Gazette of the United-States. (New-York [N.Y.]), 1791-04-25 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. 103, of Vol. II.]
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1791.
[Whole No. 207.]
Discourses on Davila.—No. 31.
(CONCLUDED.)
NARROW and illiberal sentiments are not peculiar to the rich or the poor. If the vulgar have found a Machiavel to give countenance to their malignity, by his contracted and illiberal exclamations against illustrious families, as the curse of heaven: the rich and the noble have not unfrequently produced sordid instances of individuals among themselves, who have adopted and propagated an opinion that God hates the poor, and that poverty and misery on earth are inflicted by Providence in its wrath and displeasure. This noble philosophy is surely as shallow and as execrable as the other Plebeian philosophy of Machiavel; but it is countenanced by at least as many of the phenomena of the world. Let both be discarded as the reproach of human understanding, and a disgrace to human nature. Let the rich and the poor unite in the bands of mutual affection, be mutually sensible of each others ignorance, weakness and error, and unite in concerting measures for their mutual defence, against each other's views and follies, by supporting an impartial Mediator.
That ingenious Genevan, to whom the English nation is indebted for a more intelligible explanation of their own constitution than any that has been ever published by their own Acherly or Bacon, Bolingbroke or Blackstone, has quoted this passage of Machiavel, and applied it, like him, to the dishonour of republican governments. De Lolme, in his constitution of England, Book 2. c. 1. says—"I cannot avoid transcribing a part of "the speech which a citizen of Florence addressed "once to the Senate: the reader will find in it a "kind of abridged story of all republics." He then quotes the passage before cited from Machiavel.
Why should so grave an accusation be brought against republics? If it were well founded, it would be a very serious argument against such forms of government: but it is not. The dissensions of families are not the effect of republican government, but of human nature. They are the unavoidable consequence of that emulation, which God and nature have implanted in the human heart, for the wisest and best purposes, and which the public good, instead of cooling or extinguishing, requires to be directed to honour and virtue, and then nourished, cherished, and cultivated. If such contentions appeared only in republican governments, there would be some color for charging them as a reproach to these forms: but they appear as frequent and as violent in despotisms and monarchies, as they do in commonwealths. In all the despotisms of Asia and Africa, in all the monarchies of Europe, there are constant successions of emulation and rivalry, and consequently of contests and dissensions among families. Despotism, which crushes and decapitates, sometimes interrupts their progress, and prevents some of their tragical effects. Monarchies, with their spies, lettres de cachet, dungeons and inquisitions, may do almost as well. But the balance of a free government is more effectual than either, without any of their injustice, caprice or cruelty. The foregoing examples from the History of France, and a thousand others equally striking which might be added, show that Bourbons and Montmorencis, Guises and Colignis, were as fatal families in that kingdom as the Buondelmenti and Huberti, the Donati and Cerchi, the Ricci and Abbizzi, or Medici at Florence.
Instead of throwing false imputations on republican governments; instead of exciting or fomenting a vulgar malignity against the most respectable men and families—let us draw the proper inferences from history and experience—let us lay it down for a certain fact, first, that emulation between individuals, and rivalries among families, never can be prevented: second, let us adopt it as a certain principle that they ought not to be prevented, but directed to virtue, and then stimulated and encouraged by generous applause and honorable rewards. And from these premises let the conclusion be, as it ought to be, that an effectual controul be provided in the constitution, to check their excesses and balance their weights. If this conclusion is not drawn, another will follow of itself—the people will be the dupes, and the leaders will worry each other and the people too, till both are weary and ashamed, and from feeling, not from reasoning, set up a master and a despot for a Protector. What kind of a Protector he will be, may be learned hereafter from Stephen Boetius.
FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
[CONCLUDED.]
CONGRESS has no armies—and if it had, our people might mock at force if that only was used to govern them. It must frame its laws on such principles as an enlightened public will approve: let the public then form its opinions calmly—lay facts and arguments before it. Those who do not chuse to be calm may give vent to their passions in the Gazettes; a free press is a sluice-way which lets off the torrent: But do not blind the public with authority; do not stop the useful progress of enquiry by telling it it is too late, the trial is over, the point is adjudged by the State legislature; is there not danger that this decision of a State will make right opinions too hasty and wrong ones too obstinate, so as to render the former despicable and the latter pernicious?
Every man may judge for himself whether State resolutions will crowd narrow local prejudices into Congress, or whether they will secure an administration upon liberal national principles.
The public will judge too whether a State government is the most impartial judge of the conduct of Congress. It is best that a cause should not be carried for trial before a tribunal which is suspected to have an interest in giving judgment against the defendant.
I am proud of my country, because I know that the government of it is a free one, and I think it is well administered, but these blessings are lost to him whose mind is poisoned by suspicion. To vapourish women and hypochondriac men, even health is no blessing. If State resolutions and instructions convince him that he is governed by knaves in Congress who have bound liberty fast for slaughter, he is more to be pitied than a satisfied slave. He will even make a bad defender of that liberty which, though he values, he deems lost.
It cannot be denied that State resolutions may be used to pull down a government. When the national administration shall have become so corrupt and wicked as to be intolerable, this instrument of destruction may be employed with success. Perhaps some men in the State legislatures are of opinion that the proper time for beginning this work of destruction is already arrived.
AN ENQUIRER.
FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
S O N N E T VI.
T O E G W I N A.
GO verse, soft-whispering, to EGWINA say— 'Tis not that rich complexion's lucent white, Tinged with the Rose's fragrance-blushing light, O'er all her lovely features loves to stray; Nor yet, that Nature, with a fond display, Hath spread her auburn tresses on the light, And fram'd her lips the seal of sweet delight, And op'd her eyes resplendent on the day; Tell her 'tis not, that o'er each motion, Grace Sheds a soft lustre, as she deigns to move, Giving new beauties to the ambient place; That every tho't, and all my soul, is love. But, that her mind, its radiant worth to prove, Imprints the soul of Beauty on her Face. E L L A.
