with the Cherokees, which, with those in the other octavo volume completes all the existing treaties.
Philadelphia, printed by CHILDS & SWAIN, Printers of the Laws of the United States, and sold by them, at their office, No. 209, Market-Street; also by the principal Booksellers in the city.
** The Laws are sewed in blue paper, and are intended to be bound up with those of the next session, so as to make one volume, comprising all the Laws passed by the Second Congress, when a complete Index will be added for both sessions.
The LAWS of the Three Sessions of the First Congress, With a complete Index, in one volume octavo, may be had as above. Philadelphia, May 17th, 1792.
THE VILLAGE MERCHANT.
SPRUNG from a race that long had till'd the soil And first dis-rob'd it of its native trees, He chose to heir their lands, but not their toil, And thought the ploughman's life no life of ease— " 'Tis wrong (thought he) these pretty hands to wound
"With felling oaks, or delving in the ground: "I who, at least, have forty pounds in cash "And in a country store might cut a dash, "Why should I till these barren fields (he said) "I who have learnt to cypher, write, and read! "These fields that shrubs, and weeds, and brambles bear, "That pay me not, and only bring me care!"
Some thoughts had he, long while, to quit the soil In sea-port towns to try his luck in trade, But then their ways of living seem'd most odd— For dusty streets to leave his native shade, From grassy plats to pebbled walks remov'd— The more he thought of them the less he lov'd: The city-springs he could not drink; and still Preferr'd the fountain, underneath the hill.—
And yet no splendid objects there were seen No distant scenes in gaudy colours clad, Look where you wou'd the prospect till was mean, Scrub-oaks, and scatter'd pines, and aspens sad— Banks of a shallow river stain'd with mud; A stream where never swell'd the tide of flood, No lofty ship her topsails did unloose, Nor sailor sail'd—except in log-canoes.
It would have puzzled Faustus to have told, What did attach him to this paltry spot Where even the house he heir'd was very old, And half his fences hardly worth a groat: Yet to it was, the fancy took his brain A country shop might here some custom gain:— Whiskey, he knew, would always be in vogue While there are country Squires to take a cogne, Laces and lawns would draw each rural maid, And one must have her scawl, and one her shade. (To be continued.)
BOOKS, Printed and sold by
MATHEW CAREY, No. 118, Market-Street, Philadelphia.
1. American Museum, from its commencement in January 1787, to December 1791, in ten vols. Price, neatly bound and lettered, sixteen dollars.
This work, which is now conducted on an improved plan, containing the best pieces published for and against the proceedings of government, will be found to contain at least as great a variety of political, agricultural, and miscellaneous essays, as any ever published in America. Perhaps in no one work are so many valuable documents respecting the history of this country, collected together. His excellency the President of the United States, has declared of it, that "a more useful literary plan has never been undertaken in America, nor one more deserving of public encouragement." The subscription is two dollars and a half per annum. Gentlemen in the country who wish to be supplied with this work, are requested to give commission to friends in the city to subscribe for and receive it.
2. Ladies' Pocket Library—containing:—Miss More's Essays; Gregory's Legacy; Lady Pennington's advice; Marchioness of Lambert's advice; Swift's letter to a newly married lady; Mrs. Chapone on command of temper; More's fables for the ladies—Price 6/6.
3. Smith's History of New-York, from its first settlement to the year 1732. (To which is annexed, a description of the country, with a short account of the inhabitants, their religious and political state, and the constitution of the courts of justice—Price a dollar and a quarter.
4. Elements of Moral Science, by James Beattie, LL.D. professor of moral philosophy and logic in the Marischal College, Aberdeen—Price three fourths of a dollar. Of this book the Critical Reviewers (vol. 69. p. 628) say: "We have seen nothing on these subjects more plain, more perspicuous, or more generally useful." N.B. It is introduced into the University in Philadelphia.
5. Beauties of Poetry, British and American, containing select productions of the most eminent British and American poets—Price four shillings of a dollar.
