National gazette. (Philadelphia [Pa.]), 1792-02-20 00:00:00

National Gazette.
By P. FRENEAU: Published MONDAYS and THURSDAYS, at THREE DOLLARS per annum.
VOL. I.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1792.
NUMB. 33.
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 to extend the time limited for settling the Accounts of the United States with the individual States.
Be it enacted by the SENATE and HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That the powers of the Boards of Commissioners which, by an act passed in the second session of the first Congress, was established to settle the accounts between the United States and individual states, shall continue until the first day of July one thousand seven hundred and ninety three, unless the business shall be sooner accomplished.
And be it further enacted, That the aforesaid act shall extend to the settlement of the accounts between the United States and the State of Vermont: and that until the first day of December next shall be allowed for the said State to exhibit its claims.
And be it further enacted, That from and after the passing of this act, the pay of the principal clerk of the said Board shall be the same as the pay of the principal clerk in the Auditor's office.
JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
JOHN ADAMS, Vice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate.
Approved January twenty-third, 1792.
G. WASHINGTON, President of the United States.
Mr. FRENEAU,
I observed in one of your late papers the request of some gentlemen in Virginia to be furnished with a copy of the Constitution of the Philadelphia County Society for the promotion of Agriculture. For the information of those gentlemen, please to insert in your useful paper the following
CONSTITUTION of the PHILADELPHIA COUNTY SOCIETY for the promotion of AGRICULTURE and DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.
1. THE objects of this society shall be the promotion of agriculture and domestic manufactures; and it shall be stiled The Philadelphia County Society for the promotion of Agriculture and Domestic Manufactures.
2. No man shall be eligible, as a member, but a farmer.
3. The members, of which this society is to be composed, are to be of two kinds, viz. residing members, and corresponding members: the residing members must live within the county of Philadelphia, as it now stands; the corresponding members may be chosen from any part of the state, or other place, and shall have a right to attend our meetings, but have no vote.
4. New members may be elected by ballot at any stated meetings of the society, provided they have been put in nomination at a preceding meeting, and an entry thereof made on the minutes of the society; but no candidate must be present at his own election.
5. The stated meetings of the society shall be on the first Monday in every month, at such place as the society shall appoint at their annual meetings; and all business to be done on each day, must be transacted between the hours of two and six in the afternoon, and no business to be done afterwards.
6. The officers of the society shall be a president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary, who shall be chosen annually by ballot on the first Monday
in November, which day shall be called our annual meeting; but in case of the death, resignation, or removal of any of the officers of the society, others may be elected at a subsequent meeting, to serve out the time of such officer or officers, in whose place he or they were chosen.
7. If any accident shall happen, such as the want of a quorum, neglect, or other unforeseen cause, so as to prevent an election taking place at our annual meetings, in that case the officers must be considered as remaining in office, until the society shall elect others in their places for the remainder of the year.
8. In case of the non-attendance of any officers of the society, so as to prevent the proceeding to business, others may be appointed pro tempore.
9. The president, and in his absence the vice-president, shall exercise the usual duties of that office.
10. The treasurer shall keep all the monies and securities of the society, and shall keep the accounts methodically stated in a book procured for that purpose, and when called upon, produce them for inspection; and shall pay all orders of the president, or other persons who may draw on him by the direction of the society; and also, at the last meeting before his time expires (or at any other meeting, when called on) he shall produce a fair and regular account of all receipts, expenditures, and payments, and deliver it, together with the books and all the property of the society, to his successor in office, or to the orders of the society.
11. The secretary shall have in charge all other books and papers, and keep them in good order; and record accurately all the proceedings of the society, as well as letters written and received; and allow free access to any member who may desire to peruse the same.
12. Every residing member on admission, shall sign these articles, and pay a silver dollar; and also, the like sum annually shall be paid by all residing members, towards defraying the necessary expenses of the society; and every member, whose contribution shall be found to be more than two years in arrear, after the same shall be due, provided payment has been personally demanded of him by the treasurer, or a collector authorised by him for that purpose, such member shall be considered as withdrawing from the society, and no longer be deemed a member, and the same shall be entered on the minutes; and if any new residing member, after being notified of his election by the secretary, in writing (whose business it will be to give him such notice) shall not appear, sign the articles, and pay his entrance-money within three months after such notification, or send in that time a satisfactory excuse in writing, he shall be considered as not having accepted of a membership among us.
13. Whenever any residing member shall remove out of the district of which this society shall be composed, he shall from thenceforward be considered a corresponding member; and so, when a corresponding member shall remove, and come to live within the district, on paying one dollar, and signing the articles as aforesaid, he shall be considered a residing member; but no person shall pay entrance money more than once.
14. Whenever any motion is made in the society, that will tend either directly, or in its consequences, to dispose of the funds of the society (ordinary contingent expenses excepted) such motion must lay on the minutes until the next stated meeting, before the question can be taken.
15. The society shall have a right to make such other officers, and ap-
point such committees, as may forward and promote the views and objects of the institution; and shall also have a right to make such by-laws, rules or regulations, for its government and good order, as may appear necessary, provided they are not derogatory to this constitution.
16. A quorum for ordinary business shall consist of at least five members for the present; but at our annual meetings, the society shall always have a right to reduce or augment the number necessary to form a quorum; and shall also have power to alter the stated days of meeting both as to time and place; or to increase or diminish the number of such meetings, provided a motion for that purpose has been made and entered on the minutes, at any preceding meeting in the last year.
17. All business designed by this constitution, or other by-laws, to be done at our annual meeting, may, if a quorum does not meet, be done at the next full stated meeting.
18. Any gentleman attached to the useful science of agriculture, who has a desire to be present at a meeting of the society, may be introduced by a member.
19. At the annual meetings of the society, on the first Monday in November, this constitution, if desired by any member, may be revised, and proposals may be made for its alteration, amendment, or any addition to it; which must lay on the minutes until the next stated meeting, when they may be taken up and considered, and passed (either as they stand, or with such alterations as will not make them entirely new, or materially alter the first intention of such proposals) provided two thirds of the members present agree; but all other questions in the society shall be determined by a majority of voices; and also, elections for officers (except the appointment of committees for temporary business) shall be by ballot.
“Extract from the minutes,
“EDWARD DUFFIELD, junior, Sec’y. “Philadelphia County, Aug. 4, 1788.”
Since the establishment of this society, the neighbourhood has evidently derived advantage from the institution, not more from a reciprocal communication of useful experiments and observations, than from the use of a valuable agricultural library, collected by the society, and kept at their place of meeting. You will observe by the 12th. Art. of the constitution, that “every residing member, on admission, shall sign these articles and pay a silver dollar; and also the like sum annually.” The society have thought it proper to appropriate their funds towards procuring a collection of useful books for the information of the members, rather than bestowing their funds in premiums which are frequently misapplied.
In the present situation of public affairs, it is highly proper that the yeomanry should have stated meetings in every part of the United States, not only for promoting agricultural knowledge, by which their soil may be rendered the most productive possible, but to stimulate and encourage each other to support their rights as men.
A. FARMER
LONDON. Nov. 30.
We, in Europe, are now all at peace, one with another, therefore have time to reflect on the horrors of war. We have leisure to look into our affairs at home, and to consider of the consequences of our past enormous folly, in seconding the prince of the power of the air, by our gun powder, in the destruction of mankind.
