Gazette of the United-States. (New-York [N.Y.]), 1791-12-28 00:00:00

Gazette of the United States.
PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS BY JOHN FENNO, No. 69, HIGH-STREET, BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD STREETS, PHILADELPHIA.
[No. 70, of Vol. III.]
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1791.
[Whole No. 278.]
AN ADDRESS TO THE CITIZENS OF WESTMORELAND, WASHINGTON, FAYETTE AND ALLEGHANY COUNTIES, ON THE REVENUE LAW. By JOHN NEVILLE, INSPECTOR OF THE REVENUE, SURVEY No. 4, DISTRICT, PENNSYLVANIA. (CONTINUED.)
THE sale of the western lands is also mentioned by the committee, as a resource for the purpose. This is something more substantial; and accordingly Congress have by law made provision for appropriating the proceeds of the sales of those lands, as a fund for sinking the debt and freeing our country of its burden. This resource is wisely destined for the discharge of the principal. If Congress could honestly have refrained from making another provision for the interest, it would have been very bad management to have done so, and to have exhausted so good a fund for extinguishing the principal, in the mere payment of interest. But Congress had not this option; the honor and credit of the country, its safety in time of future need, obliged them to make provision for paying the interest annually in money, according to their contract. The government, and the country would have been the derision of the world, if they had failed to discharge this duty. And sufficient dependence could not have been placed upon the produce of the sales of the western lands, to answer that end, if it had even been deemed expedient to eat them out with interest of the debt.
It may be thought, that Congress ought before this to have passed an act for the establishment of a land-office. This business has not been neglected; some examination of the subject has been made, but those who are aware, how many difficulties attend the regulation of this matter, and how much difficult business Congress have had on hand besides, will be ready to make allowances for the delay; it is probable too that the disturbed state of the frontiers has contributed to the suspension of the land-office. It may have been thought best not to sell the land till the controversy with the Indians was finally settled. But be this as it may, the observations which have been made are, I trust, sufficient to satisfy you, that this fund could not have rendered an additional tax unnecessary.
The committee ask, why not open an office for unpurchased lands, and give the holders warrants for their debts? The answer to this is plain: because it would be a violent breach of faith and contract; because Congress, having promised to pay the creditors in money; to oblige them, without their consent, to take wild land, would be little better than not to pay them at all; because nations, like individuals are bound by interest, as well as duty, to be honest, and to perform their engagements; because not to do it as far as circumstances permit, is weak and foolish, as well as wicked; because the United States may again be engaged in a war, and in such case would again have occasion to borrow money, and if they were to treat their present creditors in the manner proposed, they would never be trusted again; because, in fine, the public bonds, or the evidences of the debt, are as much the property of the holder, as his hat or his coat, and to violate that property would be an act of tyranny and oppression in the government.
The truth is, fellow-citizens, that some additional revenue was indispensable; and that Congress had no option, except between a duty on distilled spirits, and a tax on houses, lands, horses, and cattle, and, if the tax now complained of were to be repealed, it would only be to make way for the other.
Are you seriously of opinion, that it would be better to have a tax on all your houses, lands and stock than on the whiskey you distil or consume? The committee expresses an opinion that it would be. But have they sufficiently weighed the matter; have they not rather consulted their dislike to the present tax than expressed your real sentiments in relation to the substitute?
Remember, that a duty on spirits divides itself among all those who consume the spirits, whether they are the makers of it, or the purchasers from those who make it; but that a tax on land falls wholly on the proprietors of those lands; are the proprietors of lands among you prepared to take upon themselves the whole weight of the burden, rather than to share it with other classes of the community?
Remember also that a tax which might be laid by Congress on lands, would be according to some general rule, which would operate alike in all parts of the State. It would not be possible to shift the burden from one county to another. Can it be the interest of the new settled counties to see a tax laid and collected upon such principles? think well of these matters, and judge whether it be prudent to seek a change of the present duty for a tax on your houses and lands.
Suffer me to appeal, upon the present occasion to your candor. You certainly remember that one of the objections most strenuously urged against the present constitution of the United States, was, that it gave Congress a power to levy direct taxes: it was then laid by the opposers of the government, that the difference of circumstances of different parts of the union rendered it impossible for them to exercise the power without oppression. Among those who most strongly objected to direct taxes were the representatives of these western counties, in the State convention; and it was admitted by the friends of the constitution, that there might be real difficulty in the exercise of that power, and that it ought to be forbore as long and as much as possible.
This objection extended throughout the United States, Amendments have been proposed to take the power from Congress, tho' it has not been proposed to lessen or abolish their power to lay an excise. Would it have been wise in Congress, when they had a choice, to exercise thus early the very power the possession of which was most objected to? Is it probable that an exercise of it would have been better relished than of the one which has been exercised?