6. Blair's Sermons, containing the whole of the three volumes of the British edition, in two. Price two dollars.
7. Necker's Treatise on the importance of religious opinions. Price four shillings of a dollar.
8. Examination of the observations of Lord Shelburne's on American Commerce. Price, on very fine paper, four shillings of a dollar.
9. The Constitutions of the several United States, with the federal Constitution, &c. Price five eighth of a dollar.
10. M'Fingal, an epic poem, a new edition in 12mo. Price three eighth of a dollar.
11. American Jest Book, in two parts, with two very neat engravings. Price bound, three shillings of a dollar.
12. Garden of the Soul, by Bishop Chalcnor. Price, bound in calf and lettered, three quarters of a dollar.
13. The Douay Translation of the vulgate Bible, in quarto. Price, elegantly bound and lettered, 50/2—plain, six dollars.
14. Devout Christian's Vade Mecum. Price a quarter dollar.
15. Think will on't: or, reflections for every day of the month. Price a quarter dollar.
16. Christian Economy, translated from a Greek manuscript, found in the island of Patmos, where St. John wrote the Apocalypse. Price a fifth of a dollar.
17. History of Charles Grandison abridged. Price a sixth of a dollar.
18. Poems by Col. Humphreys. Price a third of a dollar.
19. Select Poems, chiefly American. Price a sixth of a dollar.
Said Carey has for sale, a large assortment of books, European as well as American editions, which he will dispose of on the most reasonable terms. Country gentlemen, who favor him with commands, may depend upon being supplied in the most satisfactory manner. A liberal allowance to such as purchase quantities for public libraries, or to sell again.

AUTHENTIC.
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES.
At the first Session, begun and held at the city of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, on Monday the twenty-fourth of October, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one.
AN ACT for raising a farther Sum of Money for the Protection of the Frontiers, and for other Purposes therein mentioned.
BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That from and after the last day of June next, the duties now in force upon the articles herein after enumerated and described, at their importation into the United States, shall cease, and that in lieu thereof, there shall be thenceforth laid, levied and collected upon the said articles, at their said importation, the several and respective rates or duties following:—viz:
Wines, namely: Madeira, of the quality of London particular, per gallon fifty-six cents:—Madeira, of the quality of London market, per gallon, forty-nine cents:—Other Madeira wine, per gallon, forty cents:—Sherry, per gallon, thirty-three cents:—Saint Lucar, per gallon, thirty cents:—Lisbon, per gallon, twenty-five cents:—Oporto, per gallon, twenty-five cents:—Teneriffe and Fayall, per gallon, twenty cents:—All other wines, forty per centum ad valorem. Provided that the amount of the duty thereupon shall, in no case, exceed thirty cents per gallon.
Spirits, distilled wholly or chiefly from grain:—Of the first class of proof, per gallon, twenty-eight cents:—of the second class of proof, per gallon, twenty-nine cents:—of the third class of proof, per gallon, thirty-one cents:—of the fourth class of proof, per gallon, thirty-four cents:—of the fifth class of proof, per gallon, forty cents:—of the sixth class of proof, per gallon, fifty cents.
All other distilled spirits:—Of the second class of proof and under, per gallon, twenty-five cents:—of the third class of proof and under, per gallon, twenty-eight cents:—of the fourth class of proof and under, per gallon, thirty-two cents:—of the fifth class of proof and under, per gallon, thirty-eight cents:—of the sixth class of proof and under, per gallon, forty-six cents. Which several classes or denominations of proof shall be deemed and taken to correspond with those mentioned in the “act repealing after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon 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.”
