National gazette. (Philadelphia [Pa.]), 1792-01-09 00:00:00

National Gazette.
By PHILIP FRENEAU.
VOL. I.
MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 1792.
NUMB. 21.
REPORT ON MANUFACTURES.
(Continued.)
S K I N S.
THERE may also be this argument in favor of an increase of duty. The object is of importance enough to claim decisive encouragement, and the progress which has been made, leaves no room to apprehend any inconvenience on the score of supply from such an increase.
It would be of benefit to this branch, if glue, which is now rated at five per cent. were made the object of an excluding duty. It is already made in large quantities at various tanneries; and, like paper, is an entire economy of materials, which, if not manufactured, would be left to perish. It may be placed with advantage in the class of articles paying fifteen per cent.
G R A I N.
Manufactures of the several species of this article have a title to peculiar favor; not only because they are most of them immediately connected with the subsistence of the citizens, but because they enlarge the demand for the most precious products of the soil.
Though flour may with propriety be noticed as a manufacture of grain, it were useless to do it, but for the purpose of submitting the expediency of a general system of inspection, throughout the ports of the United States; which, if established upon proper principles, would be likely to improve the quality of our flour every where, and to raise its reputation in foreign markets. There are however considerations which stand in the way of such an arrangement.
Ardent spirits and malt liquors are, next to flour, the two principal manufactures of grain. The first has made a very extensive, the last a considerable progress in the United States. In respect to both, an exclusive possession of the home market ought to be secured to the domestic manufacturers, as fast as circumstances will admit. Nothing is more practicable, and nothing more desirable.
The existing laws of the United States have done much towards attaining this valuable object; but some additions to the present duties, on foreign distilled spirits, and foreign malt liquors, and perhaps an abatement of those on home made spirits, would more effectually secure it; and there does not occur any very weighty objection to either.
An examination of the duties on imported spirits would favor, as well the distillation of spirits from molasses, as that from grain. And to secure to the nation the benefit of a manufacture, even of foreign materials, is always of great, though perhaps of secondary importance.
A strong impression prevails in the minds of those concerned in distilleries (including too the most candid and enlightened) that greater differences in the rates of duty on foreign and domestic spirits are necessary completely to secure the successful manufacture of the latter; and there are facts which entitle this impression to attention.
It is known, that the price of molasses for some years past, has been successively rising in the West-India markets, owing partly to a competition which did not formerly exist, and partly to an extension of demand in this country; and it is evident, that the late disturbances in those islands, from which we draw our principal supply, must so far interfere with the production of the article, as to occasion a material enhancement of price. The destruction and devaluation attendant on the insurrection in Hispaniola, in particular, must not only contribute very much to that effect, but may be expected to give it some duration. These circumstances, and the duty of three cents per gallon on molasses, may render it difficult for the distillers of that material to maintain, with adequate profit, a competition, with the rum brought from the West-Indies, the quality of which is so considerably superior.
The consumption of geneva or gin in this country is extensive. It is not long since distilleries of it have grown up among us, to any importance. They are now becoming of consequence, but being still in their infancy, they require protection.
It is represented, that the price of some of the materials is greater here, than in Holland, from which place large quantities are brought—the price of labor considerably greater—the capitals engaged in the business there much larger, than those which are employed here—the rate of profits, at which the undertakers can afford to carry it on, much less—the prejudices, in favor of imported gin, strong. These circumstances are alleged to outweigh the charges, which attend the bringing of the article from Europe to the United States, and the present difference of duty, so as to obstruct the prosecution of the manufacture, with due advantage.
Experiment could perhaps alone decide with certainty the justness of the suggestions, which are made; but in relation to branches of manufacture so important, it would seem inexpedient to hazard an unfavorable issue, and better to err on the side of too great, than of too small a difference, in the particular in question.
It is therefore submitted, that an addition of two cents per gallon be made to the duty on imported spirits of the first class of proof, with a proportionable encrase on those of higher proof; and that a deduction of one cent per gallon be made from the duty on spirits distilled within the United States, beginning with the first class of proof, and a proportionable deduction from the duty on those of higher proof.
It is ascertained, that by far the greatest part of the malt liquors consumed in the United States are the produce of domestic breweries. It is desirable, and, in all likelihood, attainable, that the whole consumption should be supplied by ourselves.
The malt liquors, made at home, though inferior to the best, are equal to a great part of those, which have been usually imported. The progress already made is an earnest of what may be accomplished. The growing competition is an assurance of improvement. This will be accelerated by measures, tending to invite a greater capital into this channel of employment.
To render the encouragement of domestic breweries decisive, it may be advisable to substitute to the present rates of duty eight cents per gallon generally; and it will deserve to be considered as a guard against invasions, whether there ought not to be a prohibition of their importation, except in cases of considerable capacity. It is to be hoped, that such a duty would banish from the market, foreign malt liquors of inferior quality; and that the best kind only would continue to be imported till it should be supplanted, by the efforts of equal skill or care at home.
Till that period, the importation so qualified would be an useful stimulus to improvement: And in the mean time, the payment of the increased price, for the enjoyment of a luxury, in order to the encouragement of a most useful branch of domestic industry, could not reasonably be deemed a hardship.
As a further aid to manufactures of grain, though upon a smaller scale, the articles of starch, hair powder, and wafers, may, with great propriety be placed among those, which are rated at fifteen per cent. No manufactures are more simple, nor more completely within the reach of a full supply, from domestic sources; and it is a policy, as common as it is obvious, to make them the objects either of prohibitory duties, or of express prohibition.
FLAX AND HEMP.
Manufactures of these articles have so much affinity to each other, and they are so often blended, that they may with advantage be considered in conjunction. The importance of the linen branch to agriculture—its precious effects upon household industry—the ease, with which the manufacturer can be procured at none to any residence—extent—the great advances, which have been already made, in the coarser fabrics of them, especially in the family way, constitute claims, of peculiar force, to the patronage of government.
This patronage may be afforded in various ways; by promoting the growth of the materials; by encrasing the impediments to an advantageous competition of rival foreign articles; by direct bounties or premiums upon the home manufacture.
First. As to promoting the growth of the materials.
In respect to hemp, something has been already done by the high duty upon foreign hemp. If the facilities for domestic production were not unusually great, the policy of the duty, on the foreign raw material, would be highly questionable, as interfering with the growth of manufactures of it. But making the proper allowances for those facilities, and with an eye to the future and natural progress of the country, the measure does not appear, upon the whole, exceptionable.
A strong with naturally suggests itself, that some method could be devised of affording a more direct encouragement to the growth both of flax and hemp; such as would be effectual, and at the same time not attended with too great inconveniences. To this end, bounties and premiums offer themselves to consideration; but no modification of them has yet occurred which would not either hazard too much expence, or operate unequally in reference to the circumstances of different parts of the Union; and which would not be attended with very great difficulties in the execution.
Secondly. As to encrasing the impediments to an advantageous competition of rival foreign articles.
To this purpose, an augmentation of the duties on importation is the obvious expedient; which, in regard to certain articles, appears to be recommended by sufficient reasons.
The principal of these articles is Sail-cloth; one intimately connected with navigation and defence; and of which a flourishing manufactory is established at Boston, and very promising ones at several other places.