Congress, indeed, when the duty complained of was laid, could not have laid a direct tax, if they had desired it. Direct taxes by the constitution are to be apportioned according to numbers. The census to ascertain these numbers was not taken at the time of laying the duty on spirits.
Fellow citizens—The committee indulge themselves in an indiscriminate reprobation of excises, but they do not say what they mean by the term. It is necessary to annex a meaning to it, and to attend to the reasonableness and consequences of that reprobation.
The usual signification of an excise, is an internal duty on consumable commodities. Is every such duty in its nature odious
and tyrannical? If it be, then is the situation of the farmer much less eligible than I had ever supposed it to be. I will explain my meaning. Duties on articles of consumption naturally and generally fall upon the consumers. The idle man who lives on his income, the land-holder, the merchant, the lawyer, the mechanic, in short every man who consumes, pays his part of it; they are of course divided among the whole community. This is the more important, because excises are actually the greatest revenues of all countries we know of, and prevail most in the freest governments: but if no internal duties on consumable articles are to be laid, if so important a branch of revenue is to be taken out of the hands of government, how can the chasm be filled but at the expence of the landed property? What other fund can furnish an excise capable of supplying the place of so considerable a resource? And how will the farmer be able to struggle with this increase of burden?
This point ought to be viewed with reference to future as well as past times; if excises may be proper taxes hereafter, they can hardly be tyrannical now.
But in truth no good reason can be assigned, why an internal duty on a consumable commodity is more improper than an external duty on a similar commodity. All must depend upon the regulations under which either is collected; either may be oppressive or not, according to the nature of these regulations; and whatever objections can at any time be justly made on the subject, ought to be applied to the mode of collection, not to the duty itself.
And if any internal duty on articles of consumption is proper, that on ardent spirits must be admitted to be the most proper. It is not the less a luxury from being the luxury of all classes. What article can be imagined that ought to be preferred?
I shall now, fellow-citizens, state the several objections which the committee have urged against the law, and I shall submit to your impartial decision a brief answer to each.
First objection. "Excise laws are dangerous to liberty, and incompatible with the temper of a free people."
Answer. The manner in which they are dangerous to liberty ought to have been shewn. In England, where there is a hereditary monarch, and the powers and prerogatives of the crown are immense, the number of officers occasioned by the great multiplication of excise laws, might be regarded as dangerous to liberty, inasmuch as it might tend to increase the influence of the crown, already too great. But this does in no shape apply to a government, at the head of which is an elective and responsible magistrate of four years duration, with powers incomparably more limited, and coupled with a branch of the legislature in the exercise of some of the most important of them; and which government has the power of appointing officers in only a limited number of cases. The difficulty of repealing a dangerous clause in an excise is greater too in England by reason of an entire house of hereditary nobles.
One great objection to the excise law in England, on the score of danger to liberty is, the SUMMARY JURISDICTION granted to the excise officer invading the court of the common law and the TRIAL BY JURY, but NO SUCH JURISDICTION is given by the act in question.
Excise laws exist and are tolerated by the people in the freest countries of Europe; and they have long existed and been submitted to in several of these States: and those among the foremost for their attachment to liberty, and their exertions in our revolution: In Connecticut they have been extended to foreign articles of consumption generally.
The above positions so contrary to all experience and fact, and so inconsistent with the necessities of society cannot fail to be erroneous.
Second objection. "Excises are odious on account of the powers of inspecting and searching houses which are necessarily given to officers to secure the collection of the duty; being an invasion of domestic peace and private property."
Answer. The great body of confederate citizens generally view excise laws as necessary to answer the public exigencies, without oppressing any particular class of the community, and acquiesce in them accordingly. Some of the powers attending some of the excise laws of Great-Britain have been complained of even by sober men. Such is the power of the officer to visit and search at HIS DISCRETION ANY HOUSE OR BUILDING WHATSOEVER of the persons who deal in the excised article. But no such POWER EXISTS in the LAW which is the subject of this address. (TO BE CONTINUED.)
BERLIN, October 1. CEREMONY OF THE DUKE OF YORK'S MARRIAGE.
THE day before yesterday in the evening the wedding of the Princess Frederica with the Duke of York was consummated.
About six o'clock all persons of a princely blood assembled in gala in the apartments of the Dowager Queen, where the diamond crown was put on the head of Princess Frederica. The generals, ministers, ambassadors, and the high nobility, assembled in the White-hall.
Immediately after it struck seven o'clock the Duke of York led the Princess, his spouse, whose train was carried by four Dames de la Cour, preceded by the gentlemen of the chamber, and the court officers of state, through all the parade apartments, into the White-hall. After them went the King, with the Queen Dowager; Prince Lewis of Prussia, and the reigning Queen, (the crown Prince was absent by indisposition); the hereditary Prince of Orange, with Princess Wilhelmina; Prince Henry, third son to the King, with the hereditary Stadtholdress, his aunt; Prince Wilhelm of Prussia, with Princess Augusta; the Duke of Weimar, with the spouse of Prince Henry of Prussia; the reigning Duke of Mecklenburg Strelitz, with the hereditary Princess of Brunswick.
