Gazette of the United States, & Philadelphia daily advertiser. (Philadelphia [Pa.]), 1798-05-23 00:00:00

CONGRESS. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
THURSDAY, May 10.
Mr. MATTHEWS presented an address from Elkton, in Maryland, approbatory of the measures of the Executive with respect to our late negotiations with France, and expressive of determinations to support the government.—Referred as usual.
The House, on motion, again resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the bill authorizing the President to raise a provisional army, and the consideration of the motion for striking out the first section being resumed.
Mr. W. C. CLAIBORNE rose, and said it was with reluctance that he had at any time expressed upon the time of the House; but, on a question so important as the present, he was unwilling to give a silent vote. He owned himself dissatisfied with the principles of the bill upon the table, and in favour of the motion to strike out the first section. He wished it not for a moment to be supposed that he was led to this opinion from local considerations; on subjects of national importance, nothing should ever influence his vote but the common good of the Union. The security which was ascribed to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, on the Monongahela, could not be ascribed to him. He resided in an exposed part of the Western country, amongst a people whose safety does not depend upon their numbers or situation, but upon their determination to resist attack, come from whence it may; and in the event of a war with France the State of Tennessee will be as apt to feel the horrors of it as the States of Georgia or S. Carolina. But when he came to reason with the gentleman from S. Carolina (Mr. Harper) on the best means of defence, they differed on the threshold of the discussion. That gentleman thinks a standing force is necessary; he, on the contrary, was persuaded that if the implements of war were dispersed amongst the citizens, they would be equal to their own defence, at least with the assistance of the citizens of the adjoining States.
The gentleman from South-Carolina allows that the permanent defence of the nation lies in the militia; but he conceives, that in order to bring forward all the force of the militia, it is necessary that a regular force should act along with them. Here they differed in opinion. He himself was inclined to believe that militia and regular soldiers seldom agreed together—that they view each other with contempt, and that they act best apart, and he placed the greater reliance upon militia. He knew that it was a popular opinion that troops long disciplined to bloody warfare, were a better security for a country than militia; but with great deference to military characters, who were far better acquainted with the subject than he could possibly be, he conceived this opinion to be founded on error, and fostered by prejudice, though palmed upon the world for truth. In countries differently situated from ours, this might be the case. When a war is carried on between Kings, by means of Slaves who support their authority in time of peace, it is necessary that the troops on both sides should be equally veteran and well disciplined, because they want that amor patrie which animates a free citizen in the defence of his country and his liberty; but when an army of these disciplined troops, who fight only for pay, are opposed by a body of citizens who contend for every thing dear to man, victory never fails to crown the cause of freedom.
By whom, said Mr. C. was the army of Hannibal driven out of Italy, but by the Roman militia. To whom did Greece owe her safety, when attacked by Xerxes, but to her militia. Passing from ancient to modern times, to whom did Holland and Switzerland owe the preservation of their liberty for so many centuries, surrounded as they were by despotic powers, and opposed by regular disciplined troops, but to the bravery of their militia.
But we are told, said Mr. C. by the gentleman from Massachusetts, that the veteran Generals of France cannot be made to believe that our militia are able to stand before their armies. He believed those generals would not have a doubt on the subject. They would remember the prodigies of valour which their own militia performed. They will remember that the militia of France saved that country from the fate of Poland. That that militia had fought her battles, and laid the first corner stone to that monument of military fame, which Buonaparte and his army have since coupled.
But if an idea should prevail in France, that the militia of America is not equal in battle to those of the most tried nations in Europe, let them call to remembrance the revolutionary war of this country, and they will immediately be convinced to the contrary. He by no means wished to detract from the merits of our late small army; they fought well for their country, and they have been recompensed principally by the liberty which their bravery has secured to us. He could not speak of that body of men without respect, and when he saw a member of it his heart palpitated with gratitude: for his services, but he believed notwithstanding, that it was principally owing to the militia that we were enabled to pluck from the British crown the brightest gem which ever adorned it, in establishing the independence of this country; and he believed the same militia was still able and willing to defend us against an invasion from France, or from any other country.
Mr. C. said, he felt for our present critical situation as much as any man upon that floor; but he did not apprehend the danger of an invasion to be so great as the gentlemen from S. Carolina and Massachusetts seemed to think it. He must own he felt no dread on this account. If France still thirsts for conquest and military prowess, or if her armies still fight for rapine and plunder, as gentlemen are continually saying they do, the old government of Europe afford much stronger temptations than infant America can offer to them. We have nothing, said he, to court their avarice. Our blessings consist of a good government, liberty, a good climate, and a fertile soil—Contented with these blessings, we may persuade our countrymen to envy not the possessions of other nations; and however we may sympathize with the distresses of Europe, it ought to be our wish, as it is undoubtedly our interest, to preserve peace with all the human family. He trusted that when the present European war shall cease, our rights will again be respected; but if France, in the paroxysm of her phrensy, shall attempt to invade America, he believed the pulling of this
law for a provisional army would be of no service. Suppose the law were immediately passed, and the President were immediately to send out recruiting officers, what kind of men would make up your battalions? The danger is too remote to induce men who have an interest in the country to leave their plough and turn soldiers; and if this army was now embodied, it would consist of the refuse of society—of men who might wear the garb of soldiers, but possess few, perhaps none of their virtues.
There was a ground of objection to this bill upon which it was his intention to dwell but little. He meant as to the unconstitutionality of the first clause; for, after the gentleman from Pennsylvania and the gentleman from Virginia had spoken on that point, it was not in his power to say any thing new upon it. But he viewed the trust placed in Congress to raise armies as an important trust, and to delegate it to the President would, in his opinion, be to attach a responsibility to him which was meant to be placed in Congress only. But the committee were told by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Otis) that this was an improper time to mention constitutional scruples; that this was a time for acting. He was of opinion, however, that the Constitution, that palladium of our rights, never could be too sacredly guarded, and this of all others is the proper time to take care it is not invaded. In times of tranquillity, Congress does not feel disposed to surrender their authority; but when danger approaches, and alarm is every where gone abroad, then it is that Congress may be most likely to be prevailed with to give up powers to the Executive, from an idea of promoting the public good (but which may prove its greatest misfortune) which, at other times, they would hold with the greatest tenaciousness. He need not remind the committee, that the greatest evils had arisen from suffering the Executive power in governments to pass into too much power. We need only to look at the nations of Europe to see that the loading of one Executive with power, has frequently enabled his successor, at some future day to enslave the people.
The gentleman from Massachusetts and the gentleman from S. Carolina, have each in their turn, laboured to shew the necessity of this army. They have spoken much of the advantages to be derived from the employment of regular troops. Their eloquence, he allowed to be splendid, and that their zeal for the safety of the people did honour to their hearts. But have they shewn the necessity of this army? No; one of them tells the committee that Victor Hughes, with his black troops, may go against Savannah or Charleston; the other, that when peace is made in Europe, France may transport an army to America. But if these events were to take place, would this Provisional Army give safety to the country? No; it must be the Militia which must avert the danger, and eventually the security of the country.
So far as relates to himself, he had suffered in early life an impression unfavourable to the employment of standing troops, from having seen that when they were once introduced, they were scarcely ever laid aside, and that they constantly proved the bane of liberty; but these impressions had grown up with him, and he still retained them, and they were heightened by the recent experience, which he had had of the mischievous effects of such troops in the State which he had the honour to represent; he had seen that they might be made the organs of oppression, and be the means of introducing amongst a happy, peaceable people, much disorder and injury. Here he would stop. He wished to draw a veil over the injuries which had been done to the people of Tennessee by means of standing troops; because, no sooner were these wrongs known to the General Government, than every department of it shewed a willingness to redress them. But the occurrence notwithstanding strengthened his former impressions against a standing army.
Mr. C. concluded, by saying he would not speak of the expense of this army, or of the difficulty which would attend the collecting of the money, because he did not will to trespass longer upon the patience of the committee. He did not flatter himself that any thing which he had said, or could say, would change the sentiments of one member of the committee; but he trusted all would believe he spoke from the sincerity of his heart, every sentiment of which was deeply interested in the prosperity, liberty, happiness, and independence of United America.
Mr. BROOKS had no doubt the gentleman from Tennessee had delivered to the committee the genuine sentiments of his heart; but notwithstanding that he could not bring himself to join in sentiment with him. That gentleman had said that Militia are better troops than a Standing Army. This was the first time he had ever heard the sentiment advanced. Whatever objection there may be to a Standing Army, he thought discipline was every thing. He did not think that the allusion which he had made to the troops of another country, who were willing soldiers, or to our own Revolution, would authorise the opinion. He would call the attention of the gentleman to our revolution. He did not mean to depreciate the Militia; but it was well known they could not be kept in the field for any length of time together. He remembered an instance in 1776, at Amboy, where a company of Militia were drafted for a particular time, and when it expired, they determined at all events to return home, and all that could be said to them could not induce them to stay. Men who leave families behind them will not continue contented beyond the time for which they are called. If the Militia alone were to be resorted to, a much greater number of men would be necessary in the service, and the expense of retaining them would be greater, according to their numbers, than if regular troops were employed.
The gentleman left up, and others, had said there is no danger of an invasion. Mr. B. asked what all the preparations are making for on the French coast?
Mr. CLAIBORNE explained what he had said about danger.
If there should be no danger, Mr. B. said, no army would be raised, for the uncertainty whether we should be invaded, or not, was the reason why the power of determining the time of raising the army was placed in the President. And notwithstanding gentlemen continually call this a Standing Army, if they look at the bill they will find that the President will have the power of disbanding it whenever it shall cease to be necessary. Besides these arguments did not go against the bill, but against
the detail of it, which might undergo amendment and modification.
Gentlemen have spoken on the constitutionality of this bill, but he thought these objections had been completely answered, and former laws which had been passed after a similar manner, proved that heretofore no objection was made to this mode of proceeding, and until gentlemen could shew the difference which exists between those laws and the present, there was no necessity for spending time in answering these objections. He could not see any objection to the bill on this ground, as it was calculated solely for the purpose of saving expense. With respect to any danger which could arise from the misuse of this power, it was a mere chimera. He believed enough had already been said on this question, and he hoped the question would be taken.
Mr. GALLATIN said, he would not take much of the time of the committee in relation to what might be called the constitutional question under consideration; yet he found, from the manner in which his arguments had been noticed, it would be necessary to make a few additional observations on this subject.
He understood that the object of a constitution was to secure a proper distribution of power amongst the different branches of a Government. It was a security never possessed by any country before the constitutions of the United States were formed. In Great Britain whatever distribution of powers may exist, an act of parliament may transfer any power from one department to another. The only check then upon the use of that power is public opinion. But in this country, the principle of the constitution is, that no department of Government can exercise that power which has been given to another department. Gentlemen, however, seem to suppose the constitution may remain inviolate, so long as there is no forcible assumption of power by any branch of Government from the other, and that a transfer or free gift of such power would not be a violation of the constitution. He considered the effect to be precisely the same which ever way it was done. The object of the constitution was to assign forever certain specific legislative powers to Congress and certain other powers to the Executive, and whenever one department shall exercise the powers of the other, in whatever way it shall be done, the constitution will be broken, and the security intended by it will no longer exist.
