Gazette of the United-States. (New-York [N.Y.]), 1790-01-13 00:00:00

Gazette of the United States.
[No. LXXIX.]
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 13, 1790.
[Published on Wednesday and Saturday.]
THE TABLET.
No. LXXIX.
"Nothing should be thought cheap, that badly answers the end for which it is designed."
(Continuation from the last number.)
ANOTHER great inconvenience to which our schools are subject, and one that will render the benefit of any school very trifling, is that they consist of too many scholars. People suppose that by supporting a few schools, they may all reap the advantage with little expence. They do so. Their advantage is proportionate to the expence. The expence is trifling, and so is the benefit. It is utterly impossible for a man to take proper care of seventy or eighty scholars at once. Thirty is a large number; and if a teacher understands his business, children will be educated cheaper, if there are never more than twenty or twenty five pupils under the charge of one instructor. It is true, a man may hear an hundred children read, in half a day, if he proceeds as is customary with many school-masters. It is a practice not uncommon with a master, who cannot attend to all the children himself, to set the higher classes to overlook the lower. These subordinate guides, as is generally the case, when small folks bear rule, assume an haughty air of authority, and teach the children to hate the instructors much faster than to love or learn their lesson. Great numbers are directed to read at once, and it is impossible to know whether they proceed right or wrong. As for those that can read, they are bid to take a chapter in the bible, and hurry it over with as much rapidity as possible; for he that can read the fastest and miss the least, is kept at the head of the class, and accounted the best fellow. Thus a class of twelve or fifteen scholars is dispatched in about eight or ten minutes: perhaps indeed not much worse, but very little better, for all they read.
A master should attend to each scholar in particular, and tell them how to pronounce, and where to lay the emphasis, and not suffer them to hurry over a passage, without any direction, as is too often the case. A master ought also to be particularly industrious to excite the emulation of his scholars and make them fond of study; for unless they do it cheerfully, they will not learn at all. It is my serious opinion that, when I was a school-boy, the greatest part of the scholars did not employ more than an hour in a day, either in writing or reading; while five hours of the school time was spent in idleness—in cutting the tables and benches to pieces—in carrying on pin-lotteries, or perhaps in some more roguish tricks. The reason of such mispense of time was, that they had nothing to excite them to application: A master would perhaps reason with his scholars, telling them they had better be diligent, and if they were not, they would be sorry some time or other. But children are too young to attend to such advice; and so long as their future interest is the only motive they have to learn, they will never learn at all. And to chastise them and force them to learn, is a more vain and fruitless attempt still. So long as children drag along under the lash of a master's rod, without any delight in books, they will never improve much under the best instructions. But once hold up to their view some alluring object, something that will strike the fancy, books are then a pleasure; the master finds an easy task and the child makes rapid improvement. Some trifling gratuities, on quarter-day, or something of that kind will do more to engage children to be diligent and make them fond of books, than all the reasoning in the world, or ten thousand rods of correction.
There is a great advantage attending dialogue speaking, which is, that it teaches them to read and speak with propriety. The perfection of reading is to do it naturally. Every word should be spoken as if the speaker was himself the author. Here then is another essential and obvious defect in the present method of education. Pronunciation of words, as taught in our schools, is wretched. All propriety is destroyed with respect to reading agreeable to the sense and meaning. It is as easy at first to teach children right as wrong. There is no inherent propensity which induces children to pronounce words wrong and read with a monstrous tone: But such things, either taught or indulged in youth, grow up into inveterate habit, which it is often impossible to remove. (To be concluded in the next number.)
EXTRACT.
CATO was the TORY of the age in which he lived.—CÆSAR on the other hand was the darling of the people, and WHIG of his country—How strangely sentiments are altered.
FROM THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER.
MR. PRINTER,
Your giving the following a place in your useful paper, may be of public utility.
IN the year 1774, the Society of London instituted for the encouragement of arts, manufactures, and commerce, took the subject of invariable measures into serious consideration, and offered a reward of one hundred guineas to any person residing in any country whatever, who should discover and communicate to the Society, on or before the third Tuesday in March, 1775, a mode whereby to obtain invariable standards for weights and measures, communicable at all times and to all nations; but the liberal encouragement thus held out to the public, was not productive of a single attempt—therefore the same encouragement was repeated the following years, viz. in 1776, 1777, and 1778, in consequence thereof, on the third Tuesday in March 1779, five plans were presented to the Society, amongst which number, that by Mr. John Hatton, Watch-maker, in London, was the most approved, though not perfected to that degree of accuracy required in the constitution of invariable measure. However, as the idea was new, and apparently capable of being carried to a much greater degree of perfection, the Society, in consideration of its merits, and as some encouragement to reconsider the subject, presented him with thirty guineas, and they also renewed their former encouragement.—Several years elapsed, and no steps were apparently taken by Mr. Hatton, towards a more effectual application of the principles he suggested. Mr. Hatton's plan has since been improved by Mr. John Whitehurst, F. R. S. but his plan was thought subject to many inconveniences, and capable of improvement, so the encouragement is still continued, which has induced a citizen of Philadelphia, to take up the matter, who has so far simplified and improved Mr. Whitehurst's plan, that the whole construction of the apparatus, and the method of using it is so easy, that with it, any person of common sense, may find three, four, or five feet, with the greatest ease and exactness, by one single mensuration. Now if any legislative body, or society, in the United States, think the discovery worth attending to, they may receive further information by sending their application or address, (post paid) to the Post-Office of this city, directed to S. W. M. Philadelphia. if no application is made within three months from the date hereof, the inventor will conclude that the Americans think it not an object worthy of their notice, which will put him under the necessity of communicating it somewhere else.
Philadelphia, January 6, 1790.
FROM THE HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE.
A correspondent has furnished us with the following authentic anecdotes, which may show the unhappy and melancholy effects of intrusting the education of youth to immoral persons or strangers.
ANECDOTES.
