Gazette of the United-States. (New-York [N.Y.]), 1790-01-23 00:00:00

Gazette of the United States.
[No. LXXXII.]
SATURDAY JANUARY 23, 1790.
[Published on Wednesday and Saturday.]
THE TABLET.
No. LXXXII.
"The importance of female education is evident from the influence that women have over the manners of civilized society."
IT may perhaps gratify the reader to be informed that the following Essay is supposed to be the production of a female pen. The editor received it without a signature, or any remarks that lead him to conjecture who is the author. As the hand writing appears to be that of a woman, and as the sentiments are sprightly and delicate, he imagines it is a favor from a fair correspondent.
For the TABLET.
THE defects and failings in the conduct of mankind, both with regard to themselves and others, are so numerous, and concealed in such a manner, by affectation, and a specious appearance of virtue, that it is difficult to represent, or even to discover them all in their true light. There are many instances of misconduct in people, the bad effects of which are too flagrant to escape the notice of the most careless and inattentive; yet there are errors little attended to by mankind, or at least, are so far disregarded, as to be censured by few. Among instances of this kind, the neglect of female education may perhaps be justly ranked, a fault, which tho' common is by no means to be justified. This neglect arises not so much from a want of inclination, or genius in this sex, as from the negligence of those who have the care of their instruction; who may be so far biased by a wrong judgment, and the common consent of mankind, as to imagine that learning is unnecessary, or at most, of little importance for those, whose business is wholly domestic, and extends no farther than the narrow limits of a single family. But we should not, in matters, in which the happiness of any of our fellow creatures is concerned, suffer the suggestions of fancy, or the caprice of custom to gain the ascendant over us, and have the greatest share in the regulation of our conduct. Those who suffer themselves to be guided by custom, must be guilty of the most criminal indifference; and to imagine that education is not necessary for females, discovers the most careless inattention to the advantages of it, and betrays an imbecility of mind unworthy the character and genius of enlightened Americans. If we consider a family as resembling a kingdom, over which the mistress presides as Queen, the necessity and advantages of education will appear conspicuous to every person; for the affairs of this little state, tho' not equally great and interesting with those of kingdoms, in themselves are of the utmost importance, and on their wise regulation depends the interest and happiness of that society.
The ignorance is very unhappy for parents, and unfavorable to the interest of society, yet its worst effects are seen in that chain of calamities it entails upon posterity to whom it is handed down by their parents as an hereditary right. But a good education removes that cloud of darkness which ignorance imposes upon the understanding, impregnates the mind with virtuous principles, which contribute greatly to the interest of their children as well as their own personal happiness. It increases and adorns natural accomplishments, and furnishes every qualification by which either sex ennoble and distinguish themselves. It is remarkable, that in the history of so many illustrious persons in all ages of the world, who have been famous for their learning and writings, little mention is made of the female sex. This general silence of history concerning them must be attributed, in a great measure, to the universal neglect of their instruction, which deprives them of those means, by which so many of the other sex have immortalized their names. But we still find a few of this sex, who have made great proficiency in knowledge, and distinguished themselves by their excellent writings, both in prose and verse: These rare instances of female greatness exhibit to the world an incontestible evidence of the advantages of education, and prove the criminal inattention of those, who countenance the neglect of it. In the younger part of life, instruction is very necessary for this sex, as it tends to promote their own security and happiness. At a time of life, when their passions are so strong, and their minds so roving and unsettled, ignorance is very unhappy for them, and affords the sycophant a very favorable opportunity to practise his artifices, and with the greater facility to flatter and decoy them into vices, which veil their good qualities, sully their reputation and render them rather the objects of contempt than delight. The temptations and allurements to
vice are so numerous, and arise from so many different objects, that to discover and resist them require an uncommon degree of circumspection and self-denial in any person; but more especially in this sex, who, besides the vices that mankind in general are exposed to from their inclinations, are rendered a more easy prey to enticements by their own natural fickleness and inconstancy. But education in some measure supplies what nature has left deficient. It raises them superior to the natural credulity of their sex, defends them against the artful insinuations of pretended friends, as well as the more open attempts of their enemies, to violate their innocence and depreciate their character. This noble accomplishment teaches them in what true excellence consists, and how little she is to be esteemed by the sensible part of mankind, whose highest ambition is employed in gaining admirers by the gaudy appendages of dress. It furnishes them likewise with all those excellent qualities which adorn and embellish the mind, adds splendor to outward ornaments, and new graces to that decent, agreeable behavior, which is the leading characteristic of female perfection.
FROM THE NORFOLK CHRONICLE.
THE OLD YEAR.
Truditur dies die, Novaeque pergunt interire Lunae. —HOR.