What, in the name of God! (for it is here not taken in vain) have we been about, and for what ends, within this century, in this hellish business! we have excited (by the means of money, or large stipends to too many dissolute officers, and some small pittance to the tools of war, and by the promise of glory, like that which Milton formed for Satan in Pandemonium) several hundred thousand men, unknown to
each other---to blow each other to atoms: to make a million of widows and more orphans---to leave the cultivation of lands to a peasantry beggared by the taxes (raised for the support of these horrors)---to press down the hands of industry and commerce by the same burdens---to increase the number of poor, of course, in all our different districts---to make the rich callous to their cries, through the frequency and the loudness of them, and deaf to all considerations, besides their own interest, and the securities on which they place it;---and, as the center-stone in this useful arch, to alienate the minds of Christians (for we all, except the Turks, pretend to be such) cordially from each other, at home and abroad. In short, to reduce one third part of ourselves to the nature of tigers, another third to that of subtle serpents, and the remainder into the condition of shorn lambs, trembling at the violence of the first, and the political hypocrisy of the second sort of brutes.
Is not the above a true picture of some of the consequences of all our wars! our histories, our gazettes, our annual lists of our armies and navies, our hospitals, our lame and wounded poor, our long registers of half-relieved paupers, our uncloathed peasants, our accumulation of farms into one, our extensive round of taxes and duties, on almost all the necessaries of life; our annual possession of a hundred thousand negroes to support our luxuries; our unbounded, barren wastes; the perpetual enormous drains of money for our large useless standing armies, and our rotting fleets, both far better employed in husbandry and commerce; and, to wind up the tale, our increasing funds, all composed such a constellation of evidence against war, that madness alone, tho’ under some sober mask, must have been the occasion of such wars in Europe, contrary to the plan and repeated command of her God in his word; contrary to the dictates of reason in our heads, and of humanity in our hearts: contrary to the policy of nations, except the slaves of Mahomet; and directly against the present and eternal interest of almost every individual in a christian state! Those who are callous enough to defend the slave trade in cool blood, with our parliamentary evidence in their hands, are alone fit to defend the horrors of war. But something active must be done, to destroy it at the root. What then is to be advised? Would this counsel be amiss? If not, take it, whence it comes is no matter of consequence, whether from a Prince or a Plebeian.
1. Disband all your armies, and turn your ships of war, of every kind, into merchant ships, by common consent. 2. Train all your mails, from 16 to 60 (except magistrates, quakers, priests, and physicians) to the use of arms, for home defence, one month in every year. 3. Make a league together, and call it the league of Europe---“That, if any one of the powers shall employ any force against another, on any account whatsoever, besides for mere self-defence, with regard to life, liberty, or property, the rest shall join against the offending power, and reduce it to reason for the common good; after holding a congress of the powers, by their ambassadors, to discuss the cause of offence, and having a majority of the congress for such reduction.” 4. Plough up your wastes by your cashiered armies; the failors will fall, of course, into the line of commerce. 5. Encourage all sects to spread scriptural, spiritual, rational religion; and despise all forms (which are mere shadows) in comparison of it; making the love of God and man the beginning, middle, and end of all your views. Thus, and thus alone, shall the God of peace be with you all for ever!
Extract of a letter from Vienna, Nov. 12.
“The fever, which carried off Prince Potemkin, still makes great ravages in the Russian army, a great part of which is attacked by it. The two generals, Samoilow and Ribas, who have been sent by the empress as her ministers to the Congress for making peace, are at the point of death. The Reis Effendi, and his interpreter, Munirsi, who is to be Hospodar of Moldavia, are also attacked with the disorder, and the latter is given over; the opening of the Congress for settling peace is therefore postponed.”
The home minister of France has announced to the city of Paris, and to several of the departments, the king's intention to receive two volunteers from each battalion of Parisian national guards, and three from each department into the corps of guards for his person.

PHILADELPHIA.
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 15.
The bill, from the Senate, relative to the election of a President and Vice-President of the United States, and declaring the officer who shall act as President, &c. together with the amendments, was read a third time, passed, and notification thereof made to the President.
The bill sent from the Senate, "For regulating processes in the courts of the United States, and providing compensations for the officers of the said courts, and for jurors and witnesses," was twice read, and committed to a select committee.
A petition of William Jackson, late captain in the South-Carolina line, and aid-de-camp to major-general Lincoln, was read, praying to receive additional pay, allowed by a former act of Congress, to officers of the line acting as aids-de-camp.
Several other petitions were also read, praying relief, reimbursements, &c. which were ordered to lie on the table.
Mr. Smith (S.C.) moved for the second reading of a memorial, presented on the 23d of December last, from sundry merchants of South-Carolina, praying relief in consequence of having been obliged to receive payments in depreciated paper currency, during the war, and to pay their British creditors in specie—Ordered to be committed to a committee of the whole House on the state of the Union.
The House then, in committee of the whole, proceeded to the further consideration of the Representation bill, (Mr. Smith, S.C. in the chair.)—The question being taken on a motion to substitute the first day of October, 1792, as the period for an increase in the representation—it passed in the negative.—A motion was made, by Mr. Vining, to apportion the Representatives as follows: New-Hampshire, five; Massachusetts, sixteen; Vermont, three; Rhode-Island, two; Connecticut, eight; New-York, eleven; New-Jersey, six; Pennsylvania, fourteen; Delaware, two; Maryland, nine; Virginia, twenty-one; Kentucky, two; North-Carolina, twelve; Georgia, two.
After some time spent in debating on the bill, and propositions, the chairman of the committee reported progress—upon which the House resolved to take up the same again to-morrow, in committee of the whole.
THURSDAY, Feb. 16.
A resolution was moved by Mr. Grove, for appointing a committee to bring in a bill for building a light-house on Baldhead Island, at the mouth of Cape Fear river, in North-Carolina.
A resolution was laid on the table by Mr. Macon, that the Comptroller of the Treasury be directed to lay before the House a statement of the balances remaining unpaid, which may have been owing by individuals to the United States, previous to March 4th, 1789, and to inform the House, whether any and what steps have been taken to recover the same; and also to furnish a statement of sundry sums of public money entrusted to individuals, previous to the said 4th of March, 1789, and not yet accounted for.
The House then, in committee of the whole, proceeded to the further consideration of the Representation bill, Mr. Smith (S.C.) in the chair.
After some debate on Mr. Vining's motion of yesterday, an amendment was proposed by Mr. Benson, to the first section of the bill, viz. That after the 3d of March 1793, the House of Representatives be composed of "a number of members equal to the quotient of the whole number of persons in the States included in the union, divided by 30,000, which members shall therefore be" elected within the several states according to the following apportionment, &c. After some debate, the question being taken on Mr. Benson's motion, it was negatived—yeas, 24; nays, 33.
The committee then rose, reported progress, &c.—and the House adjourned till tomorrow.
FRIDAY, Feb. 17.
Mr. Speaker laid before the House the translation of a letter from Monsieur Morel, containing a project for civilizing the Indians; which was read and ordered to lie on the table.
The House then resolved itself into a committee of the whole, on the representation bill, —Mr. Smith (S.C.) in the chair.
After some debate on the apportionment of representatives, the committee agreed to settle it as follows: New-Hampshire, 4; Massachusetts, 15; Vermont, 2; Rhode-Island, 2; Connecticut, 7; New-York, 11; New-Jersey, 5; Pennsylvania, 14; Delaware, 1; Maryland, 9; Virginia, 21; Kentucky, 2; North Carolina, 11; Georgia, 2.
An amendment was made to the first section of the bill, setting forth that the members are to be elected "agreeably to
the ratio of one representative for every thirty thousand inhabitants in each state, computed according to the rule prescribed by the constitution.
A motion was made to strike out the second section, which provides for a second enumeration; —it being thought unnecessary to subject the United States to the expense of a new census at so early a period as was contemplated.
It being alleged however, that there is reason to suppose the late census not accurately taken, on account of an unwillingness in many heads of families, from a misapprehension of the object in view, to make a true declaration of the number of their respective households; —It being likewise tho' necessary to give those states, which now labour under a disadvantage from unrepresented fractions of people, to gain an equivalent advantage from the increase of population,—the motion was negatived.