A PERSON from Great-Britain lately arrived in South-Carolina, and set himself up for a school-master. For a few months he was employed with some degree of caution. But his abilities as a school-master were soon conspicuous in the uncommon progress of his pupils. Withal he assumed the appearance of strict morals and exemplary piety and devotion. This, added to his singular diligence and attention to his school, soon procured him the unbounded confidence of the neighbouring gentlemen and ladies. His school flourished with growing reputation. Under a pretext of imparting instruction to several young ladies under his care, he frequently detained one and another of them singly after the school was dismissed for the day. In this practice he continued until he had seduced and abused no less than five or six of the unhappy children. At length he made an attempt upon a young girl of resolute virtue and daring spirit, whom he solicited to a compliance with his unhallowed lusts.—She deeply resented the base solicitation. His passions were inflamed by opposition—he offered violence—he attempted by force what he could not obtain by entreaty. She resolutely and successfully repelled his attacks, until at length watching her opportunity, she escaped at the door, and hastened by her terrors soon reached her father's house. She immediately unbosomed her soul to her parents, and gave them a detail of the school-master's vile attempt. The father, by vigorous struggles smothered his resentment, until he had collected the fathers of the young ladies in the school. To them he opened the villainous affair, and acquainted them with the master's long practice of detaining their daughters singly in the school. The parents agreed to make enquiry of their
daughters.—Upon enquiry no less than five or six found that their daughters either by insinuation, threatening or force, had been overcome and debased. Fully ascertained of the facts, they resolved upon the punishment of the culprit in a summary manner—in a manner dictated by the nature of the crime. They made sharp their knives, went in a body to the school house, ordered home the children, set the wretch's crimes in order before him, and then castrated him on the spot, and left him to his own reflections. In the following night he crept into a neighbouring wood, and the next day died. Such was the universal odium and detestation of his brutal lust and perfidious hypocrisy, that the voice of justice made no enquiry after the authors of his punishment.
A recent instance of the public execution of a school-master, a stranger, in the county of Worcester; convicted of a rape upon a young girl in his school—And a third instance of a British foreigner, who eloped with another man's wife, and married her, and set up a school in a town in this vicinity, and was detected in attempts upon the young girls in his school: These are admonitions sufficient to all parents not lost to a sense of decency, family purity and reputation, never to employ a stranger, much less an immoral profligate, and a hag-beaten debauchee, in the government and instruction of their beloved offspring.
FRANCE.
LIEGE, October 22.
THE letter sent by his Highness the PrinceBishop to the states, in answer to their register, touching the fundamental points, is couched in the following terms.—
"SIRS,
"YOUR dispatch of the 13th inst. I have received? and it is with sensibility and regret that I behold the spirit of violence and fear which reigns in all the deliberations at Liege, which more and more justifies the part I have taken in withdrawing from my usual residence. I know that the register which was sent me by my Chapter was not agreed to by the majority of the capitulary suffrages; a thing absolutely necessary in affairs of the highest importance, it being by no means sufficient that the members present decide matters of consequence without the concurrence of those who are obliged to be absent. If all this is considered, and due regard paid to the Emperor's mandate of the 27th of August last, in which his Majesty dictates what I am to do, and from which (as a vassal) I cannot depart, I do not see that I can be required to sanction what passes at Liege, till the constitution, good order, peace, with public and private security, are restored, and before my three estates are legally composed and assembled, I pray God to direct and keep you under his holy protection.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY.
TUESDAY, October 13.
Monsieur de Castellanne having recalled to the memory of gentlemen their resolution on the rights of man, by which they had declared that no man could be arrested or detained but by a legal process, said that he had imagined that all the Bastiles of France having been destroyed, and ministerial despotism confounded in their ruins, every citizen illegally imprisoned, had been restored to liberty: but that to his great surprise he found there were still prisons, where the victims of arbitrary power were confined.—Such places, he said, could not be suffered to exist, without bringing disgrace upon the National Assembly. He then moved the following resolution:
"The National Assembly commands, that all persons driven into exile, or imprisoned by any orders whatever of the executive power, shall be set at liberty.
"That in consequence of this, an address be presented to his Majesty, requesting that he will be graciously pleased to send orders to the commandants of all fortresses, to enlarge all such persons as shall be found to be confined without due authority of law; and that the Lord-Keeper do examine the cases of such others as, having been legally condemned, may be objects of that mercy which it is his Majesty's prerogative to bestow."
The Count de Clermont Tonnerre and Mr. Target warmly supported the motion. As did also
The Reverend Mr. Gregoire, who, to give greater extent to it, moved, by way of amendment, that the absurd power granted by the edict 1695, to Bishops, by which they are authorised to shut up in the Episcopal prisons any of their clergy, who should have transgressed the rules of a clerical life, be abolished.

Monsieur de Foucault contended, that such a power was necessary to a Bishop, and that without it he could not maintain discipline among his clergy. Discipline was as necessary in the church as in the army. He himself, he said, had been confined more than four times by his superior officer, for breaches of discipline.
Several other amendments were proposed, such as that the almost numberless houses of correction in Paris, and which despotism formerly peopled at pleasure, should be converted to other purposes.—And also that persons confined for lunacy, and those who having been condemned to death by law, had obtained lettres de cachet to remove them to other places of confinement, and thus rescue them from an ignominious death, should be excepted from the benefit of this resolution.
The further discussion of the resolution was at last adjourned.
O X F O R D, November 9.
On Monday morning about four o'clock, the large oak situated at the entrance of Magdalen College, Water Walks, suddenly fell down; The wind was not very boisterous; but the late rains had so moistened the ground, that the small remains of the roots (most of which were decayed) were not sufficient to hold it. Among the dirt torn up with the root, were found an ancient spear, and a couple of arrows. By the college records this tree appears to be upwards of three hundred years old, and measured near eight feet in the girth. Under this venerable oak the celebrated Mr. Addison, while Fellow of Magdalen college, meditated many of his papers in the Spectator.
L O N D O N, October 28.
The Imperial armies have in three weeks obtained five important victories, made themselves masters with little bloodshed, of a fortress deemed almost impregnable, the key of European Turkey on the German frontiers, and reduced the provinces of Bellabaria, Wallachia, Bosnia, and Servia; and there is not a strong fortress, nor a powerful army to stop their progress to Constantinople. Perhaps, early in the next campaign, Laudohn may at the gates of that capital, dictate peace; and the Porte may be compelled, by the cession of its European territories, to purchase the safety of its Asiatic Empire.