SHOOK by the storms, chas'd by the hail and snow, The pale old year, with fainting steps and slow Shrinks from the wil', unpiying blasts that bear, Its scatter'd honors, through the bluff'ring air. Its Autumn Leaves are shed, dead are its Christmas Fires, But ere the Sage, with tardy steps retires, To sleep with other years and rust with age, He writes this ANNAL, on time's sacred page. "I've seen dread war, with hasty, slaughtering stride, "Step from the Danube, to the Wolga's tide, "Tread o'er the Hungarian lands, or in Potemkin's form, "Mount the high wall and drive the fiery storm. "I've seen great GEORGE, in Lear's mad disguise, "With scepter'd phrenzy dare the threat'ning skies, "Whilst angel PIT, with temp'ring skill has known, "To quell the Prince, and guard his Monarch's throne. "From GEORGE's brain, the madd'ning fury hastens, "Its black wings brush the REGENT, as they pass, "ATON's white cliff, for GALLIA's coast she leaves, "And turns to madmen a whole land of slaves. "Poor LEWIS dozing in the Chair of State, "Finds when the Sov'reign nods, the people wake. "See from his hand, the sacred sceptre fall, "And madness universal, rage o'er all! "Empire's fleet coursers, run without a guide, "Loose on their necks, the purple trappings slide: "The light CAR whirls along with crazy bound, "Its scatter'd fragments glitter on the ground; "CONFUSION goads the starting steeds along, "Old Anarch glares abroad, and frights the trembling throng. "But let not this our admiration move; "ORDER, first born of Heaven! Child of its Love! "Was absent—Her white, her peaceful wing was spread "(Wing, where each plume, with gentlest grace was laid) "The sun her guide, she ey'd his evening ray, "And far to Western climes she wing'd her way. "ORDER alighting on COLUMBIA's land, "With steady look and all subduing hand, "Loosens the many checks and chains that bound "The wheels of empire, rustling to the ground. "Winds through each maze, arranges, clears, defines, "All forms new models, through each gloom the shines; "On her fair forehead beams the FEDERAL STAR, "Its bright'ning glories, lighten from afar; "She points its rays at GEORGE's honor'd head; "The robe of power, she o'er his shoulders spread: "His strong right hand, the sword of justice wields, "His left, Columbia's prostrate credit shields: "Protected thus, credit and honor rise, "Raife their fall'n heads and greet the clearer skies. "With joyous step these brothers trip along, "Their fav'ring presence cheers the labourer's song. "PLENTY comes dancing on the flying wind, "And purp'e proud WEALTH moves puffing on behind; "These nerve the sinews of supreme command, "And as their footsteps press the happy land, "The war-burnt towns, with loftier spires ascend, "With cher fruits, the spreading branches bend: "More copious harvests deck my smiling year, "And wild with mirth, my Christmas Sons appear. "JOY feiz'd the FEDERAL TRUMP, and blew so strong "The white top'd hills, with the wild music rung; "The Western Waters heard the wakening peal, "COLUMBIA's woods bow to the joyous gale; "O'er the rough Lakes, th'inspiring Echo flies, "And the gay notes, have warm'd their wintry skies."
Let others then, ungrateful as they are, Pay all their homage to the new born Year, My patriot verse, whenever that ease and wine Inspire the song, shall chant old Eighty-Nine.
A YANKEE.
NORFOLK, December 31, 1789.
FREE SCHOOLS.
THE number of Free Schools in Massachusetts is said to be more than 1000—In Connecticut there are 500. These institutions are the best calculated
"To civilize the rude, unpolished world, "To lay it under the restraint of Laws— "And make man mild and sociable to man."
And their beneficial effects are known and celebrated throughout the world. That establishments of this kind may continue to increase, must be the wish of every friend to freedom.
FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
MR. FENNO,
PERCEIVING that the Essays I have sent you under the signature of the letter H, have been well received here, and also re-published (tho' without any acknowledgment to you for them) by some of the Southern Printers, I am encouraged to send you another production of the same pen. It is entitled A REVERIE, and will afford pleasure to all those of your readers, who are not insensible to the charms of genius—equally distinguished by a refinement of taste, and brilliancy of imagination. M.
A REVERIE.
UPON reading some passages in the fourth book of Virgil, in which he paints the distress of Dido, upon her being deserted by Aeneas, I could not help revolving in my mind with a good deal of uneasiness, the miseries of Love. My reflections threw me into a Reverie, which presented to my mind an imaginary train of circumstances, which I shall now relate, hoping they may tend to cherish that virtuous sensibility which is the ornament of our nature. My fancy naturally carried me into the times of heathenish superstition, which I hope will be my apology for mentioning Gods and Goddesses. I imagined that the power of love had occasioned great discontent, and that the different orders of men had entered into an agreement to petition Jupiter for her removal.
I thought, that at the head of these complainants, stood the men of learning and science; they lamented with vehemence the inroads of love, and that it often betrayed them from the paths of knowledge, into perplexity and intrigue. They alledged, that it extinguished in the bosom of the young, all thirst after laudable improvement, and planted in its stead, frivolous and tormenting desires. That the pursuit of truth called for a tranquil and serene state of mind, whilst love was constantly attended with tumult and alarms. Whatever turn she takes, say they, she will ever be an enemy to labor: her smiles are too gay, and her disappointments too melancholy for any serious application. They were grieved to see that so trifling a passion should occupy so much time and attention, and that man who was formed to contemplate the Heavens and the Earth, should spend half his life in gaining the good graces of the weaker and more inconsiderable part of his species. I thought I perceived that this turn for love and gallantry gave particular offence to the whole tribe of Astronomers and profound Philosophers. They saw with indignation that many of our youth are more anxious to explain a look, than to solve a problem, and that they would often be playing with a fan, when they should be handling a quadrant. It infatuates every one, said they, who is so unhappy as to be touched with it. He is often more attentive to every change of countenance in a celebrated beauty, than to the phases of the moon, and is more anxious to be acquainted with all her manœuvres, than with the motion of the whole planetary system. One in particular affirmed upon his knowledge, that he had been acquainted with students in Anatomy, who looked with more curiosity into the countenance of a young beauty, than upon the dissection of a bullock's eye. Some who pretend to see much farther than the vulgar, considered every thing relative to love, as capricious and visionary. Since we are all formed of the same materials, it seemed to them very unreasonable, that a little difference of form and colour should raise such violent emotions. Beauty, they said, was but a superficial covering, and every thing at the bottom was alike. Upon this principle they looked upon it as the height of philosophy to view with indifference what has always given mankind the greatest pleasure. This humour they carried so far, that they lamented they could not strip nature herself of her delusions as they termed them, by taking off those agreeable colourings of light and shade, which lie upon the objects that surround us, and give them all their richness and beauty. They would have been glad to have turned the creation into a colourless and dreary waste, that they might have wandered up and down and taken a closer survey of it.