If these remarks are applied to the case under consideration, it would be found that one of the most important powers that could be vested in Congress, viz. the power of raising an army, is, by this bill, proposed to be transferred from Congress to the President. This he considered as a dangerous principle, and if once admitted, it would be in the power of Congress to destroy the Constitution. Yet the committee are told there are precedents to authorize this procedure. He knew the line, which separates executive from legislative duty, is sometimes very indistinct; and in some cases of not very great importance, where the distinction might not be very striking, or had not perhaps been attended to, powers which, strictly speaking, were legislative, may have been improperly given to the Executive; but is an instance of this kind to be brought as a precedent for passing a bill of so important a nature as is the present? Because power has been given to the President to build gun galleys, if he shall think them necessary, and to spend 30,000 dollars; should it now be inferred, that there would be no impropriety in giving him the power to judge of the necessity of raising an army of 10,000 men, which are to cost the United States at least four millions of dollars a year? If that conclusion was drawn, he would ask whether Congress might not also transfer any of her other important powers vested in them—such as the power of laying and collecting taxes, and that of declaring war? And if so, it was admitted that Congress have the power of destroying the Constitution; for limitation clauses to laws were frequently opposed as improper; and if a single Congress passed without any limitation clause an act similar to this, or giving for ever to the Executive, the power of judging of the necessity of raising an army, or of laying a tax, or of declaring war, on an enactment of laws, he asked whether the legislative power of Congress would not be annihilated? And yet this is the objection which some gentlemen call it ridiculous to entertain, whilst others charge the supporters of it with a want of candour and sincerity.
After stating this, Mr. G. said, he believed he need not answer the objections of the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Dana) who seemed to think that he (Mr. G.) had relied upon a mere verbal difference in the wording of some of the clauses in the Constitution. He would now see that he did not raise his objections on so slight a ground, but that they arose from the general principles and spirit of the constitution itself. Mr. G. said, he might be told that no danger would arise from this transfer of power, as it was not to be supposed the President would abuse it, and that he ought not to suppose the case of future legislatures passing such improper acts as he had mentioned, or at any rate transferring other powers to the Executive, because this Congress was going to transfer the specific discretionary power contemplated in the section under consideration. But ought they to put more trust in future legislatures than in themselves? And if the galleys were brought as a precedent to induce Congress to pass this bill, would not this bill be brought as a precedent to induce future legislatures to make still further and more dangerous transfers of power? Were not evident symptoms of that disposition discernible in this very discussion? A gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Otis) had positively asserted that if the President was to give information to Congress that in his opinion, there was imminent danger of an invasion, Congress without examining the grounds of that opinion, must necessarily act in conformity to it. The same gentleman had said, that if the validity of the objections urged against this bill were admitted, it would declare all former laws enacted upon the same principle null, and of course the whole of our present army would be dissolved. This could not be the case; for if there was anything unconstitutional in the law fixing the military establishment, it was the power which was given to the President to forbear raising, or to discharge the men, when he should think them unnecessary, which power had never been executed, and therefore could in nowise affect the military establishment now existing.
But the committee are told that the present dangerous situation of our country renders it necessary to pass a law of this kind. It appeared to him that when gentlemen were called upon to shew where this danger exists, they were at a loss how to answer. They had not even where it is; almost all concurred in an opinion that there would be no invasion by an army this season. After a peace was concluded in Europe, some gentlemen were of opinion there might be danger but not at present. The gentleman from S. Carolina had indeed pointed out a part of the country where he supposed there is at present some danger, and it was the only quarter in which he himself expected any annoyance at present, and upon which he had already made some observations. That gentleman had, however, gone on to detail the manner in which the French may land, and the points most likely to be attacked. If that gentleman be sincere in his fears, and really thinks that imminent danger exists, he ought to vote for the raising of the army immediately, otherwise the force which he wished to raise, would be too late for the quarter in which this danger is said to be so imminent. But the gentleman in the whole course of his observations, has spoken of this section as giving to the President a power, whenever danger shall appear of calling these men out or embodying them, as if the proper power of raising an army was suddenly to embody men together in an emergency; whereas it must be clear to him that these men must first be enlisted and collected, whilst on the contrary the militia alone could be called out or embodied immediately. Indeed a militia force might be called out and have repelled a predatory attack, before 500 of this provisional army could be raised. He conceived only two things were wanting to make militia more effective than at present, which were provided by the additional sections reported to this bill by the select committee, which were to furnish them with arms, and also the equipments for cavalry in the southern states. He hoped those sections would be agreed to, and then he thought the gentleman from South-Carolina (Mr. Harper) might be perfectly easy on account of the safety of the southern states. If we were to be engaged in war, not only by sea but by land, and an invading army was to land under an idea of subjugating the country, or of bringing us to a dishonorable peace, he would then agree that a standing army would be necessary to aid the militia; but at present he did not think there would be any reasonable expectation of such an event.
Mr. G. said he had been told that he might consider himself safe on his farm on the Monongahela, and that the people of the South-
west would not be very thankful for the opposition he made to this force for their defence. But was it proper to introduce circumstances of this kind into debate? He did not believe that by any vote which he had ever given on that floor, that he had shewn any unjustifiable attachment to his constituents to the injury of other parts of the Union. He should undoubtedly, on all occasions, support their interests, so far as he understood them, whenever it could be done consistently with the good of the whole, but never in opposition to that good.
Mr. G. supposed that if the danger was very great on the Southern coast, more would have been heard of it than by the private letter of the gentleman from S. Carolina (Mr. Harper). He himself did not believe there was any great danger to be apprehended at present from invasion. But the arguments of gentlemen went to shew that the danger is now imminent, and consequently that the army ought now to be raised; and yet, instead of acting consistently with their own arguments, they support a bill by which an army is to be raised only in case of a change of circumstances. When gentlemen wish to establish the belief of a probability of an immediate invasion, they refer to the conversations which passed in Paris betwixt our Ministers and X, Y and Z. If they believe that they see, and the President believes that he sees in that conversation threatened invasion, he supposed the army would be immediately raised. Indeed, from what he daily heard and saw, he was of opinion that the President believed imminent danger now to exist. But the section under consideration went, taking the arguments of the gentleman to be well-grounded, to throw the responsibility of a measure which in their opinion was now necessary, from themselves on the President.
But the committee had been told by the gentleman from New-York (Mr. Brooks) that the militia are more expensive than regular troops. Mr. G. believed that whilst they were in service they were more expensive, on account of their marching to and from home; but the great difference betwixt the two forces was, the militia were only called into actual service and paid when actual danger existed, but an army receives pay all the time it is in being. Of course an army, if considered a cheaper weapon of defence, ought only to be raised in time of actual danger, and discharged when it ceases to exist.
Shall I, said Mr. G. be told it is improper to speak of expense in a business of this kind; He said he knew well enough, that in case of actual war, or invasion, it would be ridiculous to talk of the expense of defence. And if the committee now believe that we are in imminent danger, they ought immediately to raise an army; but as they suppose the danger does not at present exist, the expense was a proper subject of discussion. He would not however, on the subject of this bill, have said any thing about it, had it not been asserted that no expense could be incurred on account of this law. He wished to know why gentlemen had so earnestly insisted upon a permanent land-tax, in order to insure a permanent loan. That loan and that tax were wanted for the sole purpose of supporting this army, as all the expenses at present incurred are provided for by the present revenue, and one year's land-tax. Without this army there would be no necessity to a permanent land-tax. Let not gentlemen amuse themselves with the idea, that at the time they are giving the President a power to raise an army of 10,000 men it will be attended with no expense. If they give the authority, they must reckon upon paying the men, and this can only be done by a permanent land-tax. He had therefore voted against making the land-tax permanent, because he was against raising this army, and he could not conceive how gentlemen who had agreed with him on that question could consistently be in favour of this. If they were in favour of the army, they ought, in order to provide the means, to have voted for the permanent land-tax. As to the distinction made by the gentleman from S.
Carolina betwixt the troops proposed to be raised by this bill, and a standing army, he looked upon it as frivolous; the words standing army meant a regular force as distinguished from the militia; you may call it by that name, or simply an army, which are the words used by the Constitution; it will not change its substance—and in Great Britain, where its existence, on account of the annual mutiny bill, was always limited to one year, it was always called a standing army.
He would add one remark with respect to standing armies. Military men on this floor, in favour of an establishment of this kind, judge of a regular army from what they saw of the Revolution army—but such an army, he apprehended, would not again be seen in this country, except in case of invasion, when the same spirit would animate our citizens which inspired them heretofore; but a standing army, in time of peace would always be found very different from the patriotic army with which those gentlemen were acquainted. With respect to militia, he believed most of those gentlemen were better acquainted with their merits than he could pretend to be, yet they have not only denied that the militia of the United States are capable of serving against a regular army, for any length of time, but also of repelling an invasion. He believed with his friend from Tennessee, that very many instances in our revolutionary war spoke a contrary language. If he recollected right, the enemy was kept in Boston for more than a year, and at last driven from thence by the militia; and he believed the State of New-Jersey was recovered in 1777 by the militia, when hardly the appearance of a regular army existed. Advancing to another period of the war, which perhaps decided it, he asked whether the standing army would have been able to stop the course of General Burgoyne, had it not been for the militia, which poured from all quarters, checked his progress, and so eminently contributed to his capture. He knew great services were performed by regular troops, and that in case of actual war they were necessary; but he believed the militia were equal to the repelling of any invasion which could, under present circumstances, be contemplated.
Mr. PRINCE said, he did not intend to have troubled the committee with any observations of his on the present question; because he thought all the arguments which had been adduced against this bill had been fully answered; but as they were again repeated, he must be permitted to say a few words in reply.
The gentleman from Pennsylvania had said, with great truth, that it was the object of those who formed the Constitution, that the powers of government should be distributed amongst the different departments, and that they ought not to be assigned or relinquished. All must be agreed as to that point. The only question is as to its application in the present case, and whether the power proposed to be granted by this bill gave away from Congress the power of raising an army, to any other department of government. If this power was generally transferred to the President, he might at all times raise an army, without the consent of Congress; but it would not be said that this would be the case, if this bill should pass. It is not doubted that the Legislature may order an army to be raised by the President, in case of a declaration of war, or of an invasion; but gentlemen say the contingency ought not to depend upon the opinion of the President. But, Mr. P. said, this must either be done, or you must burden your constituents unnecessarily, by raising the army before it is wanted. It had been said that it was not fair to argue from former violations of right. This, he allowed, was a fair objection as it respects real violations of right, but where a thing has frequently been done in one way, and no objections raised to that course, it was reasonable to suppose that course was not unconstitutional.
Mr. P. was surprised to hear gentlemen attempt addition between the case of immediately raising an army, and ordering it to be raised in case of certain contingencies. If he could discover any difference, he should be for immediately voting this army; but not seeing this, he thought it unreasonable that he should either burden the country with an unnecessary expense, or leave it in a great degree defenceless. He believed the power proposed to be given to amount to no more than this. It said to the President of the United States, "if war should be declared against this country, if we should be invaded, or if you should have certain information that force is preparing to make such an invasion, you shall proceed to raise this army." He thought, therefore, every constitutional objection must fall to the ground.
But an objection was made to this clause because it gave power to the President for an unlimited time. He should have no objection to limit the period within which this power should be exercised. He should have no objection to limit it till the next meeting of Congress.
It was said, that if Congress had the power to vest the power of raising an army in the President, they might also transfer the power of raising a tax in him. He believed this might be done in the same way. A law might be passed for raising a tax, specifying the mode of laying it, and the quantum of money to be raised, but with a provision that it should not be collected until it was wanted, or until some contingency should take place. But if this was done, he should not conceive that he transferred the power of raising taxes to the President, any more than the passing of this bill would transfer the power of raising an army to him.
The passing of the present bill in this form, would also save expense in more ways than one. It would shew to the powers of Europe that we were determined to prepare for our defence, and that if an attack should be made upon us, we are determined to repel it. It was upon this ground that he was in favour of raising 20,000 men instead of 10,000. To shew a spirit of this kind, he believed, would be our best means of defence, as it might prevent any attack being made upon us, and by so doing, save us an immense expense.
But it had been said, that those who wished to prevent the land tax becoming permanent, ought to vote against this bill, as the one was to meet the expense of the other. He did not think this was the case by any means. Many who voted in favour of the land tax being annual, he doubted not, would vote for this bill also. They might conceive that the money would be better raised in another way.