PHILADELPHIA, April 20.
Extract from the Minutes of the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1791.
THE Address to the National Assembly of France, read April 6th inst. was read the second time, and adopted unanimously, viz.
SIR, THE Representatives of the People of Pennsylvania, have unanimously concurred in the desire of expressing to the National Assembly of France, their sympathetic feelings on the subject of their virtuous exertions in the cause of freedom: They sincerely offer their congratulations on the success that has attended them, which they have viewed, in its progress with the most pleasing and anxious sensations.
A nation which has been actuated by such magnanimous policy, which, with a noble enthusiasm, so generously-interposed its power, so profusely poured forth its treasures, and mingled its blood with ours, in defence of the liberties of America, is entitled to a grateful return of our regard, and to the warmest wishes that sensibility or attachment can express.
It was under the operation of these feelings, that we have always lamented that a brave and gallant people, who have become the voluntary companions of our freedom, should not themselves be free; that after having assisted in erecting for us a temple of liberty, they should return to the house of bondage. Fortunately the scene is changed, and your present situation awakens the most amiable sympathies of the human heart.
We now view, with grateful exultation, your glorious triumph of reason over prejudice—of liberty and law, over slavery and despotism. You have nobly broke the fetters that bound you to your former government, and have, in the view of astonished Europe, undertaken a revolution, founded on that pure and elemen-
tary principle, that the people are the source of power, that in them it is naturally inherent, and from them can alone be derived.
The truth of this hallowed maxim, the pride and boast of our American constitutions, could not remain undiscovered, and unattended to, amidst the blaze of patriotism and philosophy which has long enlightened France.
We rejoice that your government, though differently organized, is established on such congenial principles, as to cement by stronger, because more kindred ties, the friendship that now connects us.
As an evidence of this disposition, we can assure you that the suffrages and sentiments of our citizens are all united in the warmest predilections for your cause, and your country. We anticipate the happiness and glory that will await you, when those various resources by which you are surrounded, and which nature has so profusely lavished on you, shall be put into energetic motion by the operation of a free government.
We fondly hope that no untoward or inauspicious circumstance may intervene to interrupt your glorious career, until you have effectually restored to the blessings of equal liberty, civil and religious, so many millions of our fellow-men; until you have abolished the odious and arrogant distinctions betwixt man and man—until you have implanted in the minds of the people, a generous and passionate enthusiasm for their country, instead of a confined, though romantic, attachment to the person of a King.
But whilst viewing with awe and admiration the principles you have established, and which we ardently wish may defy the efforts of time, tyranny and treachery to overthrow, we cannot but rejoice that you have been exposed in your progress to few of those convulsive struggles, that so strongly marked the various eras of the American Revolution.
If our solicitude for your success could be increased from the operation of extraneous motives, it would receive considerable force from the animating and philanthropic reflection, that other nations of Europe, from the influence of your example, will learn to value and vindicate the rights of man; and that such political institutions will be more generally established, as by experience are found to contain principles favorable to the happiness of our species, and suited to the dignity of our nature.
To the President of the National Assembly of France.
From the NEW-HAVEN GAZETTE.
I HAVE frequently observed, that those persons who are troubled with weak or defective eyes, endeavour to remedy the evil by using spectacles with coloured glasses. The prevalence of this practice is an indication of the inattention of man to subjects of the utmost importance; and will be some apology for the following remarks.
Every person who has removed suddenly from a very dark situation to a strong light; or the contrary, is conscious of having experienced a very painful sensation. The sudden dilation or contraction of the pupil of the eye, and the violent exertion which is required in the surrounding muscles, to enable us to perceive objects with distinctness, when the quantity of light has been much increased or diminished, strain and injure the visive faculty. Coloured spectacles operate in a similar manner; and consequently every time we put them on, or take them off, the eye suffers. Thus the weakness we designed to remove is perpetuated; and after having accustomed ourselves to the use of them for some time, the eye becomes so tender, that we are never after able to relinquish with facility the assistance they afford us.
If the light proves troublesome to the eye, nature has pointed out the manner in which the remedy should be applied. In a very strong light we always project our eyebrows to preserve our eyes. This should teach us that the proper mode of excluding all the superfluous rays of light, is to suspend a shade from our foreheads—For this only diminishes the quantity of light, without altering its natural qualities by any interposing medium.
There are two methods by which we can determine, whether a particular pair of spectacles is injurious to the eye:—1. If it is evident that that organ has been strained or fatigued, we may conclude that the convexity or concavity of the glasses we have used, was not adapted to the situation of our eyes: This inconvenience is not confined to the colour, and can only be remedied by changing the form of the glass.—2. If after having used spectacles for some time, we should find upon removing them, that every surrounding object is tinged in a disagreeable manner, we may conclude that the eye has been forced into an unnatural state, and has consequently suffered: coloured glasses produce this effect.
Besides, green is not transparent—And if, by indulging ourselves in the practice of wearing coloured spectacles, we should become so much habituated to their use, as to be unable to forego their assistance without the greatest inconvenience; in the decline of life, when the decreasing convexity of the humours of the eye, renders it necessary that we should employ convex glasses, coloured ones will by no means answer the purpose for which they are designed—The eyes of elderly persons are defective on two accounts; first, because the rays of light do not converge

to a focus until they have passed the retina: and secondly, because a greater quantity of light is necessary to imprint an object with distinctness upon the retina. Convex glasses of any kind will remedy the first defect; but if they are coloured they will diminish instead of increasing the quantity of light the eye receives; and will be found to operate exactly in an inverse proportion to our wants. The more defective the eye becomes, the stronger must be the light it requires, the more convex must be the glass it uses, and if that glass is green, the greater will be the quantity of light excluded.