The next class of petitioners I observed, were the men of business; they set out with remarking, that they did not join in the complaints that were made against love upon their own account; for tho' they had been weak enough in the younger part of their lives, to fall under its influence, it was many years since they had felt the slightest impression of it. They had in view the welfare of their children, and this being neither more or less than their affluence, they were led to consider love chiefly in the light of an expensive passion. Its little tendernesses and endearments appeared to them inexpressibly ridiculous, and they

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20, 1790.
ON motion of Mr. Sturges, the petition of Jeremiah Ryan was referred to the Secretary at War.
A petition from Cornelius Hoffman, in behalf of sundry inhabitants of West Chester county, State of New-York, praying compensation for property taken by the American army, was read, and laid on the table.
Mr. Wadsworth moved that sundry petitions from invalid officers and soldiers which were read yesterday and laid on the table, should be referred to the Secretary at War—which motion was adopted.
The report of the committee on the petition of Hannibal William Dobbyn, was taken up.
Mr. Scot, one of the committee on this petition informed the House, that on enquiry of the gentleman petitioning, it appeared that he was solicitous to purchase a larger tract of land than is at present convenient to him to pay for: He proposes to pay one third of the money down.—Mr. Scot therefore moved that the following addition be made to the report, That one third be paid down, one third at the end of seven years, and the other third at the end of twelve years, with interest at six per cent. on the two thirds unpaid, from the time of closing the contract.
The immediate adoption of this motion was objected to by Mr. Smith, (S. C.) as the terms of naturalization and citizenship are not yet determined on, and aliens cannot hold real property but as trustees, and it may be doubted how far natives of foreign countries may be able to comply with such laws as may be enacted—at least it will be prudent not to precipitate the business, but to wait till the plan of uniform naturalization is reported. He therefore proposed, that the consideration of the report should be postponed.
It was observed, in answer to these objections, that it is of importance that the proposals of foreigners for the purchase of the unappropriated lands, should be attended to with promptitude—that they should meet with as little difficulty as possible, especially in the first applications, lest they should be discouraged: With respect to the terms of naturalization, the difficulty might be easily surmounted by selling the lands upon condition of a compliance with the laws of the United States in that case.
Mr. Boudinot objected to the motion for an addition to the report: He observed, that defultory, partial sales of the Western Territory, would be attended with great loss to the United States: He preferred the adoption of a system for the sale of those lands, previous to any partial sale: There have been large sales made—there are existing contracts, which are not completed: It therefore appears that the House cannot proceed understandingly in the business, with the information on the subject now in their possession: If proper methods are adopted, the unappropriated lands may be rendered a source of wealth to the Union. Under proper regulations, (said he,) I should be fully in sentiment with gentlemen who are in favor of the motion; but at present I should prefer a suspension of the business—and therefore would move that the report of the committee be referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
The motion, with the following addition, was seconded by Mr. Sedgwick, viz. To report a uniform system for the sale of the Western Territory of the United States.
Mr. Sherman, in favor of the motion, observed, that the Western Territory, if properly disposed of, would prove of very great importance to the United States—but if sold indiscriminately to adventurers and speculators, the United States might get an accession of inhabitants whose principles may be opposed to our republican government, and we shall never realize the value of the lands, or those advantages which are expected to be derived from that source: He then pointed out the necessity of adopting a previous system, of dividing the Territory into townships, counties and states—and of making proper reservations for public uses, and selling in such lots as would tend to enhance the value of the residue.
Some gentlemen objected to the motion in this form: It was proposed that the report should lay on the table—and that the Secretary should be directed to prepare a uniform system for the sale of the Western Territory of the United States.
It was said, that the motion as it now stood, if adopted, would dispose of the report of the committee in such manner, as appeared to preclude the petition, on which the report is founded.