It was then agreed, that the next enumeration shall commence on the 1st Monday of January, in the year 1796, and be closed within 6 calendar months; after which, the returns shall be made to the President of the United States by the marshalls of the several districts, within 2 calendar months. The marshalls are, in their returns, to note the sexes and colours of the free persons, and to distinguish the free males of sixteen years from those under that age. In other particulars, the marshalls and their assistants are to be bound by like oaths, vested by like powers, governed by like regulations, subjected to like penalties and recoveries, and entitled to like compensations, as prescribed by the former act.
A motion made by Mr. Hillhouse to amend the third section, by limiting the representation [from the 3d of March 1797] to 100 members to be appointed among the several states, according to their respective numbers—was, without any debate, negatived; after which,
The committee reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again.
The following resolution—laid on the table by Mr. White, on the 27th of last month, on the occasion of a difference of opinion respecting the propriety of having the doors of the House open during the debates on the Frontier Bill—was called up, and agreed to; Yeas, 23; Nays 18
Resolved, That it be a standing order of this House, that whenever confidential communications are received from the President of the United States, the House shall be cleared of all persons, except the members and the clerk, and so continue during the reading of such communications, and during all debates and proceedings to be had thereon: and that when the Speaker, or any other member, shall inform the House that he has a communication to make, which, he conceives ought to be kept secret, the House shall in like manner be cleared, until the communication be made: and the House shall then determine whether the matter communicated requires secrecy, or not, and take order accordingly.
It was proposed, that, on such occasions the door-keeper should be admitted: —it was also proposed, that the sergeant at arms should be permitted to remain: —but neither proposition was agreed to.
Adjourned.
For the NATIONAL GAZETTE.
SPIRIT OF GOVERNMENTS.
NO Government is perhaps reducible to a sole principle of operation. Where the theory approaches nearest to this character, different and often heterogeneous principles mingle their influence in the administration. It is useful nevertheless to analyse the several kinds of government, and to characterize them by the spirit which predominates in each.
Montesquieu has resolved the great operative principles of government into fear, honor, and virtue, applying the first to pure despotisms, the second to regular monarchies, and the third to republics. The portion of truth blended with the ingenuity of this system, sufficiently justifies the admiration bestowed on its author. Its accuracy however can never be defended against the criticisms which it has encountered. Montesquieu was in politics not a Newton or a Locke, who established immortal systems, the one in matter, the other in mind. He was in his particular science what Bacon was in universal science: He lifted the veil from the venerable errors which enslaved opinion, and pointed the way to those luminous truths of which he had but a glimpse himself.
May not governments be properly divided, according to their predominant spirit and principles into three species of which the following are examples?
First. A government operating by a permanent military force, which at once maintains the government, and is maintained by it; which is at once the cause of burdens on the people, and of submission in the people to their burdens. Such have been the governments under which human nature has groaned through every age. Such are the governments which still oppress it in
almost every country of Europe, the quarter of the globe which calls itself the pattern of civilization, and the pride of humanity.
Secondly. A government operating by corrupt influence; substituting the motive of private interest in place of public duty; converting its pecuniary dispensations into bounties to favorites, or bribes to opponents; accommodating its measures to the avidity of a part of the nation instead of the benefit of the whole: in a word, enlisting an army of interested partizans, whose tongues, whose pens, whose intrigues, and whose active combinations, by supplying the terror of the sword, may support a real domination of the few, under an apparent liberty of the many. Such a government, wherever to be found, is an impostor. It is happy for the new world that it is not on the west side of the Atlantic. It will be both happy and honorable for the United States, if they never descend to mimic the costly pageantry of its form, nor betray themselves into the venal spirit of its administration.
Thirdly. A government, deriving its energy from the will of the society, and operating by the reason of its measures, on the understanding and interest of the society. Such is the government for which philosophy has been searching, and humanity been sighing, from the most remote ages. Such are the republican governments which it is the glory of America to have invented, and her unrivalled happiness to possess. May her glory be compleated by every improvement on the theory which experience may teach; and her happiness be perpetuated by a system of administration corresponding with the purity of the theory.
February 18, 1792.
WORCESTER, Feb. 2.
A correspondent observes, that, "without any comment on the principle of the present unhappy Indian war (as a righteous one is frequently condemned, through ignorance, so a pretext is never wanting to countenance one that is unjust) the laconick and humane address of the Mississaga Chief to his victorious warriors in the late unfortunate conflict, who generously called them off from the bloody pursuit, commanding them to let the fugitives escape, for they had killed enough, expresses greater dignity of sentiment, and magnanimity of soul, than is recorded in the annals of ancient or modern history. And if premiums are generously bestowed on him that bravely rescues one unfortunate victim from destruction, what distinguished mark of honor does that man deserve, who rescues hundreds of his fellow beings from impending ruin! Who, in the proud moment of victory, can nobly check the destroying impulse, saying, -- thus far shalt thou go, and no farther---and here shall thy proud triumphs be stayed!
"With due deference to a most laudable institution, I would propose that, as a testimonial of gratitude for the preservation of our surviving friends, a gold medal be presented to the Mississaga Chief, representing in proper hieroglyphics this heroic act of mercy, with the following inscription— parcere victis, ipsam victoriam superat. "
ALBANY, Feb. 6.
By a gentleman who passed through this town on Friday, on his way to the seat of government, from Niagara, which place he left the 8th ult. we have received the following serious information which may be depended on. He says the British have 2 new Schooners which were launched last summer carrying each 18 six pounders, and a gally carrying a 32 pounder in the bow, all laying at Detroit; and that they are collecting materials at the same place for building a large ship immediately---that 2500 barrels more of provisions and ammunition have passed the carrying placea Niagara this fall, than any year since the peace—for what purpose time will unfold.—It will be but justice, however, to add, that our informant was in the garrison at Niagara soon after the defeat of our army—and that the British officers appeared to sympathize in our misfortune with a great deal of sincerity. It is supposed that nest of implacable bloody-minded loyalists who are strung along upon the great lakes, have been the principal cause of exciting such a general spirit for war among the Indians.----
BALTIMORE, Feb. 16.
Last Sunday evening came to this town, a young man from Cat-Fish, which he left about two weeks ago, and who gave us the following pleasing, interesting, and important intelligence, viz. That two days before he left Cat-Fish, two men arrived there from Licking, who informed that they had been out with a body of 1300 volunteers on horseback from Kentucky, under Gen. Scott---that they left Licking on the expedition a few days before Christmas---that General Scott dispatched three spies in advance, who, when they arrived thirteen miles beyond the spot where General St. Clair was defeated, discovered a large body of Indians, diverting and enjoying themselves with the plunder they had taken; riding the bullocks, dancing, &c. and appeared to be mostly drunk---that on this information being given to Gen. Scott, who, with the main body, was a few miles in the rear, he distributed them into three divisions, advanced, and fell on the enemy by surprise---that the contest was short
but victorious on the side of the volunteers; 100 of the enemy being killed on the spot, all the cannon and stores in their possession retaken, and the remainder of the savage body put to flight---that General Scott, having lost but six men, returned to Licking in triumph, with most of the cattle, stores, &c. leaving the cannon at Fort Jefferson:---That General Scott had previously gone out with 400 men, but finding his number insufficient was returning, but met a body of 900 volunteers, who upon joining him, he immediately proceeded in prosecution of his original design, which fortunately proved successful.
Our informant further adds, that he saw a Kentucky newspaper of the 8th of January, at Morgan-town, brought by Major Reed, containing the account of General Scott's expedition, which corresponded with that given by the two men at Cat-Fish, and that General Scott brought in near 7000 captives. [Baltimore Daily Repository.]