With respect to the expediency of the mea-

sure, it appeared to him that it would be wise and prudent in the United States, in case of an invasion of war, an invasion, or threatened invasion, not to lose a moment to add this force to our Peace establishment. The committee had been told that on a former occasion, the Militia were found adequate to the defence of the country. He believed an instance of that kind had scarcely ever occurred. He knew they had been of essential benefit in supporting the regular army; but the instances were few in which they of themselves rendered any essential service in the war. He had a gentleman in his eye, under whom the Militia had alone rendered very considerable service. He spoke particularly of the affair at King's Mountain, in N. Carolina. But the Militia would never remain in the field for any length of time. It was true, he saw Militia in the late war that were equal to any troops in the world; these consisted of men who had been driven from their homes by the enemy, and who could not return to their families. But God forbid this country should ever be brought into a like situation again; if it were, Militia would then be as good troops as could be had, but not under any other circumstances.
The gentleman from Pennsylvania had mentioned the case of Boston. That was a very particular case. A small British force was encamped in a very populous country, where the people were united in one spirit and trained to arms. They certainly were very serviceable in the first instance. But what was the opinion of those who were at the head of our Military Affairs at the commencement of the Revolution? Did they think the Militia were equal to the defence of the country? No; they did not. The first step they took, after the first hostility was to organize a regular corps. A Commander in Chief was appointed, who carried the country through the war. He went to Boston, and raised men as regular troops. And this he believed it would be proper to do now. He had as good an opinion of the Militia as any man, but he believed it was necessary to have regulars to mix with them. But the same gentleman instanced New-Jersey, where he says great honour was achieved by the Militia. Mr. P. believed some of the Militia were present at these actions; but he did not recollect any thing brilliant performed at Trenton or Princeton by the Militia, without a regular force. If the gentleman made enquiry into the business, he would find the troops were mixed, and that the principal part of the defence was performed by regular troops.
He mentioned another case almost exactly of the same nature. He meant the army which captured General Burgoyne. Mr. P. said, there were, he believed, more than one person present who was engaged in that affair, and if the gentleman referred to them, he would find that brilliant action was not accomplished by Militia alone. Those gentlemen will tell him, that had it not been for a regular effective army, Burgoyne's army would never have been captured. He believed not less than 6,000 regular troops were present. The arguments drawn from these instances, therefore, fell to the ground.
Some gentlemen seemed confident in the opinion that our Militia would be a sufficient defence for the country. For himself, he would not hesitate to say, he should feel himself much more easy, if there was a regular force in the country from which he came, in aid of the Militia, than if there was none. He did not say this from a want of respect for the Militia of South Carolina. They had heretofore acted well, and he had no doubt they would do so again, if their service should be wanted. He had it from a gentleman whose duty it was to attend to them, that they were as ready to meet an attack as any Militia on the Continent. He had not himself seen them for many years; but if 100 or 1500 regulars were stationed in the lower part of the country where the population is sparse, to be marched to any place where an attack might be made, he should be better satisfied, than to depend entirely upon the Militia. If it was not, indeed, for the expense, he should be for immediately raising troops to send to that part of the country; for he believed a predatory invasion might take place from the West Indies, and do considerable mischief there, before an effectual force of Militia could be drawn out to oppose it. Feeling as he did, therefore, he could not but vote for the present bill.
The gentleman from Pennsylvania admits that it may be necessary to have a Standing Army in time of actual war; but says it would be improper to raise an army before we know whether we shall have any occasion to use it; but the gentleman ought to recollect that except this probability exists, in a very strong degree indeed, this army will not be raised.
Before he sat down, Mr. P. said, it might be proper to make a few remarks upon what had fallen from the gentleman from Tennessee. Had it not come from his authority, he could scarcely have conceived that militia could, at any time, have been an overmatch for regular troops. But the gentleman has relied upon ancient history for the illustration of his position, and has spoken of Greece and Rome. He would remark, that if this country was situated as Greece and Rome were, and our enemy in all respects as theirs, the comparison might hold with more force than it does at present. Besides if the armies of Greece and Rome were militia, there were no armies at that time. Those countries defended themselves by armies which they could organize and discipline in the best manner, which they could march a thousand miles from home, to conquer distant provinces. They were perhaps the most regular armies which ever existed. If, said Mr. P. we expected to be attacked by militia, he should be willing to trust our defence to militia; but as it was likely we should be attacked by well disciplined troops, he should wish to have regular troops to meet them.
But the militia of France was brought into notice, and their valour highly spoken of. If we had the power which France has exercised of making a well disciplined soldier of every man from 18 to 25 years of age in one requisition, and if those were not sufficient, to call for a second and a third, it might be said our militia would be equal to the troops of France. But, God forbid that we should ever have occasion to do this. When the militia bill was under consideration, he was for imitating the French system in some degree, by dividing the militia into select and reserved corps, in order to give our force military knowledge. He would remark, however, that when the French called out these militia, they grafted them upon the remainder of a well organized army, to which, perhaps, may be ascribed, in a great degree, their successes.
With respect to the danger to be dreaded
from an army of this kind to the liberties of the people, he said it was perfectly groundless. He was as much an enemy to a standing army in time of peace, as any man; but this was to be wary for a particular emergency. If the arguments of the gentleman from Tennessee went to any thing, they must go to the disbanding of our present small army employed principally in the defence of our frontier. But what degree of blame can be imputed to the troops employed in Tennessee, to which he alluded? None, in his opinion. If there was any blame it was in the law which originated in that house, directing certain measures to be taken, and that any person failing within certain bounds in that state which belongs to the Indians, should be removed by the Executive, and if he tho't it necessary, by means of an armed force. The President thought the time was arrived when he ought to carry the law into execution, and he did it.
From all the considerations which he had mentioned, and which he recapitulated, he should be in favour of retaining the first section of the bill, which might afterwards be modified, so as to become more generally acceptable than it now appears to be.
Mr. M'DOWELL said, the gentleman from S. Carolina (Mr. Harper) had yesterday worked up his passions in representing the dangers to which the coast of S. Carolina and Georgia are exposed, from attacks which may be made upon them from the West Indies, and attributed the want of a similar temper in other members, to the security of their situations. Though he himself lived near the mountains, yet he felt for those who resided on the sea coast, with which he was well acquainted. When that coast was formerly attacked, the people in his neighbourhood showed their readiness to give the citizens there every possible assistance, and he was certain, if the same necessity again occurred, they would be as ready as formerly to defend their country against any invader whatever.
But he was sorry to hear that the constituents of that gentleman were so greatly alarmed, that they trembled for their safety. [Mr. Harper said, that he did not say his constituents trembled, but that they were apprehensive of danger.] Mr. M'D. understood the gentleman as using very strong expressions on this subject; but if this law were to pass, he supposed all would be well. And yet, if the constituents of that gentleman were in daily apprehension of being attacked, how could the passing of the bill relieve them, since these men were not to be raised, until imminent danger appeared? It must be recollected, that during the summer session, 80,000 militia men were ordered to be held in readiness, and any part, or the whole of which may be called out, whenever it shall be necessary. And would not these be more effective than the raising of 10,000 regular troops? They certainly would. If any attack was made, it would be of a predatory nature, and the militia would soon crush it.
Much had been said about the service of the militia, and of regulars. Mr. M'D. said, he had served in the regulars and knew their usefulness, and if a war took place, he would give his cheerful assent to the raising of an army; but nothing short of war, or actual invasion, would induce him to go into an establishment of this kind, as he believed the militia adequate to our defence in the first instance. He should therefore be opposed to the bill.
(To be continued.)
Will be sold for Cash, At eight o'clock on the Evening of MONDAY the eleventh day of June next, at the Market-chestnut Coffee house, in Philadelphia, if not previously disposed of at private sale.
THE FOLLOWING TRACTS OF VALUABLE PATENTED LAND,
In the county of Glynn, in the state of Georgia, and the counties of Bath and Randolph in the state of Virginia.
7000 acres at the head of St. Simon's Sound and confluence of Turtle and Altamaha rivers, adjoining the commons of the town of Brunswick.
42000 acres on the Great Satilla and on the head waters of the Little Satilla, adjoining lands of Wm. McIntosh, John Howell, & Ferdinand O'Neal.
25000 acres on Great Satilla, adjoining lands of Freeman Lewis and John Howell.
44000 acres in Bath county, on both sides of Green Briar River, adjoining lands of Jacob Warick, Daniel M'Callum and John Dilley, including 4000 acres of prior surveys.
41000 acres in Bath county, on the east side of Cowpasture River, and on both sides of the wagon road leading from the warm springs to Staunton, including 5000 acres of prior surveys.
40000 acres in the county of Randolph, on Buchanan River, adjoining lands of Thomas Wilson, and including 4588 acres prior surveys.
30000 acres in Bath county, on the east side of Cowpasture River, on the waters of said river, and of Calfpasture River, adjoining lands of Joseph Grubb, and including 5000 acres prior surveys.
The Georgia lands will be sold in tracts of one thousand acres each, the others in the quantities and tracts above described.
Persons desirous to examine the titles and drafts of the above mentioned land, will call for that purpose on BENJAMIN R. MORGAN, at No. 41, Arch street; proposals of purchase may be made to either of the subscribers.
T. FITZSIMONS, No. 1, Chestnut street. B. R. MORGAN, No. 41, Arch street. JEREMIAH PARKER, No. 9, North Eighth street.
may 14. ds
ADVERTISEMENT.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that by virtue of a Decree of the Chancellor, that by virtue of a Public Auction, at Snowhill, Maryland, on the first Friday in June next, part of a tract of Land called STRUGGLE, lying in Worcester county, and all the rest of the Real Estate of Joshua Townsend, deceased, for the payment of his debts. There will be given nine months credit for the one half of the purchase money, and fifteen months credit for the other half; the purchaser or purchasers giving bond with security for the same, on interest, from the day of sale. All creditors of the said Joshua Townsend are also again notified to produce their claims, with the vouchers thereof, to the Chancellor, within six months from the 22nd day of December last, that being the day of the first sale.
WILLIAM WHITTINGTON, Trustee. may 14. $3w
An Ordinance for raising supplies, and making appropriations for the service of the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight. Sect. 1. BE it ordained and enacted by the citizens of Philadelphia, in Select and Common Councils assembled, That the City Commissioners, immediately after the passing of this ordinance, shall raise, on the estates real and personal, and on the professions of persons within the city of Philadelphia, agreeably to the last county assessment, the sum of fifty six thousand dollars, for the service of the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight, which shall be appropriated in manner following, that is to say,
For supplying a deficiency in the tax provision made for the service of the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, five thousand two hundred and thirteen-14100 dollars.
For salaries to four City Commissioners and their Clerks, at the annual rates established for them respectively, by the ordinance establishing the salaries of certain officers, passed the ninth day of March, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, two thousand eight hundred dollars.
For the office expenses of the City Commissioners, one hundred and twenty dollars.
For pitching and paving the streets of the city, six thousand dollars.
For repair of old pavements, eight hundred dollars.
For repair of unpaved streets, 1,800 dollars, to be expended as follows, to wit, 1200 dollars in the paving of intersections of squares eastward of the center square, and the paving of gutters before the side of any square whose owners may engage in writing to provide the necessary curb stone, and to pay a sufficient foot path; the remaining 600 dollars to be expended in the usual way.
For cleaning the city, thirteen thousand three hundred and thirty-three, 33-100 dollars.
For watering the city, three thousand five hundred dollars.
For lighting and watching the city, eighteen thousand dollars.
For regulating streets lanes and alleys, one thousand dollars.
For the discharge of any demands which may be due on the Corporation, or to defray any expenses which may be incurred in consequence of any resolution or ordinance of the Select and Common Councils for the ensuing year, and which may not be otherwise provided for, three thousand four hundred and thirty-three, 33-100 dollars.