Mr. Baldwin said, That in his opinion the House of Representatives is not a proper body to arrange this business. The executive officers of government, in whose possession are the documents of information, are the most competent to form the necessary systems: Nor is this a novel mode of doing business of this nature: It is consonant to the practice of Congress under the late Confederation: He then read several resolves from their journals, by which the late Board of Treasury were empowered to contract with purchasers—
wondered how any body could be foolish enough to spend hours in tattling to a woman without thinking to gain a farthing by it. They gave a long list of young men who had been frugal and industrious, till they were enticed by love to prefer pleasure to profit. They declared, that when we take an account of balls and treats, and trinkets of various kinds, with the loss of time inseparably attendant upon them, it was at the peril of a fortune to attempt the heart of a beloved object. I was a good deal amused with the manner in which they treated of love; they considered it as they would any other commodity, setting a price upon every part of it. They reckoned a sigh at a shilling, and if it chanced to be observed by the person for whom it was intended, it was well if half a guinea cleared the expence of it. A side glance was reckoned at half as much as a full view; they proportioned out all the parts of a beautiful person, and made a valuation of each of them—the same scale was applied to their very attitudes; for the sight of a beautiful woman dancing, was accounted an enormous expence, and if she chanced to smile with any degree of complacency on any one, it was well if he was not ruined; under these impressions they considered love as a certain forerunner of poverty.
There was one complaint raised against this passion, which I thought had something in it more plausible, than any I have yet mentioned; it turned upon the ease with which it makes its approaches upon us, and the impossibility of guarding against its first advances. We have been able, say they, by art, to manage the elements so as in general to prevent any dangerous overflows of them. We brave the storm in ships, and dive into the sea in bells, but the ingenuity of man has hit upon no contrivance to save us from the influence of love. Could we call it in to amuse a leisure hour, or to relieve the languor of a few tedious moments, and then dismiss it again, it might be esteemed a blessing, in a life so barren of enjoyment. But it is an influence that is shed all around us, and pours itself upon us from every corner. It often lies hid betwixt the keys of an harpsichord, and is shaken out with a few touches of the finger. It flounces in an apron and is trailed along in a petticoat. No circumstance can preserve us from it, for it will often steal upon us when we are the least upon our guard. It hides itself in a look, and waves in ringlets of the hair. It will enter by an eye, an ear, a hand or foot.—A glance and gaze are sometimes equally fatal.
I was next presented with a scene which I thought as interesting and solemn as can enter the imagination of man. This was no other than a view of the whole train of disappointed lovers. At the sight of them my heart insensibly melted into the most tender compassion. There was an extreme dejection mingled with a piercing wildness in their looks, that was very affecting. Cheerfulness and serenity, I could easily perceive they had been long strangers to. Their countenances were overspread with a gloom, which appeared to be of long standing, and to be collected there, from dark and dismal imaginations. There was at the same time, all that kind of animation in their features, which betokens troubled thoughts. Their air and manner was altogether singular, and such as marks a spirit at once eager and irritable. Their step was irregular, and they ever and anon started and looked around them, as tho' they were alarmed by some secret terror. I was somewhat surprised in looking through the whole assembly, not to see any one that wept. When they had arrived at the place where they had determined to present their united petitions, I was particularly attentive to observe every thing that passed. Tho' I listened I could not learn any thing distinctly. After an interval of profound silence, a murmur only of broken sighs and piercing exclamations, was heard through the assembly. I should have mentioned that some of them fell off before they had got to the place of rendezvous. They halted for some time, and continued in a melancholy suspence, whether they should turn back or go forward. They knew not which to prefer; the tranquility of indifference or the tender distresses of love; at length they inclined to the latter, not having resolution even to wish for the extinction of a passion which mingled itself with the very elements of their existence. Why, said they, should we banish from our minds, the image of all that is pleasing and delightful, and which if we should once forget, there would be nothing left in the world worth remembering? The agitation and anxiety felt upon this occasion could I lay it fully open to the reader, would form a more interesting picture than the deliberations of Cæsar whether he should pass the Rubicon.
I imagined there were several other distinct bodies of men who complained to the heavenly powers of the tyranny of love, but the particulars having in a great measure faded from my memory, the reader must excuse my passing them over in silence. I must not however forget to observe that the number and unanimity of those who presented their petitions upon this occasion, were such, that they might fairly be considered as representing the sentiments of far the greatest part of mankind. (To be concluded in our next.)
and in cases where credit was given, the purchaser received a certificate of his being entitled to the lands—but not a deed: In respect to credit, it had been customary, and one resolve specified seven different payments in a purchase. He was therefore in favor of referring the business to the Secretary of the Treasury, that he might report a uniform system for the sale of those lands; but to refer the report of a committee of the House to any executive officer, appeared to him informal.
The motion for referring the report to the Secretary being put, was negatived.
It was then moved that the report should lie on the table, and the Secretary be directed to report a plan as above.
This motion, Mr. White observed, must be considered as a negative to the application now before the house—and would prove a discouragement to future applicants, and prevent emigrations to this country: In respect to which, said he, I do not entertain any apprehensions of danger from the principles of those who may wish to settle among us. The present application, if attended to, may be productive of others, as it will of very great advantage to the United States, and need not preclude the adoption of a uniform system, by which in future, applications to Congress will be rendered unnecessary.
Mr. Sedgwick said, that whatever might have been his own private opinion, he should now, from experience, be for shutting the door against all particular applications. It will be impossible to attend to the numerous instances that may be expected to follow, if the petitions of individuals are to employ the time of the legislature. There can not any great inconveniencies result from a little delay. He was therefore for digesting a regular system, and not for determining in any particular case until that was done.
A division of the motion was called for, and the question, Shall the report lie on the table? was determined in the affirmative.