I offer these hints to the public, that those who have weak or defective eyes may examine this subject, and discover whether for a temporary convenience they do not expose themselves to greater inconveniences, which may arise at a period when it will be too late to think of devising any remedy for their calamity.
PYTHAGORAS.
FROM THE CONNECTICUT COURANT.
THE PROMPTER.
Any other time will do as well.
NATURE never says this. She jogs on without delay and always does her work in season.
The parson puts off preparation for Sunday, from Monday to Tuesday, and from Tuesday to Wednesday, and so on to Saturday. He can write a sermon at any time. The first of the week slides away in visits—in business—in amusements—the last of the week is to be devoted to study—but company, a sick parishioner, and twenty unexpected avocations break in upon this reserved part of the week—no preparation is made for the duties of Sunday, until Saturday evening—a genius may yet be tolerably well prepared in a few hours—but how few are the preachers of such genius!—Yet even the dull have a resource—an old sermon with a new text is just as good as a fresh made sermon—True, for how few would know whether they had heard a sermon once or a dozen times. Happy dullness! Like people, like priest!
The Doctor has a patient in a dangerous situation—he hurries to his relief—he makes no delay.—But suppose his patient has a lingering disorder—why, says the doctor, I can visit him at any time. He has assigned an hour indeed when he will see his patient; but any other time will do as well. The patient waits till the hour is past—then he becomes impatient—if his disorder is not violent, most probably he is cross and irritable—he frets at the doctor—and ten to one the doctor loses his custom. Then the doctor believes with the Prompter, that no time will do so well as the right time.
The Lawyer has several causes in court—he can prepare them for trial at any time. Several causes stand assigned for trial before him—he can finish the pleadings at any time—by some unforeseen accident, business takes a new turn—the court urge forward to complete it—his causes are called, and they are not ready—a nonsuit—a continuance—or some other expensive alternative is the consequence.
The Farmer's fence is down and his fields exposed to his neighbour's cattle—but he has a little job to do first—he can repair his fences at any time—before his any time comes, fifty or a hundred sheep get into his field and eat and trample down his wheat.—For want of an hour's work, he loses ten, fifteen or twenty bushels of wheat. His apple trees want pruning—but he must dress his flax before he can do it—warm weather approaches—he will certainly prune his trees in a day or two—but he'll finish a little job first—before he has done, the season is past—it is too late to prune his trees—they must go another year—and half his fruit is lost.
The lounging house-wife rises in the morning in haste; for lazy folks are ever in a hurry—She has not time to put on her cloathes properly—but she can do it at any time. She draws on her gown, but leaves it half pinned—her handkerchief is thrown awry across her neck—her shoes down at the heels—she bustles about with her hair over her eyes—she runs from room to room slip-shod, resolved to do up the work and dress herself—but folks who are slip-shod about the feet, are usually slip-shod all over the house and all day—they begin every thing and finish nothing. In the midst of the poor woman's hurry, somebody comes in—she is in a flutter—runs into the next room—pins up her gown and handkerchief—hurries back with her heels thumping the floor—O dear, you have catched us all in the suds—I intended to have cleaned up before any body came in—but I have had every thing to do this morning—in the mean time, the catches hold of the broom and begins to sweep—the dust rises and stifles every foul present. This is ill manners indeed to brush the dust into a neighbour's face, because the woman is very sorry it happens so.
Many a neighbour has thus been entertained with apologies and dust at a friend's house, and wherever this takes place, depend on it, the mis-
tress puts off to any time, that is to no time, what ought to be done at the present time.
TO CORRESPONDENTS.
The Prompter sends his respects to his correspondents, with thanks for their aid. As it is his professed business to give good hints, he is cordially disposed to take them.
WARSAW, (Poland) January 15.
AFTER the debates which were finished by the law relative to proclamations, the Diet entered on the question proposed to know whether they should resume the business of the Cardinal laws, some of which had already been decreed by the Diet, previous to its new constitution, or if they should proceed to regulate the form of government. Upon this occasion some violent debates ensued, and a great disorder prevailed throughout the assembly. Matters even rose to such a height, that some Nuncios endeavoured to oblige the Marshal of the Diet to join them, to separate themselves from the Senate, and take possession of the Nuncio chamber. The Marshal of the crown thought to restore tranquillity by putting to the vote the question which occasioned the disturbance, but the tumult only increased. They reproached him with exceeding his authority in putting the question without its having been called for. The King, however, at length brought them to be quiet; and it was resolved that the question should be put the next day, whether they should proceed with the form of government and Dietines, before they began to discuss the Cardinal laws. They were a long time in collecting the votes on this occasion, as each member gave his motives for voting as he did. Nearly all the Senate, the Marshals of the Diet, and a great number of Nuncios voted for the continuation of the Cardinal laws; but the majority were for previously beginning with the form of government, and in the first place with the new form to be given to the Dietines.
The decision of the republic relative to the succession to the throne of Poland, meets with fresh difficulties daily, at least nothing positive is yet resolved as to the conditions to which the success for acknowledged by the republic must accede. Many powerful members of the republic and whole provinces are against an hereditary succession; we therefore fear that the variety of sentiments on this subject will cause much trouble and confusion.
PARIS, February 14.
COUNTER REVOLUTION.
The rumours of this project not only strengthen, but at length assume something like a digested plan of concerted operation. The circumstances are thus stated.