PHILADELPHIA.
FEBRUARY 20, 1792.
We hear from Windsor, Vermont, that enlisting orders have been received in that state, to raise recruits for the western army, and that a rendezvous was to be opened at Bennington about the 29th ultimo.
The gallant General STARKS, in the Indian wars previous to the revolution, commanded a company of rangers, composed of hardy huntmen, who could endure the cold, wet, and fatigue; and knew how to fight the Indians in their own way. When he was told that we had sustained a heavy loss in the late defeat of our frontier army, he replied, that he lamented the fall of so many excellent officers but could not think the country sustained any loss by the killing of TWO-DOLLAR-MEN.
Late accounts from France say, that the rupture between the French and the Algerines, is like to be amicably prevented, "When the Dey found the National Assembly were adopting decisive measures against him, he solicited a continuation of peace with a degree of servility, and in a stile of placability hitherto unknown from that quarter."
The noted Lunatic, Frith, who has been imprisoned some years in New-Gate, for throwing a stone at his Majesty, the King of Great-Britain, was lately liberated, after trial for high treason. In a speech made to the court, he complained much of the harshness of his case, in not being tried by a court-martial, instead of what he termed, a court of common law.
A London paper of the 19th Nov. mentions the total destruction of the town of Manila, in the Spanish Philippine islands. This was reckoned one of the richest cities in the Indies; and it is said the Spanish government take extraordinary pains to conceal the event, as it will occasion a considerable shock through the mercantile part of the kingdom.
On the 9th instant departed this life GEORGE PLATER, Esquire, late Governor of Maryland; a worthy, patriotic character, and universally regretted. He was in the 56th year of his age.
Amongst the various changes occasioned by the revolution [say French papers] may be reckoned the extinction of the Gazette de France , which had subsisted for a century and an half. It was by far the most ancient of any newspaper in being; originated with the learned Renaudot, and was always known as the official paper of government.
One of the plans laid before the legislature of the United States, by M. D. L. Morel, for civilizing the Indians, is said to be the encouraging whites to intermarry with them. This, it is well known, was the former policy among the French when they held Canada, and operated to powerfully in attaching the Indian tribes to that nation, that they could at all times command them, to the prejudice of the English. Hence too, it is thought, originated the filial style of affection in use among the savages to the French monarch, whom they always termed their father, whereas it was by dint of great presents only that they could be brought to call the king of England their brother.
The legislature of Pennsylvania have passed an act, tending to mitigate the sufferings of poor and distressed prisoners in the jail of the city and county of Philadelphia. It is sincerely hoped their benevolent example will be followed in other states, and that as the rights of men become better understood among us, the rights of those men will not be passed over whom the tyranny of a barbarous custom, precludes from helping themselves. By the act just mentioned, inspectors are appointed, to attend once a week to observe the conduct of the keeper and the condition of the prisoners, and to provide blankets, fuel, &c. for such as are unable to procure them for themselves. Besides this, seven cents per day are to be paid to each poor debtor for his subsistence; the person upon whose suit the debtor was confined, to be drawn upon weekly for the amount; and in case of refusal, the debtor to be discharged from confinement.
"From the Secretary of the Treasury's statement of the funded debt, it appears that Pennsylvania holds, in certificates, upwards of 470,000 dollars more than all the states to the

southward of it, united: that New-York holds 1,266,851 dollars more than Pennsylvania; and that Massachusetts holds 222,301 dollars more than New-York. So that these three northern states are possessed of near fourteen out of twenty parts of the public funded debt. The part of the debt belonging to the treasury is not touched on in this calculation of proportion. Thus, on the scale of equality, the balance of power, arising from possession of the public funds, is already departed from the southern division of the United States; and yet these southern states must be accountable for the payment of the principal and interest of the public funded debts, of which they hold so small a proportion." [Daily Adv.]
Two frigates failed from the port of Brest last fall, to make a thorough research for the frigates Bouffole and Astrolabe , who failed on discovery in August 1785, under the command of M. de Peyrouse; and of which no intelligence has been received since their leaving Botany Bay on the tenth of March, 1788. This, however, is not their sole object; a voyage of discovery being included in their plan, for which purpose they took on board, by order of the king, a number of artists so qualified and provided, as to render this voyage, when finished, interesting to all nations. "They have also (says the Leyden paper) been well furnished with such articles of trade, and such useful implements for presents, as will render their arrival a blessing, instead of a curse, to the barbarous nations they may visit. The voyage, it is expected may last three years."
Extract of a letter from Havre, dated Nov. 30.
"There is every reason to suppose that the French aristocrats have been at the bottom of the infernal business in St. Domingo. When the king first heard this news, he cried out, These are the consequences of the preachments of the Abbe Gregoire, and other sticklers for the liberties of the West-India blacks! Philosophical humanity, however, might have been the Abbe's motive, without our stigmatizing him with the odious epithet of Aristocrat —This restless body of men, alike enemies to their country and the general rights of man, it is suspected, had been too influential with some foreign power or powers in exciting the dey of Algiers to break with us.—On this subject the minister of the marine addressed the President of the national assembly—and an armament, it is said, was ordered to be fitted out to cruise in the Mediterranean to humble the flag of the barbarians, in case they rejected the conciliatory overtures which the king had previously in contemplation to make to them.—It were almost to be wished that they had been rejected, and the usual outrages and depredations of those unprincipled people renewed. In such case hereafter, it will, without doubt, be one of the first objects of our regenerated government to make them feel the weight of the resentment of the French nation, as it is certainly in our power to annihilate this nest of thieves, who have hitherto (to the disgrace of Europe) been supported only by the mutual jealousy of the christian powers, and thus been encouraged to prey upon the lives, liberties, and fortunes of industrious citizens."
Extract of a letter from Paris, Nov. 18.
"It was, formerly, an idea of Louis 14th, that the French empire might be made universal by universally extending the French language. The effects of this policy are observable to the present day in Europe; the French being the prevailing language of every court, not even excepting the barbarous court of Russia. Intelligence has, of late, by some means or other leaked out, that to prevent the project of Louis the 14th being accomplished, in a manner he never dreamt of, the several courts of Germany are beginning to discourage the knowledge of the French language amongst them, for fear their subjects should discover that they are not absolutely beasts (as was tacitly asserted some years ago by the king of Prussia, in respect to a body of Hessians, who upon passing one of his bridges, were obliged to pay beasts' toll). This latent decree may, possibly, soon be carried into effect, to prevent men from imbibing the French ideas of liberty; but, like the king of Spain's armed mercenaries on his frontiers, will prove, in the end, ineffectual against the universal extention of rational and equal liberty."
Extract of a letter from New-York, Feb. 11.
"Mr. Jay has consented to become a candidate for the station of Governor of our state at the next election. No exertions will be wanting to give him a plurality of votes. It will be only by placing men of such dignified public, and exemplary private characters in high trust, that our governments can become respectable, and in this way we shall best prevent the general government from lessening the influence of our state governments."
L O N D O N.
Extracts from the Proceedings of the National Assembly on Thursday, the 17th of November.
"The National Assembly considering that the Social Contract ought to bind, as it ought equally to protect, all the members of the State, that it is of importance to define the terms of this engagement, to prevent confusion of words from introducing confusion of ideas; that an oath, purely civil, is the pledge which every citizen
ought to give of his fidelity to the law, and his attachment to the society, and that a difference in religious opinion cannot be an objection to taking this oath, since the constitution assures to every citizen entire freedom of opinion in matters of religion, provided the publication of them does not disturb order, or lead to acts injurious to the public safety.