The second part of the motion for referring the subject of a uniform plan to the Secretary of the Treasury being put, was adopted.
The report of the Secretary of the Department of War, on the petition of Charles Marckly, was read a second time, and ordered to lie on the table.
Mr. Sherman moved that a state of facts respecting the Western Territory, as reported by a Committee to this House the last session, be referred to the Secretary of the Treasury for his information.
Mr. Wadsworth of the committee on that part of the President's Speech respecting the South-Western Frontiers, and Indian Affairs, informed the House that the committee is ready to report. This report, relating to business of a confidential nature, the doors of the gallery were shut. After a short interval the galleries were again opened.
A message was received from the Senate, informing the House, that they had appointed Mr. Maclay, Mr. Ellsworth, and Mr. Henry, to confer with a committee of the House, upon the question whether or not the unfinished business of the last session shall be taken up in the present, in the same manner as if no adjournment had taken place.
A concurrence with the Senate and the appointment of a committee on the part of the House was moved: This motion was objected to, and the recent instance of the appointment of a committee, de novo , on a business which was left unfinished the last session, was urged as declaring the sense of the house respecting the unfinished business—the sense of the house being thus declared, there is no propriety in appointing a committee of conference, when there does not appear to be any subject of disagreement; on the contrary it rather is probable, that there is a majority of the Senate in favor of the practice which the House has adopted.
In support of the motion it was said, that the appointing of a committee of conference did not necessarily infer the existence of any subject of disagreement: That except the two Houses should act jointly and upon similar rules, it is difficult to conceive how the public business could proceed. Several instances were cited of the embarrassments which would arise from one House taking up the unfinished business in the State it was left, and the other originating the same business de novo .
The motion was adopted, and a committee of five members appointed, viz. Mr. Sherman, Mr. Thatcher, Mr. Hartley, Mr. White, and Mr. Jackson.
Mr. Lee then moved, that the committee be instructed by the House to inform the committee of the Senate, that this House had already decided in favor of taking up the unfinished business of the last session de novo .
Mr. White observed, that instructions would be unnecessary, as the Senate must have known already of this decision.
Mr. Livermore was against instructing the committee: We are not informed that the Senate have instructed their committee, said he: If the committees are restricted, perhaps they will not meet upon equal ground. The business of committees is to investigate, and therefore they should not be restricted.—The House adjourned, without a decision on Mr. Lee's motion.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21.
Mr. Fitzsimons, Mr. Sylvester, and Mr. Leonard took their seats this day.
Mr. Thatcher introduced the petition of Lemuel Miller an officer in the late army—praying an allowance of commutation for reasons assigned.—Read and laid on the table.
The petition of David Sturges, presented the last session, was read and referred to the Secretary at War.
A message from the President of the United States was received by the Secretary of the Department of War, accompanied by a plan prepared by the Secretary for the arrangement of the militia of the United States.
UNITED STATES, JANUARY 21, 1790.
Gentlemen of the Senate, and House of Representatives,
THE Secretary of the Department of War, has submitted to me certain principles to serve as a plan for the general arrangement of the militia of the United States.
Conceiving the subject to be of the highest importance to the welfare of our country, and liable to be placed in various points of view, I have directed him to lay the plan before Congress for their information, in order that they may make such use thereof as they may judge proper.
G. WASHINGTON.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY AT WAR.
WAR-OFFICE, JANUARY 18, 1790.
SIR,
HAVING submitted to your consideration a plan for the arrangement of the militia of the United States, which I have presented to the late Congress, and you having approved the general principles thereof, with certain exceptions, I now respectfully lay the same before you, modified according to the alterations you were pleased to suggest.
It has been my anxious desire to devise a national system of defence, adequate to the probable exigencies of the United States, whether arising from internal or external causes; and at the same time to erect a standard of republican magnanimity, independent of and superior to the powerful influences of wealth.
The convulsive events, generated by the inordinate pursuit of riches or ambition, require that the government should possess a strong corrective arm.
The idea is therefore submitted, whether an efficient military branch of the government can be invented, with safety to the great principles of liberty, unless the same shall be formed of the people themselves, and supported by their habits and manners. I have the honor to be, Sir, with the most perfect respect, your obedient servant,
H. KNOX, Secretary for the War Department.
The President of the United States.
The Plan was then read.
Mr. Lawrance moved that the petition of the inhabitance of Westchester, read yesterday, should be referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
Mr. Jackson objected to a partial reference of a business of this kind to the Secretary of the Treasury—he should make no objection to referring the whole subject of losses of a similar nature, in the several States to that department, on the principal of doing equal justice to all. The motion for referring it to the Secretary was adopted.
On motion, the report of the Secretary of the Department of War was referred to a committee of the whole House on the state of the Union.
Voted, that 300 copies of this report be printed.
Mr. Sedgwick of the committee appointed to bring in a bill to make provision for persons employed in the intercourse between the United States and foreign nations, introduced a report which was read the first time.
Mr. Wadsworth moved for the order of the day, which was, that the House should resolve itself into a committee of the whole on the report of the committee on the state of the south-western frontiers, and Indian Affairs, which motion being adopted, the galleries were shut, and not opened again during the day.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 22.