It is presumed to be both safe and advisable to place this in the class of articles rated at 10 per cent. A strong reason for it results from the consideration that a bounty of two pence sterling per ell is allowed, in Great-Britain, upon the exportation of the sail-cloth manufactured in that kingdom.
It would likewise appear to be good policy to raise the duty to 7 1-2 per cent. on the following articles. Drillings, osnaburghs, ticklenburghs, dowlas, canvas, brown rolls, bagging, and upon all other linens the first cost of which at the place of exportation does not exceed 35 cents per yard. A bounty of 12 1-2 per cent. upon an average, on the exportation of such or similar linens from Great-Britain, encourages the manufacture of them in that country, and encrases the obstacles to a successful competition, in the countries to which they are sent.
The quantities of new and other household linens manufactured in different parts of the United States, and the expectations, which are derived from some late experiments, of being able to extend the use of labor-saving machines, in the coarser fabrics of linen, obviate the danger of inconvenience, from an encrase of the duty upon such articles, and authorize a hope of speedy and complete success to the endeavors, which may be used for procuring an internal supply.
Thirdly. As to direct bounties, or premiums upon the manufactured articles.
To afford more effectual encouragement to the manufacture, and at the same time to promote the progress of the article for the benefit of navigation, it will be of great use to allow a bounty of two cents per yard on all sail-cloth which is made in the United States, from materials of their own growth. This would also assist the culture of those materials. An encouragement of this kind, if adopted, ought to be established for a moderate term of years, to invite new undertakings, and to an extension of the old. This is an article of importance enough to warrant the employment of extraordinary means in its favor.
C O T T O N.
There is something in the texture of this material, which adapts it in a peculiar degree to the application of machines. The signal utility of the loom for spinning of cotton, not long since invented in England, has been noticed in another place; but there are other machines scarcely inferior in utility, which, in the different manufactures of this article are employed either exclusively, or with more than ordinary effect. This very important circumstance recommends the fabrics of cotton, in a more particular manner, to a country in which a defect of hands constitutes the greatest obstacle to success.
The variety and extent of the uses to which the manufactures of this article are applicable, is another powerful argument in their favor.
And the faculty of the United States to produce the raw material in abundance, and of a quality, which though alleged to be inferior to some that is produced in other quarters, is nevertheless capable of being used with advantage, in many fabrics, and is probably susceptible of being carried, by a more extended culture, to much greater perfection, suggests an additional and a very cogent inducement to the vigorous pursuit of the cotton branch, in its several subdivisions.
How much has been already done has been stated in a preceding part of this report.
In addition to this, it may be announced, that a society is forming with a capital which is expected to be extended to at least half a million of dollars, on behalf of which measures are already in train for prosecuting on a large scale, the making and printing of cotton goods.
These circumstances conspire to indicate the expediency of removing any obstructions which may happen to exist, to the advantageous prosecution of the manufactures in question, and of adding such encouragements as may appear necessary and proper.
The present duty of three cents per pound on the foreign raw material, is undoubtedly a very serious impediment to the progress of those manufactures.
The injurious tendency of similar duties, either prior to the establishment, or in the infancy of the domestic manufacture of the article, as it regards the manufacture, and their worse than inutility, in relation to the home production of the material itself, have been anticipated, particularly in discussing the subject of pecuniary bounties.
Cotton has not the same pretensions, with hemp, to form an exception to the general rule.
Not being, like hemp, an universal production of the country, it affords less assurance of an adequate internal supply; but the chief objection arises from the doubts, which are entertained concerning the quality of the national cotton. It is alleged, that the fibre of it is considerably shorter and weaker, than that of some other places; and it has been observed as a general rule, that the nearer the place of growth to the equator, the better the quality of the cotton. That which comes from Cayenne, Surinam and Demarara is said to be preferable, even at a material difference of price, to the cotton of the Islands.
While a hope may reasonably be indulged, that with due care and attention the national cotton may be made to approach nearer than it now does to that of regions somewhat more favored by climate, and while facts authorise an opinion, that very great use may be made of it, and that it is a resource which gives greater security to the cotton fabrics of this country, than can be enjoyed by any which depends wholly on external supply, it will certainly be wise, in every view, to let our infant manufactures have the full benefit of the best materials on the cheapest terms. It is obvious that the necessity of having such materials is proportioned to the unskillfulness and inexperience of the workmen employed, who, if inexpert, will not fail to commit great waste, where the materials they are to work with are of an indifferent kind.
To secure to the national manufactures so essential an advantage, a repeal of the present duty on imported cotton is indispensable.
A substitute for this, far more encouraging to domestic production, will be to grant a bounty on the national cotton, when wrought at a home manufactory; to which a bounty on the exportation
it may be added. Either or both would do much more towards promoting the growth of the article, than the merely nominal encouragement, which it is proposed to abolish. The first would also have a direct influence in encouraging the manufacture.
The bounty which has been mentioned as existing in Great-Britain, upon the exportation of coarse linens not exceeding a certain value, applies also to certain descriptions of cotton goods of similar value.
This furnishes an additional argument for allowing to the national manufacturers the species of encouragement just suggested, and indeed for adding some other aid.
One cent per yard, not less than of a given width, on all goods of cotton, or of cotton and linen mixed, which are manufactured in the United States, with the addition of one cent per pound weight of the material, if made of national cotton, would amount to an aid of considerable importance, both to the production and to the manufacture of that valuable article. And it is conceived, that the expense would be well justified by the magnitude of the object.
The printing and staining of cotton goods is known to be a distinct business from the fabrication of them. It is one easily accomplished, and which, as it adds materially to the value of the article in its white state, and prepares it for a variety of new uses, is of importance to be promoted.
As imported cottons, equally with those which are made at home, may be the objects of this manufacture it will merit consideration, whether the whole, or a part of the duty, on the white goods, ought not to be allowed to be drawn back in favor of those, who print or stain them. This measure would certainly operate as a powerful encouragement to the business; and though it may in a degree counteract the original fabrication of the articles, it would probably more than compensate for this disadvantage, in the rapid growth of a collateral branch, which is of a nature sooner to attain to maturity. When a sufficient progress shall have been made, the drawback may be abrogated, and by that time the domestic supply of the articles to be printed or stained will have been extended.
If the duty of seven and an half per cent. on certain kinds of cotton goods were extended to all goods of cotton, or of which it was the principal material, it would probably more than counterbalance the effect of the drawback proposed, in relation to the fabrication of the article. And no material objection occurs to such an extension. The duty then, considering all the circumstances which attend goods of this description, could not be deemed inconveniently high; and it may be inferred from various causes that the prices of them would still continue moderate.
Manufactures of cotton goods, not long since established at Beverly, in Massachusetts, and at Providence, in the state of Rhode-Island, and conducted with a perseverance corresponding with the patriotic motives which began them, seem to have overcome the first obstacles to success; producing corduroys, velvets, fustians, jeans and other similar articles of a quality, which will bear a comparison with the like articles brought from Manchester. The one at Providence has the merit of being the first in introducing into the United States, the celebrated cotton mill; which not only furnishes materials for that manufactory itself, but for the supply of private families for household manufacture.
Other manufactures of the same material, as regular businesses, have also been begun at different places in the state of Connecticut, but all upon a smaller scale, than those above mentioned. Some essays are also making in the printing and staining of cotton goods. There are several small establishments of this kind already on foot.
W O O L.