The months of April and May are fixed for the time of attempt. The troops furnished by the leaguering Princes are said to be thus appointed:
  The Emperor, — — — 100,000   King of Prussia, — — — 40,000   German Princes, — — — 30,000   His Sardinian Majesty, — — — 20,000   The Princes Artois and Conde — — — 50,000   240,000 
This formidable army is to be divided into three principal bodies, and attack France at three different points. The principal attack is to be made on the side of Germany, in consequence of expected co-operation from Bouille, who influences 13 French regiments.
The Aristocrats affirm, that for supplies, money will be furnished by all the European Potentates, even such as do not supply any forces to the enterprizes. Their intention, if they succeed, is to reform the constitution and restore the Nobility and Clergy to their rights. Parliaments to be re-established, and the famous declaration of the King of the 23d of June proclaimed with certain modifications.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, February 13.
THE consideration of the duties on tobacco was resumed, and in addition to the article passed on Saturday, it was decreed that the importation of manufactured tobacco shall be prohibited.
That the importation of tobacco in leaf shall be allowed into ports to be mentioned, charged with a duty of twenty-five livres per quintal.—Tobacco imported in French bottoms directly from America, to pay only three-fourths of this duty.
February 14. The Bishop of Viviers took the ecclesiastical oath on the 7th inst. and to avoid the imputation of being influenced by motives of interest, immediately resigned his see, declaring that he would cheerfully perform the duties of any ecclesiastical office which they should think him worthy to fill. It is needless to add, that he was unanimously re-elected.
Of fifty Priests belonging to the cathedral, one only followed his example.
This Bishop was chosen a member of the States General, and was then a strenuous advocate for the three orders sitting and voting in one house.
LONDON, March 1.
INHABITANTS AND ELECTORS OF IRELAND.
From the detailed statement given at different times of the population of that country, it appears, that the number of inhabitants in the nine northern counties, that form the province of Ulster, are 1,323,228
In the twelve eastern and midland counties of the province of Leinster, are 1,314,386
In the six southern counties of the province of Munster, are 1,011,498
And in the five western counties of the province of Connaught, are 517,306
Making a sum total of 4,166,418
Of these the electors of all the counties, cities and free towns amount not to 60,000—a disproportion striking and shameful and that loudly calls for immediate correction.
The progress of improvement, and the consequent increase of wealth, will no doubt effect it in the course of time: but the operation of these causes should be accelerated by the spirit of the people and liberality of parliament.
UNCLAIMED DIVIDENDS.
The following is one of the principal causes of Dividends remaining unclaimed, and we strongly recommend the public to attend to it. A Stockholder, named John Smith, dies, and leaves James Brown, executor. James Brown does not take the Stock into his own name, but with a view perhaps to avoid a trifling fee to the Clerk, has his name added to the original account, so that he receives his dividends in the name of Smith, till his dying day.
His executor then applies to the Bank to know what stock stands in the name of James Brown: he enquires of the Clerk under the letter B. who answers there is no Stock in Brown's name; the clerk having no concern with the Ledger under the S. can give no intelligence with respect to the name of Smith, so that it frequently happens that both principal and interest are lost and neglected altogether.
In order therefore to avoid this mistake in future, we advise all executors to take their stock into their own names immediately, and the public in general, whose friends or relatives were ever known to be interested in the funds, to enquire after the names of those persons to whom such relations were executors: this, in many instances, will lead to discoveries not only of dormant dividends, but also of the dormant principal.
ANSWER TO MR. BURKE.
Mr. Paine's reply to Mr. Burke's pamphlet, was advertised for this day—and there is not now a copy to be had.
It is addressed to the President of the United States, in the following words:
SIR,
I PRESENT you a small treatise in defence of those principles of freedom, which your exemplary virtue hath so eminently contributed to establish: That the rights of man may become as universal, as your benevolence can wish—and that you may enjoy the happiness of seeing the new world regenerate the old, is the prayer of
Sir, your much obliged, and obedient humble servant, THOMAS PAINE.
Infant re-animation, by Mr. R. Thompson.
I was lately called to a lady, who was delivered of a child to appearance dead; I ordered it to be put before the fire, and as soon as I could leave my patient, which was in about a quarter of an hour, I examined the infant. It was deadly cold, its face livid, and no signs of life remained. The father, who was of the profession, was satisfied it was dead; but I rubbed it with warm flannel, and inflated its lungs by blowing in the mouth frequently. By persevering in these methods, I had at length the pleasure to perceive signs of returning life, and the child is now a very fine girl. The gratitude and transport of the parents, will be better conceived than language can possibly describe.
Singular Sign adopted by a Dutch Midwife.
At a small village called Bergen ad Zoon, is the following whimsical Sign. It is a tree bearing fruit, and the branches filled with little naked urchins, seemingly just ripened into life, and crying for succour; beneath, a woman holds up her apron, looking wistfully at the children, as if intreating them to jump into her lamp. It belongs to the house of a sworn midwife, and has this inscription:
"Vang my, ik zal zoot zyn."
In English,
"Catch me, I'll be a sweet boy."
Whoever visits many families during the drawing of the Lottery, will be convinced that the punishment of the Wheel is not abolished in this country!
Mr. Burke, in his treatise on the sublime and beautiful, has a chapter on the sublime of odours and stinks.—M. MIRABEAU's address to the Quakers in the National Assembly might be added, as the sublime of hypocrisy.

L I V E R P O O L, Feb. 28.
A mill-wright, at Leeds, has invented a machine for the threshing of corn, that is said to answer every purpose of hand labour, at an adequate price; it is worked by two horses to serve it, and the same number to keep it in motion, and shake off the straw.
A few days past a very fortunate circumstance occurred at the Orchard-house, Blackwall: Benjamin Kemp, Esq. breaking up an old ship (formerly a Spaniard, which, when she was taken, had the greatest part of her crew killed) discovered three ingots of gold of considerable weight, which he immediately sent up to the bullion-office, under a strong guard of ship-breakers: It is supposed the above circumstance will increase Mr. Kemp's present wealth, 25 or 30000l. as there have been several smaller ingots found since. She is constantly watched, and not a plank suffered to be moved but in his presence.