From the journal of yesterday's proceedings it appeared, that the report of the committee on that part of the President's Speech respecting the south-western frontiers, and Indian Affairs, was discussed in a committee of the whole House, who accepted the same without any amendments. The Chairman reported the determination of the committee to the House, but an adjournment being called for, the business was not completed yesterday.
The Secretary of the Treasury, agreeable to notice given in his report on Thursday last week, laid before the House this day, a report respecting the post-office, received from the Post-Master-General, which being read, was referred to a select committee consisting of Mr. Fitzsimons, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Sinnickson, Mr. Parker and Mr. Stone.
Mr Sherman of the committee of conference on the part of the House, brought in a report, which is in substance as follows—That the com-
mittee of the House and Senate have agreed that the unfinished business of the last session, which has passed from one House to the other, shall be considered as if it had not been acted upon. This report was laid on the table.
On motion of Mr. Thatcher, the petition of Lemuel Miller was read the second time.
The bill for making provision for persons employed in the intercourse between the United States, and foreign nations, was read the second time—and made the order of the day for Monday next—then to be taken into consideration by the committee of the whole House.
The attention of the House was then called to the report on the Indian Business and south-western frontiers, which occasioned an order for clearing the galleries.
FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
TASTE.
Interesting information for the Admirers and Patrons of the Fine Arts in America, respecting
MR. TRUMBULL'S HISTORICAL PAINTINGS.
MR TRUMBULL, who lately returned from Europe, proposes to describe in a series of Paintings, the most remarkable Events of the late American Revolution. He has in contemplation the following subjects, viz.
 I. The Death of Warren at the Battle of Bunker's Hill.  II. The Death of Montgomery in the Attack of Quebec.  III. The Congress of 1776 in the Declaration of Independence.  IV. The Surrender of the Hessians at Trenton.  V. The Death of Mercer at the Battle of Princeton.  VI. The Surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga.  VII. The Treaty with France.  VIII. The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis at York Town.  IX. The Signing the Treaty of Peace.  X. The Evacuation of New-York by the British in 1783.  XI. The Resignation of Gen. Washington.  XII. The President received by the Ladies of Trenton at the Triumphal Arch.  XIII. The Inauguration of the PRESIDENT. 
THE Portraits of the principal Actors in these great scenes will be preserved; and Prints will be published of the whole. The two first of these Subjects are finished, and the Paintings in the hands of eminent Engravers in Europe. Four others are commenced, some of which are half completed. These, with the remainder of the Work, if prosecuted, will require many years of application, and a very considerable expence.—It is now to be decided, whether Mr. TRUMBULL will meet with such Patronage in America as will justify him in involving himself in such considerable expences of Time and Money; or whether he will be obliged to relinquish a favorite undertaking and return to Europe: Where Subjects of a different nature and more interesting to the feelings of the People of that Continent, will ensure him employment in a more profitable, though less agreeable manner. We understand that the Engravings are to be published in numbers, containing two each: The price will be three Guineas for every Print; and, we are told, a Subscription for this purpose is soon to be opened.
P E T E R S B U R G, January 7.
The bill, for cutting a navigable canal from the waters of Pasquotank river to the waters of Elizabeth river, which was under consideration at the last session of the general assembly of North-Carolina, is postponed until their next session. They have passed an act for the purpose of ceding to the United States, certain western lands.
BALTIMORE, January 15.
Extract from "Political State of Europe, for October, 1789."
"The unsettled State of France is still, and in all probability will long continue to be, the grand subject of political and moral observation. Liberty that had been forced to take shelter in the extremities of the earth, returns and raises her standard in the very centre of the civilized world, where she will extend her dominion and influence to nations that now lie under darkness and the shadow of death. The throne of Freedom being once established, the government of France will become stronger than it ever was, for any length of time, in the reign of despotism, and the genius of the people still more ardent and enterprising. The chain of authority is strongest when it is voluntary. In forced obedience there is a principle of discontent and resistance, which only waits for an opportunity of innovation. There is another way in which freedom strengthens the authority of government: By encouraging industry it multiplies the public resources; it affords a fund of credit, and the means of taxation."
NEW-YORK, JANUARY 23.
The patriot, whose unwearied mind, Toils for the good of human kind; Who on the wings of honor borne, Looks down on glittering dust with scorn— When Heav'n intends to save the State, His Counsels turn the scales of Fate.
The United States have an extensive field of contemplation opened before them in the business of funding the public debts.—Our situation in regard to this important subject is truly interesting. Hitherto we have not availed ourselves of the wisdom and experience of foreign countries; but adopting such local and independent plans as appeared expedient to the legislatures of the several States, all of which are calculated upon the leading views of the influencing majorities in the State Governments; from the want of uniformity, consistency and strict justice, in all, or the most of them—in what a wretched predicament do we behold the debts of the individual governments placed! With respect to the debts of the United States, there is every apology to be made for their situation, which can arise from the want of every principle of power in the late confederation, necessary to establish the public credit, and lessen the burden of the debt, by arrangements calculated to promote these important objects. At different periods, some partial attempts were made to institute a department with a responsible officer at its head, to be vested with necessary powers to carry such measures into effect, as the exigencies of our affairs required; but it was reserved to the wisdom, and enlightened policy of the present competent Legislature of the Union, to compleat the establishment of such a department. The public is now favored with the result of the indefatigable labors of the minister of this department.