In a country, the climate of which partakes of so considerable a proportion of winter as that of a great part of the United States, the woolen branch cannot be regarded, as inferior to any, which relates to the clothing of the inhabitants.
Household manufactures of this material are carried on, in different parts of the United States, to a very interesting extent; but there is only one branch, which, as a regular business, can be said to have acquired maturity. This is the making of hats.
Hats of wool, and of wool mixed with fur, are made in large quantities, in different states; and nothing seems wanting but an adequate supply of materials, to render the manufacture commensurate with the demand.
A promising essay, towards the fabrication of cloths, cassimers and other woollen goods, is likewise going on at Hartford, in Connecticut. Specimens of the different kinds which are made, in the possession of the Secretary, evince that these fabrics have attained a very considerable degree of perfection. Their quality certainly surpasses anything, that could have been looked for, in so short a time, and under so great disadvantages; and conspires with the scantiness of the means, which have been at the command of the directors, to form the eulogium of that public spirit, perseverance and judgment, which have been able to accomplish so much.
To cherish and bring to maturity this precious embryo must engage the most ardent wishes, and proportionable regret, as far as the means of doing it may appear difficult or uncertain.
(See last page.)

PHILADELPHIA, CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 4th.
Mr. Laurance from the committee to whom was referred the memorial of Brigadier General Harmar, in behalf of the commissioned officers of the army made a report, that legal provision ought to be made for raising the pay of the said officers—read, and ordered to lie on the table.
A report was read from the committee on the petition of John Stagg, junior, chief clerk in the department of war, for increase of salary—that the petitioner ought to be allowed the salary of 800 dollars, the same as to the principal clerks in the Treasury department.
Several petitions were read from soldiers and others for compensations, &c. which were referred to the Secretary at War.
A memorial from the legislature of Rhode Island was read, stating the injuries they are subjected to from the operation of the act of Congress relative to the assumption of the state debts, and praying a farther assumption of the debt of that state.—Referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
A letter was laid before the House by the Speaker from the Secretary at War with his report on the memorial of Benjamin Lincoln, for himself and the other commissioners for treating of peace with the southern Indians in 1789. Referred to a select committee to examine and report thereon.
The committee, to whom had been referred the petition of George Webb, with the Secretary of the treasury's report thereon, relative to the receipt of continental taxes for the State of Virginia, presented a bill granting farther compensation to certain receivers of continental taxes for their services subsequent to the 31st. of December, 1782.
Mr. Benson made a motion for the appointment of a committee to bring in a bill for the apportionment of Representatives among the inhabitants of the United States according to the first enumeration; and also providing for a similar apportionment according to the second enumeration, which shall be made previous to the 3d day of March, 1797.
THURSDAY, Jan. 5.
Petitions from James Taylor and Thomas Carruth were read, praying compensations for services rendered, wounds received, &c. in the army, during the war—Referred to the Secretary at War.—Also,
A petition from Daniel Freer, praying renewal of loan-office certificates destroyed by fire—Referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
The bill for granting further compensation to certain receivers of continental taxes, was read a second time, and ordered to be committed to a committee of the whole house on Wednesday next.
The house then proceeded to the further consideration of the post-office bill—An amendment heretofore made by Mr. Fitzsimons, was taken into consideration, "to empower the drivers of the mail stage to carry passengers along the post roads"—to which it was moved to add the following proviso—"that wherever any exclusive privilege of conveying passengers for hire in stage carriages, on any of the roads established by this law, hath been heretofore granted by any of the states for a term of years, such exclusive privilege shall continue and be of full force and effect, agreeable to the conditions thereof, until such term shall expire."
The question being put to agree to the said proviso, it passed in the negative—Yeas 14.—Nays 43.
The question being also put to agree to the first amendment, it passed in the negative—Yeas 25.—Nays 33.
The bill, with the amendments, was then ordered to be engrossed, and read the third time on Monday next.
Mr. Ames, from the committee, reported on the memorial of Benjamin Lincoln, Cyrus Griffin, and David Humphreys—which report was ordered to lie on the table.
FRIDAY, Jan. 6.
Petitions were read—from James Broadwood and John Hailey, praying compensation for wounds received, &c.—from Elizabeth Grubb, praying relief in consequence of her husband having been disabled in the late navy of the United States—from Lewis Van Woert, praying compensation for supplies furnished, &c.—All which were referred.
The memorial of Mr. Churchman (presented to the house the 30th ult.) was ordered to be referred to a select committee, to report thereon.
The house, then took into consideration the appointment of a committee to bring in a bill, to apportion representatives among the several states, according to the first enumeration, and providing for a second enumeration, and apportioning the representation accordingly, after the 3d of March, 1797—Referred to a committee of the whole house on Thursday next.
A petition was read, from Gifford Dally, door-keeper to the house of representatives, praying compensation for services rendered during the recess of the house of representatives—Referred to a private committee.
The house resumed the consideration of the bill relative to the election of a President and Vice-President of the United States, &c. which was recommitted to a committee of the whole house on Tuesday next.
Mr. Laurance, from the committee appointed, presented a bill to ascertain, and regulate the claims to half-pay, and of invalid pensions—read a first and second time, and made the order of the day for Wednesday next.
Two members, Mr. Ames, and Mr. Sturges, were ordered to be added to the committee to whom was referred the report of the Attorney-General on the judiciary system of the United States.
The report of the committee on the memorial of Benjamin Lincoln, &c. was then taken up.—It was moved that a resolution should be adopted pursuant to the report, which was favorable to the memorialists. Debate being had upon this motion, a bill was afterwards moved to be brought in for the appropriation of sixteen hundred dollars, to defray the additional expenses incurred by the commissioners. Before the house came to any decision, an adjournment was called for.
From the American Daily Advertiser
IS the war with the Indians a just one? Have we purchased the territory from them on which we have lately erected several new forts?
Have they not the same right to their hunting grounds (which afford them their only means of subsistence) that we have to our houses and farms?
Do we not commit the same offence against reason and justice in attempting to take these hunting grounds from them without their consent, that Great Britain committed against the American colonies in attempting to tax them without their consent?
Would not ten thousand dollars laid out in presents, or in purchasing their lands a year ago, have done more to have obtained an honorable peace with them, than five millions of dollars will do now, if laid out in conducting a war against them?
Would not the establishing of a fur trade with them, be more profitable to the United States, than the possession of all the territory we could purchase from them or take from them by force?
Would it not be more becoming the Christian rulers of a great republic, to introduce the arts of civilized life among the Indians, rather than attempt to extirpate them?
Is it consistent with honor or justice to carry on a war only for the sake of revenge? Is there any honor to be acquired by killing Indians?
Do not several powerful European nations, purchase peace with Algiers by annual presents, or subsidies, and without incurring thereby a loss of honor?
Has not Numa Pompilius rendered himself immortal, by keeping a military nation at peace with savage and barbarous neighbours above forty years, by his prudence and love of justice?
Is the conquest or acquisition of a new
state worth to the United States, in their present circumstances, a single freeman's life?
Are there not diseases and accidents enough to carry men out of the world, without adding to them, the dreadful curse of war?
Are not wars dangerous to liberty, by fomenting a love of idleness and plunder, by creating debt, and multiplying revenue officers, who always stand ready to assist in supporting government whether right or wrong? or rather only when it is wrong, for all right governments support themselves.