The Emperor's troops in Ghent finding the patriotic army was marching to take possession of the town, ordered the town gates to be shut and that none should be permitted to go in or out, except waggons with provisions on market-days. A number of the patriotic troops concealed themselves in the provision waggons, and when they got within the gates seized on the centinels, and opened a passage for all the patriotic troops to enter; they immediately laid siege to the garrison which they got possession of in about 5 or 6 days: a great number of lives were lost, and about one half of the town destroyed: — Bruges was seized on and taken possession of in a few hours, by the patriotic army (having collected themselves in one body) which went and laid siege to Brussels.
A laudable Example. —Mr. T. Bradford, late an upholsterer at Doncaster, a few years ago became a bankrupt; but from a return of fortune, on Tuesday last, by public advertisement, he convened his creditors, and not only paid them near 2000l. but, with other friends, gave them an elegant entertainment. The bells of the church were rung, and the day concluded with the greatest harmony.
NEW-YORK, JANUARY 13, 1790.
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JANUARY 9, 1790.
MR. CLYMER took his seat this day.
A letter from the Secretary of the Treasury was read, informing the House, that agreeable to their resolution of 21st Sept. he had prepared a report, respecting the Finances, with a plan for the support of the public credit, and requested to know at what time the house would please to receive the same.
The time, and manner of receiving this communication, was made a subject of debate. It was contended by some members that there was the greatest propriety in the Secretary's delivering it in person, and giving a verbal explanation of the several parts—as it could not be supposed that the members could fully comprehend a system so various and complex, without its being accompanied with an explanation: That subjects of this kind are in their nature intricate—the House would want information, and must wish to receive it from the best source.
A resolution was proposed that the Report should be received on Thursday next, accompanied with such reasons and explanations as might be necessary, stated in writing. After some further conversation, in which the personal appearance of the Secretary on the floor of the House was alternately objected to, and contended for, the following resolution, in substance, was adopted, viz. "That on Thursday next this House
"will receive, in writing, the report of the Secretary of the Treasury Department, agreeable to the order of the 21st Sept. last."
The order of the day being called for, the House went into a committee of the whole, on The President's Speech—
MR. BALDWIN in the Chair,
—and adopted the following resolution:
Resolved , as the sense of this committee, That an address be presented by the House to The President of the United States, in answer to his Speech to both Houses, with assurances that this House will, without delay, proceed to take into their serious consideration the various and important matters recommended to their attention.
This resolution being agreed to by the House, the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to prepare the address, Mr. SMITH, (S.C.) Mr. CLYMER, and Mr. LAWRENCE.
Mr. AMES introduced a petition of Christopher Saddler, of Nova-Scotia, stating, that his vessel and cargo had been seized at the port of Boston, for a breach of a law of the United States, of which he was, at the time, ignorant—and praying relief: Laid on the table.—Adjourned.
MONDAY, JANUARY 11.
Mr. HATHORN, Mr. TRUMBULL, and Mr. MOORE, took their seats this day.
Mr. BOUDINOT of the committee appointed to enquire into the unfinished business of the last session, brought in a report, which was read, and laid on the table.
On motion of Mr. AMES, the petition of Christopher Saddler was read a second time, and referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
Mr. SMITH, (S.C.) from the Committee appointed to prepare an Address in answer to The President's Speech, presented a report, which being read, it was voted, That the House would to-morrow resolve itself into a Committee of the whole, to take the same into consideration.
Mr. GOODHUE, of the Committee appointed the last session, to prepare a Census, or Enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States, enquired, whether it is considered that the committee then chosen, is now in existence—if it is, he moved, That more effectually to answer the object of their appointment, the Committee should be enlarged, to consist of a Member from each State.
Mr. SMITH, (S.C.) observed, that the several matters recommended to the consideration of the House in The President's Speech, are objects of more immediate attention—suggested the propriety of appointing Committees to take them respectively into consideration, and accordingly moved, That the House should go into a Committee of the whole.
Several gentlemen observed, that it would be perhaps more proper to wait for those communications to which The President referred in the Speech.
Mr. GOODHUE suspended his motion, till the House should decide on that made by Mr. SMITH—which being put, was not adopted.
Mr. GOODHUE then rose to enquire, Whether it is considered that the unfinished business of the last session, should be taken up in the stage in which it was left, or de novo .
This enquiry occasioned considerable discussion.—Many of the members spoke on the occasion.—The Speaker said, that it had been customary in the legislative assemblies with which he had been connected, to continue the business from one session to another, during the time for which the members are elected—but it appeared that this was not strictly consonant to parliamentary usage, and as the subject is of very great importance, and different sentiments are entertained by gentlemen, it appeared necessary that the House should come to a decision upon it.
Mr. LIVERMORE, adverting to the necessity and importance of the two Houses' adopting similar rules of conduct, proposed that a committee should be chosen on the part of the House, to confer with a committee on the part of the Senate, to determine on a uniform system to be adopted by both Houses.
Mr. PAGE, Mr. LEE and Mr. SMITH were severally of opinion, that the business of the last session could not with propriety be taken up in the present, in the situation in which it was then left.—They contended that it should be entered upon de novo —As on the contrary supposition, questions of the highest importance to the peace and happiness of a great part of the Union might be resumed, and determined, in the early part of the session, in a very thin House, and by a small majority of a bare quorum of members.—The extensive territory which is represented—the great distance, from which most of the members came—all concur in favor of taking up the business anew.
Mr. CLYMER observed, that Congress by chusing a committee to enquire into, and report the unfinished business of the last session, plainly indicate that they do not consider that business as dead—for if it had been so considered it was absurd to appoint such a committee.
Mr. LAWRENCE said, that when the business of the last session, should come before either House,
it lay with them to determine in what manner they should proceed with respect to every article. He objected to the appointment of a committee.
The motion for a committee was put and negatived.
It was then moved that a committee of ten be appointed to bring in a bill for the actual enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States; which passing in the affirmative, the following members were appointed, viz.
 Mr. Foster, Mr. Clymer,  Mr. Goodhue, Mr. Seney,  Mr. Sherman, Mr. White,  Mr. Lawrance, Mr. Smith,  Mr. Schureman, Mr. Baldwin. 