Sect. 2. And be it further ordained and enacted, That the sum of five thousand five hundred and fifty-three dollars and ninety-seven cents, being the surplus income of the corporate city estates for the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, and the sums which may fall due and be receivable in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight, on the rental of the corporate city estates for said year, (the bridge and ferry on Schuylkill at the west end of High-street only excepted) shall be applied and are hereby appropriated to the following uses and purposes, that is to say,
For salaries to the Mayor, to the Recorder, to the Clerks and Messenger of the Select and Common Councils, and to the Clerks of High-street and Second-street markets, agreeably to the "Ordinance establishing the salaries of certain officers," passed the ninth day of March, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, three thousand five hundred dollars.
For the High Constable of the city, seven hundred dollars.
For pay of Constables to patrol the streets of the city on the Sabbath-day of every week, one hundred and fifty-six dollars.
For menial services and expenses in sweeping and keeping in good order the High-street and Second-street markets, four hundred and sixty dollars.
For incidental expenses, as printing, stationery, wood, candles, &c. for the Select and Common Councils, six hundred dollars.
For repairs and improvements of the city corporation property (the bridge and ferry on Schuylkill excepted) one thousand five hundred dollars.
For defraying a part of the expense and cost of sinking the new wharf in the river Delaware, at the east end of Sassafras-street, by the advances and contracts of Henry Pratt and Thomas Allibone, in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, four thousand four hundred and eighty one, 18-100 dollars.
Towards the discharge of five thousand three hundred and thirty-three dollars and thirty-three cents, contracted to be paid for the Health-office lot and buildings on the west side of the river Schuylkill, lately purchased by the Select and Common Councils, from the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of the city and the Commissioners for the city and county of Philadelphia, four thousand dollars.
Sect. 3. And be it further ordained and enacted, That the sums arising and received on account of tolls at the bridge and ferry on Schuylkill, at the west end of High-street, within the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight, shall be applied and are hereby appropriated as follows, to wit,
For payment of the toll collector's salary, 1,000 dollars; and the residue of said toll receipts shall be applied to the discharge of all necessary repairs and expenses which may be incurred on the account of and be properly chargeable to the said bridge and ferry in the first instance; and if after such discharge any further sum shall remain, shall in the second instance be applied to the further payment of the sum contracted for the purchase of the late Health-office lot and buildings; and if any surplus shall then remain it shall be subject to such order as may be taken thereon by the Select and Common Councils.
Enacted into an ordinance at Philadelphia, this nineteenth day of May, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight. KEARNY WHARTON, President of the Common Council. FRANCIS GURNEY, President of the Select Council.
FOX'S AUCTION ROOM.
ON Tuesday next, at ten o'clock in the morning, will be sold by auction, a number of articles in the SADDLERY and COACH HARNESS line—consisting of Complete sets of Coach and Chariot harness for 2 & 4 horses Complete sets of Chair Harness Complete sets of Furniture for like harness Plated Bits, Spurs, Terras, Buckles, Staples &c. Spur Leathers, Straps &c.
A L S O,
A quantity of English Walnuts Capers Sweet Oil Coffee Bags Glass-Ware Looking Glasses Silver Watches
EDWARD FOX, Auctioneer.
The Gazette.
PHILADELPHIA,
WEDNESDAY EVENING, Mar 23.
CONGRESS.
In the House of Representatives of the United States, yesterday, Mr. SITGREAVES moved the following resolutions, which he proposed to be referred to the committee appointed on that part of the President's speech which relates to the Protection of Commerce and the Defence of the Country, to be reported upon by bill or otherwise; but which, on the request of Mr. M'DOWELL and Mr. VENABLE, were ordered to lie upon the table till to-morrow.
Resolved, That the commanders of the private armed vessels of the United States, be authorized, by law, to take or destroy any cruiser of the French republic, which shall attack them on the high seas, for the purpose of search or seizure.
Resolved, That the commanders of the public armed vessels of the United States be authorized and directed to take or destroy any cruiser of the French republic which may be found attacking, on the high seas, any public or private vessel of the United States, for the purpose of search or seizure.
Resolved, That the commanders of the public and private armed vessels of the United States be authorized to re-take any vessel of the United States which may have been captured by the cruisers of the French republic, and to take or destroy any cruiser which may have made such capture.
Resolved, That the public armed vessels of the United States be authorized and directed to take or destroy all armed cruisers of the French republic which may be found on the coast of the United States within the limits of the shore.
The house went into a committee of the whole on the bill respecting alien enemies, and after agreeing to some amendments, and undergoing some discussion, it was agreed to, and ordered to be read a third time to-morrow. This bill provides that, whenever there shall be a declared war between the United States, and any foreign nation, or any invasion, or predatory incursion, shall be perpetrated, attempted or threatened against this country, all unnaturalized aliens of such country here, shall be liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as alien enemies, and their goods and effects subject to a just retaliation of any unusual severities and confiscations, which shall be suffered by the citizens of the United States, in the country with which we are so at war, &c. And any person obstructing the execution of this act, or who shall harbour and conceal any alien liable as an enemy, knowing him to be such, after the Proclamation of the President, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and liable to a forfeiture not exceeding one thousand dollars, and be imprisoned not exceeding seven years.
To the YOUTH of PHILADELPHIA.
GENTLEMEN,
WE have embarked in a glorious cause—The Genius of Faction stands trembling at our arrival. It has pursued its course, uninterrupted for a series of years—each step has been marked with the ravages of its scourging hand—its career commenced with inveterate malice—with malice it has been pursued—each object of its attack, which fell beneath its powerful hand, has only encreased its vigour, has only strengthened its inveteracy like the accursed Upas, which by its branches darkens and blasts every aspiring sprig which falls within its reach; the Genius of Liberty has begun to wither in its presence, and aided as it is, by envy, calumny, and every vice which disgraces mankind, it has gained a height, from which, alas, it can scarcely be hurled; but are we destitute of a remedy? Is there no method pointed out to stop its dreadful career, and avert the blow it has levelled at us. Yes, my friends, a remedy, which if applied with the hand of prudence, will not only injure the branches, but destroy the root. The ardour, the enthusiasm, the zeal of our youth, present a front at which it stands appalled. Writhing with agony, and in a paroxysm of despair, it makes one more; one desperate effort. Well convinced that nothing can withstand our unanimity, all the force of its expiring moments is excited to damp, to annihilate it; but its exertions are vain—the end of its career is marked—its reign has ceased—Liberty once more reigns triumphant. But who can trace its progress? Who can pledge himself that it will not take licentiousness by the hand, that it will not be deceived by its specious appearance, that it will not press it to its bosom? Should this be the case, who possesses not penetration sufficient to discover the consequences? Will it not by the fostering hand of liberty be exalted to an eminence which we shall view with dread? Do we not wish to see the garden flourish pure and uncorrupted, without a weed to obstruct the growth of the flowers? We have discovered the remedy; the spirit of unanimity exists. All hearts are bent on the support of their rights, on the defence of their country; but in carrying the plan into execution, is there no danger of overleaping the enclosures of liberty, and wanting at large in the fields of licentiousness? Can we not err with good intentions?
These observations are suggested in consequence of a disagreeable occurrence, which lately happened at the house of a certain Printer in Market Street. Fired with enthusiasm, and an honest zeal for the support of their country, and insulted as they conceived themselves by the observations which flowed from his Press, and probably exhilarated by the pleasures of the day—the youth who shone conspicuous in the cause of Freedom in the morning, were led to commit an act in the evening, which certainly reflects no credit on them, but forms the strongest contrast to a conduct which has placed them in so amiable a light.
When we consider the motives by which those young men were actuated, the circumstance might admit of some palliation. If in asserting our rights and avenging ourselves for any insult we may have received, our vengeance could fall on the guilty alone, some excuse might be offered; but when we consider, that a wife and family who certainly have not erred, (and who, if they
had, should be unnoticed,) must unavoidably share in the punishment; when we consider that the act was committed in the night; when we reflect that the offence consisted merely in publishing sentiments contrary to our own; when we consider that the author of such sentiments always stands open to the world, and amenable to the laws; when we view ourselves, by the act, as wresting from the hands of the Magistrate that power with which we have entrusted them, in fine, when we consider that we have done an act, which we pledged ourselves to endeavour to prevent others, from committing—what shall we think of it? What shall we say? We stand at present in a situation, in which the prudence, the wisdom of three-score are requisite to preserve us with safety and with honour; the flame which has been kindled by the Genius of Faction in another clime, is fast approaching our shores; it threatens to annihilate us; we rush on with impetuosity to arrest its progress by removing from its course such materials as may assist it—we think we cannot miss the path. Let us however, my young friends, be convinced that such an event may occur; let us view ourselves as mortals, and as such liable to err. Will these considerations fail of keeping us within the bounds of propriety? Let us view ourselves as Americans—will not this prevent us from committing an act which might subject us to the censure of the world? It will. Just entering as it were, the threshold of the Temple of Fame, the eyes of the World are fixed upon us—this is the time to establish our characters upon a sure and strong basis. Firmness combined with moderation now, will place us above the criticisms of mankind hereafter. One error will at least give currency to their censures. Let us then be firm, united, moderate. Let us endeavour to steer in the path of propriety. Let us not bow beneath an insult on the one hand, nor retaliate too hastily on the other. On the one side, let us view our country claiming our assistance, on the other, our own characters to support. With these in view, we cannot err; the finger of scorn will be pointed at us in vain; the tongue of calumny will fail of its aim; the rude blast of envy will pass us by. Thus shall we be worthy of the name of freemen—Thus shall Washington rejoice in his countrymen. Such, my young friends, are the sentiments which crowd upon the mind of one who anticipates with pleasure the idea that his prayers for your success will be wafted to Heaven. He cannot call them disinterested —they cannot be so, while he continues to be ONE OF YOU.
The following interesting articles were translated from papers bro't by the brig LAVINIA, Capt. Cassin, arrived here last evening in 49 days from Hamburg. (A.D.A.)
PARIS, March 11.
There has been a tumult at Rome, in which a number of the French lost their lives; it was however soon quelled, and a number of the ringleaders arrested and punished. A proclamation upon this occasion was published to the people, in the following terms.
"Rumours were yesterday circulated that discontent prevailed in the French army. The factious, fanatics, murderers and robbers, came to a resolution to take advantage of the moment; they began their treasonable practices by murdering French soldiers found alone, or in small parties in different quarters of the city; they then collected in the quarter beyond the Tiber, and paraded with a fanatic at their head, carrying the image of the Holy Virgin, to the Church of St. Peter, shouting 'Live Maria,' where instead of a religious ceremonial they cut to pieces the whole of the guard, and forcibly took possession of the bridge of Sixtus, and the neighbouring avenues. If their plan had succeeded, a general plunder would have commenced in the Jews street, and afterwards extended throughout the city. But the villains knew not the spirit which inspires French soldiers; they knew not that the first sound of the drum halts them to their posts, especially when the welfare of a people whose happiness only they have in view depended upon it. I was advised of the tumult in time. Large numbers had collected beyond the river. I placed myself at the head of the troops, and without losing time marched against them. We were received with the fire of musketry, but republican bayonets soon bore them down. The gate near which the unfortunate Duyhot was murdered, together with the bridge of Sexus, were taken by storm, and peace is restored."
"Inhabitants of Rome fear nothing—the French wish you happiness; the proceedings of last night are a clear proof of it." "VIAL, Commandant."
It was said the disturbances among the soldiery arose from the arrival of Massena, Berthier being preferred as a leader.
BASEL, March 5. Letter from General Schauenburg to the French Minister, Citizen Mengaud, dated Rome, March 5.
"This day at one o'clock, the brave warriors whom I have the honour to command, entered this city. The capitulation is the same as that of Solothurn. Bloody indeed, was the battle; we were obliged to cut our way from Frau-brunn to this place. Twenty field pieces and nine standards are the fruits of the engagement; the enemy lost many men." "SCHAUENBURG."
March 10. The French troops are in possession of Lucerne, in the neighbourhood of Solothurn, the women flooded by their husbands, and fought with scythes.