Will not a war rendered expensive by its distance or duration, subject us to the necessity of encroaching upon appropriated funds, and thereby shake the credit of the United States?
Have not France and England, after many unsuccessful wars with the Indians, discovered at last, that a permanent and profitable peace with them is to be obtained only by the ties of trade and presents?
Is national honor concerned in carrying on a war after a defeat by a herd of Indians, any more than it would be if the same misfortune had happened from an herd of buffaloes?
ALBANY, December 28.
THE accounts of the loss of so many brave men, who have fallen a sacrifice to ill policy, or want of energy in our general government, has filled the breast of every man who feels for the honour of his country, with sorrow and indignation. Whether the western Indians have had justice done them; or even whether proper means were taken in the outset of this business to conciliate their affections, and to prevent their drawing unfavorable comparisons between the liberality of the United States, and that of the British government, is not now a subject of investigation.—The history of the treaties made or rather attempted to be made under the confederation would not redound much to our credit, either as judges of the steps necessary to insure peace with the savages, or of the characters proper to be intrusted with the negotiation—neither was the force raised in 1785 for the defence of the settlements on the Ohio, of sufficient magnitude to protect, even partially, our wide extended frontiers, nor to impress on the minds of the enemy the smallest degree of respect for our strength, or exertions—Six hundred men strung along a line of 700 miles extent, was an object rather of ridicule, than of serious apprehension, even to the followers of an Indian army. But these were the mistakes; these were the blunders of a government which feared to encounter the cry of a 'standing army,' and whose funds were not equal to the support of the miserable band which the states had raised on their cautious requisition.
When the old government sunk into oblivion and a new and more energetic one was formed, we fondly hoped that an adequate provision would have been made for the support of our national character and a more dignified line of conduct marked out; happily our hopes have not been entirely without foundation; but there is one humiliating instance remains, of our want of sense to know, or want of bravery to enforce an observance of our rights—
Why are we not in possession of the territory as ceded to us by the treaty of peace? Why are our late enemies suffered to occupy the numerous posts on our frontiers, and to exercise a jurisdiction within our limits destructive of our trade, inimical to the lives and liberties of our people, and degrading in the last degree to the government which we have instituted!—Is there a British officer, let his rank be ever so low, or his knowledge or abilities ever so contemptible, who does not feel his superiority on this occasion; who does not know that he can ill-treat, nay, imprison our citizens without fear of punishment? Do we dare to exercise the rights of sovereignty throughout our dominion? Let the secretary of the treasury declare if he did not blush for the situation of his country, for the mistake of Congress in ordering the collector of Vermont to a post within that state, over which they had no controul!
It is time, to shake off this foreign yoke—there are no political reasons to hinder our demands, there is no power
able to prevent our taking those arsenals, those asylums of a savage enemy.
Until the British evacuate the fortresses which they now hold, within the United States, and we have established a line of posts in the rear of our settlements, we never shall have peace.—While the British traders are suffered to prowl between the lakes and the Ohio, disseminating falsehoods to our disadvantage, and to furnish the savages with arms and ammunition, aiding them in attack, and comforting them in defeat, we have nothing to expect but murders and depredation.—While this retreat is open, not to say protected, they will set the United States at defiance and attack their troops with impunity, but the moment their retreat is cut off by a chain of posts, that moment they will sue for peace.
Whether these posts are 30 or 300 miles N. W. of the Ohio, provided the British were out of our interior territory, is of little consequence; tho' it is the opinion of Baron Steuben (than whom, no man is better acquainted with, or has a greater regard for the true interests of the United States) in his plan for a national militia, that the chain should be drawn near to settlements already begun, and removed further back as the tract which it was intended to cover is filled with inhabitants: Let our rulers determine the propriety of this idea; but let them first determine to break that disgraceful chain with which our northern frontiers are bound. The spirit which began the late revolution is not yet lost—nor is it so long since Yorktown was taken that we have forgotten to conduct a siege.
LONDON, Nov. 14—15.
Translation of the extract of the letter dated Pondicherry, 14th June, 1791, from a merchant there to his brother at Paris.
"The war between the English and Tippoo is a little abated at present, on account of the weather on the Malabar coast, where every thing is at present under water. I have before mentioned to you the capture of Bangalore, it is the only advantage which the English have gained this year. Their army is going to ruin by degrees, and every one here thinks it will be soon destroyed. The fact is, that, by their own acknowledgment, Tippoo disputed their approach to Seringapatam by a battle in which he & his troops fought like furies. The loss of the English was considerable, because they attempted to force Tippoo's intrenchments and were the attackers.—The extraordinary rains which fell afterwards joined to the want of draft oxen, forced them to destroy and abandon all their heavy artillery.—Their situation is most critical; in want of all necessaries, and having the elements in this rainy season to combat with.
"These bad accounts are a little softened as to their consequences by the arrival of the Mahrattas, who, as they say, are resolved to force the belligerent powers to make peace.
"The English Company, ruined in their finances, is under an incapacity of making any returns to Europe this year; at least from the coast of Coromandel, Malabar, or Bengal." Extract of a letter from Copenhagen, Oct. 8.
"All our ships of the line have come into port to be disarmed. It will probably be long ere we witness another armament of the kind. Every thing at present announces a durable peace to Europe. Even the troubles of France, which seemed calculated to furnish matter for a new conflagration, will doubtless subside as the king of the French, by accepting the constitution, has taken away from foreign powers the principal pretext for a war, at the same time that he has set to his subjects an example of perfect tranquility.
"The directors of the Dano-Norwegian bank have announced to the public, that they are willing to lend money at the rate of 3 1/2 per cent, upon all sorts of merchandise, provided the goods be insured at the private bank of the insurance office."
M. GARDETTE, Dentist,
RESPECTFULLY informs the public, that he has removed from No. 88 to No. 127, Chesnut, near Fourth Street, nearly opposite the Bank of the United States. Dec. 19.

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 24.
Thursday morning arrived here from Head-Quarters, Fort Washington, Capt. Guthrie and Lieut. Cummings, of the second regiment of levies. These gentlemen inform, that the hope entertained of Gen. Scott's going out with a party of Kentucky volunteers, to the place of the unfortunate action, was now over, as some difficulties had occurred which prevented it: that Col. George Gibson, Major Butler, &c. who were supposed to be dangerously wounded, were recovering, and that the report respecting Capt. Dark's death, is false.
When these gentlemen left Head-Quarters, Gen. St. Clair was ill of the gout.
From various opinions (observed a correspondent) of gentlemen who were in the late action with the Indians, it is reduced to a certainty, that, besides seven pieces of artillery, and all the stores, &c. upwards of 700 men were left dead in the field, and it is supposed that the loss of the Indians did not average more than one for six. It now appears to be high time for those at the helm of our affairs to alter their system for fighting Indians, which they have so long and so unsuccessfully pursued!
PHILADELPHIA, JANUARY 9, 1792.
The President of the United States has approved of, and recognized the foreign appointments in our last—M. PALASKE, consul-general from his majesty the king of Prussia; and M. MARBOIS, vice-consul from his most christian majesty, within the states of Connecticut, New-York and New-Jersey.