In the White-hall, a canopy of crimson velvet was erected, and also a crimson velvet sofa for the marriage ceremony.
When the young couple had placed themselves under the canopy, before the sofa, and the royal family stood round them, the upper Counselor of the consistory, Mr. Sack, made a speech in German. This being over rings were exchanged, and the illustrious couple, kneeling on the sofa, were married according to the rites of the reformed church. The whole ended with a prayer; and, twelve guns placed in the garden firing three rounds, the benediction was given. After which the new married couple received the congratulations of the royal family, and they returned in the same order to the apartments, where the royal family and all persons present sat down to card tables; after which the whole court, the high nobility and the ambassadors, sat down to supper.
The supper was served at six tables. The first was placed under a canopy of crimson velvet, and the victuals served in gold dishes and plates. Lieut. General Bornstedt and Count Brohl had the honor to carve, without being seated.
The other five tables, at which sat the generals, ministers, ambassadors, all the officers of the courts, and the high nobility, were served in other apartments.
Those who did the honors at the tables were, at the first, Prince Sacker, Minister of State—at the second, General Mollendorf—at the third, Count Finckenstein, Minister of State—at the fourth, Count Schulemberg, Lieut. General and Minister of State—at the fifth, Major General Bishoffswerder.
During supper, music continued playing in the galleries of the first hall, which immediately began when the company entered the hall.
At the dessert, the royal table was served with a beautiful set of china, made in the Berlin Manufactory.
Supper being over, the whole assembly repaired to the White-hall, where trumper, timbrel, and other music was playing. The Flambeau Dance was begun, at which the Ministers of State carried the torches. With this ended the festivity.
The new couple were attended to their apartments by the reigning Queen and the Queen Dowager.
The Duke of York wore, on this day, the English uniform, and the Princess Frederica was dressed in a suit of drap d'argent, ornamented with diamonds.
The palace of the Margrave of Anspach was illuminated.
L O N D O N, October 10.
The Duchess of York.
At this juncture a few traits descriptive of her Royal Highness's person and character may not be unacceptable to our readers.
In stature, her Royal Highness is short, her symmetry, however, is exact, and the general effect it produces upon the spectator, if it does not strike by Majesty, conciliates by amiable gentleness, and wins its way easily to the heart.
Her countenance resembles, in stile of feature, her august parent's; the eye, like his, full and mild; the mouth small, and not projecting, the chin sweetly turned, and, as a physiognomist would remark, indicative of sensibility and fine temper.—Her complexion is fair, clear and healthy; the hair approaching to flaxen.
Lord Dorchester and family, recently arrived from Canada, return no more to America, his Lordship being succeeded in his government.
A cause was brought on at York assizes some time ago, by a physician for the recovery of his fees. He had a verdict in his favor; but at the last assizes, the verdict was set aside, and Lord Kenyon gave it as his opinion, that a physician's fees are not demandable of right.
The much talked of Abbe de Barmond has written to the President of the New Assembly, to disclaim all participation in the general Amnesty. Proclaimed in consequence of the King's acceptance of the Constitution, which being forced, he considers null, he disdains to avail himself of its effects, and demands a decree of exception in his favour.
Mr. George Forster, so famous for travelling by land from Calcutta to London, died in Feb. at Nagpore, where he had been resident about 8 months. It may prove some consolation to the literary world, that he had previously arranged and completed a relation of his journey from Kashmir to England, through Afghanistan and Persia, and into Cattia by the Caspian sea.

FRANCE.
Sketch of a system of Colonial government, presented to the National Assembly by M. Barnave, Sept. 24.
Article 1. The National Assembly shall have the exclusive right of making laws for the Colonies, with the sanction of the King, as far as respects their external government. That is to say; the assembly shall make laws to regulate the commercial connexions of the colonies with the mother country, and to support the same in providing for the security of the trade by having the decisive right of punishing all infringements thereupon; also, to guarantee the execution of the engagements betwixt the merchants and the inhabitants of the colonies; and secondly, the National Assembly is to enact such laws as may be thought necessary to the defence of the Colonies; such as relate to the military; the declaration of war; the administration of the general government, and the marine.
Art. 2. The colonial assemblies shall have the right to petition and remonstrate on all those subjects: but these shall only be considered as simple petitions, and not provisional regulations—excepting only upon extraordinary and temporary occasions relative to the importation of provisions, and other supplies, when laws enacted by the colonial assemblies and approved by the governor, shall be allowed to operate as the dictates of necessity.
Art. 3. Such laws as relate to the situation of persons not actually free, and the political condition of Mulattoes and free Negroes, as well as the regulations for the execution of those laws, shall be made by the Colonial assemblies, and shall be executed provisionally, with the sanction of the King, without any previous decree operating as an obstacle to the full exercise of the right conferred by the present article upon the Colonial assemblies.