Beer, ale and porter, per gallon, eight cents:—steel, per hundred weight, one hundred cents:—nails, per pound, two cents:—cocoa per pound, two cents:—chocolate, per pound, three cents:—playing cards per pack, twenty-five cents:—shoes and slippers of silk, twenty cents:—all other shoes and slippers for men and women, clogs and goloshes, ten cents: all other shoes and slippers for children, seven cents:—on hemp, for every one hundred and twelve pounds, one hundred cents:—on cables, for every one hundred and twelve pounds, one hundred and eighty cents:—on tarred cordage, for every one hundred and twelve pounds, one hundred and eighty cents:—on untarred cordage and yarn, for every one hundred and twelve pounds, two hundred and twenty-five cents:—on twine and packthread, for every one hundred and twelve pounds, four hundred cents:—on coal, per bushel, four and a half cents:—on salts called Glauber-salts, for every one hundred and twelve pounds, two hundred cents.
Articles ad valorem:—China wares, looking glasses, window and other glass and all manufactures of glass, black quart bottles excepted; muskets, pistols, and other fire-arms; swords, cutlasses, hangers and other side arms; flint; hair powder; wafers; glue; laces, lines, fringes, tassels, and trimmings commonly used by upholsterers, coachmakers and saddlers, and paper hangings; painters colours, whether dry or ground in oil, fifteen per centum ad valorem;—calt, flit and rolled iron, and generally, all manufactures of iron, steel, tin, pewter, copper, brass, or of which either of these metals is the article of chief value, not being otherwise particularly enumerated, brass and iron wire excepted; cabinet wares; leather tanned and tawed, and all manufactures of leather, or of which leather is the article of chief value, not otherwise particularly enumerated; medicinal drugs, except those commonly used in dying; hats, caps and bonnets of every sort; gloves and mittens; stockings; millinery ready made; artificial flowers, feathers and other ornaments for womens head dresses; fans, dolls dressed and undressed; toys; buttons of every kind; carpets and carpeting; mats and floor cloths; sail cloth; leather and cartridge paper; all powders, pastes, balls, ballams, ointments, oils, waters, washes, undresses, essences, or other preparations or compositions commonly called sweet scents, odors, perfumes or cosmetics; all dentifrice-powders, tinctures, preparations, or compositions whatsoever for the teeth or gums, ten per centum ad valorem.
Provided always, and be it further enacted, That all articles which are excepted and exempted from duty by the “act making farther provision for the payment of the debts of the United States,” shall continue to be so excepted and exempted, and that, to the articles heretofore made free from duty, the following shall be added, namely, copper in pigs and bars, lapis calaminaris, unmanufactured wool, wood, sulphur.
And be it further enacted, That from and after the last day of June next, in computing the duty heretofore laid upon salt, a bushel of salt shall be deemed not to exceed the weight of fifty-six pounds avoirdupois: and as often as the actual bushel of salt shall exceed the said weight, such salt shall be charged in the proportion of the present rate of duty per bushel for every fifty six pounds of its actual weight.
And be it further enacted, That after the said last day of June next, there shall be laid, levied
and collected, in addition to the present duty thereupon, a duty of two and an half per centum ad valorem, upon all goods, wares and merchandise, not above enumerated or described, which, if imported in ships or vessels of the United States, are now chargeable with a duty of five per centum ad valorem.
And be it further enacted, That the addition of ten per centum made by the second section of the “act making farther provision for the debts of the United States,” to the rates of duties on goods, wares and merchandise, imported in ships or vessels not of the United States, shall continue in full force and operation, after the said last day of June next, in relation to the articles herein before enumerated and described.
And be it further enacted, That all drawbacks and allowances authorized by the act aforesaid, which have not been heretofore abolished or changed, shall continue to operate, as in the said act prescribed in relation to the several duties which shall become payable by virtue of this act, and that in addition thereto, there shall be allowed and paid upon provisions salted within the United States, except upon dried fish, upon the exportation thereof to any foreign port or place, as follows, to wit: On pickled fish, at the rate of eight cents per barrel, and on other provisions at the rate of five cents per barrel; and from and after the first day of January next, there shall be an addition of twenty per centum to the allowances, respectively granted to ships or vessels employed in the bank or other cod-fisheries, and in the terms provided by an act, intitled, “An act concerning certain fisheries of the United States, and for the regulation and government of the fishermen employed therein,” and during the continuance of the said act.