P I T T S B U R G H, April 9.
For two weeks past we have had no accounts of any depredations being committed by the Indians, and from every appearance there are none of them in our neighbourhood. Several parties of volunteers, both from Westmoreland and Alleghany counties, have been scouting on the west side of the Alleghany, but have made no discoveries of any fresh signs.
A company of militia, consisting of 100 men, have been drafted from the four battalions in this country, and are now scouting on the west side of the Alleghany; they are to serve two months, and, no doubt, they will be relieved by an equal number, to be drafted for the same purpose.
N E W - Y O R K, April 19.
Extract of a letter from a respectable mercantile house in London, to a gentleman in this city, dated 2d March, 1791.
"This is just to inform that I have received letters from Biscay and Barcelona. The first say, grain must not be thought of this year for Biscay. The second say, about seventy cargoes of wheat have arrived during the last 2 or 3 months, which has entirely stocked that market. Besides large quantities are on the way."
FROM THE NEW-YORK JOURNAL, &c.
CHARITY A-LA-MODE.
FROM southern climes a wandering vessel came That from her looks or size small note could claim: Her freight dischar'd, compell'd in port to stay, Long by the walls this empty Schooner lay; In vain the Capt. sc. ch'd his sapient skull, And slush'd her masts, and painted her hull, No fails to trim, no work but mixing grog, Pensive he fates, and long'd to heave the log; In vain he search'd, and stopt up every leak, And advertis'd his bark from week to week. All would not do!—the dock was still her fate Idle the Master, unemployed the Mate; While, with the tide she lay to rise and fall, The wharfinger, 'twas thought, would take her all.
At length a man, who had much gold in stock, One morning fair, came waddling to the dock, Address'd the Capt. as he pensive fates, And cry'd "what say you, friend, wilt take a freight?"
"Take it! (said Jonas) take it!—that I will Take it as quick as patient takes a pill; This idle life's the very worst disease: But, let me know your terms, Sir, if you please,"
"My terms are so and so" the merchant cry'd. "What! sixpence less than all the world beside? What reason can be given, I humbly alk, That six-pence should be clipt from every cask— Five shillings, trust me, is the usual freight, And given by every shipper in the State."
"That may be so—the miser said (most cool) And yet there's one exception to the rule. If you're averse, there's hundreds will agree, This sixpence sav'd is MEANT FOR CHARITY; My terms are good—you can't be angry, sure, Each six-pence squeez'd from you, shall bless the poor!"
April 13.
Philadelphia, April 23.
Extract of a letter from New-York.
"A society has been lately instituted here, for the promoting of agriculture, the arts and manufactures: It bids fair to be useful, and if the district secretaries are public spirited and active, it will be the means of advancing the general interest, and circulating important information. Exertions have been made to stimulate the legislature to imitate our brethren of Pennsylvania, in roads and inland navigation: These attempts have been but partially successful, but the germ of public spirit is quickening into birth, and I foresee the spirit of emulation operating on our Dutch Bottoms. The finances of our state are in a most pleasing situation; exceeding, perhaps the whole political world. The probability of a sufficient fund in the stocks of the United States to yield an interest after all debts are paid, equal to supporting our civil list; this will supercede the necessity of taxation, which may be attended with this inconvenience, that it would be submitted to with reluctance, should it become necessary."
The importation of bread, flour, and Indian corn, the produce of the United States, into Newfoundland, is permitted by the King of Great-Britain in British vessels till the 13th June next.
The present situation of the United States must inspire the mind of every Philanthropist with the most pleasing reflection, and the bosom of every patriot with sensations more easily conceived than described.
So great, sudden and compleat a transition from weakness, confusion and discord, to strength, order, union and respectability, as this highly favoured country has experienced, is absolutely beyond all parallel in the history of man; and while it forcibly impresses on the mind a powerful conviction of the excellency of a government which in so short a period has produced such astonishing effects, the people of these free states, cannot fully realize their obligations of gratitude to the Supreme Legislature of the Universe, for thus guiding their feet into the paths of "Peace, Liberty, Safety," under the auspices of a free constitution.
Tuesday Evening last, the Hon. Judge Wilson finished a course of 60 Lectures on the study and practice of the law—interspersed with a number of law exercises. The approbation these lectures have received, and the advantages derived to those who have attended them, reflect great honor on the judgment and abilities of Mr. Wilson. We hear that next Winter this excellent plan is to be resumed and prosecuted.
The Canton, Capt. Truxton, is arrived at Martinique, in 3 months and 20 days from Calcutta.
Extract of a letter from Amsterdam, to a gentleman in this City, dated Jan. 16, 1791.
"The admiralty of this country are endeavoring to collect information with respect to our ship timber, and particularly the live oak. They have applied to Mr. respecting it. Unfortunately the carpenters of the United States are in the habit of employing timber in an unseasoned state. This has already thrown our shipping into discredit which will prevent that art becoming an important addition to our commerce, unless the evil can be remedied by some means or other. Some houses here had ordered ships to be built in America by way of experiment. They have turned out so badly, notwithstanding the cheapness of the first cost, that they have abandoned the prosecution of their object—and this has induced others to follow their example without the expence of an experiment."
"Samples of the sugar of the maple tree refined at New-York, have been sent to several houses here—one of them has conceived such hopes from them, that they intend to send refiners there, and endeavor to introduce this article into the commerce between this place and the United States. I suppose however that it will be some time before enough is made for our own consumption, and that until then it cannot become an article of exportation."