That the minister of any worship, in refusing to acknowledge the constitutional act which authorises him to profess his religious opinions, without imposing on him any obligation but to respect the order established by law, and for the public safety, will announce, by his refusal, that his intention is not to respect it.
That by refusing to acknowledge the law, he will voluntarily abdicate the advantages which the law alone can secure to him. Having passed the decree of urgency, the Assembly decrees as follows:
I. Within eight days from the publication of the present decree, all the Ecclesiastics, except those who have conformed to the decree of the 27th November last, shall be bound to present themselves before the Municipality of the place of their residence, there to take the civic oath in the terms of Article V. of Part II. of the constitution, and to sign the minute of it, which shall be drawn up for them without expense.
II. At the expiration of the above interval, every Municipality shall transmit to the Directory of the Department, by means of the District, a list of the Ecclesiastics residing in their territory, distinguishing those who shall have taken the civic oath, and those who shall have refused it.
III. Those of the Ministers of the Catholic worship, who have set the example of submission to the laws, and of attachment to their country, by taking the oath of fidelity prescribed by the decree of November 27, 1790, and have not retracted it, are exempted from all new formalities. They are invariably maintained in all the rights which were secured to them, by the former decrees.
IV. With respect to the other Ecclesiastics, none of them can in future receive, demand, or obtain pension, or allowance, from the public treasury, but by representing the proof of their having taken the civic oath, agreeable to the 1st article of this decree. The treasurers, receivers, or payers, who shall make payments contrary to the tenor of this decree, shall be condemned to restitution of the amount, and the loss of their places.
The fourth article was the subject of a warm debate, which was interrupted by the business of Avignon.
The Minister of the home department produced dispatches, which the commissioners of the King employed for the purpose of restoring the tranquility of Avignon, had addressed to him by an extraordinary courier.
They announce, "That their endeavours had succeeded to the satisfaction of the unfortunate inhabitants, whom the ruffians of the army of Monteux, called Petriot, pillaged and massacred with impunity. The French troops are in possession of Carpentras and Avignon, to the great displeasure of these ruffians.—Those who had fled from consternation now return to their homes. One Lecuyer had pillaged the inhabitants of Avignon; he was massacred. His friends took occasion to ravage the town, and under the pretext of avenging his death, killed all the persons of probity whom they detested.
"They plunged them into the prisons of the Palace, and there massacred them in cold blood. Sons were murdered in the presence of their fathers! Mothers expired on the bodies of their sons! Alas! all perished miserably!—[The Assembly shuddered with terror; shrieks were uttered, expressive of the deepest concern.]
"Barbarity spared not even the bodies of the unfortunate victims. They were beheaded, cut in pieces. The bodies of women were embowelled! the mangled remains." [Here, M. Monteux could proceed no farther, his frame was convulsed, the paper dropt from his hands, he covered his face, and fled with precipitation from the Tribune. His flight was beheld in a gloomy silence: of so numerous an Assembly not one person was found, whose curiosity had so far mastered his feelings as to oppose his departure, or demand his return.]
After a pause of horror, M. Isnard, the Secretary, was ordered to proceed with the recital. "These mangled remains of their fury were thrown into a ditch, called Glaciere du Palais. The entrance was closed up; we discovered the tomb and caused it to be opened. A putrid stench rendered it almost inaccessible. We, however, caused it to be examined with proper precautions, in order, if possible, by the number of heads, to discover how many lives have been lost. [The Assembly resounded with a mingled exclamation of indignation and sorrow.]
"A crowd of unfortunate citizens came every day to embrace our knees, and demand of us their fathers, husbands, children, friends, whose bodies were among the number of the 60 victims butchered at the Castle.
"It appeared to us indispensable to cause to be arrested all the persons in authority at Avignon at
the period of the massacre. The Sieurs Jourdan and Tournel are arrested; the first was distant a league from Avignon, the other attempted to fly, after discharging a pistol at the officer who was going to seize him; he at first saved himself by clambering along the roofs, but fell and having a leg broken, was taken.
"We arrested the young Lecuyer, who incited by an insatiable thirst of blood, in order to avenge his father, massacred 16 of the prisoners of the palace.
"All these facts have been authenticated. The National Assembly will, perhaps, regret having heard at its bar an emissary of the ruffians, who had the audacity, to accuse M. Mulot, the Commissioner of Pacification.—We are, &c."
The Assembly referred these dispatches to the Committee of Legislation.
Translations from French papers.
Paris, Nov. 20. Discussions upon the troubles, occasioned by fanaticism or religious phrenzy, have occupied much of the time of the second legislative assembly. Six days ago, M. Isnard, one of the members, fulminated his anathemas against every thing that bore the name of priest.—"In the present state of France (said he) priests should be considered as heretics to the constitution, and the troublors of the public repose. So long accustomed to govern kings, and acting behind the curtain against the liberties of the people, it is high time to consign the whole host of them to a state of exile from the kingdom. These poisonous monsters ought to be shut up in the lazarettoes of their native Italy; and I do maintain, that one ill-inclined priest can do us more mischief than all our enemies together. A priest is never wicked by halves—when he is not one of the most virtuous, rely on it, he is one of the most wicked of men.—The emigrants will gain no accession of strength by the banishment of the clergy—for priests are always as cowardly as they are vindictive—Long accustomed to fight us on the mysterious stage of CONFESSION, they are truly contemptible in the field of battle.—They have, in all ages, been the murderers, the deceivers of the human race; and have presumed, whenever it suited them, to throw open to the vilest wretches the gates of heaven, which are accessible to virtue alone."
[Gaz. Univ.]
Rome, Nov. 4.—Of all the host of French who have resorted to this city, there only remain some fanatical emigrants, priests and nobles, in consequence of the orders that were issued for all Frenchmen to quit this capital, who were not openly declared enemies to the revolution in that kingdom. Like the Jews, a little before the destruction of Jerusalem, those that remain have been constantly expecting signs and wonders, and to see among the clouds the apparitions of armies preparing to subjugate France and extirpate the national assembly. It is curious to hear them laying their vast projects, dictating laws to sovereigns, and even prescribing the number of troops to be furnished by general contribution for this holy crusade. They seem not, however, to recollect that all crusades (even those preached up by much more sanctified characters than the cardinal Rohan, and some other French prelates) always proved fatal to those who conducted them.
Genoa, Nov. 9.—The French resident here, from the national assembly, M. Semonville, supports his democratic character with much ability. No doubt, his private principles, of universal equality, are not much to the taste of the Genoese court, but he is prudent enough to keep up a good understanding with our aristocracy; which, considering the relation in which he stands to them, is no very easy matter; and the least infringement of which would be highly gratifying to the French emigrants, residing amongst us.—I herewith inclose you the speech he made to the Doge, on the king's acceptance of the constitution. It is in the plain style of equal republican liberty; but was not on that account less acceptable to the Doge, who is a man of sense, moderation, and merit."
Messire serene Allies of the King of France!
I present to you a new pledge of the perfect esteem and friendship of the king of the French, in the instrument certifying his acceptance of the new constitution.—A great revolution has astonished Europe; but is at last accomplished; and the legal code is opened, never to be again closed—in the tumult of contending passions, amongst such a multiplicity of interests, the will of the nation and the assent of the monarch, has saved the empire by rallying its citizens under the standard of liberty and monarchy. At the present moment, they only are revolutionists, who, like the ancient Herostratus, would render themselves immortal by the aggravating criminality of setting fire to the temple of National Concord. They, who under the influence of an obstinate attachment, are labouring to envelope this glorious fabric of human reason [the French constitution] under the clouds of prejudice; who deny the sacred right of a monarch, to consider the prosperity of the nation as the great end of all his labors; how weak, how contemptible are their efforts? can the growing reason of man go backward? can the immortality of truth do otherwise than triumph?—And you, august prince of this republic, whose super-eminent virtue claims all that homage that is due to your exalted dignity; convinced we are, that you cannot read the
CONSTITUTION I have the honor to present, with a spirit of indifference. Its foundations are laid in the love of our fellow-creatures, and, I may say, even its errors, should any be discovered therein: In this memorable declaration of the rights of man, France is forever prohibited from entertaining ambitious views upon the rest of the world; happy in his people's happiness, satisfied in their affections, their monarch has acknowledged the same sentiments. Already have our songs of joy resounded in your ears; fame has wafted to you the sublime accents of a whole nation, thus addressing the God of peace; Preserve in this world your best, your brightest image, a powerful monarch, who is a lover of justice; and protect a people who have sworn to live, die, and conquer for the rights of man!