Art. 4. In regard to the formalities of the execution of such laws as relate to the internal government of the Colonies, and which have no relation to the condition of the persons designated in the preceding article, they shall be determined by the supreme legislature, as well as other matters relative to the organization of the colonies, so soon as the Colonial assemblies shall be properly authorised to explain upon their particular constitution.
M. de Valory, one of Louis XVIth's Gardes du Corps, at the time of his flight riding as a postillion, when he was liberated from the prisons de l'Abbaye, went immediately to throw himself at the feet of his Royal master. The monarch raised and tenderly embraced him. At this touching moment one of the attendants appearing, M. de Valory exclaimed, 'Sire, some one approaches.' The answer was worthy of the Sovereign—'It is no matter who'—he continued to caress his faithful and valiant attendant.
SALE M, December 13.
Happy is that people, whose commerce flourishes in LEDGERS, while it is bewailed in orations; and remains untouched in CALCULATION, while it expires in the pictures of eloquence!
BEVERLY MANUFACTURE.
The goods first sent out from the cotton manufactory at Beverly, were made when the machinery was new and not sufficiently proved, and the work people inexpert—their quality proved them to be the first essays.—Great improvements have since been made in the manufactures, which are said to be quite equal to the European. A number of pieces of Thicksets were lately carried to Philadelphia, where they were much admired, compared with English thicksets, and pronounced superior.
BOSTON, Dec. 14.
The Hon. THOMAS RUSSELL, Esq. we hear, has presented to the Humane Society, upwards of 300l. in public securities, and a Seal for the Society's use.
The following advertisement, copied from a late Halifax paper, may please the Anti-Theatricalists—who will consider it as a reformation! "Notice—That the METHODIST SOCIETY are in possession of the PLAY-HOUSE; wherein they will hold public worship, from this date.—Halifax, Nov. 18."
PROVIDENCE, Dec. 15.
The great improvement made during the present year in what is called the post-road from Providence to Norwich, deserves notice—and those who effected it are entitled to public thanks. This road a few years since was not passable, with any degree of safety, even on horseback, it is now a good and convenient road for any carriage. We wish the same laudable spirit would induce a thorough repair of all the roads in the State.
ALBANY, Dec. 12.
A subscription being opened in this city in the course of the last week, for the purpose of forming an extensive library, we are happy the list of subscribers is already very respectable, and it is probable the establishment of this useful institution will be carried into immediate effect.
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES.
AT THE FIRST SESSION,
Begun and held at the city of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, Monday the twenty-fourth of October, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one.
An ACT making appropriations for the support of Government for the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-two.
BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that for the service of the year 1792, and the support of the civil list of the United States, including the incidental and contingent expenses of the several departments and offices thereof, there shall be appropriated a sum of money, not exceeding three hundred and twenty, nine thousand six hundred and fifty-three dollars and fifty-six cents, that is to say,
For the compensation granted by law, to the President of the United States, the Vice-President, Chief Justice, Associate Judges and Attorney General, fifty-three thousand dollars.
For the like compensation to the District Judges, nineteen thousand eight hundred dollars.
For the like compensations to the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and the officers and attendants of the two Houses, estimated on a session of six months continuance, and including the travelling expenses of the members, one hundred and twenty-nine thousand seven hundred and thirty dollars.
For the like compensations to the secretary and officers of the several departments of the treasury of the United States, including clerks and attendants, and the salaries of the respective loan-officers, sixty thousand three hundred dollars.
For the like compensations to the secretary and officers of the department of state, six thousand three hundred dollars.
For the like compensations to the secretary and officers of the department of war, nine thousand six hundred dollars.
For the like compensations to the members of the board of commissioners, for the settlement of the accounts between the United States and the individual states, including the clerks and attendants, thirteen thousand one hundred dollars.
For the like compensations to the governors, judges, and other officers of the Western Territory of the United States, including contingencies, eleven thousand dollars.
For the payment of the annual grant to Baron Steuben, pursuant to an act of Congress, two thousand five hundred dollars.
For the payment of sundry pensions granted by the late government, two thousand seven hundred and sixty-seven dollars and seventy-three cents.
For defraying all other incidental and contingent expenses of the civil list establishments, including firewood, stationery, together with the printing work, and all other contingent expenses of the two Houses of Congress, rent and office expenses of the three several departments, namely, treasury, state, war, and of the general board of commissioners, twenty-one thousand five hundred and fifty-five dollars, and eighty-three cents.
And be it further enacted, That the compensation to the door-keepers of the two Houses, for services which have been heretofore rendered, or may be rendered in the recess of Congress for the year 1792, and certified by the President of the Senate or Speaker of the House of Representatives, in manner required by law for like services during sessions, shall be discharged out of the money herein before appropriated for the contingent expenses of the two Houses of Congress.