On Tuesday evening last, the election for the directors of the bank of the United States, was closed, and the following gentlemen were declared duly elected for the ensuing year—viz. William Smith, South-Carolina—Samuel Johnston, North-Carolina—Fisher Ames, Tristram Dalton, George Cabot, Massachusetts—Joseph Ball, Thomas Willing, Joseph Anthony, Herman Le Roy, Robert Smith, Archibald M'Call, William Bingham, Isaac Wharton, James C. Fisher, Matthew M'Connell, Charles Pettit, Pennsylvania—John Laurence, Rufus King, James Watson, Andrew Craigie, Nicholas Lowe, R. C. Livingston, New-York—Jeremiah Wadsworth, Connecticut—P. R. Fendall, Virginia—Henry Nicholls, Maryland.
The uniting of the rivers Delaware and Schuylkill by means of a navigable canal for shallows, appears to be seriously contemplated by the legislature of the state of Pennsylvania. The necessity for such a canal is universally allowed, but the place most proper for cutting it is still undetermined. The height of the grounds, near the northern limits of this city, being found to be something better than thirty-seven feet above the high water mark on the Delaware, the great depth of earth to be dug through in that line renders the design impracticable—By building a dam across the Schuylkill, in order to raise the water three or four fathoms, and thereby to diminish the quantity of earth to be dug through, is also attended with the serious loss and inconvenience of overflowing vast quantities of valuable meadow, as well as upland; not to mention its wholly obstructing the mills to a certain distance up that river. To remedy these inconveniences, it has been proposed to begin the canal at or near Norris-Town, in the county of Montgomery, where the Schuylkill waters are about 40 feet above the high water of Delaware at Philadelphia. Upon this plan (it is said) a sufficient never failing stream would be procured for the several purposes of uniting the Schuylkill and Delaware; supplying the city of Philadelphia with water, as well as with the produce of the country by means of the canal; and affording the means for dry docks to careen the shipping without the trouble and expence of heaving down.
On Thursday last, the governor of the state of New-York opened the session of that legislature with an address to both houses. In the address the public are informed, that, in consequence of the powers vested in the governor, the people from New-England, and elsewhere, had been removed, who had intruded, some time since, upon the lands belonging to the Oneida and Cayuga nations of Indians, and thereby given cause of complaint to those tribes. The financial concerns of the state are represented to be in a flourishing condition; and, particularly, that from the sale and disposal of the waste and unappropriated lands, the treasury would receive an augmentation sufficient to produce an annual revenue, exceeding the ordinary expenses of the government.—The report of the commissioners of the land-office was, further, submitted to the legislature, by which it appeared that the junction of the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, by means of a canal, was practicable at a moderate expence; as also a junction between Wood Creek and Hudson's River, by similar means; all which could be effected from the ordinary resources of the state without the aid of taxes.
The legislature of Virginia passed a law some time last month for investing certain persons with powers to set on foot a lottery, for raising the sum of four thousand pounds, at ten per cent, de-
duction. The objects of this lottery are to promote and disseminate a minute knowledge of the southern parts of the United States of America, from Philadelphia to the Gulph of Mexico, and from the Atlantic to the Mississippi.—The plates, &c. necessary to the elucidation of this useful work are in the hands of Col. Tatham, and the work is carried on in the capitol under the patronage of the state government, where it is frequently inspected by its officers, to prevent any errors or misinformations to the public.
The Pennsylvania Hospital having been found inadequate to the two fold purpose of accommodating sick and mad persons, it has been proposed to erect a House, near the present hospital, for the exclusive use of such as are deprived of their reason. It is conceived, that in such a house properly constructed, and attended, that greatest of human maladies, lunacy, might be cured, and mad people, instead of lingering away a melancholy existence under ground, and visited only as spectacles of human nature in ruins, might be restored to reason, to society, and to their friends.
The following affecting circumstance is related by a person who was with Gen. St. Clair's army in the action of the 4th of November last.—There were with the American troops a number of white women who had attended them on the expedition. When the retreat was ordered, one of these women having a child in her arms, and being hard pressed by an Indian with a tomahawk, who she found must inevitably overtake her in a few minutes if she did not leave the child, the desire of self-preservation overcame the parental feelings of nature, and, stopping short for a moment, she placed the infant (being about a year old) on a stump, and immediately renewed her flight—The Indian rushed on, and in the attempt to kill an officer, who made a stand to save the woman, was shot dead on the spot.—The woman escaped with the troops, but there is every reason to suppose that the child was tomahawked, or its brains dashed out, as it is not likely that the savages, upon such an occasion, found themselves in a humour to carry off an infant of a twelve month old, to their towns.
Extract of a letter from an officer at Fort Washington, dated Nov. 17.
Active measures, indeed, must be immediately taken, to effect any good purpose; and the United States will deceive themselves, if they think an insignificant, undisciplined army, badly provided, will conquer the formidable enemy they are now at war with. They are numerous—they are trained warriors, and are elated with victory and plunder! They gained it, however, with considerable loss on their part; but we cannot ascertain it exactly.
"I served the campaign in the cavalry, and am now returned to my battalion; which, I hope will be discharged in the course of ten days or a fortnight; and my wound, I hope, will permit my travelling by that time.
"Our army was badly modelled, for fighting Indians: it was raw, and wanted horse and rifle-men; it was badly provided, and of course was discontented. Indians are expert, in a high degree, with the rifle, and in the art of covering themselves behind trees, logs, &c. We had a few rifle-men (militia) but they did not behave as well as they ought:—Our horses were so emaciated, by the want of forage, that they were entirely unfit for any active service; and several of our men (I mean levies) never fired a gun, before the day of action.
"The length to which affairs have gone, certainly requires the most speedy exertion of the public; a strong army, compared to the last, must be raised, and disciplined to fight the Indians in their own manner; such an army, well commanded and modelled, I should like to serve in, and would still hope to see those savages subdued..
The following was communicated by message on Friday last, by the governor of this state to the legislature;
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Gentlemen, I HAVE directed the communications, which I received from Pittsburgh by the post this morning, to be laid before you; and you will permit me, on the present occasion, to repeat, that the very alarming situation of our fellow-citizens on the frontiers, requires, upon every principle of policy and humanity, the immediate exertions of government. A plan of defensive operation has been recently proposed to me by the President of the United States, which, as it claims, in some respects, the sanction of the legislature, I submit to your consideration; and should it be approved, you will be pleased, besides making an adequate appropriation of money for arms and ammunition, to decide upon the propriety of enlarging, for a limited time, the powers of the executive, so as to authorise the employment of drafts from the militia for a longer period than two months: and, generally, to enable us to co-operate in the measures of the federal government, for the protection of the frontiers of the Commonwealth.
THOMAS MIFFLIN. Philadelphia, 6th Jan. 1792.
Pittsburgh, Dec. 28, 1791.
S I R, WE are this moment honored with yours of the 22d instant, and return you our most grateful acknowledgments for the pleasing assurances contained therein. The inhabitants of this town and neighborhood, are actually inspired with the utmost confidence that every exertion in your Excellency's power, will be used towards their protection; and seriously take the liberty of enclo-
sing you information received from the commanding officer and others at Fort Franklin, last night, by express. This intelligence has added greatly to our alarm. We really apprehend, that the depopulation of this country will be the immediate consequence of the fall of that garrison.
We have the honor to be, with due respect, Your Excellency's most obedient, Humble Servants, James O'Hara, George Wallace, John Gibson, A. Tannehill, Committee of the Inhabitants of Pittsburgh. His Excellency Governor Mifflin.