Under the influence of these sentiments, France hopes to establish a more intimate connexion than ever with the republic of Genoa; and may it be as durable, as my zeal is sincere for the interests of the republic, and the character of your serene highness.
Warsaw Oct. 28. Prince Potemkin did not die, as has been reported at Yally, but in the country about 30 wersts from that place. A short time before his death, he received a very important request from the Bojards, Moldavians and Wallachians, soliciting the Prince to procure a treaty of peace, that might in some degree protect them from the cruelties and oppressions of the Turks, which are represented as intolerable.
Correspondence between Earl Cornwallis and Tippoo Saib.
Earl Cornwallis wrote a letter to Tippoo, which he sent across the river, along with the sick of Tippoo's army who had been left in the field of battle. He assured the tyrant that they had received all the assistance and attention which was possible in their very unpleasant circumstances to give—not so good treatment, undoubtedly, as it was the wish of an English army to give to those whom the chance of war had thrown into their power, but they had received the same treatment as their own sick.
Tippoo answered, that his heart was warmed by the kindness which the Earl had shown to his sick; that it had ever been his desire to treat prisoners with humanity and tenderness; and that whenever he had acted with severity, it was when he was obliged, by way of example, to chastise some unprovoked cruelty committed on his people. He heard of the unpleasant circumstances of the English army with pain, and begged leave to offer to the noble Earl a present of fruit; that, from the beginning of this unjust war, he had manifested his sincere wishes for peace, and that even now he had the same sentiments of moderation as ever; that, as he said before, the thoughts of the heart could not be so well communicated by writing as by conversation, and therefore he still proposed to send a person of high rank to his Excellency, to confer on the terms of peace.
Earl Cornwallis replied, that he would not receive a person to confer on peace. If Tippoo had any propositions to make, he must put them in writing—as he must submit them to his allies, without whose concurrence he could enter into no negotiation whatever.
Tippoo said, in answer, that it was impossible that his Excellency could meet with any difficulty to a negotiation for peace in the Nizam, or the Mahrattas, as there were treaties of friendship subsisting between them and him which he had never violated; and he renewed again his offer of sending an Ambassador to treat.
This was refused; and Earl Cornwallis writes to the Presidency, "That the Tyrant was not yet prepared to make the sacrifices that the confederates might think they had a right to expect."
PRICE OF STOCKS.
Six per cents, per £. 24 3/4 24 1/2 Three per cents, - 14 3/4 Deferred six per cents, - 14 1/10 Final Settlements - 22 1/2 Indents, - 14 3/4 Bank Stock 1-2 Shares 97, pr. ct. prem.
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. February, 1792.
D. H. Bar. Ther. Wind. Weather. Monday, 13. 7 30. 25 23 N. Cloudy. 2 30. 2 27 N.E. do. Tuesday, 14. 7 30. 0 20 N.E. Snow. 2 29. 95 28 do. do. Wednesday, 15. 7 29. 85 24 N.E. Cloudy. 2 29. 85 32 do. do. Thursday, 16. 7 29. 7 28 N.E. Cloudy. 2 29. 65 39 do. do. Friday, 17. 7 29. 65 33 N. Fair. 2 29. 6 40 do. do. Saturday, 18. 7 29. 6 21 N.W. Fair. 2 29. 55 37 do. do. Sunday, 19. 7 29. 6 19 N.W. Fair. 2 29. 6 26 do. do.

CHARITY A-LA-MODE, [A TRUE STORY]
FROM southern climes a wandering vessel came That from her size, or looks, small note could claim, Yet found throughout, she many a gale had try'd, And still had Neptune, and his waves, defied; Not fam'd to be the foremost in the chace, Nor yet the rear-most in the watry race.
Her freight discharg'd; compell'd in port to stay, Long, by the walls, this empty schooner lay, In vain the captain scratch'd his sapient scull, And scrap'd her masts, and furbish'd up her hull—
Hung on the rich, or flatter'd up the great— Not one would trust a poet with his freight: No fails to trim; no work, but mixing grog, Pensive he stood, and sigh'd to heave the log; In vain he search'd, and stopt up every leak, And advertis'd his barque from week to week, All would not do!—the dock was still her fate, Idle the master, unemploy'd 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 flock, One morning fair came waddling to the dock; Address'd the captain as he pensive sate, And ask'd, What say you, friend; will't 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 man replied]— "What? six pence less than all the world beside! What reason can be given, I humbly ask That sixpence should be clipp'd 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!
Feb. 14. S I N B A T.
Authentic Prices Current at Philadelphia.
[Dollar] equal to 100 Cents.] ASHES Pot per ton 100 Dols. to 106 Ashes pearl 137 — — 141 Bacon flitches, per lb. 6 1-2 cents Bacon shoulders — — 6 do. Bees wax, per lb. 25 cents to 27 Brandy, Coniac pr gl. 1 dol. 20 c. to 1 dol. 30 c. Brandy, common, 1 dol. 11 c. Butter, in kegs, per lb. 10 c. to 12 Coals, per bushel, 20 c. to 22 Coffee, per lb. 17 c. to 18 Flax seed, per bushel, 85 c. to 90 Flour, super fine, per barrel, 5 dols. Common, — — 4 dols. 74 c. Burr middlings, best, per bbl. 4 dols 13 c. Meal Indian 2 dols. 67 c. Rye 3 dols. Ship stuff, per cwt, 1 dol. to 1 dol. 33 c. Gin, Holland, per case, 4 dols. Ginfeng, per lb. 20 c. to 24 Grain, barley, per bushel, 60 c. to 63 — — best shelled, per lb. 3 c. Buck-wheat, per bushel, 40 c. Indian corn, 40 c. 44, Oats 26 c. pr. bush. Rye 50 c. to 54, Wheat 90 to 93, pr. do. Ham, per lb. 8 c. to 9 Hemp, imported, per ton, 120 dols. to 146 67 c. American, per lb. 4 c. to 5 Hides, raw, per lb. 9 c. to 11 Indigo, Carolina, per lb. 40 c. to 1 dol. French, — — 1 dol. 20 c. to 1 dol. 33 c. Iron, bar, per ton, 82 dols. 67 c. Castings, per cwt. 3 dols. 47 c. Nail-rods per ton 96 dols. Pig, per ton, 24 dols. to 26 dols. 67 c. Sheet, per ton, 173 dols 33 c. Lard, hogs, per lb. 9 c. to 10 Lead, in bars, per cwt. 7 dols. In pigs, — — 5 dols. 33 c. to 5 dols. 67 c. Red, — — 6 dols. 40 c. to 6 dols. 67 c. White, — — 10 dols. to 10 dols. 67 c. Myrtle wax per lb. 18 c. Molasses, per gal. 45 c. Pitch, per barrel, 1 dol. 73 c. to 2 dols. Pork, Burlington, per barrel, 10 dols 33 c. Lower County, do. 9 dols. 33 c. Carolina, do. 8 dols. Rice, per 100 lb. 2 dols. 67 c. Rofin, per barrel, 2 dols. 33 c. to 2 dols. 67 c. Rum, Antigua, per gallon, 87 c. Barbadoes, do. do. 73 c. New-England, &c. 59 c. Jamaica, 90 c. Windward Island, 73 to 77 c. Snake-Root, per lb. 20 c. to 42 Sugar, Havanna, white, per lb. 16 to 17 c. Brown, per lb. 13 to 14 c. Muscovado, per cwt. 14 dols. to 15 dols. Lumps, per lb. 18 c. Loaf, single refined, 25 c. Loaf, double ditto, 33 c. Tallow, refined, per lb. 9 c. Tar, New-Jersey, 24 gal. to the brl. 1 dol. Carolina, 32 gal. 1 dol. 33 c. to 1 dol. 67 c. Tea, Hyson, per lb. 93 c. to 1 dol. 28 c. Hyson skin, 53 c. to 67 Soufong, 50 c. to 93 Congo, 43 c. to 50 Bohea, 34 c. to 36
Tobacco, James River, best. per cwt. 3 dols. 60 c. to 3 dols. 73 c. Inferior, 2 dols. 67 c. to 3 dols. Old, 4 dols. 67 c. Rappahannock, 2 dols. 50 c. to 3 dols. Coloured Maryland, 5 dl. 33 c. to 8 dl. Dark, 2 dols. 40 c. Long leaf, 2 dols. 40 c. Eastern Shore, 2 dols. to 2 dols. 23 c. Carolina, new, 2 dols. 7 c. to 3 dols. Carolina, old, 2 dols. 7 c. Turpentine, per barrel, 1 dol. 67 c. to 2 dols. Wine, Madeira, per pipe, 106 dl. 67 c. to 200 dl. Lisbon, — — 96 dols. to 100 Teneriffe, per gal. 51 c. to 60 Fayal, — — 44 c. 49 Port, per pipe, 106 dols. 67 c. to 120 dols. Ditto, in bottles, per doz. 4 dols. Claret, ditto, ditto. 4 dols. 6 c. Champaign, ditto, do. 8 dols, Sherry, per gal. 90 c. to 1 dol. 20 c.