By an extract from the Leyden Gazette of Jan. 7 it appears that all the French Bishops (excepting only the Bishop of Autun) persist in refusing to take the oath lately ordered by the National Assembly. The Assembly refuses to give them any longer time—and thus all the high Clergy, and not a few of the second order also, are upon the point of seeing themselves deprived of all their places, and of all their revenues. A letter from Paris of 15th Feb. says however, that three quarters of the Clergy in the Kingdom have taken the oath. The carnage of Ismael continued for two complete days—that is, there were two days of human slaughter, after all resistance had ceased. Thus was revived the infernal mode of butchering our fellow creatures, which for the honor of modern humanity we were led to hope was totally extinct. But such are the effects of unrestrained power, and lawless ambition in every age.
A school for instructing indigent blind persons in music, has lately been instituted at Liverpool in England. Genuine benevolence explores every avenue of human misery, in order to abate its poignancy.
House of Representatives of the United States, Feb. 23
IN the debate on the report of the select committee, to which was referred the message of the President of the United States, of the 14th Feb.
MR. BALDWIN
Made the following remarks: He said he was of opinion, that no person, who was not under the influence of strong passions on this subject, could suppose it possible for Congress to form and pass a navigation law, during the five days that remained of the present session. It cannot be forgotten, said he, that this has been considered in general in this country as one of the greatest, and at the same time, most difficult and perplexed subjects that had ever presented itself to the councils of the country. The difficulties and perplexities which it had occasioned, were among the principal causes, and may almost be said to be the only cause, which brought about our last revolution. He then particularly alluded to the different stages of the progress of this business, as well in the proceedings of the several States, as of the old Congress, and also of the federal convention, which formed the constitution. And with this view of the importance and difficulty
of the subject, can this house, he asked, after having been nearly eighteen months in actual session, on other business, which they have supposed more important, expect to be able to take up this, do justice to it, and finish it in five days? He was sure the house was not yet so hardy in managing the difficult affairs of so difficult a government, and could not withhold expressions of his surprise to find some gentlemen, whom he had so much respected for their wisdom and moderation, so much engaged in this project.
FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
A Gentleman being asked to subscribe to the plan of the Sunday Schools, declined, and gave the following reasons:
1st. Public subscriptions of all kinds are a very unequal and unjust mode of taxation—the wealthy never pay their proportion. 2d. Institutions that the public interest is so essentially connected with, as those of Education, ought not to depend on a casual support.
3d. In this free country, it is laying the foundation of a servile disposition in the rising generation, to make the poor depend on charity for education.
4th. Charitable institutions of this kind, never were, or can be made commensurate to the great object of a universal diffusion of the means of knowledge among the poor; not one tenth part of the poor in any country, where they depend on Charity Schools, ever receive any education at all.
5th. A little Charity will atone for a total neglect on the part of government, in not making that provision, which every dictate of humanity and sound policy urges, should be made by law, to support a general plan of school education.
6th. In this country, the acquisition of a decent competency is within the reach of every person whatever, who duly improves six days in the week—the sabbath therefore ought to be a day of rest to all; but if our children are to work like slaves six days, as the children of the poor are necessitated to do in European countries—and on the seventh are to be confined to the shade of a school, the sabbath will soon, as in the language of scripture, prove a burthen—and religious worship and education become their aversion.
7th. The poorer and middling classes of citizens form the majority in all countries; and in a republican government, ought to have at least, equal influence in society with the rich; this, they never will attain to, so long as they depend on the charity of their opulent neighbors for the education of their children.
8th. There can be no excuse for neglecting the public interest of education; for the means judiciously applied, will always be found adequate to the end, in every country.
The Gentleman added, that to he had no children, yet so fully was he convinced of the importance of diffusing knowledge among all classes, without distinction, that he would cheerfully pay his proportion of public taxes for the support of public schools, in which every citizen should have a right to have his children instructed in those branches of learning, essential to all; and this he conceived would be not only the best, but the most economical plan that could be adopted—it had, he said, the test of experience in its favor, at least.
The Empress of Russia rejects the terms which the allied and mediating courts propose as the basis of peace: She says that the cession of the places she has taken, would not be likely to produce a lasting peace; but would occasion bickerings between the two courts.
Other accounts say that the face of affairs on the continent assumes a pacific aspect. The belligerent powers being nearly exhausted, even Catharine herself seems ready to exclaim, enough!
The Prince, Bishop of Liege has returned to his principality—he went to the cathedral attended by a pompous train; and after Te Deum , the corps, diplomatique , consisting of the ministers of Prussia and Holland, and the Charges des Affaires of Vienna and Paris attended to felicitate his highness on his return.
Lately died in England, William Billings , aged 122—the last surviving private that served under the great Duke of Marlborough.
The Grandees of the Turkish Empire appear to be desirous of peace with Russia—and have accordingly addressed the Sultana Vilide begging her influence to induce her son the Emperor to listen to their remonstrances.
An exchange of prisoners has taken place between the Moors and Spaniards.
A new African Company is about being formed in England to trade to the Western coast of that country.
At a stated meeting of the American Philosophical Society, on the 15th inst. the following Gentlemen were elected members:
CHARLES PETER THUNBERG, Professor of Natural History in the University of Upsal.
NICHOLAS L. BURMANN, M. D. Professor of Botany at Amsterdam.
GEORGE GROSCHKE, M. D. Professor of Natural History in the University of Mittauw, Courland.
THOMAS PENNANT, Esq. of Downing, in Flintshire, Great-Britain.
Hon. HENRY KNOX, Esq. Secretary to the United States, for the department of war.
Extract from the Minutes, SAMUEL MAGAW, Secretary.
The 14th inst. the prize of 10,000 dollars was in the Wheel of the Massachusetts Lottery.
PRICE CURRENT.—PUBLIC SECURITIES.