A message from the President of the United States, by Mr. Secretary Lear, was received, with the following communications.
UNITED STATES, JAN. 11, 1790.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, I HAVE directed Mr. Lear, my private Secretary, to lay before you a copy of the adoption and ratification of the Constitution of the United States, by the State of North-Carolina, together with the copy of a letter from his Excellency Samuel Johnston, President of the Convention of said State, to the President of the United States.
The originals of the papers which are herewith transmitted to you, will be lodged in the office of the Secretary of State.
G. WASHINGTON.
FAYETTEVILLE, State of North-Carolina , 4th December, 1789.
SIR,
BY order of the Convention of the people of this State, I have the honor to transmit to you the ratification and adoption of the Constitution of the United States by the said Convention in behalf of the people.
With sentiments of the highest consideration and respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, your most faithful and obedient servant,
(Signed) SAMUEL JOHNSTON, President of the Convention, To the President of the United States.
I DO certify the above to be a true copy from the original.
TOBIAS LEAR, Secretary to the President of the United States.
A copy of the adoption and ratification of the Constitution of the United States, by the State of North-Carolina.
STATE OF NORTH-CAROLINA.
IN CONVENTION.
WHEREAS the General Convention which met in Philadelphia, in pursuance of a recommendation of Congress, did recommend to the citizens of the United States, a Constitution or form of government in the following words, viz. "We the people," &c. [Here follows the Constitution of the United States, verbatim. ]
Resolved , That this Convention, in behalf of the freemen, citizens and inhabitants of the State of North-Carolina, do adopt and ratify the said Constitution and form of government.
Done in Convention, the 21st day of November, 1789.
(Signed) SAMUEL JOHNSTON, President of the Convention. J. HUNT, } Secretaries. J. TAYLOR, }
BY the direction of the President of the United States, I have examined and compared the foregoing with the adoption and ratification of the Constitution of the United States, by the state of North Carolina, which was transmitted to the President of the United States, by Samuel Johnston, President of the Convention of said State, as well as the transcript of the Constitution of the United States, recited in the said ratification, which I certify to be a true copy.
TOBIAS LEAR, Secretary to the President of the United States.
The house then adjourned till 11 o'clock, to-morrow morning.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12.
The order of the day being called for, the House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole.—
Mr. BALDWIN in the chair.
The report of the Committee appointed to prepare an Address in answer to The President's Speech to both Houses, being read, the same was taken into consideration.
The Committee having discussed the several parts of this Address, rose—and the Chairman reported the same without amendments—which being again read in the House, was adopted unanimously.
It was then moved, That a Committee be appointed to wait on The President of the United States, to learn from him, at what time, and in what place, he would receive this Address—Mr. SMITH, (S.C.) Mr. CLYMER, and Mr. LAWRENCE, were appointed the Committee on this occasion.
A message from The President of the United States, by the Hon. GEN. KNOX, Secretary at War, was received—this being accompanied by a number of confidential papers: The House ordered the Doors of the Gallery to be shut.

UNITED STATES.
PORTSMOUTH, Dec. 29.
SKETCH of the Proceedings of the Legislature of this State.
MESSAGE of His Excellency The President of this State.
Gentlemen of the Honorable Senate, and House of Representatives,
IT affords me the highest pleasure, to meet you again in Assembly to advise and consult with you upon the affairs of the State at a time when so important matters will fall under your consideration. The public papers received since the last session, will be laid before you by the Secretary, and among them, you will find many acts and resolves of Congress which will require your deliberations; among others, it is of consequence to consider the proposal of the Federal Government, to take under their care the support of the Light Houses upon the conditions therein mentioned, and determine what territory, and whether any shall be ceded to the United States: Also to consider upon the expediency of passing a law impowering the United States to confine their prisoners in the prisons of this State.
Perhaps it may be thought worthy of your attention to take under consideration the present Excise Act, and determine how long it ought to be continued: And whether the duties ought to be lessened, on account of the impost now drawn by the United States.
It may be of importance to have an inquiry, whether any of the existing laws of the State, militate with, or are repugnant to the laws of the United States, or the Constitution of the Federal Government.
The amendments proposed by Congress to the Constitution of the United States, cannot fail of being considered and determined upon as early as the nature of the business before you will admit. Some other matters of importance will from time to time, as they may be in readiness, be communicated by private messages.
This being the season for granting the supplies of the present year, that object cannot pass unnoticed.
GENTLEMEN,
I recommend to you unanimity and dispatch, and beg leave to assure you, that I shall be very happy in joining with you to promote and carry into execution all those measures which may tend to advance the good of our common country.
Given at the Council-Chamber in Portsmouth, the 23d day of December, 1789.
JOHN SULLIVAN.
IN SENATE, DECEMBER 25.
VOTED, That Josiah Gilman, jun Esq. Nathaniel Parker and Nathaniel Gilman, Esqrs. be a committee to examine in the several offices of this State for proper vouchers to authenticate the accounts of this State against the United States, and furnish John Taylor Gilman, Esq. one of the Commissioners, with them.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
This vote, after being read, was concurred with this amendment, "that Nathaniel Parker, and Nathaniel Gilman, Esqrs. be the committee."
Voted, That this House join in conference with the Hon. Senate (if they see fit) as soon as conveniently may be, on the subject, "whether His Excellency President SULLIVAN can constitutionally continue in the Chair of Government while he holds the office of District Judge."
HARTFORD, January 7.
We are informed, that at the general meeting of the merchants of this state, convened at Middletown on the 31st ultimo, a petition and remonstrance to the general assembly, for a repeal of the excise law, was drawn up and unanimously adopted, and is to be presented to the honorable the legislature at their next session, by a deputation from the several counties in the state.
While we reprobate an act so oppressive and unequal in its operation, we cannot but be gratified that a body so respectable have adopted a measure which tends to keep up the good harmony and peace of the state.
They have likewise written to the Hon. Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, requesting that light-houses might be erected and buoys placed for the improvement and safety of the navigation of this and the neighbouring states.