PARIS, March 12. It appears the disturbance in Rome extended to the neighboring districts; the inhabitants of Castel Gandolfo, Albano, and Viterbo were on their march towards the city, but were routed by Gen. Murat. The rebellious villages were punished, and 22 of the principal leaders shot at Rome.
Gen. Berthier, who is expected here in the course of a decade, will immediately go to his post as chief of the staff of the army of England.

All the English living at Dunkirk are put under arrest in their houses, and their papers sealed. The English prisoners are ordered into the interior of the country. They write from Switzerland that our troops are in possession of Berne; they were pursued by the militia until they arrived at the gates, when the inhabitants lost all courage, and white flags were exposed from all the windows as a sign of submission. The Bernoise had fortified the famous chapel of Murten, in hopes to renew the scene of the Burgundians: The French took it by storm, and with great solemnity burnt the bones of the Burgundians slain there 310 years ago.
FRANKFORT, March 13. By yesterday's post from Switzerland accounts are received of a considerable engagement having taken place in the neighborhood of Berne, in which it is said 8000 men were laid dead on the field. The Swissers are said to have been victorious, and that the city of Berne is again in their possession.
VIENNA, March 10. The 8th instant a Neapolitan courier brought advices of disturbances between the French and the people of Rome, which continued four days, during which time much blood was shed; the latter obtained the superiority. Two thousand of the French lost their lives; and 500 were confined in the castle of St. Angelo. The remainder were encamped without the city, waiting for reinforcements. These disturbances were owing to the cruelty with which the Republicans enforced the first payment of the requisition of 4 millions of livres.
TRANSLATED FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES. HUNINGUEN, 22 Ventose. Three daily cannon taken from the oligarchic army of Switzerland. Berne, as well as Soleure and Fribourg, remains in the hands of the republicans. Gen. Schauenburg, after having effected a junction with Gen. Brune, put himself in pursuit of the Bernoise and their auxiliary troops, flying towards the cantons of Zurich and Lucerne. There has taken place at Nidau a most bloody combat. Four thousand men remained on the field of battle. The corps of chasseurs of Zurich has been almost entirely cut in pieces.
STRASBURGH, 22 Ventose. We learn that the remainder of the army of Berne has chiefly retired into the Helvetic. It is to those brave men, amidst the glaciers, that the Bernoise have transferred their treasures and their cannon. According to the news from Bale of yesterday, our troops have entered Arau, and have occupied the whole Argau.
BRUSSELS, 23 Ventose. Letters from Coblenz assure that every thing is in train again for the attack of the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein. The French troops who blockaded that place are to be reinforced. The general Tiberge has given the most severe orders to prevent any one from entering. Many Dutchmen of note are now in the city. They are desirous to protect the commerce of the part of Rotterdam, by hindering the English from blocking up the mouth of the Meuse. It is believed that these exiles, joined with some others, will for their personal remembrance in the West Indies, in order to expel the enemies' ships which are continually there, and which, within the last few days, have had the audacity to make a descent upon the island of Cadiz, and to carry off several bags of cattle. The commissioner of the marine has already pitched upon the canal of Brussels, upon the Scheldt, as a rendezvous for all the vessels which are to serve in the expedition against England. There are hopes of being able to assemble in the ports, rivers and canals of our department, about 300 vessels proper to the transporting of troops.
PARIS, 28 Ventose. The committee of finance and finance have solicited the authority of imposing an additional tax upon patents, or upon the personal contributions, in order to contribute to the local expenses, to which the additional centimes are insufficient. Sanctions declared in a very long motion of order, that it is impossible to refuse himself to the homage which the functionaries of the people owe to that people on the eve of the election of their successors. "It is in-morrow, said he, that the papers of the consuls are to be displayed before the majority of the people, whom we represent, and of whom it belongs alone to the fashion our government in the course of the 18th Fructidor, to make the rights."
"I have to believe that we shall no more behold the scandalous spectacle which exhibited not long since the faint-heartedness of the conquerors and the influence of the vanquished. Sovereign people, if you attach any price to the rights which nature gives to you, which despotism has robbed you of, and which you have known to reconquer, thrust out from public employment, all those who would usurp the throne and the altar, and confide them to none but courageous men who have given pledges to the revolution. The enemies of the republic, like the Parthian fugitives, from not wish to retain your regards, but the air is darkened with their poisoned arrows, I point them out, in order to avert you against coming in a false security."
"Miserable creatures of the South, it is requisite that I invoke the manes of your immortal enemies, in order to engage the republicans to hinder their enemies from resuming their fancied ascendancy."
"French people, if the safety of your country interests you, remove from the constitutional fact, one, both those proscriptive judges, who have encouraged the audacity of assassins, and those sacrilegious administrators, who have violated with impunity the laws whose execution was confided to them, and the vile agents of royalty who have fabricated their culpable adits under every form and in every shape. The country is tired of revolutions. After such a development of its power, the great nation needs to put an end to its distractions, in order to lead its last stroke at the tyrant of the French, and to exterminate the tyrant of the Jews, and to exterminate the monster which devours the people of India, of Africa, and of America."
"I demand that that to-morrow, after the disorders which shall be pronounced in the sitting by the President, there shall be read by one of the Secretaries, the Rights of Man and of the Citizen: 2. That it shall be referred to a commission to consider whether it will not be convenient for these same rights, to be read solemnly in all the communes, on the days of the republican festivals. [The Council, after hearing the silly and tedious harangue, ordered it to be printed.]"
"In the sitting of the Council of Ancients on the 27 Ventose, a treaty of alliance between France and her Italian allies, denominated the Cisalpine Republic, was read and agreed to. The leading articles follow: France stipulates for the establishment of 25,000 French troops in this country. The Cisalpine to be in the nature of every war in which France shall engage. The French government to withdraw and replace its troops at its pleasure—and they as well as all the forces of the Cisalpine to be under the command of French generals. The French holds to be garrisoned by at least one half French troops."
"In the sitting of 28 Ventose, the central administration of the Lower Rhine, offered in the name of its administrators, the sum of 15,800,000 livres, towards defraying the expense of a descent on England."
"The Cisalpine legislators, treating in the bloody first days of their French masters, have decreed the punishment of death upon any one who shall publicly speak in praise of any foreigner, or of any government which is not democratic. The directorial depots, having effectually exterminated the final remains of reaction, justice and liberty, which the rapid pursuit of just vengeance had prevented their predecessors from annihilating in France, are now turning their attention to the conquered countries, which they are active in engaging in reducing to the same state of servitude, oppression and misery with themselves. Not content with plundering them in a manner of which the annals of the Gauls, Huns, Vandals and Saracens afford no precedent, they are laboriously employed in rivetting their chains, and exploring new sources of tyranny, rapacity and oppression. In evidence to the call of the Executive Directory, the Cisalpine have taken the following measures to alleviate their slavery of being their Italian masters, through the means of insurrections arising from the intolerable evils under which they are labouring."
They have created six criminal commissions; of high justice, each consisting of five members, to be distributed through the country equally. The members are to be elected by the Council of Ancients. After having taken their oaths, in the presence of the people, they shall proceed to judge, by martial law, the crimes here specified. Whenever any person shall be accused of a crime, or any other act of a nature to excite fear and disturb the peace of the Cisalpine people, or such as to disturb the public spirit, by announcing false inventions, on the part of enemies, or by telling them that they are coming or meditate to break the Cisalpine territory, &c. shall be condemned to four years labor on the public works.
In case of doubt respecting the authors of alarms or insurrections arising from the consequences of such false news, the attention of the municipal or central administration of the place where the crime was committed shall do away all uncertainty. Whoever shall display or alter any emblem of liberty, whether he be the author or an actor in the crime, shall be punished with death. All the accomplices shall suffer six years imprisonment in iron. Whoever shall give an insult to those false emblems, shall be likewise punished with death, if the insult gives rise to any tumult, emotion or riot; otherwise he shall be condemned to five years hard labor on the public works.
RASTADT, March 12. The plenipotentiaries of the empire have at length recognized the principle of the cession of the left bank of the Rhine. They have referred in this cession on conditions and stipulations in favor of particular interests, without the acceptance of which nothing would have been brought to a termination. It appears that these conditions were of a nature to injure the interests of the republic, since they have not at all prevented the republican ministers from passing over them. Behold then a counterfeited peace strengthened in a manner to certainty. There passed through here to day, a Hungarian count, named Raspowatz, who is gone to Paris, furnished with French passports. He is said to be charged with a particular mission to the French government, the object of which is a secret.
It is said next that the French will allow three months to the inhabitants of the left bank for returning into their country, and that after this delay, they will be treated as emigrants. The courier arrived yesterday from Strasbourg, has brought to the French ministers their fears and other national decorations, in order to their appearance in grand costume at the signature of the preliminaries of peace.
A patriotic citizen commissary has written to the citizen minister of general police, an account of the seizure from a citizen merchant, of eight hundred pieces of cambric and velvet (English goods). The citizen commissary extols highly the patriotism of his agent, who, being now in office, yet, nevertheless, refused five hundred louis d'or, offered by the merchant in compromise of the audacious and unprincipled robbery. [The citizen printer who relates the fact, spends nearly a column in extolling the virtues of the rascals highwayman ag eut.]
MADRID, February 22. Great changes are impending in our ministry. They are agitated with nothing less than a revolution, at the head of which the king will place himself in making those reforms which are called for by the public voice, and in reviving the Cortes, in placing in his ministry men exempt from prejudice, and capable of great undertakings who only can regenerate our country: the Count Cabarrus will be called to the administration of the finances, and the prince of peace changes his exalted station, in which he has enjoyed almost unlimited power, for the embassy to France—We expect here very soon events at which Spain and Europe will be astonished.
By this day's Mail.
NEW-YORK May 22. The Directory sent an message to the Council of 500, on the triumphs in Switzerland and the Council declared the army had deserved well of the country.
A young man, handsome and very well dressed, presented a petition to the Directory, requesting to be BANISHED to Cayenne. His motives are, that he cannot live under a republican government—That if he emigrates, his property would be confiscated—whereas, if BANISHED, he could enjoy his revenues when arrived at the place designated. He invites the directory to send him with the first ship provided for carrying away the persons banished. It will be curious to see what resolution will be taken by the Directory on this application.
Further Extracts from the late Bourdeaux and Paris Papers, received by the England time.
PARIS, March 14. The suit against the Countess Lichtenau is terminated. The King of Prussia, out of respect to the memory of his father, wants at present to finish this business with secrecy.
The Court of Naples has forbidden the admission and circulation of every species of NEWS-papers. It is the citizens Charrier, aid to the adjutant-generals, who escorted the POPE from Rome to Tuscany, from thence to repair to Malta, by way of the Mediterranean.
CONSTANTINOPLE, Jan. 30. Ten Tartars, three of whom are loaded with mens' heads, one of which is that of Keaga of Passawin-Oglou, arrived the 15th at the Seraglio, with news of the complete defeat of this chief's forces.
BASLE March 12. All the details respecting the taking of Berne by the French confirm the accounts already received, that this conquest was the consequence of a most murderous battle, in which the militia, risen en Masse, without experience and led on by commanders of no abilities, give the strongest proofs of courage and despair.
These brave men, scattered and unprovided with any arms but scythes and clubs, came and placed themselves at the mouths of the cannon and were torn in pieces by the shot—Even when the French soldiers through humanity wished to spare them and cried surrender, they rushed on the cannon to hinder them from advancing against their country. We are assured that 800 women who had joined the troops of Berne were left on the field of battle, and that 6000 lives of French and Swiss were lost in different engagements. In the Council of 500 25th Ventose, the Commissary of the Directory belonging to
the Criminal Tribunal of Mount Terrible writes to the Council, "The regeneration of Switzerland has given a mortal blow to England—but the loss of one head has not quite destroyed the hydra—I beg, Citizens Legislators, you will accept the patriotic gift I now make to hasten its defeat, and I think I may cry out like Jonas Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed." The Council ordered honourable mention of the offering of this citizen.