And be it further enacted, That for discharging certain liquidated claims upon the United States, for making good deficiencies in former appropriations, for the support of the civil list establishment, and for aiding the fund appropriated for the payment of certain officers of the courts, jurors and witnesses, and for the establishment of ten cutters, there shall be appropriated a sum of money not exceeding one hundred and ninety-seven thousand one hundred and nineteen dollars and forty-nine cents: that is to say,
For discharging a balance due on a liquidated claim of his Most Christian Majesty, against the United States, for supplies during the late war, nine thousand and twenty dollars and sixty-eight cents.
For payment of the principal and interest on a liquidated claim of Oliver Pollock, late commercial agent of the United States, at New-Orleans, for supplies of clothing, arms, and military stores, during the late war, one hundred and eight thousand six hundred and five dollars and two cents: Provided, That the said monies be not paid to the said Oliver Pollock without the consent of the agents of the court of Spain.
For making good deficiencies in the last appropriations, for the compensations to sundry officers of the civil list establishments, five thousand four hundred and seventy-one dollars.
For defraying sundry authorised expenses to the commissioners of loans in the several states, twenty-one thousand dollars.
For defraying a balance of certain liquidated and contingent expenses in the treasury department, two thousand eight hundred dollars.
For defraying the additional expense of the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States, nineteen thousand seven hundred and seventy-two dollars and seventy-nine cents.
For making good a deficiency in former appropriations, to discharge the expenses to clerks, jurors and witnesses in the courts of the United States, five thousand dollars.
For the maintenance and repair of light-houses, beacons, piers, flukes and buoys, sixteen thousand dollars.
For the expense of keeping prisoners committed under the authority of the United States, four thousand dollars.
For the expense of clerks and books in arranging the public securities, two thousand four hundred and fifty dollars.
For the purchase of hydrometers for the use of the officers in the execution of the laws of revenue, one thousand dollars.
For the farther expense of building and equipping ten cutters, two thousand dollars.
And be it further enacted, That for the support of the military establishment of the United States, in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-two, the payment of the annual allowances to the invalid pensioners of the United States, for defraying all expenses incident to the Indian department, and for defraying the expenses incurred in the defensive protection of the frontiers against the Indians, during the years one thousand seven hundred and ninety, and one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, by virtue of the authority vested in the President of the United States, by the acts relative to the military establishment, passed the twenty-ninth of September, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine, and the thirtieth of April, one thousand seven hundred and ninety, and for which no appropriations have been made, there shall be appropriated a sum of money not exceeding five hundred and thirty-
two thousand four hundred and forty-nine dollars seventy-six cents and two-thirds of a cent; that is to say,
   Dols. Cts.     For the pay of troops, 102,686   For subsistence, 219,688 97   For clothing, 48,000   For forage, 4,152   For the hospital department, 6,000   For the quarter-master's department, 50,000   For the ordnance department, 7,204 64   For the contingent expenses of the war department, including maps, hire of expressies, allowances to officers for extra expenses, printing, loss of stores of all kinds, advertising and apprehending deserters, 20,000   For the discharge of certain sums due for pay and subsistence of sundry officers of the late army, and for pay of the late Maryland line, for which no appropriations have been made, 10,490 36   For the payment of the annual allowances to invalid pensioners. 87,463 60 2-3   For defraying all expenses incident to the Indian department, authorised by law, 39,424 71   For defraying the expenses incurred in the defensive protection of the frontiers, as before recited, 37,339 48  
And be it further enacted, That the several appropriations herein before made, shall be paid and discharged out of the funds following, to wit: First, out of the sum of six hundred thousand dollars, which, by the act entitled, "An act making provision for the debt of the United States," is reserved yearly for the support of the government of the United States and their common defence: And secondly, out of such surplus as shall have accrued to the end of the present year, upon the revenues heretofore established, over and above the sums necessary for the payment of interest on the public debt during the same year, and for satisfying other prior appropriations.
JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
JOHN ADAMS, Vice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate.
APPROVED, DECEMBER TWENTY-THIRD, 1791. GEORGE WASHINGTON, President of the United States.
CONGRESS.
PHILADELPHIA.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16.
In committee of the whole, on the Post-Office Bill.
MR. WADSWORTH moved an amendment, to withdraw the privilege of Franking from the members of both houses of Congress.