Copy of a letter from Lieut. Jeffers, dated Fort Franklin, the 26th December, 1791. By express to the commanding officer at Pittsburgh, or Maj. K. Irwin, of the militia.
S I R, I HAVE this moment received authentic accounts from the Cornplanter, that an attack on this garrison will almost immediately take place; for the Indians from below declare that they are determined to reduce this place, shake the Cornplanter by the head, and sweep the river from end to end.
You are most earnestly requested, and if I have any authority positively ordered, to send me without loss of time, one subaltern and thirty men as a reinforcement, together with my men who have been left sick at Fort Pitt. Under this convoy, send me provisions to make five months rations for seventy men. This news is not fictitious; nor this letter to be trifled with. I have written to the minister of war; but his orders will come too late. I am, &c. J. JEFFERS.
Another letter from Lieut. Jeffers of the same date, to Mr. E. Williams, contractor.
"I am happy to inform you that the cattle and salt arrived safe: the danger in this country is so great, that I sent soldiers and Indians to escort them. I am astonished Mr. Bond arrived safe: I have every reason to expect that nine times out of ten so small a party will be cut off.—No time to be lost in sending five months provision, as one escort will answer for the whole."
From Col. George M'Call, dated Fort-Franklin, 26th Dec. 1791. "By express this moment received from the Cornplanter, he advises, that the women at this garrison be immediately sent to Pittsburgh for safety."
The express who was the bearer of these extracts, says, that a council of hostile Indians was then sitting at Buffaloe Creek, and that the Cornplanter was summoned to it. How far this information may be depended on, can only be judged from our late disaster.
N. B. These extracts arrived here the 28th, at 3, o'clock, P. M. by express.
Extract of a letter from Wilmington, (N.C.) Dec. 13 "As your papers do not seem to come regular by the conveyance I at first counted upon, be so kind, after the navigation opens, to send the National Gazette by water to this place, as opportunities will offer, at least once a fortnight. Our state papers are miserably barren, owing not only to a scarcity of valuable materials, but for want of room, if the printers even had them. "The hungry sheep look up, and are not fed, But fill'd with wind, and the rank mist they draw."
"I am sick of paying for trifling localities.—A man drowned in Penobscott Bay—another that got a contusion upon his scull in Pennsylvania—a fishing boat stranded on Cohasset Rocks—a turnip raised on Cumberland Island, or, a barn burnt at Conegocheague.—I cannot digest such food. I want something more solid. As you promise to furnish us with valuable information, you may continue my subscription, notwithstanding the loss of several of your numbers."
List of Arrivals at the Port of Philadelphia. for the Year 1791.
Table with 5 columns: From, Ships & Barges, Schooners, Sloops, Coasters. Rows include Jan 1 to June 14, July, August, September, October, November, December, and TOTALS.
Making in the whole 1261. Arrivals since the 1st June last, 85 ships, 165 brigs, 61 schooners, 73 sloops, in all 374 from foreign ports, and 385 coasters; total for the last six months 759. During which time, the number of vessels cleared out, amount to above 800.
Table with 2 columns: PRICE OF STOCK, Funded Debt, Unfunded Debt. Rows include Six per cents, Three per cents, Deferred six per cents, Final settlements, Interest due previous to 1788, Indents, Bank Stock, Do. at 4 months.
The following is copied from the Centinel.
With a singular species of zeal and energy, the cause of the hostile Indian who are the army under Gen. St. Clair, was advocated—their sufferings delineated, and their distresses depicted. But to improve any of these, if they exist—to a want of humanity in Government, is unjust.—The desire to establish permanent and honorable peace between the United States and all the tribes of Indians, has been zealously exhibited both by the former and present governments. In some instances they have been attended with success—as the treaties between us and the Creeks, Choctaws, Cherokees and others. But all endeavors to effect peace with the Indians in the regions north-west of the river Ohio, have proved abortive.
"The general government took early measures for this purpose.—Treaties had been formed, under the old government, with the six nations, the Wyandots and Delawares, and some more of the western Indians; but the Wabash Indians always declined to attend at the negotiations of those treaties, notwithstanding they were invited thereto.
"In order, if possible, to bring those deluded people to a just sense of their situation, the President of the United States directed that they should be invited anew, to treat of peace, and that the consequences of their refusal, and persisting in hostilities, should be fully placed before them—and at the same time the people of Kentucky were prohibited from making any further incursions into the Indian country.
"This invitation was executed early last year, to all the tribes inhabiting the river Wabash from Fort Vincennes up to the Miami village. The invitation was not only refused by the Indians, but their hostilities were renewed with greater violence than ever.
"The campaign, therefore, of the last and this year, were measures of necessity.—The Indians had been invading our frontiers, and had killed many hundred innocent men, women, and children.
"It became just and highly proper, that the power of the United States should be put in motion against these blood-thirsty tribes—and that it should be ineffectual to be deplored—and attributed to the smallness of our numbers.
"Notwithstanding the provocations of these Indians it is said, measures will be taken to open their eyes to their true interest: But if the measures taken for this purpose should be in vain the meekness of Christianity will justify the Government, in taking effectual measures to prevent the murder of its peaceable citizens; and the arrangements to be made, it is hoped will be entirely adequate to the full conviction of the hostile Indians, that they have abundantly more to hope from the mercy, than to expect from the weakness of the United States."
** The persons NAMED IN THE LETTERS PATENT issued by the governor of the commonwealth under the great seal of the state, incorporating the subscribers "for opening a canal and lock navigation between the rivers Schuylkill and Susquehanna," are requested to meet in the Senate Chamber, this day at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, "to organize the said corporation, and choose" "one President twelve managers, one treasurer, and such other officers as they shall think necessary," &c. according to law. The election will be opened at the hour appointed, and it is requested that the gentlemen concerned will be punctual in their attendance.
Monday, Jan. 9.
** A stated meeting of the society for promoting the improvement of roads and inland navigation, will be held this evening, at the State House, at 7 o'clock.
TIMOTHY MATLACK, Secretary. Monday January 9, 1792.
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Table with 5 columns: January, 1792, D. H. Bar., Ther., Wind, Weather. Rows include Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
This Day are published, S E R M O N S, Historical and Characteristical: By WILLIAM LINN, D. D. One of the Ministers of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, in the city of New-York. Sold by T. DOBSON, R. CAMPBELL, & M. CAREY. [Price Three Quarters of a Dollar.]

which should tend to promote an supply of wool, of good quality, would afford the most efficacious aid, that pre-encourages the raising and improving the of sheep, at home, would certainly be the most desirable expedient, for that purpose; but it may not be alone sufficient, especially as it is yet a problem, whether our wool be capable of such a degree of improvement, as to render it fit for the finer fabrics.
Premiums would probably be found the best means of promoting the domestic, and bounties the foreign supply. The first may be within the compass of the institution hereafter to be submitted. The last would require a specific legislative provision. If any bounties are granted they ought of course to be adjusted with an eye to quality as well as quantity.
A fund for this purpose may be derived from the addition of 2 1/2 per cent. to the present rate of duty, on carpets and carpeting; an increase, to which the nature of the articles suggests no objection, and which may at the same time furnish a motive the more to the fabrication of them at home; towards which some beginnings have been made.
S I L K.
The production of this article is attended with great facility in most parts of the United States. Some pleasing essays are making in Connecticut, as well towards that, as towards the manufacture of what is produced. Stockings, handkerchiefs, ribbons and buttons, are made, though as yet but in small quantities.