March 13. The government of Berne in answer to the Ultimatum of General Brune, had on the 18th March entered into resolutions of the following tenor:
1st. The government shall have in future for its foundation, Liberty and Equality of rights, as the invariable basis of its new constitution accepted by the primary assemblies. 2d. The actual government declares itself to be from this time only provisional; and, after the example of Lucerne will be employed in the business of the state for one month only, with the assistance of the Deputies from the towns and from the country, until the new representative government shall have been chosen by the primary assemblies. 3d. The primary assemblies shall assemble in fifteen days, from that on which the French troops shall retire. 4th. The government accepts the basis of the Union of all Switzerland, in such manner and form as shall be agreed on by the Cantons, without foreign influence. 5th. The persons arrested on account of political opinions shall be immediately set at liberty by the recommendation of the French Directory. By the present decree we give to the whole country a solemn assurance that as soon as the danger from without is past we will examine every complaint which shall be exhibited and provide every remedy which may be consistent with the welfare of the country.
BERNE, March 1. THE CHANCERY OF BERNE.
The Deputies of Berne immediately carried this declaration, but he sent them back with this answer, "that they must accept purely and simply the propositions and plan of a constitution sent by Paris;" and he added "that until they did so he would not only not withdraw his troops, but would occupy the most important posts in Switzerland."
On this news all the inhabitants of the Cantons, of Berne, Lucerne, Zurich, Uri, &c rose in arms, some with guns, others with hatchets, scythes, halberds, pikes, sabres, &c but some of the principal men of Berne judging rightly that this multitude fighting without order or knowledge of military tactics, would by courage only make a short resistance against numerous and warlike troops made their escape by flight, in order to wait the result of events.
March 11. Every thing is tranquil in this city at present, several members of the Ancient Regency have remained and do not experience any bad treatment. The new government; has named two Deputies, professor Stopfer and an Advocate, who go to Paris to know what fate is reserved for us.
PARIS, March 20. The feast of the Sovereignty of the people was celebrated here in every department with all the order of decency that could be wished. The ceremony of presenting the nineteen standards conquered by our armies from the troops of the Oligarchy of Berne, was very solemn yesterday, and attracted a great concourse of citizens. These nineteen flags were carried by as many veteran defenders of the country into the hall of the public audience of the Executive Directory. At the head of the procession were Suchet and Ruby chiefs of Brigade, sent to the Directory by gen. Brune to lay at their feet the trophies taken from the vanquished. The minister of war presenting these brave men, made a speech; the two warriors spoke after him; the President of the Directory in answer to the whole finished his oration in these words: "Invincible warriors, wherever danger calls, your arms make fortune subject to your claims, and your last victory is always the pledge of another at hand. There remains an enemy whose crimes multiply like your triumphs. Conquered in the field they place their hopes in intrigues, in mercantile hatreds, the fury of priests, the factions of nobles, political terror; they employ every resource; they put in practice every artifice; but scarce are their plots renewed when they are destroyed by the avenging steel of the republicans—Generous Soldiers! The moment is at hand when you will at last stop the progress of their attempts, when you will call them to an account for the tears and the blood they have caused to be shed—These are the last labours which you burn with ardour to finish, it is there also you expect the last victory, the idea of which makes every freeman's heart palpitate, and which will insure you thanks and acknowledgments in the name of humanity."
The President then gave the two warriors the fraternal embrace and presented to each in the name of a grateful country a pair of pistols of the national manufactory at Versailles. When our readers have attentively perused the accounts given by the French themselves of their cruel and perfidious conduct towards Switzerland, will they not consider the word humanity as profaned when issuing from so vile a source?
A few boxes of Umbrellas To be Sold cheap—by Mordecai Lewis. may 17 d2w
DOCTOR SHEED,
WHO formerly lived in Cutter's Alley, is requested to call at the House of Mr. VAN SKIVER, in Race Street, between Ninth and Tenth Street, where he will hear of a person who earnestly begs his assistance in a case of a very dangerous nature. may 21
The Gazette. PHILADELPHIA, WEDNESDAY EVENING, MAY 23
A letter received by an arrival at the Fort, from St. Croix, informs, that the ship New Jersey and cargo, carried into Porto-Rico, are condemned.
COMMUNICATIONS. If there is an honest man in the United States, who believes that the rulers of the French intend to do justice to the people of this country, such an one may rejoice to hear that a negotiation is commenced. Let us not deceive ourselves—the thing most devoutly to be wished, next to a change in the French administration, is, that the present set may throw off the mask—No honest man can possibly believe that anything short of submission, sacrificing our government, and paying an immense sum of money, will satisfy the present Directory. A well informed Frenchman stated very fully, last autumn, the course of events which has taken place; and the plan of delusion and deception, according to him, has several months yet to run before it will be completed—A serious warning to us not to place the least confidence in any rumours, or extracts of letters, that do not come through a government channel.
The Tories, with a British army to second them, in the year 1774, did not dare to utter such abuse against the people of this country, as is now vomited forth by the tools of that faction which is justly chargeable with all the evils and horrors impending over us. * * * "FABRICIUS, No. I." is unavoidably omitted till to-morrow.
GAZETTE MARINE LIST.
PORT OF PHILADELPHIA. Arrived at the Port, Yesterday, Brig Fame, Knox, from St. Croix. This morning the ship Richmond, Hathaway, from Calcutta, failed January 25, Brig Susannah, Hunt, Cape Francois. Sch. Amy, Cushing, ditto. Sloop Mary, Tatem, St. Croix. Ship Four Friends, Glen, from Havana. Sch. Polly, Crosswell, from Martinique. The Polly failed under convoy of the ship Smallwood of 16 guns bound to Alexandria, left at Martinique ship Alexander Hamilton, Poets, of this port, to sail under convoy the 20th instant.
Baltimore, May 21. Arrived on Saturday, Schooner Sally, captain Pittman, 13 days from Salem. Captain P. informs, that on Monday last, off New Point Comfort, he spoke the brig George of Salem, bound to Alexandria, which had been brought to by a French privateer, a sloop of 18 guns, the captain of which put on board the George, forty-eight Americans, amongst whom were five captains; all of them had been taken from different American vessels, off our coast, mostly belonging to New-York and Boston.
This Day Published, By J. ORMROD, No. 41 Chestnut-Street, (Price 25 cents.) OBEDIENCE TO THE
LAWS OF GOD, THE SURE AND INDISPENSABLE DEFENCE OF NATIONS. A DISCOURSE, Delivered in the Second Presbyterian Church, in the City of Philadelphia, May 9th, 1798. Being the day appointed by the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES, to be observed as a Season for Solemn Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer. By Abiel Green, D. D. Pastor of the aforesaid Church. Likewise, just published, a Sermon, on the same occasion, by the Rev. Mr. Abercrombie. may 22 3t
WILL BE PUBLISHED, on THURSDAY 24th inst by JOHN ORMROD, Chestnut Street, A PATRIOTIC POEM—CALLED, THE ALIENS:
Written by a SENATOR of the UNITED STATES, in consequence of the Alien Bill. Some institutions of Pennsylvania are noticed—Dedicated to GEORGE WASHINGTON. In which the real American may enjoy The fast of reason, And the flow of fuel. (PRICE 25 CENTS.) may 22 3t
Collector's Office, Philadelphia, May 15, 1798. FOR SALE AT PUBLIC AUCTION.
At the Custom-House, on Friday, the sixteenth of June, 1798, the following merchandise, which remain in the Custom-House stores more than nine months, unclaimed by the owners or consignees thereof: (XH) eight half faggots of steel (1D) 202 one bale girthweb (1L) a quantity of steel WLP one case lamps C&C one case bobbin (W) one small box medicine AB 203 one matted case Dutch books I&C one keg herrings (W) one small box of samples of buttons 4 103 three bales girthweb [D] 200 one ditto ditto [VH] 200 one ditto ditto [N] 200 one ditto ditto (N. mark) eight jars olives (ditto) one bundle flutes [LS] one small box locks d1t3J
For Sale, BY THE SUBSCRIBER, NO 10, CHESTNUT STREET, 11 Casks of Carolina Indigo, Which will be sold on reasonable terms on a floor credit. Robert Henderson. april 2 m w 24w
TO BE SOLD, BY JOHN NIXON & CO.
A few bds. of excellent St. Croix SUGAR and RUM, which will be landed at Willings and Francis wharf next Monday, the 21st instant. may 16, d 5t conf.
GRENADIERS.
At a meeting of the Philadelphia Volunteer Company of Grenadiers, May 22, Resolved, that a Committee of five members be appointed for the purpose of receiving the applications of persons disposed to join the Corps. Pursuant to the foregoing resolution, all those who are inclined to become members of the Company, are requested to make application, immediately, to either of the undersigned. Thomas Barton Zantinger, 239, High st. Daniel Murgatroyd, 11, Walnut st. Stephen R. Thompson, 6, Laurel court, George Harrison, 33, Chestnut st. John Ward Penn, No. 119, Chestnut st. Committee.
VOLUNTEER GREENS.
An adjourned meeting of the Troop will be held at the house of Barnabas M'Shane, on Friday evening the 25th instant, at 7 o'clock, when Gentlemen are particularly requested to attend, as an additional nomination of new members will be ballotted for. JOHN MORRELL, Capt. The Committee appointed last Saturday evening by the meeting at the City-Tavern, to confer with a committee of M Pherston's Blues, request the attendance of those persons who are inclined to join the Association, at Six o'clock TO MORROW EVENING, at Mr. Dunwoody's Tavern, High-Street.
The Subscribers ARE LANDING At Willings' wharf, from on board of the Brig LAVINIA, Capt. Cassin, 1711 Bds of Archangel Iron. FOR SALE BY Philips, Cramond & Co. may 23 3t
FOR LIVERPOOL, The remarkably fast sailing Brig PENNSYLVANIA, Jeremiah Tatem, master. She will sail in ten days—For freight or passage, apply to JAMES YARD, Walnut-street Wharf. d1t
Notice is hereby Given, TO the creditors of Charles Hamilton, that he has applied to the Court at Reading Berks county, for the benefit of a law of this commonwealth, providing relief for insolvent debtors, the court have ordered, and do appoint the Monday of August next court, to hear the creditors of the said Charles Hamilton at the court house in the borough of Reading. may 23 3t
Wants a Place,
AS wet nurse, a Young Woman, who can produce good recommendations.—Enquire of the Printer. may 23 3t
CONTRACTS.
THE Managers of the alms house and house of employment, in this city, will receive proposals in writing, to be left at said house on or before Wednesday the 30th instant, from any person or persons, willing to contract for furnishing Fresh Provisions, say, Beef, Mutton and Veal, for the use of the poor in said houses for one year: The contract to commence on the first of June ensuing; the meat to be fresh and marketable, and to be supplied in quarters, fore and hind alternately, or in sides or carcases, as required. Also, for supplying milk for the use of the said poor. The milk to be new, sweet, and unadulterated, and the supply to commence on the 14th of June ensuing. By order of the Board of Managers, JOHN CUMMINGS, Steward. may 23 d1t
A Young Woman, LATELY from England, wishes to engage as a seamstress in a genteel family, or to attend a Lady.—A line left with the Printer here or will be immediately attended to. may 23 2t
ROBERT SMITH & CO. No. 58, South Front-Street. HAVE received by the ship Belvidere from London, a quantity of Russia Goods, consisting of Diapers, Drilings, Ravens-dock, &c. And by the Fanny, arrived at New-York from Glasgow, an assortment of Scotch goods. They have also on hand India Nankeens, Lutefishings, and a variety of India Muslins. may 23 d2w
30 Dollars Reward.
THE Cellar of the Subscribers was broke open last night, and several pieces of floor-mould ground China of a set figure were carried off. Whoever will apprehend the thief or thieves, or recover the goods, shall receive the above reward, or in proportion for any part thereof. ROBERT SMITH & CO. No 58 South Front-Street. may 23 d2w
20 Dollars Reward.
RUN away, last night, from the Subscriber, living in York Town, Pennsylvania, a German Servant man, named John Nicholas Kelb, a taylor by trade about 30 years of age and about 5 feet 2 inches high, has brown curled hair, and nearly bald on his head, had on a blue Surtout coat with a silk velvet cape and a dark blue coat with steel buttons, a green mixed cloth jacket, cloth colored thicket pantaloons a new rorum hat, clouded cotton stockings and cotton stockings and a calf-skin shoes with frings. He is a good scholar in the German tongue and speaks English; it is likely he may lurk in and about the city of Philadelphia as he has acquaintances there. Whoever takes up and secures said servant in any goal so that his master can have him again, shall have the above reward paid by me, Thomas Owens. may 23 m w 24w
VIRGINIA TOBACCO.