In support of this motion, it was said, That the grand security which the people of the United States have in their representatives, is, that those representatives are subject to the same regulations, as their constituents: in the article of postage, this was not the case: Congress in this case assume to themselves a privilege, which they refuse to the people: they took money from their constituents, and paid none themselves: the people viewed this privilege with a jealous eye; and could not be pleased to see it enjoyed by Congress, whilst neither the members of the State assemblies, nor even the Governors were indulged in it: Congress enjoys only chartered rights; and all rights not expressly mentioned in the charter, are of course excluded: the constitution is their charter: the Convention, who framed it, had, no doubt, well considered the whole subject of privileges, and accurately defined all such as they wished the legislative body should enjoy distinct from their constituents: in the enumeration of those privileges, there is not a syllable tending to exonerate them from their share of the common burden of postage: they have no constitutional claim to such an immunity; and if they assumed it, they would increase the burden on their constituents; the post-office if unable to maintain itself, must derive its support from other sources of revenue: already, the members of both houses send and receive, during their session, as many letters through the general post-office, as all the other inhabitants of Philadelphia: those letters, if paid at the usual rates, would amount to half the postage of the United States: the number and bulk of the franked letters and packets excluded the newspapers from the mail, and thus prevented the circulation of intelligence: if the evil increased (and there was no probability of its being diminished, except by the utter abolition of the privilege) it would eventually prove the ruin of the post-office:—the example of Britain shewed to what an enormous height the abuse of such a privilege may be carried: and though similar abuses may not as yet have taken place here, yet it could hardly be doubted, that many unnecessary letters were daily sent by the post, which never would have been written, if subject to postage:—those letters are not only unproductive, but an actual expence to the post-office, as the post-master receives a certain percentage on these, as well as upon other letters: the privilege of franking is moreover unequal in its operation: while some members use it only for the purpose of transmitting political information to their constituents; others, absent perhaps during the whole session, use it for very

different purposes: to men in trade it was a considerable advantage, amounting probably, in some instances, to a hundred dollars a year: it would be better to take away the privilege entirely, and reduce the general rates of postage one half, or to allow the members, at the close of each session, to make a charge for all letters on public business, from their constituents, or to make them an allowance in gross to defray the expense of postage: better even, if necessary, to make an addition to the compensation which the members receive for their services, if the present one be found incompetent to their honorable support.
On the other hand it was observed, that the privilege of franking was not assumed by the members, for their own private accommodation, but for the benefit of their constituents, to transmit to them every necessary information, respecting the operations of the general government, and to receive from them such information as they might have to communicate: petitions are frequently enclosed to members; and if these were to be subject to the payment of postage, the privilege of petitioning the house, would be in a great measure destroyed: the diminution of revenue, which the post-office might in some instances suffer from the privilege of franking, ought not to be deemed a sufficient reason for abolishing that privilege; since it was allowed, that the object, contemplated in the establishment, was the general convenience, and an easy and speedy mode of disseminating public and private intelligence: revenue was but a secondary consideration; although the citizens, who live at the seat of government, and have daily opportunities of learning from the newspapers what public measures are going forward, may not be materially affected by the abrogation of the privilege, yet the case would be widely different, with those who live at a distance, especially when fiscal operations were on foot: those who are informed, will make a prey of those who are ignorant; and destructive speculation will enrich the few, at the expense of the many: in a government of opinion (which is the government of America) much greater reliance is to be placed on the confidence of the people, than upon any other circumstance: that confidence can only be the result of the fullest information: but if the privilege of franking were taken away, the avenues of information would be, in a great measure, closed; for the members could not undertake, at their own private expense, to transmit intelligence to every part of the Union: yet the citizens have a right to expect information not only of the acts of government, but also the principles, upon which they were grounded: The abuses of the privilege, that have prevailed in England, do not prevail here; and its abolition would give general dissatisfaction, particularly in the more distant parts of the union, where information would be subject to a very high tax, if circulated through the post-office, at the ordinary rates of postage: of those bundles of letters received and dispatched by members of Congress, many (tho' far from being unnecessary, as had been said) would perhaps never be written, if they were not to pass free of postage; and thus that free communication of sentiment between representative and constituent, which is so essential in a government like this, would be in a great measure cut off; and the post-office would gain little or nothing by it, as those packets of newspapers, bills, reports, &c. would either be sent by private hand, or not sent at all: even here an inequality would prevail, as the people who live near the seat of government, and all along the main road, could, from the greater frequency of opportunities, receive such packets with more ease and regularity, whilst those in more remote situations, could seldom or never receive them, unless by the mail: the expense arising from the percentage to the postmaster on the free letters, is but trifling, as in such cases he receives no more for a packet of two ounces, than for a single letter: and as to the idea of allowing the members to make a charge for their letters, this would be no better than receiving with one hand, and paying away with the other: if however it were found absolutely necessary to take precautions against the abuses that were apprehended, this might be done, by limiting the number or weight of letters that should go free by any one post, without entirely preventing the interchange of sentiments between the representative and his constituents.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26.
The bill for carrying into effect a contract between the United States and the state of Pennsylvania (relative to the purchase of a tract of land bordering on Lake Erie) was read a third time and passed.
Mr. Clark presented the petition of Patrick Ferrall, chief clerk in the office for settling the accounts between the United States and individual States, praying to be placed on the same footing in respect to salary as the chief clerks in the Treasury department, which was read and laid on the table.