A manufactory of lace, upon a scale not very extensive, has been long memorable at Ipswich in the state of Massachusetts.
An exemption of the material from the duty, which it now pays on importation, and premiums upon the production, to be dispensed under the direction of the institution before alluded to, seem to be the only species of encouragement advisable at so early a stage of the thing.
G L A S S.
The materials for making glass are found every where. In the United States there is no deficiency of them. The sands and stones called Tarso, which include flinty and crystalline substances generally, and the salts of various plants, particularly of the sea-weed kali or kelp constitute the essential ingredients. An extraordinary abundance of fuel is a particular advantage enjoyed by this country for such manufactures. They, however, require large capitals and involve much manual labour.
Different manufactures of glass are now on foot in the United States. The present duty of 12 1/2 per cent, on all imported articles of glass amounts to a considerable encouragement to those manufactures. If any thing in addition is judged eligible, the most proper would appear to be a direct bounty, on window glass and black bottles.
The first recommends itself as an object of general convenience; the last adds to that character, the circumstance of being an important item in breweries. A complaint is made of great deficiency in this respect.
G U N P O W D E R.
No small progress has been of late made in the manufacture of this very important article: It may indeed be considered as already established; but its high importance renders its further extension very desirable.
The encouragements, which it already enjoys, are a duty of ten per cent. on the foreign rival article, and an exemption of salt-petre one of the principal ingredients of which it is composed, from duty. A like exemption of sulphur, another chief ingredient, would appear to be equally proper. No quantity of this article has yet been produced, from internal sources. The use made of it in finishing the bottoms of ships, is an additional inducement to placing it in the class of free goods. Regulations for the careful inspection of the article would have a favourable tendency.
P A P E R.
Manufactories of paper are among those which are arrived at the greatest maturity in the United States, and are most adequate to national supply. That of paper hangings is a branch, in which respectable progress has been made.
Nothing material seems wanting to the further success of this valuable branch, which is already protected by a competent duty on similar imported articles.
In the enumeration of the several kinds, made subject to that duty, sheathing and cartridge paper have been omitted. These, being the most simple manufactures of the sort, and necessary to military supply, as well as ship building, recommend themselves equally with those of other descriptions, to encouragement, and appear to be as fully within the compass of domestic exertions.
P R I N T E D B O O K S.
The great number of presses disseminated throughout the Union, seem to afford an assurance, that there is no need of being indebted to foreign countries for the printing of the books which are used in the United States. A duty of ten per cent. instead of five, which is now charged upon the article, would have a tendency to aid the business internally.
It occurs, as an objection to this, that it may have an unfavorable aspect towards literature, by raising the prices of books in universal use, in private families, schools and other seminaries of learning. But the difference, it is conceived, would be without effect.
As to books which usually fill the libraries of the wealthier classes and of professional men, such an augmentation of prices, as might be occasioned by an additional duty of five per cent. would be too little felt to be an impediment to the acquisition.
And with regard to books which may be specially imported for the use of particular seminaries of learning, and of public libraries, a total exemption from duty would be advisable, which would go far towards obviating the objection just mentioned. They are now subject to a duty of five per cent.
As to the books in most general family use, the constancy and universality of the demand would
ensure exertions to furnish them at home, and the means are completely adequate. It may also be expected ultimately, in this as in other cases, that the extension of the domestic manufacture would conduce to the cheapness of the article.
It ought not to pass unremarked, that to encourage the printing of books is to encourage the manufacture of paper.
REFINED SUGARS and CHOCOLATE
Are among the number of extensive and prosperous domestic manufactures.
Drawbacks of the duties upon the materials, of which they are respectively made, in cases of exportation would have a beneficial influence upon the manufacture, and would conform to a precedent, which has been already furnished, in the instance of molasses, on the exportation of distilled spirits.
Cocoa, the raw material now pays a duty of one cent per lb. while chocolate which is a prevailing and very simple manufacture, is comprised in the mass of articles rated at no more than five per cent.
There would appear to be a propriety in encouraging the manufacture, by a somewhat higher duty, on its foreign rival, than is paid on the raw material. Two cents per lb. on imported chocolate would, it is presumed, be without inconvenience.
THE foregoing heads comprise the most important of the several kinds of manufactures, which have occurred as requiring, and, at the same time, as most proper for public encouragement; and such measures for affording it, as have appeared best calculated to answer the end, have been suggested.
The observations, which have accompanied this delineation of objects, supersede the necessity of many supplementary remarks. One or two however may not be altogether superfluous.
Bounties are in various instances proposed as one species of encouragement.
It is a familiar objection to them, that they are difficult to be managed and liable to frauds. But neither that difficulty nor this danger seems sufficiently great to counteract the advantages of which they are productive, when rightly applied. And it is presumed to have been shown, that they are in some cases, particularly in the infancy of new enterprises, indispensable.
It will however be necessary to guard with extraordinary circumspection, the manner of dispensing them. The requisite precautions have been thought of; but to enter into the detail would swell this report, already voluminous, to a size too inconvenient.
If the principle shall not be deemed inadmissible, the means of avoiding an abuse of it will not be likely to present insurmountable obstacles. There are useful guides from practice in other quarters.
It shall therefore only be remarked here, in relation to this point, that any bounty, which may be applied to the manufacture of an article, cannot with safety extend beyond those manufactures, at which the making of the article is a regular trade. It would be impossible to annex adequate precautions to a benefit of that nature, if extended to every private family, in which the manufacture was incidentally carried on, and its being a merely incidental occupation which engages a portion of time that would otherwise be lost, it can be advantageously carried on, without so special an aid.
The possibility of a diminution of the revenue may also present itself, as an objection to the arrangements, which have been submitted.
But there is no truth which may be more firmly relied upon, than that the interests of the revenue are promoted, by whatever promotes an increase of national industry and wealth.
In proportion to the degree of these, is the capacity of every country to contribute to the public treasury; and where the capacity to pay is increased, or even is not decreased, the only consequence of measures, which diminish any particular resource, is a change of the object. If by encouraging the manufacture of an article at home, the revenue, which has been wont to accrue from its importation, should be lessened, an indemnification can easily be found, either out of the manufacture itself, or from some other object, which may be deemed more convenient.
The measures however which have been submitted, taken aggregately, will for a long time to come, rather augment than decrease the public revenue.
There is little room to hope, that the progress of manufactures will so equally keep pace with the progress of population, as to prevent, even a gradual augmentation of the product of the duties on imported articles.
As, nevertheless, an abolition in some instances, and a reduction in others of duties, which have been pledged for the public debt, is proposed, it is essential, that it should be accompanied with a competent substitute. In order to this, it is requisite, that all the additional duties which shall be laid, be appropriated in the first instance, to replace all defalcations, which may proceed from any such abolition or diminution. It is evident, at first glance, that they will not only be adequate to this, but will yield a considerable surplus. This surplus will serve,
FIRST. To constitute a fund for paying the bounties which shall have been decreed. SECONDLY. To constitute a fund for the operations of a board, to be established, for promoting arts, agriculture, manufactures and commerce. Of this institution, different intimations have been given, in the course of this report. An outline of a plan for it shall now be submitted.
Let a certain annual sum, be set apart, and placed under the management of commissioners, not less than three, to consist of certain officers of the government and their successors in office.