And be it further enacted, That all duties, drawbacks and allowances, which, by virtue of this act, shall be payable or allowable on any specific quantity of goods, wares and merchandise, shall be deemed to apply, in proportion, to any quantity more or less than such specific quantity.
And be it further enacted, That the term of credit for the payment of duties on salt shall be nine months, and on all articles, the produce of the West-Indies, salt excepted, where the amount of the duty to be paid by one person or co-partnership shall exceed fifty dollars, shall be four months, and that the duties on all other articles, except wines and teas, which shall be imported after the last day of June next, shall be payable, one half in six, one quarter in nine, and the other quarter in twelve calendar months from the time of each respective importation.
And be it further enacted, That the act intitled “An act to provide more effectually for the collection of duties imposed by law on goods, wares and merchandise imported into the United States, and on the tonnage of ships and vessels,” and as touching the duties on distilled spirits only, the act, intitled, “An act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon 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,” shall extend to, and be in full force for the collection of the duties specified and laid in and by this act, and generally for the execution thereof, as fully and effectually, as if every regulation, restriction, penalty, provision, clause, matter and thing therein contained had been herein inserted and re-enacted.
And be it further enacted, That all wines, which, after the said last day of June next, shall be imported into the United States, shall be landed under the care of the inspector of the port where the same shall be landed, and for that purpose, every permit for landing any wines, which shall be granted by a collector, shall, prior to such landing, be produced to the said inspector who, by endorsement thereupon under his hand, shall signify the production thereof to him, and the time when, after which, and not otherwise, on pain of forfeiture, it shall be lawful to land the said wines. And the said inspector shall make an entry of all such permits, and of the contents thereof, and each pipe, butt, hoghead, cask, case, box or package whatsoever, containing such wines, shall be marked by the officer under whose immediate inspection the same shall be landed, in legible and durable characters, with progressive numbers, the name of the said officer, and the quality or kind of wine, as herein before enumerated and distinguished. And the said officer shall grant a certificate for each such pipe, butt, hoghead, cask, case, box or package, specifying therein the name or names of the importer or importers, the ship or vessel in which the same shall have been imported, and the number thereof, to accompany the same where soever it shall be sent. And if any pipe, butt, hoghead, cask, case, box or package, containing wine, shall be found without such marks and certificates, the same shall be liable to be seized, and the want of such marks and certificates shall be presumptive evidence, that such wine was unlawfully imported and landed.
And be it further enacted, That every person, who shall have in his or her possession, wines which are intended for sale, in quantity exceeding one hundred and fifty gallons, shall, prior to the last day of June next, make entry thereof in writing at some office of inspection in the city, town, or county where he or she shall reside, specifying and describing the casks, cases, boxes and other packages containing the same, and the kinds, qualities and quantities thereof, and where, and in whose possession they are; and the officer of inspection at whose office such entry may be made, shall, as soon as may be thereafter, visit and inspect, or cause to be visited and inspected, the wines so reported, and shall mark, or cause to be marked, the casks, cases, boxes and packages containing the same, with progressive numbers, with the name of the person to whom the same may belong, the kind or kinds thereof, and the words “Old Stock,” and shall grant a certificate for each cask, case, box or package, containing such wine, describing therein the said cask, case, box, or package and the wines therein contained, which certificate shall accompany the same, wherever it may be sent. And if any person who may have wines in his or her possession for sale, shall not, prior to the said last day of June next, make entry thereof, as above directed, he or she, for such omission or neglect, shall forfeit
and pay the value of the wine omitted to be entered, to be recovered with costs of suit, for the benefit of any person who shall give information thereof, and the wines so omitted to be entered, shall be forfeited.
And be it further enacted, That from and after the last day of December next, no beer, ale or porter shall be brought into the United States, from any foreign port or place, except in casks or vessels, the capacity whereof shall not be less than forty gallons, or in packages containing not less than six dozen of bottles, on pain of forfeiture of the said beer, ale or porter, and of the ship or vessel, in which the same shall be brought.