Several other petitions were read, and referred to the heads of departments.
In committee of the whole, on the Post-Office Bill—Mr. W. Smith in the chair.
The 23d section relates to the carriage of newspapers—it was moved to strike out the section, and substitute the following:
That all newspapers carried in the mail, and which shall be under cover open at one end, shall be charged with the payment of one cent for any distance not exceeding 100 miles, and one and a half cent for any greater distance—and that the newspapers be carried in separate bags from the letters—and it shall be the duty of the Postmaster-General and his Deputies to keep a separate account of all newspapers; and the Deputy Postmasters shall receive 50 per cent. upon the postage of them—which was agreed to. The committee then rose, and reported the bill, with sundry amendments, which were laid on the table.
The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, covering a report on the petition of Catharine Greene, widow of the late General Greene, pursuant to a reference of the late House of the 4th of March, 1790, which was read, and on motion ordered, that it be referred to a committee of the whole House on Thursday next, and that 100 copies of said report, and the documents accompanying the same, be printed. Adjourned.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27.
The report of the committee of the whole House on the Post-Office Bill was taken into consideration.
The several amendments agreed to by the committee, were read—the principal part of which being still further amended, were adopted by the House. The amendment to the 20th section, which respects the privilege of Franking, being read, Mr. Wadsworth renewed the motion for expunging the clause—this occasioned some debate. Mr. White proposed a substitute which contained various restrictions on the privilege—but an adjournment being called for, took place, without a decision—and the further consideration of the amendments was postponed till to-morrow.
LEGISLATURE of PENNSYLVANIA.
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania.
GENTLEMEN,
IT gives me great satisfaction to communicate to you a copy of a letter from the President of the United States, from which you will observe, that exertions are making under the authority of the Federal Government to protect effectually the exposed part of the frontiers.
THOMAS MIFFLIN.
Philadelphia, 24th December, 1791.
United States, 23d December, 1791.
SIR, I HAVE received your Excellency's letter of yesterday, enclosing a copy of a representation to you from the inhabitants of Pittsburg, relative to their apprehensions, in consequence of a late defeat of the troops under Major-Gen. St. Clair.
I can, with great propriety, assure your Excellency, that it is my earnest desire that all the exposed parts of the frontiers should be as effectually protected, at the general expence, as the case may require.
I shall direct the Secretary of War to confer with your Excellency upon this subject, and to inform you of such measures as have been directed, and are in a train of execution.
I am, with due consideration, Your Excellency's most obedient servant, GEORGE WASHINGTON.
His Excellency the Governor of Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia, December 28.
Wednesday last Richard Henry Lee, Esq. took his seat in the Senate of the United States.
Two important bills are now before the Senate of the United States—one for the encouragement of the Bank and other Cod-Fisheries—the other for the establishment of a Mint.
The project of uniting the Delaware and Schuylkill by a canal, is an undertaking worthy the enterprising spirit of the times, and will doubtless be carried into execution.
The number of passengers which have arrived in the port of Philadelphia in one year, with a view to become settlers in this country, amounts to two thousand seven hundred and forty persons.
By an address from Gov. Telfair to the Assembly of Georgia, it appears that the Treaty with the Creek Nation, made by the United States, is to be the subject of animadversion in the Legislature of that State.—It is rather curious that the same Treaty does not meet the approbation of W. A. Bowles, who is fomenting mischief among the southern Indians.
It is most probable that the Treaty, from this state of things, is just and right.
In the account of the destruction of the town of Port-au-Prince, in Hispaniola, which sad event took place the 22d ult. it is said that the Mulattoes set fire to different parts at the same time—that 32 squares, with all that they contained of produce, stores and provisions, &c. were consumed.—The cannonading lasted one hour afterward, and the musketry continued the remainder of the day, and during the night. Many persons must consequently have perished.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in the country, to his friend in this city.
“Melancholy news from the Westward—Are not such repeated strokes indications that our cause in that country is not good? I think so—I fear we are too rash in our operations that way. No doubt the Indians, disturbed on their native soil, feel all the boilings of injured innocence—and were a few of their Chiefs in audience before Congress, perhaps they might plead their cause to the confusion of many who think little of them—their rights—or of what ought to be said in their favor.
“I hope such measures will be taken, or resolutions gone into in consequence of this defeat, as shall be consistent with the great principles of justice, as well as national policy.—Have there been any measures taken by government to make peace with these unhappy people?—If so, it would tend to satisfy the minds of our fellow-citizens by making them public—if not, what has not our government to answer for?—Doubts on this head give real distress to every serious friend to their country.”
Public measures are doubtless open to public animadversion—but our remarks should always be seasonable, our censures directed by judgment, and in all misfortunes tempered with this consideration,
“That prop'rous actions always pass for wise.”