WALKER & KENNEDY, No. 73, South Front-Street. HAVE FOR SALE, 50 Hogheads Virginia Tobacco, of Frederickburg and Falmouth inspection. 30 Hogheads ditto of Richmond inspection. may 8. end.
A Premium of 100 Dollars
WILL be paid by the Bank of Pennsylvania, for such Plan of a Banking House, accompanied with facilities and elevations, as may be approved of by the Directors. The building is not intended to exceed 60 feet front, or 100 feet in depth, and to be so planned as to admit of its being made fire proof. It is requested that the plans may be sent to the Cashier of the Bank, previous to the first of June next. april 19. t. d. J. J.

For Sale, or Charter, THE ARMED SHIP  BELVIDERE, JONATHAN REYNOLDS, Master. LYING at Jeffers and Robert Waln's wharf, burthen 236 tons, built at New-York, by Mr. Chesman in 1793, of live oak, cedar and locust—was completely coppered in London last year with 28 ounce hard rolled navy copper, and copper bolted. She is well found—mounts ten carriage guns and may be sent to sea in a few days at a very little expense. For terms of charter or price on a liberal credit, apply on board to capt. Reynolds or at the Merchant's Coffee-House, to RICHARD D. ARDEN.
WHO HAS FOR SALE ON BOARD SAID SHIP 10 Tons dry white lead 5 Tons of shot 13 Tons rolled sheet lead 20 Bales English Duck, assorted numbers 10 Tons whiting may 19
JUST ARRIVED, In the brig Gayoso, capt. Bingham, from St. Martins A quantity of SALT, of an excellent quality A few gross Porter Bottles, new And twenty casks Vinegar And the said  BRIG, Also, FOR SALE, Enquire of Jehu Hollingsworth & Co. No. 22, Little Water Street, South. april 20.
FOR SALE. 195 boxes white Havana Sugar 107 do. brown 200 Hides Will be landed to-morrow, at Willings and Francis's wharf, from on board the brig Active, William Williams, master. Also, The said Brig for sale, And may take in immediately after discharged. Apply to Jehu Hollingsworth & Co. march 30.
IF Mr. Charles William Klemke, Formerly of London, and who left England for some part of the United States of America, in the year 1796, be living, and will apply personally or by letter, to Mr. John Carrere, in Baltimore, or to Messrs. Isaac Hazlehurst and Son, in Philadelphia, he may hear of something greatly to his advantage. Any information respecting the said Mr. Charles William Klemke, would be thankfully received. may 19
Madras and Ventapaulam HANDKERCHIEFS, Searskaukers and Carradarias, of the newest and most approved patterns, entitled to the drawback, just received, AND FOR SALE BY Alex. J. Miller & Co. No. 64, South Front Street. may 18.
Country Residence. A FAMILY who live Six Miles from the City, with to receive two or three genteel boarders. The House is handsomely furnished; the Gardens, Meadows and Lawn are beautifully laid out, and well stocked with the choicest Fruit. There are several Musical Instruments, amongst which is a most excellent patent Piano Forte. The Family have a handsome Coach, which may be at the service of the whole. The Coach House and Stables are most excellent—the Water good—and the Air unequalled in the environs of the Town. For particulars enquire at the office of this Gazette. dit may 16.
WANTED, IN A PLEASANT SITUATION, WITHIN a few miles of Town (for a Lady, lately from England) Board and Lodging, in a quiet reputable family—would engage for five or six months, and give very little trouble. A line directed to J. S. and left at the Printing Office will be attended to immediately. may 18
A Country Seat. TO BE LET for the summer season or by the year, the greater part of a large House, in a high, healthy situation, above the eight mile stone, on the Germantown road (occupied only by a newly married couple)—with stabling and convenience for keeping a carriage. For further particulars, enquire of Caspar W. Haines, in Germantown, or the subscriber, on the premises. HEZEKIAH HUNTSMAN. may 1.
ROSS & SIMSON, HAVE FOR SALE, 22 bales superior Madras blue Cloths Carolina Indigo, first quality A few bales Baftas, Coffees, and a quantity of Bengal COTTON Bengal SUGAR, in bags and boxes Jamaica and RUM Bengal april 2
THOMAS & JOSHUA FISHER, HAVE FOR SALE, At No. 5, Dock-street, near the Drawbridge, China ware, nankeen dining sets, tea and coffee cups and saucers Nankeens, black chappas and tassies Pongee cloths, shoppas romalls, and bandannos China and English umbrellas, Together with a general assortment of European Goods—among which are Seeds thread in boxes 6d. 8d. 1od. 12d. and 2od. nails Shot—T. Crowley steel, Spanish brown and white lead English scythes 42 to 50 inches ALSO, 112 barrels of kiln dried Indian corn meal. A commodious Store in Dock-street, No. 7, to be let, three stories high, suitable for any business. $ 4th mo. 5th
Forty Dollars Reward. RAN AWAY, on the 7th of April, a Negro Man, named Elizer , perhaps he may pass by the name of Elizer Lee , or may change his name; he is about thirty one years of age, nearly six feet high, has a scar in the upper part of his under lip, a small part being bitten out between the middle and the corner of his mouth (I believe on the right side), his left hand has been very sore, and was so at the time he ran away, by being burnt some time past: he is a stout, strong fellow, and has been employed at a saw mill a few years: he went away in company with a negro woman of Mr. Joshua Lingoe, of this county. It is supposed they are gone into Delaware State. Any person that secures said Negro Man in any jail, that the subscriber shall give him again, shall receive the above reward. ESSE BAYLT. State of Maryland, Somerset County, april 10.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, MARCH 1, 1798.  PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, IN pursuance of the Act of Congress passed on the sixth day of July one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, entitled "An Act laying duties on Stamped Vellum, Parchment and Paper", and the Act passed on the fifteenth day of December, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, entitled "An Act to postpone for a limited time the commencement of the duties imposed by the Act entitled "An Act laying Duties on Stamped Vellum, Parchment and Paper", that from and after the first day of July ensuing, the several Stamped Duties hereinafter enumerated, will be levied and collected throughout the United States.
For every skin or piece of Vellum or Parchment, or sheet or piece of Paper, upon which shall be written or printed any or either of the instruments or writings following—to wit:     Any Certificate of Naturalization, 5 Cts. Mls     Any Licence to practice, or Certificate of the admission, enrolment or registry of any Counsellor, Solicitor, Attorney, Advocate or Proctor, in any Court of the United States, 10   Provided, that a Certificate in any one of the Courts of the United States for one of the said Offices, shall so far as relates to the payment of the duty aforesaid, be a sufficient admission in all the Courts of the United States, for each, and every of the said offices.   Any Grant or Letters Patent, under the seal or authority of the United States (except for lands granted for military services) 4   Any exemplification or certified copy of any such grant or letters patent, (except for lands granted for military services) 2   Any Charter-Party, Bottomry, or Respondencia Bond, 1   Any Receipt or discharge for or on account of any Legacy left by any Will or other testamentary instrument, or for any share or part of a personal estate divided by force of any statute of distributions, other than to the Wife, Children or Grand Children of the person deceased, the amount whereof shall be above the value of Fifty Dollars, and shall not exceed the value of One Hundred Dollars, 25   When the amount thereof shall exceed the value of One Hundred Dollars and shall not exceed five hundred dollars, 50   And for every further sum of Five Hundred Dollars, the additional sum of 1   Any Policy of Insurance or instrument in nature thereof, on any ship, vessel or goods insured from one district to another in the United States, 25   From the United States to any foreign port or place, when the sum for which Insurance is made shall not exceed five hundred dollars, 25   When the sum insured shall exceed five hundred dollars, 1   Any Exemption, of what nature soever, that shall pass the seal of any Court, other than such as it may be the duty of the Clerk of such Court to furnish for the use of the United States or some particular State, 50   Any Bond, bill single or penal, foreign or inland, bill of exchange, promissory note or other note, other than any recognizance, bill, bond, or other obligation or contract, made to or with the United States or any State, or for their use respectively, 10   If above twenty dollars and not exceeding one hundred dollars, 25   If above one hundred dollars and not exceeding five hundred dollars, 50   If above five hundred dollars and not exceeding one thousand dollars, 75   And if above one thousand dollars,   Provided, that if any bonds or notes shall be payable at or within sixty days, such bonds or notes shall be subject to only two fifth parts of the duty aforesaid—viz.   If above twenty dollars and not exceeding one hundred dollars, 4   If above one hundred dollars and not exceeding five hundred dollars, 10   If above five hundred dollars and not exceeding one thousand dollars, 20   If above one thousand dollars, 30   Any Notes issued by the banks now established, or that may hereafter be established within the United States, other than the notes of such of the said Banks as shall agree to an annual composition, of one per centum on the annual dividends made by such Banks, to their Stockholders respectively, according to the following scale.   On all notes not exceeding fifty dollars, for each dollar, 6   On all notes above fifty dollars, and not exceeding one hundred dollars, 50   On all notes above one hundred dollars and not exceeding five hundred dollars, 1   On all notes above five hundred dollars, 2   Any Protest or other Notarial act, 25   Any Letter of Attorney, except for an invalid pension, or to obtain or sell Warrants for Land granted by the United States as bounty for military services performed in the late war, 25   Any Certificate or Debenture for drawback of Customs or duties, for less than five hundred dollars, 1   For five hundred dollars and not exceeding two thousand dollars, 2   For more than two thousand dollars, 3   Any note or bill of lading for goods or merchandise to be exported, from one district to another district of the United States, not being in the same State, 10   If from the United States to any foreign port or place, 25   Any Inventory or Catalogue of any furniture, goods or effects, made in any case required by law, (except in cases of goods and chattels distrained for rent or taxes, and goods taken in virtue of any legal process by any officer,) 50   Any Certificate of a Share in any Insurance Company, or a share in the Bank of the United States, or of any State or other Bank, 10   If above twenty dollars and not exceeding one hundred dollars, 25   If above one hundred dollars, 1   If under twenty dollars, at the rate of ten cents for one hundred dollars. 11  
The duties aforesaid will be collected and received by the Supervisors, Inspectors and other Officers of Inspection, in the several Districts, Surveys and Divisions of the United States, and by such other persons as shall from time to time be specially appointed and employed by the Supervisors of Districts for that purpose. III. The Supervisors of the several Districts will, prior to the first day of July ensuing, and as soon as may be practicable, mark or stamp, without fee or reward, any quantities or parcels of Vellum, Parchment or Paper, with any of the rates of duties before enumerated, on payment of the said duties; or stamped vellum, parchment and paper may at the option of the Citizens of the United States, be obtained at the rates prescribed by law, by application to any Supervisor, Inspector, Officer of Inspection, or other person appointed for the distribution of Stamps, by the Supervisors of Districts. GIVEN under my Hand, at Philadelphia the day and year abovenmentioned. OLIVER WOLCOTT, Secretary of the Treasury.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, March 30th. 1798.  Public Notice is hereby given, THAT by an act of Congress passed on the 19th day of March, 1798, the following alterations and amendments have been made to the act passed on the 6th day of July 1797, entitled "An act laying duties on stamped vellum, parchment and paper."