Let these commissioners be empowered to apply the fund - confided to them, to defray the expenses of the emigration of artists, and manufacturers in particular branches of extraordinary importance - to induce the prosecution and introduction of useful discoveries, inventions and improvements, by proportionate rewards, judiciously held out and applied - to encourage by premiums, both honorable and lucrative, the exertions of individuals, and of classes, in relation to the several ob-
jects, they are charged with promoting - and to afford such other aids to those objects, as may be generally designated by law.
The commissioners to render to the legislature an annual account of their transactions and disbursements; and all such sums as shall not have been applied to the purposes of their trust, at the end of every three years, to revert to the treasury. It may also be enjoined upon them, not to draw out the money, but for the purpose of some specific disbursement.
It may, moreover be of use, to authorise them to receive voluntary contributions; making it their duty to apply them to the particular objects for which they may have been made, if any shall have been designated by the donors.
There is reason to believe, that the progress of particular manufactures has been much retarded by the want of skillful workmen. And it often happens that the capitals employed are not equal to the purposes of bringing from abroad workmen of a superior kind. Here, in cases, worthy of it, the auxiliary agency of government would in all probability be useful. There are also valuable workmen, in every branch, who are prevented from emigrating solely by the want of means. Occasional aids to such persons, properly administered, might be a source of valuable acquisitions to the country.
The propriety of stimulating by rewards, the invention and introduction of useful improvements, is admitted without difficulty. But the success of attempts in this way must evidently depend much on the manner of conducting them. It is probable, that the placing of the dispensation of those rewards under some proper discretionary direction, where they may be accompanied by collateral expedients, will serve to give them the fairest efficacy. It seems impracticable to apportion, by general rules, specific compensations for discoveries of unknown and disproportionate utility.
The great use which may be made of a fund of this nature to procure and import foreign improvements is particularly obvious. Among these, the article of machines would form a most important item.
The operation and utility of premiums have been adverted to; together with the advantages which have resulted from their dispensation, under the direction of certain public and private societies. Of this some experience has been had in the instance of the Pennsylvania society, for the promotion of manufactures and useful arts; but the funds of that association have been too contracted to produce more than a very small portion of the good to which the principles of it would have led. It may confidently be affirmed that there is scarcely any thing, which has been devised, better calculated to excite a general spirit of improvement than the institutions of this nature. They are truly invaluable.
In countries where there is great private wealth much may be effected by the voluntary contributions of patriotic individuals; but in a community situated like that of the United States, the public purse must supply the deficiency of private resources. In what can it be so useful as in prompting and improving the efforts of industry.
All which is humbly submitted. ALEXANDER HAMILTON, Secretary of the Treasury,
LONDON, Nov. 8-15.
Several Frenchmen, who had caused writings on liberty to be translated into Portuguese, were lately put on board a vessel to be sent back to their own country.
The conduct of the captain and chief mate of the Neptune transport, lately returned from Botany-Bay, is about to undergo a severe scrutiny. No less than 171 convicts died on the voyage; and many instances of the most inhuman treatment, are daily brought forward.
The dukes of Portland, Devonshire, Norfolk, and Bedford, have set their faces against the new Rights of Man. Oppose the minister, say they, as strongly as you are able, and force him out of place as soon as possible, but meddle not with the constitution. Our property depends upon its existence, as it now stands.
It may be depended upon, that it was wholly from the representations of the queen of France to the emperor, that the latter relinquished his design of invading France. The queen, perhaps from private information, learnt the princes intended, in the event of their success, to retain a great share of the power in their own hands. From her knowledge of human nature, and experience of courts, she imparted her apprehensions to the emperor, and they were probably founded in justice, for by them he seems to have been convinced.
The French envoy at Berlin, during the rejoicings on account of the royal marriages, appeared constantly with the national cockade, and all his attendants and servants did the same.
The answer of the king of Prussia to the notification of the king of the French, is expressed in terms similar to those of England and Holland. It contains an acknowledgment of the notification, and expresses kind wishes for the tranquility of the kingdom.
The states of Brabant have shaken off their obedience to the supreme council of that duchy; and their contempt of superior jurisdiction has induced the emperor, as duke of Brabant,
to order their seditious and refractory decrees to be ignominiously torn from the records, by the common crier. The whole country is in a state of ferment.
The expence of the war between Austria, Russia, and the Porte, is thus calculated on pretty certain information. Austria 400 millions of florins; Russia 200 millions of roubles; the Porte 250 millions of piasters. The late war has destroyed 130,000 Imperial soldiers, 200,000 Russians, and about the same number of Turks, making in all 530,000 men.
Nov. 14. A letter from Madrid mentions, that notwithstanding the war with the emperor of Morocco, which was the pretext for augmenting the military establishment of that kingdom, is at an end, new regiments are continually established; and adds, that this conduct had excited strong suspicions and jealousies in every province.
The news from India, brought by the Medusa frigate to France, was forwarded by express from Paris to the secretary of state, by earl Gower, the British ambassador, and immediately submitted to the public, with all its attendant circumstances by administration. Upon enquiry among persons most conversant with India affairs, we find their opinion on the subject to be this: That lord Cornwallis knowing that the capture of Seringapatam was the grand object of the campaign, has pushed forward to attain it with all possible expedition; but that Tippoo foreseeing what his lordship's line of march must be, had laid the country waste, with a view to impede the progress of his enemy's army. That lord Cornwallis had, in consequence, felt it so far difficult to subsist his troops, that he found it necessary to retire; and that Tippoo had seized upon the occasion, and written to the French government at Pondicherry, exaggerating the circumstances, and adding various particulars, with a view to degrade the character of the British arms. When it is considered that the country through which lord Cornwallis had to march, is not naturally fertile, and when denuded of its scanty produce, must be void of yielding any provision whatever; and when it is also observed, that neither our government, nor the East-India company, have received any intelligence of the event through any regular channel of our own, this construction of the news from India appears to be highly probable, and if just, it is not the most pleasant to this country.
Mr. Pitt has been particularly attentive lately to the condition and number of troops in our West-India islands, and has minutely examined the secretary at war twice in the course of the present week on the subject; and from the best intelligence we can produce, and the tonnage of shipping advertised for by government (which is 2,400 tons) the military force now preparing to embark for the West-Indies will amount to about 2,000 men.
Letters were on Tuesday received in town from Gibraltar, which mentions that the peace between the Spaniards and Moors had been fully ratified.
Yesterday the deputation of West-India merchants and planters, waited on Mr. Pitt, by order of the general meeting held at the London Tavern on Tuesday; they presented the resolutions which passed the committee, requesting the protection of government in their respective settlements, islands, &c. Mr. Pitt, accompanied by lord Grenville, received them.
Mr. Pitt's answer was, - "That he was of opinion the present forces in the West-Indies were fully sufficient for the protection of our colonies, and that he thought, at his duty, out of favor to the public, to acquaint the committee, that if the gentlemen wished for further reinforcements to be sent thither, it must be at the expence of the colonies, and not at the expence of the public."
** A few copies of the REPORT of the Secretary of the Treasury, on the subject of MANUFACTURES, may be had at the Office, No. 239, High-Street.
PRINTED BY CHILDS AND SWAIN, E, AT THEIR OFFICE, NO. 239, HIGH-STREET, NEAR SIXTH-STREET, PHILADELPHIA.