And be it further enacted, That the several and respective duties aforesaid, except that mentioned in the fourth section of this act, shall continue to be levied, collected and paid, until the debts and purposes, to and for which the duties hereby directed to cease after the last day of June next, were pledged and appropriated, shall have been fully paid and satisfied; and that so much thereof, as may be necessary, shall be, and are hereby pledged and appropriated in the same manner, for the same purposes, and with the same force and effect, as those, which are hereby directed to cease after the said last day of June next, and that so much of the residue thereof, as may be necessary, shall be, and are hereby appropriated for making good deficiencies in any funds, which may have been designated for satisfying grants and appropriations heretofore made.
And be it further enacted, That the additional duty of two and an half per centum ad valorem, specified in the fourth section of this act, shall continue for the term of two years, from the commencement thereof, and no longer.
And be it further enacted, That the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, out of the surplus of the duties, which accrued to the end of the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, and a farther sum of five hundred and twenty-three thousand five hundred dollars, out of the surplus of the duties hereby established as the same shall accrue, making together the sum of six hundred and seventy-three thousand five hundred dollars, shall be, and are hereby appropriated and applied, in addition to any former appropriation for the military establishment of the United States, towards carrying into execution the act, intitled, “An act for making farther and more effectual provision for the protection of the frontiers of the United States.”
And be it further enacted, That the President of the United States be empowered to take on loan, on account of the United States, from the president, directors and company of the bank of the United States, who are hereby authorized and empowered to lend the same, from any other body politic or corporate within the United States, or from any other person or persons, the whole or any part of the aforesaid sum of five hundred and twenty-three thousand five hundred dollars, to be applied to the purpose, to and for which the same is above appropriated, and to be reimbursed out of the aforesaid surplus of the duties, by this act imposed, which surplus is, accordingly, appropriated to the said reimbursement. Provided, That the rate of interest of such loan shall not exceed five per centum per annum, and that the principal thereof may be reimbursed at the pleasure of the United States.
And be it further enacted, That so much of the act, intitled “An act to provide more effectually for the collection of duties imposed by law on goods, wares and merchandise imported into the United States, and on the tonnage of ships or vessels,” as hath rated the livre tournois of France at eighteen and an half cents, be and the same is hereby repealed.
And be it enacted and declared, That if the principal, in any bond which shall be given to the United States, for duties on goods, wares and merchandise imported, shall be insolvent, or if such principal being dead, his or her estate and effects, which shall have come to the hands of his or her executors or administrators, shall be insufficient for the payment of his or her debts, and if, in either of the said cases, any surety in the said bond, or the executors and administrators of such surety, shall pay to the United States the monies thereupon due, such surety, his or her executors or administrators shall have and enjoy the like advantage, priority and preference, for the recovery and receipt of the said monies out of the estate and effects of such insolvent or deceased principal, as are reserved and secured to the United States, by the forty fourth section of the act, intitled “An act to provide more effectually for the collection of duties imposed by law on goods, wares, and merchandise imported into the United States, and on the tonnage of ships or vessels,” and shall and may bring and maintain a suit upon the said bond, in law or equity, in his, her or their own name or names, for the recovery of the monies which shall have been paid thereupon. And it is further declared, That the cases of insolvency in the said forty fourth section mentioned, shall be deemed to extend, as well to cases in which a debtor, not having sufficient property to pay all his or her debts, shall have made a voluntary assignment thereof, for the benefit of his or her creditors, or in which the estate and effects of an absconding, concealed or absent debtor shall have been attached by process of law, as to cases, in which an act of legal bankruptcy shall have been committed.
And be it further enacted, That the President of the United States be, and hereby is authorized to appoint such place within the district of Vermont to be the port of entry and delivery within the said district, as he may deem expedient, any thing in the act, intitled “An act giving effect to the laws of the United States within the state of Vermont,” to the contrary notwithstanding.
JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Speaker of the House of Representatives. RICHARD HENRY LEE, President pro tempore of the Senate. Approved, May second, 1792. G. WASHINGTON, President of the United States.