LEGISLATURE of the UNITED STATES
House of REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, Feb. 3. Debates on the Fishery Bill—on the motion to strike out the first section. (Continued from our last)
Mr. Goodhue. The gentleman last up (Mr. Williamson) says, that an appropriation of money being made by the bill now before us, and the treasury standing pledged for the payment,—therefore a direct bounty is granted.—At present, we pay in drawbacks about 4500 dollars; but we cannot say that this sum will be adequate to the payment of the drawbacks next year: for if a greater quantity of fish be taken, a greater sum must of course be allowed: and as the sum depends entirely on the quantity of fish, it is impossible to ascertain beforehand the precise amount: there is not however in the whole bill any thing of a bounty, except the bare name. The gentleman allows, that we may commute the present drawbacks, and give them to the fishermen instead of the merchant: but it is impossible to do this with safety in any other mode than that pointed out in the bill.—Shall we leave it to the fisherman, to be determined by his oath?—This would not be advisable.—The plan proposed is a much less exceptional one:—it is founded on a calculation, that a certain quantity of tonnage is employed in taking a certain quantity of fish:—on this calculation the allowance is apportioned to the tonnage: if gentlemen think the allowance too high, let the sum be reduced; but let it not be stigmatized as a bounty:—It is no such thing: the word 'bounty' is an unfortunate expression; and I wish it were entirely out of the bill.
Mr. Livermore. The bill now under consideration has two important objects in view. The one is, to give encouragement to our fishermen, and, by that encouragement, to encrease their numbers:—the other is, to govern those fishermen by certain laws, by which they will be kept under due restraint. Both these objects are of great importance to such persons as choose to employ their capitals in the fishery business: and I believe it will not be disputed that the business itself is of considerable importance to the United States, inasmuch as it affords a certain proportion of remittance or exportation to foreign countries; and does not impoverish the country, but enriches it by the addition of so much wealth drawn from the sea.
It is the object of those gentlemen, who favour the bill, that the fishermen should have some encouragement, not given to them at the expence of the United States, but directed to them out of what was, in the former law, called a drawback of the duty on salt. The calculation, as I understand has been made as nearly as possible, to give that drawback, not to the merchants who export the fish, but to the fishermen who take it: in order to encrease that description of men, without whose assistance it is in vain to expect any benefit from the fisheries: for if the merchants, at present engaged in that branch, possessed the whole capital of the United States, yet if they cannot get fishermen, they cannot carry on the fishery: this is done by a particular class of men, who must be not only expert sea-men, but also accustomed to taking the fish and curing it. If these men cannot be had, the capital cannot be employed; and those who undertake the business, cannot carry it on, or reap any profit from it.
Whilst the drawback is payable only to the merchant who exports the fish, it is impossible to convince the fishermen, that they reap from it any advantage whatever: or if some of the more discerning among them do perceive an advantage in it, the others, who are not so clear-sighted, cannot discover it, and are therefore not disposed to undertake the business. It is however of considerable importance to the merchants, that the fisherman should receive a proper encouragement, even if they were obliged to allow him a bounty out of their own pocket.
The government of the fishermen, after their engagement in this business, is also necessary to be provided for:—otherwise frequent instances may occur among that class of men, of quitting one vessel to embark on board another, or of shipping themselves for a foreign voyage, before the expiration of the fishing season. In the latter case, the vessel lies useless on the owners hands; and he, together with the whole expence of the outfit, loses all his prospects of future gain.
The two objects, here mentioned, are fully provided for in the bill. Still however it is objected to:—but what is the objection?—it is, that the word 'bounty' is twice used in this clause. Let us see what advantage will result from striking out this obnoxious 'bounty.'—None at all:—the bill says it shall cease; and have gentlemen any objection to the bounty's ceasing? Since the bounty is to cease by this bill, what advantage is in striking it out? The sense would still remain the same: and I don't know why we should make a law expressly to strike out the word 'bounty' but to strike out the bounty itself. It is strange to me, that any gentlemen, whether he is for giving a great bounty, or little bounty, or no bounty at all, should quarrel with this unfortunate word. There is indeed one part of the section, which I will readily consent to strike out; and I believe every other gentleman, who is in favour of the bill, will consent to it likewise; and that is, the clause, which provides, 'that the bounty, to be allowed and paid on any one vessel, for one season, shall not exceed one hundred and seventy dollars. If, when the vote is taken on the section, there does not appear a majority of the House in favour of striking out the whole, we may then move for striking out the proviso, if it be offensive to any gentlemen: if it be not offensive it may remain.'
If gentlemen are disputing, only because the word 'bounty' is in the bill, they may be perfectly relieved from their uneasiness on that score: for the bill expressly says, 'that the bounty now allowed upon the exportation of dried fish, of the fisheries of the United States, shall cease, and in lieu thereof' a different kind of encouragement is to be given. Here is no reason to dispute about a word: If gentlemen are disposed to consent to the principle of the bill, that the drawback of the duties on salt shall be commuted for a certain sum to encourage the fishermen, they will vote in favour of the bill: If not, they will vote against it. But it is impossible for me to conceive, why any gentlemen under Heaven should be against it: it is only fixing for the merchants engaged in this branch, a clear and equitable ratio, for distributing among the fishermen that encouragement which they think necessary in order to attach those people to the business, and to prevent them from going to other occupations, on land. The bill is an important one, and will encrease that branch of business, which is very useful to the community: it does not lay a farthing of bounty, or duty on any other persons, than those who are immediately concerned in it: it will serve them; and will not injure any body.
[Original communications.]