I. The stamp duties on debentures or certificates for the drawback of Customs or duties on imports are repealed. II. A discount at the rate of seven and one half per Centum, will be allowed by the Supervisors or Inspectors respectively, to any persons who purchase at one time or procure to be stamped, any quantities of Vellum, Parchment or Paper, upon which the duties shall amount to Ten Dollars or upwards. III. Stamped Paper, will be provided, and sold at the rates prescribed by law, without any additional charge or expense on account of the price of Paper; but for stamped Parchment or Vellum, an additional price will be demanded at the rate of Fifty Cents for each skin of Parchment, or Two Hundred Cents for each skin of Vellum of medium size, which may be furnished at the expense of the United States and proportionally for any lesser quantity. Given under my hand, at Philadelphia, the day and year abovenmentioned. OLIVER WOLCOTT, Secretary of the Treasury.
To be Let, (And possession given on the 1st of May) A genteel three story brick House, 22 feet front, and 40 feet deep, with back buildings and stables, at present in the tenure of Major Jackson. Enquire at 187 South Third Street. april 2.
JUST PUBLISHED, AND FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE, (Price 25 Cents)  Reflections on Monroe's View OF THE CONDUCT OF THE EXECUTIVE, As published in the GAZETTE of the UNITED STATES, Under the signature of SCIPION, In which the Commercial Warfare of France is traced to the French Fashion in this Country, at its Source, and the Notions of Opposition, &c.
The following Certificates of FUNDED DEBT OF THE UNITED STATES PENDING on the Books of the treasury, were forwarded for London by the ship William Penn, Captain Jollif, which has been captured, and the Certificates supposed to be lost, viz: 3164. 81. Deferred debt, in the name of Rev. Edward Giddy, of Thredrea, in Cornwall, Great Britain, dated June 2, 1797. Certificate No. 10,072. 3021. 11. Six per Cent. Stock, in the name of Edward Horne, of Bevismount, Hants, Great Britain, dated May 30, 1797. No. 13196. 3020. 30. Deferred Debt, in the name of William Manning, of Ormsby, in the county of Norfolk, in England, dated July 10, 1797. No. 10199. 2018. 72. Three per Cent. Stock, in the name of Janet Mathew, of Upper Seymour Street, London, Widow, dated October 31 1797. No. 11820. For the renewal of the above Certificates, application is intended to be made at the said office of the Treasury of the United States,—and all persons concerned are desired to take notice. ALSO—IN THE SAME VESSEL. Fifteen shares Stock of the Bank of United States in the name of William Manning of Ormsby, county of Norfolk, England, viz. Three Certificates for five shares each, dated January 1, 1797. No. 2593, 2598, 2594. For the renewal of which application is meant to be made to the said Bank of the United States,—and all persons concerned therein are desired to take notice. JN. VAUGHAN. Philadelphia, may 4.
The following Certificates of Shares IN the North American Land Company, standing on the Books of said Company in the name of Daniel Lister, of Hackney, in the county of Middlesex, England—viz. No. 2151, representing 13095 to 13105, ten shares—No. 2150—13066 to 13075, ten shares—No. 2149—13056 to 13065, ten shares—No. 2148—11509 to 11518, ten shares—No. 2147—11471 to 11480—Amounting to Forty Shares, were forwarded for London by the ship William Penn, which having been captured, said certificates are supposed to be lost; for the renewal of which, application will be made to the Board of the said company. Daniel Neal Lister. may 1
TO BE SOLD, 40,939 acres of Land. IN Greene County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on the waters of Fifth and Wheeling Creeks and Ten Mile Run. These Lands are fertile and well timbered, and abound in Coal; they were sold ten years ago for five shillings per acre; patented early in 1787, except 3700 acres, which were patented in 1792; part of them were surveyed in 1783. The tract is between the Ohio and Monongahela, very convenient to water carriage, about 19 miles from the town of Washington, from 14 to 16 from the village of Greenburg and Wheeling. On payment of one fourth of the purchase money, a reasonable credit will be given for the residue. Enquire of the Printer. april 21.
TO BE SOLD, 26,780 acres of Land, IN the State of New York, between the northern bounds of Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna river, or late in the townships of Hamden and Warren and county of Warren. These Lands, from their quality and situation, are a very desirable object for any man who means to invest his money to advantage. On payment of one third of the purchase money, a reasonable credit will be given for the residue. Enquire of the Printer. april 21.
JUST RECEIVED. And for sale by W. Young, corner of Second and Chestnut-street. M. Carey 118 High-street T. Dobson, 41 South Second-street and the Booksellers generally. (Price 5-8ths of a Dollar)  BEACON HILL, A Local Poem, historic and descriptive: By a Lady of Boston. ANALYSIS OF BOOK I. Allusion to the surrounding Prospect—Invocation to the River and Sylvan Deities—to the Historic Muse—Fiction discarded—Dedication to Washington—The Action opens at the Retreat of the Columbians from Bunker's Hill—General Howe—The Memory of his Brother—Death of Warren—Perfidiousness of Fortune and Fame—Washington at Mount Vernon—called to the chief Command—Formation of the Columbian Camp at Cambridge—Natural, moral, or political History of the several States—Their commanding Officers—Siege of Boston—Its Sufferings—Negotiation for the late Retreat of the British Army—Its Departure—Appointment of Congress—Declaration of Independence—Character of the Columbian Soldiers—The Poet's prophetic Apocrypha to the Progress of Freedom throughout the World. march 30.
Military Colours. AT C. GULLAGER'S Portrait and Ornamental Painting Rooms, No. 50, South Fourth, next to Chestnut Street, opposite the Friends' Meeting.
PAINTING on oils for Military and other ornamental purposes (in a manner peculiar to himself) durable, not to be injured by the weather, which for elegance of design, truth and beauty of colouring, neatness and masterly execution, has not been equalled by George Rutter and Co. FLAGS AND DRUMS Furnished with all possible dispatch, on the most reasonable terms. Ornamental Painting, Signs, Fire Buckets, Cornices, &c. &c. executed in style (not that superfluous style of modern elegance peculiar to G. R.) but in a workman like manner, peculiar to an artist master of his profession. Mr. GULLAGER, from a number of year's experience in Europe and this country, flatters himself that professional talents, punctuality, and reasonable demands, will meet the entire approbation of those gentlemen who will please to call at his Painting Rooms. $6w may 5.
NOTICE. P. S. Gentlemen in town and country, wishing for a supply of Colours and Drums, painted in a masterly manner, will no doubt feel themselves obliged for the kind can now given by George Rutter and Co. not to trust self-flattering advertisements, but examine the work executed by both parties. One view will facilitate them where the superiority lies—save the spoiling of good silk by George Rutter's pencil—and discover the requisites for the contracting talents of Henry Fraley, at Germantown. may 10.
FOR SALE, A Black Man, WHO has five years and a half to serve, is a good coachman, an excellent waiter, and has been accustomed to marketing for a family—his age about thirty two years. For further particulars, apply at the office of this Gazette. may 15.
FOR SALE. A neat Country House, THREE and a half miles from the city, on the Wissahickon road, with seventeen and a half acres of land, half in orchard and half in grass.—Apply to EDWARD BONSALL & Co. in Dock-street, or to the subscriber, at Mount Pleasant, on Schuylkill, adjoining the premises. Jonathan Williams. N. B. If not sold before the first of June, it will not be for sale during the season. may 19
Military Colours, PAINTED ON SILK—BY GEORGE RUTTER & Co. Portrait and Ornamental Painters, IN a style which will endure the hardships of the weather without injury, and which for neatness and exactitude of colouring cannot be surpassed in this city. FLAGS AND DRUMS Furnished with dispatch, on the most moderate terms. Portraits, Ornamental Paintings, Signs, fire-buckets, &c. accomplished in that superb style of modern elegance, which Mr. Rutter pledges himself from 20 years experience in this city will meet the entire approbation of his friends and the public. In the Military Line, A variety of specimens may be seen at their Painting Room, Norris's Court, back of the New Library. may 3
NOTICE. HAVING observed an advertisement of C. Gullager, in terms derogatory of our professional abilities, we have to request the public not to be imposed upon by foreign artists; but to decide upon the merits of each by a comparison of the work executed, by both, as it is a mode almost universally adopted by them to invalidate the talents of established artists, with a view of deceiving the public, and engrossing that business which their professional knowledge in no wise entitles them to. Well knowing that public opinion must govern, we flatter ourselves that the work executed by us will convince them of our great superiority over Mr. Gullager in every branch of portrait and ornamental painting, and show the necessity of judging for themselves. N. B. In future no attention will be paid to the self-flattering advertisements of Mr. G. Any person wishing a supply of FLAGS and DRUMS will please apply to Geo. Rutter and Co. Norris' Court, or Henry Fraley, Germantown. $6w may 8.
TO BE RENTED, To a Small Genteel Family. A Pleasant House in Dock-street, near Front-Street—Apply at No. 155 South Second-Street. may 17.
Cavalry Academy Philadelphia. T. SWANN, Respectfully informs the different troops of Light Horse in this city and country that he is ready to engage with them to discipline themselves and Horses agreeable to the strictest rules of art; his manage, open ride, Leaping Barr, Stables &c. &c. are in complete order. The terms will be exceedingly low. Should a large number offer, the charge to each individual will be a mere nothing, though the quantity may make it worth his attention, which will at all times be paid; and he flatters himself that such troops as he may have the honour to instruct or superintend, will apply speak for themselves, having proof for their evidence. N. B. T. SWANN has engaged the celebrated Prussian Hussar, Lewis D. Graffe, to teach the use of the Broad Sword and small arms, on easy terms, either by the week, month or quarter. may 21
Very Great Bargains, CONSISTING of Table Linen, Scotch and India Muslins, now selling off and well worth the attention of Housekeepers to make purchase of—Enquire of Thomas Randall, No. 38 Spruce-street. may 17
For Sale, The cargo of the brig American from Laguira, CONSISTING of Caraccas Cocoa. Henry Philips, No. 112, South Fourth Street. april 23
FOR SALE, THE whole or one half of a PLANTATION on the river Delaware, between Burlington and Bordentown (two miles from the latter), containing about 400 acres; 60 of which are bottom meadow, and 100 wood land; there are 30 acres of red clover to cut this year (exclusive of meadow) but will exceed 50 the next; and any quantity of manure may be had for the upland from the meadow without injury. An orchard of grafted fruit yielding between 60 and 70 hogheads of excellent cider; a dwelling-house with a barn, stable, granary and other necessary buildings go with one part in case of a division; on the other are no improvements, but has one of the most elegant situations for a house to be seen on the river. The land is of good quality, suitable for grazing or agriculture, and convenient to market by land or water. For terms apply to the owner on the premises. Thomas St. John. May 5
FOR SALE. SEVERAL very elegant Situations for Summer Retreats, three and a half miles from the Court House, and on the Frankford Road; the lots will be made to suit the purchasers—These situations are considered in point of health and elegance, equal to any near the city, and the road known to be false and good at all seasons of the year. The title indisputable—A plan of the grounds is in the hands of the subscriber, who will make known the terms on application to him at his office No. 124 South Fourth Street. ABRAHAM SHOEMAKER. may 2.
Cedar Posts, Rails and Shingles FOR SALE. THEY will be delivered to any place in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, or New-York, where boats drawing six feet water can go from this place. It will often suit the caller to receive in return corn, provisions, wet or dry goods. Letters directed to the subscriber at this place, and put into any post office in the United States, will be regularly received and carefully attended to. Those who wish to contract in Philadelphia, will please to apply to GORDON HILL, No. 135, Market-street. The subscriber is desirous of contracting with some responsible person in Philadelphia, to receive and dispose of for him, on commission, a quantity of two feet Shingles, for home use, and of two feet and eighteen inches, for exportation. William Hill Wells, Dagborough, state of Delaware. april 22.