Washington, in the Territory of Columbia.
A PREMIUM
OF 500 dollars, or a medal of that value, at the option of the party, will be given by the Commissioners of the Federal Buildings to the person who, before the fifteenth day of July next, shall produce to them the most approved plan, if adopted by them, for a President's house to be erected in this city. The site of the building, if the artist will attend to it, will of course influence the aspect and outline of his plan, and its destination will point out to him the number, size, and distribution of the apartments. It will be a recommendation of any plan, if the central part of it may be detached and erected for the present, with the appearance of a complete whole, and be capable of admitting the additional parts, in future, if they shall be wanting. Drawings will be expected of the ground plats, elevations of each front, and sections through the building in such directions as may be necessary to explain the internal structure; and an estimate of the cubic feet of brickwork, composing the whole mass of the walls. THE COMMISSIONERS. March 14.
Washington, in the Territory of Columbia.
A PREMIUM
OF a lot in this City to be designated by impartial judges and 500 dollars; or a medal of that value, at the option of the party, will be given by the Commissioners of the Federal Buildings, to the person, who, before the fifteenth day of July 1792, shall produce to them the most approved plan, if adopted by them, for a Capitol to be erected in this city, and 250 dollars, or a medal for the plan deemed next in merit to the one they shall adopt. The building to be of brick, and to contain the following
apartments, to wit. A conference room } Sufficient to accommodate 300 persons each. A room for the Representatives } A lobby or antichamber to the latter. A Senate room of 1200 square feet area. An antichamber or lobby to the last. 12 rooms of 600 square feet area, each, for committee rooms and clerks offices, to be of half the elevation of the former. Drawings will be expected of the ground plats, elevations of each front, and sections through the building in such directions as may be necessary to explain the internal structure, and an estimate of the cubic feet of brickwork composing the whole mass of the walls. THE COMMISSIONERS. March 14.
TO THE PUBLIC.
THE Subscriber has it in contemplation soon to decline his present business—and having on hand a considerable quantity of superfine second and elastic cloths, together with a variety of other articles in his way, proposes to sell them at the following reduced prices—
Table with 2 columns: Article Name, Price. Articles include: Best Superfine navy blue, 34s; Ditto ditto Scarlet, 36s; Common colours superfine, 32s; Elastic stripes, 9s; London buff and white cassimers, 15s; Ditto, coloured, 15s; Yorkshire do. do., 13s; Striped toilenets, 14s; Rattinets, 3s; Striped Nankeens, 34s; A variety of waistcoat shapes proportionably lower; Fancy buttons and trimmings do.; London best silk hose, from 22s to 24s.
The above goods have been mostly imported from one of the first Mercantile houses in London, and are of an equal quality to any imported into America; they will be sold per piece or smaller quantity as may best suit the purchasers; by the public's most humble servant, JOHN SHEPHERD. No. 3 South Fourth-street.
Any person disposed to purchase the whole of the above stock, may also have on reasonable terms his present dwelling house, together with the store, a more eligible situation for business in the tailor's line is not to be found in this city. The advantage of this business being so well established by the proprietor will be very great, and from well known facts, needs no comment. A lease of six years may be had of the house. May 14, 2200. tf.
MACKINTOSH'S DEFENCE.
This day is published, by William Young, Bookseller, No. 52, Second-street, the corner of Chestnut-street, price 2-3ds of a dollar in boards,
A DEFENCE OF THE French Revolution.
And its ENGLISH ADMIRERS, against the accusations of the Right Honorable Edmund Burke; including some strictures on the late production of Monsr. De Calonne—
By JAMES MACKINTOSH. N. B.—Ditto with the French Constitution, as accepted by the King, 13th September 1791. Price in boards 3-4ths dollar. April 13. 3s.
PRINTED BY CHILD'S AND SWAIN, AT THEIR OFFICE, NO. 209, HIGH-STREET, NEAR FIFTH-STREET, PHILADELPHIA.