Hints candidly offered concerning Mr. Churchman's Magnetic Atlas, &c. by Baron Val Travers, member of several scientific societies in Europe.
MY late revered friend and fellow member of the royal society, Dr. Bradley, whose excellent astronomical and philosophical lectures I attended with infinite satisfaction through three courses, at Oxford, used to account for the declination of the needle, by a very ingenious conjecture, borrowed partly from Dr. Halley, who supposed an interior detached globe, moving within our terrestrial globe, in a direction and degree of velocity peculiar to itself, round its own axis, forming a certain angle with that of the earth, the magnetism of which being the natural effect of its peculiar centripetal and centrifugal force, attraction and repulsion, crossing that of our exterior globe. Some experiments he made corroborated his opinion, as well as the ring round Saturn.
Your intended expedition to Baffins Bay is much to be wished for, as it may either confirm or rectify and complete, the observations made in Hudson's Bay, in nine voyages, by captain Middleton, from 1721 to 1729, to observe the effects and causes of magnetic variations in the needle.
The Hudson's Bay company in England, who enjoy by charter, with great profit and jealousy, an exclusive trade and navigation to those north-western polar regions, would hardly refuse their consent to your offers, when solicited by the royal society in London. Even his British majesty, who has already done so much for useful discoveries, more than any monarch ever did, would willingly patronize your laudable enterprise, and perhaps appoint an expedition on purpose, to second your enquiries. Lord Frederick H. Cavendish, lord Mulgrave, sir Joseph Banks, the hon. judge Daines Barrington, Rev. Dr. Mackelyne, Dr. Priestley, and Dr. Herschel, the king's private astronomer, all warm promoters of such investigations, would, I make no doubt, unite their powerful countenance in your behalf.
Your intended annual Magnetic Almanack will, in all probability, be a most valuable new gift, not only to every seaman, but to every natural philosopher; and may lead to collect such supplies of new data, from rectified and multiplied observations, as may, in time, bring your doctrine still nearer to truth, so as to derive the singular advantages therefrom you have in view.
My immortal old friend and fellow labourer in fields of truth and beneficence, Dr. B. FRANKLIN, has certainly left a complete set of philosophical transactions, both at large and abridged; the perusal of which must undoubtedly have been accessible to his academy, and to yourself. You could never apply to a better judge, nor one more ready to assist you in your labours. If he were alive, I would direct this whole packet to him, and recommend it to his kind notice. Being now removed to a still better existence, I take the liberty to address it to your truly great patron, whose name is an ornament not only to your ingenious chart, but to all America, nay to humanity in general.
Should you ever succeed, which I sincerely wish, in bringing your attempt towards a regular system, of the respective movements of our earth, and those of your two magnetic points, to correspond with a sufficient number and length of observations, and facts, I know a very ingenious artist, Mr. Jaquet Droz, of Neufchatel in Switzerland, famous for his astronomical clocks, orreries, and other curious mechanical inventions, who could easily construct a double globe, one within another, and impart to each separate diurnal and annual motions, making respective intersecting meridians, &c. to appear through a transparent chrySTALLINE terraqueous globe, to be wound up but once a month, or half yearly. Such a pair of chrySTALLINE globes, both the celestial and terrestrial, has been very nicely executed, many years ago, by one Rudinger, and stands deposited in the public library at Bern, in Switzerland. They measure about eighteen inches in diameter.
Extract of a letter from Mr. Bernoulli principal astronomer of the king of Prussia, to his friend at Hamburg, concerning Mr. Churchman's chart, &c.
"My much honored and respectable friend, I perceive with pleasure you support like a philosopher the rigors of fate, and with your accustomed philanthropy, are not forgetful of your friends, to whom you still continue to be useful, and to interest yourself by the most extensive correspondence in whatever may tend to the general good.
"These reflections are produced by your sending me the letter, the memoir and chart of Mr. Churchman. The royal academy had lately received duplicates of the same by another channel, and were engaged in examining them, with a view of giving some satisfaction to the author, with respect to his respect to his desiderata, in consequence of which I have now the honor of sending you Mr. Churchman, 1st, the report of the committee appointed to examine his work. 2d, A volume containing the memoirs he is desirous of having. That of the collection for 1766 was not by Mr. Euler as Mr. Churchman supposed, but by Mr. Lambert. "Mr. Torney, in the quality of perpetual secretary, had it in charge to accompany these papers with a congratulatory letter to Mr. Churchman; but as he is now 80 years of age, his activity is much diminished. To prevent delay I have proposed to him to dispense with this letter, taking it upon myself to excuse him, in which I hope you will join your influence.
"The academy has not received the packet which Mr. Churchman writes us was sent in 1787 by a certain Solomon Kitt—it will not now be worth while to make enquiry for him, although I know that this same Kitt has been in 1788 and 1789 at St. Petersburg and Moscow."
ROBERT SMOCK, Woollen Draper & Mercer,
Has just received by the ship Pigou, from London, and for sale at his Store, on the north east corner of Market and Third streets, Philadelphia,
AN ELEGANT ASSORTMENT OF SUPERFINE and super broadcloths, in almost every colour.
Ladies superfine habit cloths, in the most fashionable colours. Superfine cassimers, do. Do. and super elastic striped cloths. Milled drabs and hunters cloths. A variety of fancy waistcoating, in silk, silk and cotton, silk molekin, cassimers printed and tamboured, and superfine striped Spanish toilinets. Mens black fattins, florentines, and silk prunellas of superior qualities Silk, silk and cotton, cotton and worsted hose, assorted. Sattins and mantuas, a beautiful variety. Superfine rattinets, with a large collection of best trimmings for cloths, &c. of every quality. Moreens, jeans spinnings, durants and calimancoes. Hairbines and camblets, &c. 9-8 wide superfine Marseilles quilting with borders. Marseilles bedquilts and cotton counterpanes, 9-4 to 12-4. Flanders bedbunts and bedtickings. A beautiful variety of chintzes and cottons. An elegant assortment of yard wide furniture chintzes, in beautiful colours and patterns, with a large variety of furniture cottons. Velveteens, velvets, corduroys, thicksets, fancy cords, flocknets, royal ribs, fattinets, hair plushes, &c. &c. Striped and grey, twilled and plain Bath coatings. Rose blankets assorted.
ROBERT SMOCK has also for Sale, a great Variety of GOODS of the best quality in their several kinds. He presumes it is unnecessary to be more particular in the enumeration, and that it is sufficient to say the assortment is very general and extensive, consisting of almost every article in his line of business.—Being desirous of giving entire satisfaction to those who may be pleased to favour him with their custom, as well as of meriting a continuance of those customers, whose favours he has hitherto experienced, he flatters himself the cheapsness of his Goods will be the best means of effecting his wishes.
Somerset County, Maryland, Princess Anne Town. TEN POUNDS REWARD.
RAN away, a Negro lad about seventeen years old, who left the subscriber sometime in August last. He goes by the name of LEVEN; is of a yellowish colour, and about five feet high. He is supposed to have gone to the Delaware state. Any person bringing the said negro to the subscriber, shall be entitled to the above reward; and any person giving such information as will enable the owner to recover him again, shall be entitled to one half the above sum, which will be paid by THOMAS MILES.
Feb. 14, 1792. 5t. 1 aw.
HOWELL'S SMALL MAP of PENNSYLVANIA.
May be had of Mr. Bailey, and Mr. Crukshank Printers, in Market-street; or of the author in N. Fifth-street, No. 88, who has the said maps pasted on canvass, cut, folded and cased for pocket carriage. Philadelphia Jan. 30. 1792.
PRINTED BY CHILDS AND SWAIN, AT THEIR OFFICE, NO. 239, HIGH-STREET, NEAR SIXTH-STREET, PHILADELPHIA.