As our country in many of its great movements, loses sight of those imbecile, inefficient and confused transactions, which mark the early stages of other nations—and nobly ranks in politics, government, and laws, with the oldest and wisest; so in the great business of Finance, the best models, and the best experience of the most informed and prosperous countries, appear to have attracted the consideration of the Secretary of the Treasury, in the report laid before Congress.
The British finances were involved in confusion for several centuries; but from the first moment of their adopting a system of finance, their affairs assumed a different aspect, and have ever since been progressing in a line of improvement—contrasted with their situation a century ago, their present wealth, power and commercial consequence, are enhanced, so as to elude calculation. It is beyond a doubt that no other nation upon the Globe could have supported the expence of the late American war; and with that amazing addition to her debt, to the astonishment of all the world, she now appears to be still rising in the scale of empire and extending her plans of trade, her manufactures and credit. This example, without a parallel in the history of nations, of the power of a well supported credit, may justly arrest the attention of this country; and the minister who should not investigate and unfold to the people the principles which in their operation, have produced such wonderful effects, would be guilty of unpardonable remissness. The Secretary of the Treasury therefore with freedom and independence, has fairly proposed such plans as appear to be the result of such an investigation.
There may be prejudices existing in the minds of some persons against almost every deviation from systems to which we have been accustomed; but as our experience on those systems, is directly opposed to the general interest, and those now proposed have the test of success to recommend them, a fair, candid, and impartial examination should certainly precede a judgment on their merits or defects.
Our public debt is now within manageable bounds—now is the day of salvation—if we are wise, we shall be wise for ourselves, but if we reject the counsels of wisdom, and still procrastinate the funding of all our debts, upon the principles of sound policy, which are those of justice, "future generations will rise up, and call us cursed."
The idea of a discrimination among the creditors of the United States, involves so many perplexities, and inextricable difficulties, that its advocates address all their observations upon the subject, to the passions of their readers—in this they are wise: An attempt to form a system on any line of justice, to effect the object, will instantly convince any person in his senses, of its total impracticability.—A. loaned government 1000 dollars specie in the year 1776, but to prevent its being known that he was a creditor he took out his certificate in the name of B; A long since has paid the debt of nature—B now possesses this certificate, after passing through fifty different hands—B's name stands recorded in the books of the United States—who can say he is not an original creditor, tho' he purchased the evidence of debt at three shillings on the pound?
The Assembly of the State of Rhode-Island have voted to call a Convention for the purpose of adopting the Constitution of the United States.

[CONCLUDED.]
OF the LEGISLATURE of MASSACHUSETTS.
To GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA. SIR,
YOUR acceptance of your present exalted and important station, affords universal joy to the people of Massachusetts.
The unanimity of the suffrages of these States in your election, is no less a testimony of your merit, than of the gratitude of this extensive community.
The union of these States by a form of government intended to secure the blessings of liberty, is rendered more perfect under you, as their Chief.
To express the voice of our constituents, we join in the congratulations of United America, on this great event; and we earnestly implore the protection of Almighty GOD, upon your person and family.
THE ANSWER.
To the SENATE and House of REPRESENTATIVES of the State of MASSACHUSETTS.
GENTLEMEN,
YOUR Address with which I have been honored, has made a most sensible impression upon me.
In executing the duties of my present important station, I can promise nothing but purity of intentions—and in carrying these into effect, fidelity and diligence;
The adoption of the present government by so large a majority of the States, and their citizens—and the growing dispositions which are discoverable among all descriptions of men, to give support and energy to it, are indications of its merit—auspicious of the future greatness and welfare of the Empire.
For the Benedictions which you have been pleased to implore from the Parent of the Universe on my person and family, I have a grateful heart—and the most ardent wish, that we may ALL, by rectitude of conduct, and a perfect reliance on his beneficence, draw the smiles of Heaven on ourselves and posterity to the latest generation.
New-York, July 9, 1789.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
FROM THE FEDERAL GAZETTE.
MR. BROWN,
THE absurdity of attempting by a bill of rights to secure to freemen what they never parted with, must be self-evident.
The writer of a piece signed a New-Yorker in your paper of Monday last, like most of the advocates for bills of rights, adduces precedent instead of argument to support his opinion.
Without remarking on his use of the word prefix, or comparing it to the Irish preface placed at the end of a book, let me inform him that the convention have not judged a bill of rights either safe or wise.
A PHILADELPHIAN.
THE Gazette of the United States circulates in every part of the Union—being honored by Subscribers in Georgia, South and North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, New-York, Connecticut, Rhode-Island, Massachusetts, New-Hampshire, and District of Maine, Canada, Europe, and the West Indies.
JOHN FENNO.
An import in commerce is an article of goods brought from a foreign country, either by land or water, chiefly by water.
Now it will be admitted that every article of merchandise brought hither from a foreign country is an import, at the time of entry and delivery; and of course, that no State can, without the consent of Congress, lay any tax or duty upon them at the time of importation.
I presume to assert that in the common language of merchants, goods imported never lose the name of imports. The wholesale merchant, and the smallest retailer, would call the goods in their stores and shops, imports; the imports of the country; the imports from England, Ireland, and the West-Indies.
There is another clause of the constitution, the spirit of which seems to oppose this power in the States; viz. that "which declares that all duties laid by Congress shall be uniform throughout the United States."