   FUNDED DEBT.     6 pr. Cents 17 3/4 pr. £. 85 pr. cent.   3 pr. Cents 9 1/2 do. 45 do.   Deferred 6 pr. Cents 8 1/2 do. 45 do.   UNFUNDED DEBT.   Final Sett. and other Certificates 15 1/2 80 do.   Indents 9 1/2 45 do.   N. and S. Carolina debts, 18 3/4 15 1/2 do.  
ARRIVALS at the PORT OF PHILADELPHIA.
 Brig Maria, Hopkins, Boston, 10 days.  Sloop Betty, Hand, Morris-River, 4.  Do. Nancy, Gad, Do. 3.  Schooner Little Sarah, Lowry, Jamaica, 28.  Brig Minerva, Rice, Madeira, 40.  Sloop Friendship, North-Carolina. 
Ship Madeira Packet, Capt. Sutton, bound to Madeira, from New-York, is just near Madeira.

The ADDRESS of the CORPORATION of the City of RICHMOND, Virginia, To GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq. PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES.
SIR, In you the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonality of Richmond beheld only the chief Magistrate of the United States of America...
If the voice of the people be the trumpet of the Almighty, the universality of that gratitude which pervades every bosom in America...
We well know that to a mind like yours, fraught with benevolence and affection for all mankind, the gratitude and love of the nation...
The PRESIDENT's Reply to the above.
GENTLEMEN, THE very distinguished manner in which you are pleased to notice my public services, and to express your regard towards me...
If to my agency in the affairs of our common country may be ascribed any of the great advantages which it now enjoys, I am amply and most agreeably rewarded...
Among the blessings which a gracious providence may be pleased to bestow on the people of America, I shall behold with peculiar pleasure, the prosperity of your city...
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
FREDERICKSBURG, April 14. To the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA.
SIR, WE, the Mayor, Aldermen and Common-Council of the Corporation of Fredericksburg, are happy in this opportunity of tendering you the sincere and unanimous congratulations of the citizens...
The inhabitants of Fredericksburg, Sir, as they can boast the first acquaintance with your virtues, claim a peculiar pleasure in testifying to the world, your exalted merit...
The long and fatiguing journey you have undertaken, will further manifest your unremitting attachment to that country, whose obligations to you can be better felt than described...
We have the fullest confidence in Divine Benevolence, that the Disposer of all good will be graciously pleased long to continue you in health, and reward you here and hereafter, with blessings adequate to your merit...
I have the honor to be, In behalf of the Corporation, With sentiments of esteem, and respect, Your most obedient, And very humble servant, WILLIAM HARVEY, Mayor.
To which the PRESIDENT made the following reply.
To the MAYOR, ALDERMEN, and COMMON-COUNCIL of the Corporation of FREDERICKSBURG.
GENTLEMEN, AT all times flattered by the esteem, and grateful for the good wishes of my fellow-citizens, I am particularly so, when, to my respect for their public worth, is united the endeartments of private acquaintance.
In this regard, I have the pleasure to receive your congratulatory address on my arrival in Fredericksburg, and, thanking you with sincerity for the sentiments it expresses, I desire to assure you of the affectionate gratitude which they inspire. GEORGE WASHINGTON.
LIVERPOOL, March 3.
JOHN WESLEY.
On Tuesday evening died, of a gradual decay, the Rev. John Wesley, in the 88th year of his age.
This extraordinary man was born in the year 1703, at Epworth, a village in Lincolnshire, of which place his father, Samuel Wesley, was Rector.
At a proper age, John was sent to Christ Church College, Oxford. About 1725 he was elected Fellow of Lincoln College. In 1729, he joined a society of fellow students in private devotion, and from this his spiritual career may be dated. In 1735, he embarked for Georgia, in order to convert the Indians, but returned to England in 1737, where Mr. Whitfield had commenced the work of reformation. In 1738 he visited Count Zinzendorff, at Herrnuth in Germany, the chief of the Moravians. We find him in England again in the following year, and on April 2, he preached his first field sermon at Bristol, from which time his disciples have continued to encrease. He remained the rest of his days in this kingdom, travelling through every part of it, and establishing congregations in England, Scotland, and Ireland.
In 1750 he married a Lady, who died in 1781—by her he has no children.
Mr. Wesley's income was prodigious, not less than 10,000l. a year; but out of that he appropriated no more to his own use than was sufficient to supply the necessaries of life. The money went to build chapels, and pay his preachers throughout the kingdom.
MATTHEW M'CONNELL,
IN CHESNUT-STREET, No. 66,
BUYS and SELLS all kinds of THE PUBLIC DEBT OF THE UNION; has frequently occasion to NEGOTIATE INLAND BILLS OF EXCHANGE—and will receive Orders for making SUBSCRIPTIONS to the BANK of the UNITED STATES.
Philadelphia, March 30, 1791.
(96 tf)
GALLAUDET and EWING,
No. 54, SOUTH SECOND STREET,
HAVE imported in the Lady Walterstorf, from London, Manchester and Adriana from Liverpool, and the Birmingham Packet from Bristol, a GENERAL ASSORTMENT of
SEASONABLE GOODS,
which they will sell on reasonable terms.—On hand for sale, a few hogheads of OLD JAMES'S RIVER TOBACCO. Philadelphia, April 9, 1791.
100 epim
PINTARD and BLEECKER,
PURCHASE and SELL all kinds of
Certificates & Public Securities,
On COMMISSION, at public and private sale, on the following terms:
ON the specie amount of all sales or purchases at auction, one eighth per cent.
On ditto of all sales or purchases at private sale, on all sums below 5000 nominal dollars, one-half per cent.; and on all sums above 5000 nominal dollars, one-fourth per cent.
For receiving interest at the Loan-Office, one per cent.
For making transfers at ditto, one dollar each transfer.