Since the first of September 1788, ten thousand two hundred and seventy eight yards of woollen cloth have been made at the woollen manufactory in this city. It is with pleasure we add that this manufactory is in a flourishing state—four thousand weight of fine wool has just come to hand from Spain, which with what was before on hand makes a large stock—A number of good workmen are employed, and broad and narrow cloths of various colours, superfine, midling and low priced, are sold on as reasonable terms as they can be imported.
Last Monday four fine salmon were caught in the river just below this city.
FROM THE CONNECTICUT COURANT.
THE NEW-S-BOY'S ADDRESS TO HIS CUSTOMERS.
BEHOLD, another year is past, Full as important as the last; For TIME, like hares, our papers say, Conceives, and brings forth every day; Pregnant at once with dire distempers, Conventions, Congress, and young Empires. Four years employed th' American nation, In nursing up the Confederation; A child of frame so weak and slender, No Doctor's skill could cure or mend her; Doom'd to decay, in hectic deep, And leave all good old whigs to weep.
But soon a general States' Convention, With much lov'd WASHINGTON the bench on, Proposed a federal government, To all the States for their consent.
How did its foes with jealous strife, Attempt to take the infant's life; Predict a tyrant's reign, and bawl, That Freedom by the brat must fall! Like Herod, who, to keep command, Destroyed all children in the land, Lest a good Prince should fill the throne, And scourge all knaveries with his own: But Wisdom, which prevails o'er bawling, Has sav'd the child from tory mauling; Given him a GUARDIAN and PROTECTOR, As wise as SOLON, strong as HECTOR: And Congress too, with powers extending, Farther than patching work and mending; Have now begun, in Freedom's cause, A code of energetic laws.
Have not our papers every week, Told you what Congress think and speak? That words and dogmas, fall like hammers, When raging — now spouts and stammers: How — bawls in southern cause, And tiresome — hems and haws? How Old Dominion in a passion, Swears she'll separate from the nation— If government should not reside, On Allegany's rocky side? Such patriotism was never known, From times of BRUTUS to our own: For how can Congress rule the State, With vast Kentucky's added weight; Unless in center borne alone By huge American back bone?*
North Carolinians too appear, With State of Franklin in the rear, Demanding Congress now should settle, In woods, with Gougers, Creeks, and cattle: For know you not, the time will come, When Yankies, starv'd at home, will roam To southern climes, to find good fare, And then—your Congress' ready there?
Have you not seen our CHIEF caressed, In panegyric strains addressed? In praise genteely told t' his eyes, He's greatest, best, most just, most wise? On stage high rais'd, like puppet show, T' amuse the gaping croud below?
Now States, 'tis clearly prov'd at Boston, Their sovereignty should make the most on; Each State, in governor's opinion, At home should rank before the Union; And should our President but doubt, We'll try the reasoning, force of gout.†
Have not our friends, across the Atlantic, Found Freedom growing wild and antic? At haughty nobles rais'd her heel, And made all foes her vengeance feel? Open'd the Bastile's dark recesses, Releas'd the victims from distress? Made tyrants fly before her arms, And throughout Europe spread alarms?
All this, and more, we printers tell, And hopethis year to do as well.— You'll hear, each week, what duty's laid, To pay our debts, and help our trade; And if you'll pay the boy, he'll try, Against th' Excise to raise a cry; That fraudulent tax, which makes you swear, To save your money, when you dare. But this, all this, cannot be done, Without a fee to help us run; For boys, like wheels, in constant toil, Will lag and creak without the OIL.
* The Allegany mountains, so called.
† Alluding to a recent fact.
MR. FENNO,
I REQUEST you to re-publish the following Extract, with the accompanying observations, and oblige
PETER.
From the review of the Debates of Congress, in the 'Analytical Review, or New Literary Journal,' published by J. Johnston, London.
Their parliamentary forms, language and constitution, are nearly the same, mutatis mutandis , with those of the British and Irish parliaments: but the spirit and air that breathe in their speeches are more candid, sincere and patriotic. The several speakers, it is evident, are less under the influence of prejudice and political faction than ours, and more open to conviction.
The free and republican spirit of America appears in nothing more than in the toleration of taking down the public debates in short hand. This, if the British government shall verge, in process of time, towards republicanism, will be granted by our parliaments: If the genius of monarchy shall, on the contrary, overset the present political balance, the gallery doors will not be so easily opened, and less indulgence will be extended to those who report debates on the strength of memory.
THE liberality of mind which dictated the above, does honor to the human heart—The publication of the debates of Congress, have proved an unbounded source of information, instruction and amusement to the citizens of the United States. And altho' from the circumstance of the novelty of the business, the various speeches have not been so fully detailed, as some persons have wished, yet upon the whole, more perfect sketches have perhaps never appeared in any country, than many of the publications have been, and the portraits of the speakers in general, have been held up to the view of the people thro' this medium, in a very respectable point of light.—The National Legislature has been identified, if the expression may be allowed, to the mental eye of every citizen. The transactions of Congress have been "open and above board." The voice of clamor has not been heard, nor have insidious reproaches of intrigues, conclaves, and dark proceedings grated upon our ears.—The people have without doubt, been led to entertain the most favorable and honorable sentiments of the Representative body, whose enlightened and candid policy has not only kept the doors of their Gallery open, but suffered their debates to be taken on the floor of the House as a matter of course.—Such a privilege once enjoyed (like the precious blessing of freedom) makes an indelible impression on the mind; and it would be infinitely better not to have realized the gratification, than, after having participated it for a season, to be deprived of it for ever.
NEW-YORK, JANUARY 13.
Monday the legislature of this state convened in this city, pursuant to adjournment: Not making a quorum, they adjourned until twelve o'clock yesterday.