In every point of view therefore the excise of an individual State is inconsistent with the federal constitution.
The duties laid by any State are repugnant to the spirit and intent of the constitution, for they actually do and may still more interfere with the commerce of the United States;
The States seem to have power to lay excises according to the true original sense of the word; that is duties on the produce and manufactures of their own State.
(From the Connecticut Courant.)
FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL.
O TEMPORA! O MORES!
IN perusing an English paper the other day, our eyes readily caught the words in capitals
"BY EXPRESS,"
at the head of a couple of columns, and our imagination instantly fastened on it, in expectation of something important and highly interesting.
Table with 2 columns: Item, Price. Items include Jamaica Spirits, Antigua Rum, St. Croix, Country, Molasses, Brandy, Geneva, Do. in cases, Mulcovado Sugar, Loaf, Lump, Pepper, Pimento, Coffee, Indigo, Do. French, Rice, Superfine Flour, Common do., Rye, Indian Meal, Rye, Wheat, Corn, Do. (Northern), Beef, Pork, Oats, Flax-seed, Ship bread per cwt., Country refined bar-iron, Do. bloomery, Swedes do., Russia do., Pig-iron, German steel, Nails American, Do. do. 6d., Do. do. 8d., Do. do. 10d., Do. do. 12d., Do. do. 20d., Do. do. 24d., Pot ash, Pearl ash, Bees-wax per lb., Mackerel per barr., Herrings, Mahogany, Jamaica per foot, Dominico, do., Honduras, do., Logwood unchipped, Do. chipped, 2 inch white oak plank, 1 inch do., 2 inch white pine plank, 1 1/2 inch do., 1 inch do., 2 inch pitch pine do., 1 1/2 inch do., 1 inch do., Pitch pine scantling, Cyprus 2 feet shingles, Do. 22 inch do., Cedar 2 inch do., Do. 22 inch do., Do. 18 inch do., Butt white oak staves, Pipe do. do., Hoghead do. do., Do. do. heading, Irish barrel do. staves, Hoghead red oak do., Do. French do., Hoghead hoops, White oak square timber per square foot, Red wood, per ton, Fustick, per lb., Beaver, per lb., Otter per skin, Grey fox, Martin, Raccoon, Muskrat, Do. heading, Do. French do., Chocolate, Cocoa, Cotton, Tar, Pitch, Turpentine, Tobacco, James River, Do. York, Do. Rappahannock, Do. Maryland, coloured, Do. Western-shore, Lead in pigs, Do. bars, Do. Shot, Red lead, White do. dry, White do. in oil, Salt-petre hams, Spermaceti candles, Mould do., Tallow dipt., Soap, Cattle soap, English cheese, Country do., Butter, Hyson tea, Sequin do., Bohea do., Ginseng, Starch Poland, Snuff, Allum salt, water measure, Liverpool do., Madeira wine, pr. pipe, Port, Lisbon, pr. gal., Teneriff, Fyall, Dutch gun-powder, Nail rods, Lintseed oil, Whale do. pr. barrel, Spermaceti do., Shake-down lhd.
ADVERTISEMENT.
NOTICE is hereby given to all the Creditors of THOMAS EATON, WILLIAM PELLS, JABEZ SAYRS, ANTHONY SAYRS, and GEORGE WELCH, Insolvent Debtors, now confined in the common goal of Newark, in the county of Essex, and State of New-Jersey, that they are requested to appear on Monday the Twenty Second Day of February next, at Nine o'Clock in the forenoon of said day, at the Court-House in Newark aforesaid, before the Judges of the Inferior Court, and shew cause, if any there be, why an assignment of the above Insolvent Debtor's Estates should not be made, and they the Insolvents be discharged agreeable to law.
Thomas Eaton, William Pells, Jacob Sayrs, Anthony Sayrs, George Welch.
Newark, 18th January, 1790.
w. 4 t.
WILLIAM TAYLOR,
Has for Sale, at his EAST-INDIA GOODS STORE, No. 4, BURLING-SLIP,
A General Assortment of EAST-INDIA GOODS.
Among which are the following Articles: BOOK Mufilins 8-4 6-4 5-4 HUMHUMS, Jackonet do. Long Cloths, Hankerchiefs, of various kinds, Cafas, Chintzes, Seersuckers, Gingham, Boglapores.
A Variety of handsome painted MUSLINS.
With many other Articles, which will be sold by the Piece or Package, low for cash.
And a few pair large handsome Cotton COUNTERPANE, much warmer than Blankets.
JANUARY 9, 1790.
t. f.
BOSTON STAGE.
THE subscriber informs the public, that having contracted to carry the public mail in the stage from New-York to Boston, for the year 1790—commencing January the first to go twice a week till the first of May, and three times a week from first May to first November, and to employ a person to go thro' with the mail to take care of it.
Four active men are now engaged as Conductors, who have given bonds for the faithful discharge of their trust.
January, 1790.
LEVI PEASE.
The Boston, Albany, and Philadelphia Stages now put up a Frances's Tavern, Cortlandt-Street, where passengers will please to alight.
Published by JOHN FENNO, No. 9, MAIDEN-LANE, near the Ofswego-Market, NEW-YORK.—[3dol. pr. an.]