Such persons throughout the United States, as may be pleased to favor the subscribers with their orders, may rely on their being executed with punctuality, fidelity and dispatch, as considerable experience in the public stocks, together with extensive connections in the city of New-York and different parts of the continent, enable them to conduct their operations with peculiar advantages.
PINTARD & BLEECKER,
New-York, No. 57, King-Street.
March 15, 1791.
(97 1aw 6m)
IMPERIAL, HYSON, SOUCHONG, and BOHEA
TEAS,
REFINED SUGARS, COFFEE, and SPICES, &c.
Of the first quality—by retail,
No. 17,
Third Street, between Chesnut and Market Streets.
A few New-York LOTTERY TICKETS come to hand, for sale.
To be disposed of, BY PRIVATE SALE,
A COLLECTION OF
Scarce and Valuable
BOOKS,
In the HEBREW, GREEK, LATIN, FRENCH, and ITALIAN LANGUAGES—being part of a private Library;
Among which are the following:
FOLIO. Euripides, Homer, Demosthenes, Xenophon, Plato, Lucian, Plutarch, Pausanias, Procopius, Eusebius, Nicephorus, Cicero, Virgil, Horace, Livy, Tacitus, Seneca, Pliny, &c. Quarto. Pindar, Aristotle, Terence, Ovid, Cæsar, Suetonius, Juvenal, Manilius, &c.
Octavo & infra. Septuagint, Aristophanes, Longinus, Theophrastus, Epictetus, Hesiod, Orpheus, M. Antoninus, Phalaris, Isocrates, Polyænus, Lucretius, Catullus, Tibullus, Propertius, Paternus, Florus, Lucan, Statius, Gellius, Ausonius, Vida, Buchanan, Boëtius, Poëtæ minores Latini, Callipædia, Strada, L. Valla, &c.
A Catalogue is left at the Book-Store of Messrs RICE and Co. Market-Street, where further particulars may be learned.
FOR SALE,
In the City of New-Brunswick,
A Commodious TWO STORY HOUSE, almost new, pleasantly situated on the banks of the Raritan, together with a large Lot in the rear, and a very good Wharf immediately in front of the House. Said House is thirty-four feet square has four rooms on each floor, with entries between the same, and a good stone cellar under the whole.
Any person inclining to purchase may have possession the first day of May next, and know the price and terms of payment which will be made easy by applying to LEWIS FORMAN, in said city, or the subscriber in Borden Town. J. VAN EMBURGH.
N. B. If not sold, to be rented from 1st day of May next.
NOTIFICATION.
Colonel THOMAS PROCTER, Lieutenant of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, being necessarily absent from the city, his Excellency the GOVERNOR hath thought proper to authorise me to discharge the Duties of that Office until his return:—
NOTICE is therefore given, to the MILITIA of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, the Northern Liberties of said City, the Townships of Moyamensing and Passyunk, that they are to meet and exercise under their respective Officers on the following Days, viz.
First Battalion on the 2d Day of May next, Second Battalion on the 3d of do. Third Battalion on the 4th of do. Fourth Battalion on the 5th of do. Fifth Battalion on the 6th of do. Sixth Battalion on the 9th of do. Seventh Battalion on the 10th of do.
ELEAZER OSWALD, Lieutenant, pro tem. of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia, April 6, 1791.
The price of this Paper is 3 Dollars per ann.
PRICE CURRENT.—PHILADELPHIA.
PER QUANTITY.
APRIL 22.—DOLLARS at 7/6.
Table with multiple columns listing various goods (Anchors, Allum, Arack, Brandy, Braziletto, Bricks, Bread, Beer, Boards, Beef, Butter, Cedar, Chocolate, Coal, Coffee, Cinnamon, Cassia, Cheese, Country, Sper. pr. lb., Wax, Myrtle Wax, Mould, Tallow, Dipped, Cotton, Currants, Cloves, Copperas, Cordage, Cocoa, Duck, Ravens, Flour, Common, Bur middlings, middlings, Ship-stuff, Flax, Fustic, Feathers, Flaxseed, Glue, Ginger, white, common, ground, Ginseng, Gunpowder, quarter cask, fine glazed, Gin, Holland, pr. gall., Do. pr. cafe, Wheat pr. bush, Rye, Oats, Indian corn, Barley, Best shelled pr. lb., Buckwheat, Hemp, pr. ton, Hoghead hoops, pr. M, Herrings, pr. bbl., Hides, raw pr. lb., Hops, Indigo, French, Carolina, Irons, fad pr. cwt., Castings, Bar pr. ton, Pig, Sheet, Nail rods, Junk, pr. cwt., Lard, hogs, Lead in pigs, in bars, Lead, white, red, Leather, foal pr. lb., Lignum vitæ pr. ton, Logwood, Meal, Indian, pr. bbl., Rye, Mackarel, best, Common, Mace pr. lb., Mustard, Madder, best, Molasses pr. gall., Marble, wrought, pr. foot, Mast spars, Mahogany, Nutmegs pr. lb., Nails, 10d 12d & 20d—8d 8 3/4d, Linseed, pr. gall., Train, Spermaceti, Whale, Olive, Ditto pr. case, Best sweet in flasks, pr. box, baskits 12 bottles, Oak timber pr. ton, Porter in casks, pr. gall., London, pr. doz. 12s 6d 15s) and their corresponding prices.
MANUEL NOAH,
BROKER,
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.
COURSE OF EXCHANGE.
Table listing exchange rates for various locations and terms: Bills of Exchange, London, 90 days, 69; Ditto 60 days, 71; Ditto 30 days, 72; Amsterdam, 60 days, pr. guilders, 2s 11d 3/4; 30 days, 3s 1d; France, 60 days, pr. 5 liv. 6s 8d; 30 days, 6s 8d.