A CORRESPONDENT
Begs leave to observe, that nothing can be more absurd than to pretend the least similarity between the American Revolution, and the present Insurrection in France. The one effected by the united exertions of an oppressed people—The other proceeding from the ebullitions of a frantic populace, who always clamor against the Government in a time of scarcity, and return to admiration and submission upon an appearance of plenty; who so far from being enslaved by LOUIS THE SIXTEENTH, never experienced so mild a reign, nor possessed a Sovereign so truly deserving the appellation of Father of his People . Every American ought to regret, that the gallant Marquis DE LA FAYETTE has suffered his disappointment of the Marechal's staff to induce him to head those popular clamors. A knowledge of the history of France alone, without the spirit of prophecy, is sufficient to ascertain the event of the present commotions. The few respectable characters that support the popular cause, will continue to fall off, until the reaping of the harvest; when the disturbances will cease, and the Government be restored to its original form, unless LOUIS THE SIXTEENTH shall really desire to remit some of his privileges. The former insurrections have generally enhanced the power of the Monarch, but it is not probable that the pacific LOUIS, will accept any such acquisition. Those who are called the PEOPLE of Paris are perhaps the most versatile of the human race—generally actuated by the mere impulse of the moment, and after one great exertion return to ease and imbecility. Massachusetts Centinel.
There is some how or other a strange propensity in many persons to arraign the proceedings, deprecate the motives, and blast the reputation of those who distinguish themselves by their exertions, and exemplary conduct on great occasions. This disposition discovers itself, not only towards eminent characters, but whole communities, and nations fall under the censure of such misanthropists. Several writers have been unwearied in their endeavors to lessen the pleasure which the friends of humanity derive from contemplating the prospect which opens upon our illustrious allies of obtaining a free constitution. Their unparalleled sacrifices—that blaze of sentiment, that energy of thought, that justness of ideas, which characterize the proceedings of the National Assembly, animate the speeches and declamations of their patriots, and run through their truly nervous publications—that intrepidity and firmness of their leaders, which asserts the long injured rights of their country in the face of despotism—in short that all-pervading spirit of light and information, which has caught from man to man, and roused every great and noble principle of the human heart to action—all these and much more that might be mentioned are but the transient ebullitions of an unconquerable versatility!—and forsooth, because the people of France a century ago, worshipped thro' ignorance a tyrant; the present fermentation is to evaporate in fumo! but the cream of the jest is, that the noble assertor of the Rights of Mankind, "in both Hemispheres," the hero of volunteers in the noblest of causes, the MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE is actuated by chagrin and disappointment, in his glorious undertaking to make his country free.
"Envy will merit, as its shade pursue."
Is there a character in the Roll of American Worthies, against whom the arrows of malevolence have not been levelled at one period or another? But they recoil—and may they ever recoil on the unprincipled traduers of patriotism and honor.
The ship Africa , Capt. Magee, was well at Batavia in August last.

FROM THE CENTINEL.
MR. RUSSELL,
The following letter was received by the last post. The manifest design of it is to give information to the Citizens of the United States on points to which most of them must be strangers. I do not know how better to throw it before them, than by requesting the printers to insert it in their several papers.
GENTLEMEN,
Dec. 7, 1789.
THE permanent residence of Congress has furnished so interesting a subject for debate, in the late session of that honorable body, as to justify us in presuming that the individual citizens of each State must feel themselves deeply concerned in the eventual decision. Next to the great constitutional question, which so lately agitated our minds, we consider it as an object of the greatest importance to the present and future welfare of our country, that ever called for a discussion in our national councils.
Such being the sentiments of the inhabitants of Alexandria and George-Town, they have appointed us a committee to communicate with the principal towns in the Eastern States, on this interesting subject; and to give them an impartial and candid detail of those circumstances, which in our estimation, render the Potomack the most eligible situation in the Union.
In compliance with their wishes, we now beg leave to address you; with the fullest confidence, that a free and manly discussion will never incur the censure of Americans. We are, however, aware of the objections that may be made to our representations on the score of self-interest; nor will candor permit us to disown the many advantages we shall peculiarly derive from a decision in favor of the Potomack—but, if they be found strictly true, we hope they will have their due weight, notwithstanding the motives to which they may be attributed.
We presume it will be universally admitted as just, that the seat of Federal Government ought to be fixed as near the centre of territory as possible; since population and wealth are circumstances as fluctuating and variable as the winds, and equally undeserving of attention, if permanency be the object. The expense which will attend the erection of the necessary buildings, makes us hope that this is meant. Some regard then ought to be paid to posterity, if a perpetual union be the wish of all; and to the history of emigrations, that we may not have a similar expense to encounter in a short time. That the river Potomack is nearer the centre of the Union, than any other considerable river, and is more advantageously situated for preserving an intercourse with the inhabitants of the Western Territory, none can doubt; when we recollect the anxiety the English nation felt thirty years ago, in consequence of the possession of this extensive and fertile country by the French, we think ourselves particularly interested, from our greater vicinity, in giving the inhabitants thereof no cause to complain.
The safety of all the Atlantic States requires the utmost attention to the continuance of this intercourse; as their independence and separation from the Union would beget connections highly dangerous to our existence. Presuming that the navigation, extent, and productions of the Potomack are not well known to many of your citizens, it may not be improper to give them a full and just description thereof.
The Potomack empties into the bay of Chesapeake in latitude 37. 50. one hundred miles above the Capes: From the mouth of the river to George-Town—the highest part to which navigation is practicable for sea vessels—is one hundred and sixty miles; the depth of water is from three and a half to fifteen fathoms; the breadth of the river is from one to twelve miles: The navigation is more safe and easy than that of any other river in the United States, affording every where good anchorage, and fine harbors from its numerous creeks.
A vessel of twelve hundred hogheads of tobacco burthen has loaded at Alexandria, and one of seven hundred at George-Town. The inland navigation is at present used twenty-four miles above Fort-Cumberland: From thence to the Great-Falls is two hundred miles; though it may be made navigable to the mouth of Savage-Creek, eight miles higher. The present land-carriage from the mouth of Savage to Dunkard's Bottom, on Cheat-River, is thirty-seven miles; from thence to the Ohio it is navigable; but it is very practicable to improve the navigation so as to reduce the land carriage between the Potomack and Western Waters to only seventeen miles. As a proof of the facility of the communication, we apprehend the authority of Mr. WALLPOLE and his associates in their answer to the report of the board of trade in England will have some weight.
There is another circumstance of difference too. The lakes themselves never freeze, but the communications between them freeze, and the Hudson's river is itself shut up by the ice three months in the year; whereas the channel to the Chesapeake leads directly to a warm climate—the southern parts of it very rarely freeze at all, and whenever the northern do, it is so near the sources of the rivers, that the frequent floods to which they are liable break up the ice immediately; so that vessels may pass through the whole winter subject only to accidental and short delays. From the mouth of Savage to the settlements in the Mufkingum, west of the Ohio, is about 140 miles. A good road between these places is now opening, if not completed; from the Great-Falls to tide water, following the course of the river, is fourteen miles, and by land only eleven; from the Great-Falls to George-Town, is also fourteen miles, and to Alexandria seventeen, with good roads to each. The lands on the lower parts of the Potomack produce tobacco, corn, wheat and cotton plentifully. The country above the falls is remarkably fertile, and yields large quantities of hemp and flax, with the several articles produced below except cotton; the streams which empty into the Potomack are many; the principal are Patterson's Creek, which falls into the Potomack ten miles below Fort-Cumberland, and is navigable twenty miles above its mouth; the South-Branch, seventeen miles below Cumberland, is navigable one hundred miles; Cope-Capon, sixty miles below, is navigable twenty
miles. Conococheague, ninety miles below, is navigable twenty-four miles. Opeacan, one hundred and five miles below, is navigable twenty-five miles from its mouth, and within a few miles of Winchester, a flourishing inland town. The Shenandoah, one hundred and thirty miles below, may with a small expence be made navigable for one hundred and sixty miles, and is already used for a great part of that distance. The Monocacy, one hundred and fifty miles below Cumberland, is navigable thirty miles above its mouth; this river is within two miles of Frederick-Town in Maryland; one of the largest inland towns in the United States; these several streams pass through a country not exceeded in fertility of soil or salubrity of air by any in America, if any in the world; perhaps no part of America can boast of being more healthy than the Potomack in general; and we have been more astonished at the objections which have been made to fixing the seat of government on it, from a supposed deficiency in this respect, than any other; the country is almost entirely high and dry, with plentiful streams of pure water throughout the whole extent of it: And are not these the principal circumstances which conduce to health in every climate? But we ascribe the imputation to the general idea entertained of a southern clime by the inhabitants of a more northern one, which is only just with respect to the country adjacent to the sea-coast; for it is a fact we believe well ascertained, that the upper country, even in Georgia, the most southern State, is extremely healthy. But we wish to refer you on this subject to numbers of your friends and countrymen settled among us; their health will prove the assertion. The Berkeley springs, or bath, is situated within a few miles of this river, and frequented by the afflicted from all the States, and much celebrated for its effects: Slate, marble, free-stone of the red and grey Portland kinds, and iron ore may be had in great abundance on the banks of the river; indeed several iron works are already established thereon; of coal too there is an inexhaustible quantity near Cumberland, convenient to water carriage, from whence the towns in future may be supplied—With regard to fish it is plenty is too well known to require a particular description; suffice it to say that large quantities of herring and white fish are annually exported to the West-Indies. As to the defensibility of the Potomack, we are of opinion no river in America is capable of being rendered more secure: Its banks are every where high and bold, with the channel often not more than two hundred yards from the shore; Digges's point, about six miles below Alexandria, and just above Piscataway creek, is remarkably well calculated for a battery, as all vessels coming up the river must present their bows to that point, for the distance of three quarters of a mile; and, after passing, their sterns are equally exposed, for about the same distance; the middle of the channel there is not more than two hundred yards from the point.
Having now enumerated the particular advantages of the Potomack, suffer us to observe that the commerce of the river on which the seat of government shall be fixed, will thereby be greatly encreased; and propriety and justice seem to require that the merchants of every part of the Union should partake of the advantages resulting from that circumstance, as equally as the nature of the case will admit. Upon the Potomack are but few merchants of large capital, and but very little shipping; hence the merchants to the eastward would have a fairer chance of sharing in the trade of the metropolis, than could be expected, if the seat of government should be fixed either on the Susquehanna or Delaware, where the opulent and comparatively long established towns of Baltimore and Philadelphia, furnish merchants of large capitals, ready and capable of seizing every advantage themselves, and thus engrossing the whole commerce of these rivers. Besides, we apprehend it to be an incontrovertible fact that your produce and manufactures would meet with a more ready market on the Potomack, than on either of those rivers. The southern States are too much engaged in raising valuable staple commodities to attend to manufactures; it will therefore be a long time before they can rival you in this branch; while the inhabitants of Pennsylvania have already made considerable progress in these arts. The preference given by Britain to the commerce of the southern States before the revolution was founded on this policy, that they interfered least with her manufactures: Ought not the same motives to influence you, who are anxious to supplant her with respect to the articles with which she still continues to furnish us? When the greater centrality of the Potomack is considered, we think this circumstance ought to be decisive with you, in giving it the preference we contend for. To us it appears evident that the produce, manufactures and shipping of your country would be in much greater demand on the Potomack, than any where else more to the northward.
We accordingly request you to take the subject into your serious consideration, and weigh maturely the merits of a place, which besides its other advantages, presents the easiest communication with our western brethren.
We are, Gentlemen, your obedient Servants, Robert Peter, George Walker, Bernard O'Neill, Benjamin Stoddert, William Deakins, jun. George Gilpin, John Fitzgerald, Charles Simmons, David Stuart, Robert T. Hooe.
MR. FENNO, The following was lately received from a gentleman in Boston—The plan appears to be simple, and a real improvement—and as it includes a provision for both sexes, its liberality and benevolence must recommend it to the friends of the rising generation.
THE SYSTEM OF PUBLIC EDUCATION, Adopted by the Town of Boston, October 15, 1789.
I. THAT there be one School in which the rudiments of the Latin and Greek languages shall be taught, and scholars fully qualified for the Universities. That all candidates for admission into this School shall be at least ten years of age, having been previously well instructed in English Grammar; that they shall continue in it not longer than four years, and that they have liberty to attend the public writing Schools at such hours as the visiting Committee shall direct.
II. That there be one writing School at the South part of the town: one at the Centre, and one at the North part; that, in these Schools, the children of both sexes be taught writing, and also arithmetic in the various branches usually taught in the Town Schools, including Vulgar and Decimal Fractions.
III. That there be one reading School at the South part of the Town, one at the Centre, and one at the North part; that, in these Schools, the children of both sexes be taught to spell, accent, and read both prose and verse, and also be instructed in English Grammar and Composition.
IV. That the children of both sexes be admitted into the reading and writing Schools at the age of seven years, having previously received the instruction usual at Women's Schools; that they be allowed to continue in the reading and writing Schools till the age of fourteen, the boys attending the year round, the girls from the 20th of April to the 20th of October following; that they attend these Schools alternately, at such times, and subject to such changes, as the visiting Committee in consultation with the Masters shall approve.
V. That a Committee be annually chosen by ballot, to consist of twelve, in addition to the Selectmen, whose business it shall be to visit the Schools once in every quarter, and as much oftener as they shall judge proper with three of their number at least, to consult together in order to devise the best methods for the instruction and government of the Schools; and to communicate the result of their deliberations to the Masters; to determine at what hours the Schools shall begin, and to appoint play-days; in their visitations to enquire into the particular regulations of the Schools, both in regard to instruction and discipline, and give such advice to the Masters as they shall think proper; to examine the Scholars in the particular branches which they are taught; and by all proper methods to excite in them a laudable ambition to excel in a virtuous, amiable deportment, and in every branch of useful knowledge.
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 Muslins 8-4 6-4 5-4 HUMHUMS, Jackonet do. Long Cloths, Hankercchiefs, of various kinds, Cassas, Chintzes, Seersuckers, Ginghams, 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 COUNTERPANES, much warmer than Blankets.
JANUARY 9, 1790. t. f.
PROPOSAL, FOR PRINTING BY SUBSCRIPTION, MEMOIRS OF THE BLOOMSGROVE FAMILY.
In a SERIES of LETTERS from a gentleman in New-England to a respectable citizen of Philadelphia.
CONTAINING Sentiments on a MODE of DOMESTIC EDUCATION, suited to the present state of Society, Government and Manners in the United States, and on the Importance and Dignity of the Female Character.
INTERSPERSED WITH A VARIETY of interesting ANECDOTES.
CONDITIONS. They will be printed on a good paper and type—neatly bound and lettered, in two volumes, 12mo. and delivered to subscribers at three quarters of a dollar per volume.
These Memoirs are dedicated to Mrs. WASHINGTON, by her permission. Having seen the manuscripts, and approved the plan, "She heartily wishes that every laudable effort to improve the mode of education in this country may be attended with merited success."
FROM the literary character of the reputed author of the above work, and a table of contents left with the printer hereof, being eighty-three letters on the most interesting subjects of education, life and manners, it is expected these Memoirs will prove a very valuable and interesting performance.
Subscriptions received by the Editor, at his office, and letters (post paid) duly attended to.
ADVERTISEMENT.
EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF THE OHIO COMPANY.
WHEREAS, in the opinion of the Agents, it is very much for the interest of the proprietors at large, that all the lands of the purchase should be divided and allotted as immediately as may be—And in order to accommodate them generally, by the option of classing as they may think proper, and drawing their rights or shares (where they may possess more than one) either together in contiguity, or by detaching and annexing them to distinct classes or divisions (at their own election) to give them the greater chance for variety in soil and situation—It is unanimously resolved, That as soon as the exploring committee shall have appropriated the lands for donation settlements, in quantity sufficient for all the proprietors, WINTHROP SARGENT, JOSEPH GILMAN, and RETURN J. MEIGS, Esquires, who are hereby appointed a committee for that purpose, shall immediately make out, upon a large scale, a complete map or plan of the whole purchase from the best information, which they may be then able to obtain, expressing all the lands of the eight acre, three acre, city lots and commons, one hundred and sixty acre, and donation lots, the reserved lots of Congress, school lots, and lots appropriated for religious purposes—also, the two townships given by Congress for an university, and the towns or situations for towns to be reserved by the company for a future allotment.—That, all the residuary lands shall be, by them, the said committee of three, divided and numbered upon paper, into forty equal grand divisions of twenty-five shares each, as like in quality as may be: That each grand division be divided into five sub-divisions of five shares each, and each sub-division into sections of single shares:—That as soon as the map or plan is completed, the agents will form or class their subscribers (who shall not previously class themselves) by sections or single shares, into sub-divisions of five, and grand divisions of twenty-five, and immediately proceed to drawing by lot for said lands; by grand divisions, sub-divisions and sections: That in all draughts of sub-divisions (into sections) which may be made up of proprietors holding four, three, or two and single shares, it shall be the usage for the greatest proprietor, or holder of the greatest number of shares, to take his lands in contiguity, by lot, either in the southern or northern part of the sub-division, where they shall be numbered from north to south, and in the western or eastern (by lot also) where they may be numbered from west to east; and where sub-divisions may be made up of two proprietors of two shares each, and one of one share, the two greatest proprietors shall receive their sections, by lot, either in the southern or western part of the sub-division. Resolved, That the before named committee, be directed to prepare the names and numbers, and make all the necessary arrangements for the intended draught: That previous to the drawing for this ultimate grand division of lands, there shall be returns of the proprietors, as they may be classed by the agents (or otherwise) lodged in the Secretary's office, and it is recommended in all cases to consult the inclinations and interests of the proprietors in the order of classing.
Resolved, That the agents will give public notice of the time and place of drawing, and that there be two persons no ways interested in the draughts, who shall be sworn to the faithfully drawing out the names and numbers from the boxes, and who alone shall be employed in this business for the draught of grand divisions, sub-divisions, and sections.
Resolved, That the Secretary cause the foregoing resolutions to be published in the newspapers of New-York, and the New-England States; to the end that the proprietors at large may have the option of classing themselves as they may think proper: And they are hereby requested so to do, and to express themselves upon this subject, either to their respective agents, or by information in writing addressed to, and to be lodged with the Secretary, at his office in the city of Marietta, previous to the first Monday of March, 1790—Upon which day it is expected the division will take place.
WINTHROP SARGENT, Secretary to the Ohio Company. Marietta, 3d November, 1789.
WANTED IMMEDIATELY, A YOUNG LAD, of suitable character, to serve as an Apprentice to the printing Business. Enquire of the Printer.
Published by JOHN FENNO, No. 9, MAIDEN LANE, near the Oswego-Market, NEW-YORK.—[3 dol. pr. an.]