The business of sending newspapers by the mail, may with the greatest security be put on a liberal footing. The interest of Printers is very little concerned in the matter—but that of the public is, and ought to be considered as deeply involved. If by an easy feasible plan the transportation of newspapers is facilitated, the streams of information will be wide and copious, especially for a season—but as in all other cases where individuals diffuse their property, and encrease their debtors for small sums, and at a distance, inevitable loss ensues, so it is in this of Printing; and nothing but the greatest facility and certainty in transporting the papers, will give the business of an extensive circulation any degree of stability.
There is not a government on earth which is so completely in the hands of the people as that of the United States. By preserving and strengthening it, the people secure their own power. For they have no other means of acting as a people, and it is not easy to conceive of any half as effectual. The state governments reach to almost every object. The national government seems to be in the air over men's heads, and barely touches their individual concerns. The power of the latter is so limited, that it is little, and so divided with the state governments, that it is less than the letter of the constitution seems to give: It has fewer officers than any sovereign government in the world. Look round, and see how few there are who have more than a common interest to support it. It is a trust, and a precious one in the people's own hands to keep it inviolate. It is their own; therefore it deserves their confidence, and will reward their care.
IMPROMPTU.
JOE MILLER's Jests, as all the world may see, Furnish our modern strokes of repartee; Thence the "sweet fact"—which all belief surpasses, Of the plump buxom maid—drench'd in Molasses!
PRICE CURRENT.—PUBLIC SECURITIES.
   FUNDED DEBT.     6 pr. Cents 22/9 pr. £. 113 3/4 pr. cent.   3 pr. Cents 13 3/4 66 3/4 do.   Deferred 6 pr. Cents 13/6 67 1/2 do.   UNFUNDED DEBT.   Final Sett. and other Certificates 20/6 102 1/2 do.   Indents 12/9 63 3/4   Bank Subscriptions, 148 Dollars.  
At No. 263, South Front-Street, This Night JOHN MACPHERSON will Lecture on MECHANICS, and begin precisely at Eight o'Clock.
Tickets are sold by Mr. Poulson, at the Library; Mr. Pelfo, at the Merchant's Coffeehouse; and by said Macpherson, at one half a dollar each.
Next Wednesday and Friday, he Lectures on the same Branch. Dec. 28.
TO BE SOLD.
THAT beautiful and elegant situation on the banks of the Potomack, adjoining the town of Alexandria, whereon the subscriber now resides; about 25 or 30 acres will be sold with the improvements, which are a neat and commodious two story house, compleatly finished from the cellar to the garret, a kitchen, laundry, meat-house, dairy, two story barn, and ice house, all finished in the best manner, together with several other necessary outhouses, the yard and garden neatly paled, and a skillful gardner now employed in putting it in fine order; the land well enclosed with a post and rail fence; a well, and springs of excellent water—the prospect is equalled by few, and excelled by none in America—its contiguity to Alexandria, the Federal Town, and Georgetown, having a fine and full view of each place, must render it in a few years of great value, being directly in a line of communication from Alexandria to the other two towns. Should a purchaser offer before the 15th of February next, a cheap bargain may be had. An indisputable title, clear of all encumbrances, will be made by the subscriber. I will also sell with this place, 220 Acres of Wood Land, about 3 miles distant, which will suit well to support the above in wood and timber.
December 14, 1791.
(1)
BALDWIN DADE.

PRICE CURRENT.—PHILADELPHIA.
PER QUANTITY. DECEMBER 27.—DOLLARS 100 Cents each.
Table with multiple columns listing various goods and their prices. Items include ANCHORS, ALUM, ARSECK, BRANDY, BRAZILETTO, BRICKS, BREAD, BEER, BOARDS, BEEF, BUTTER, CANDLES, CHEESE, CHOCOLATE, CINNAMON, CLOVES, COAL, COCOA, COFFEE, COPPERAS, CORDAGE, COTTON, CURRANTS, DUCK, FEATHERS, FLAX, FLOUR, GRAIN, IRON, LEAD, LIGNUM, LOGWOOD, MACE, MACKEREL, MADDEN, MARBLE, MALT, MOLASSES, MULHARD, MAHOGANY, NAILS, NUTMEGS, OIL, PORTER, and WINE.
TO BE SOLD BY THE EDITOR, A TABLE for receiving and paying Gold at the Bank of the United States, showing the Value of Gold in Dollars and Cents, from One to a Thousand Pennysweights—according to the Act of Congress, ascertaining the Standard and Value of Gold. The JOURNAL of the THIRD SESSION of the SENATE of the UNITED STATES, may be had of the Editor hereof.
Bank of the United States. DECEMBER 22, 1791. RESOLVED, That the Discounts in future be made upon Tuesday and Friday, and that the Notes or Bills offered for Discount, be presented at the Bank on Monday and Thursday. JOHN KEAN, Cashier.
Bank of the United States. DECEMBER 3, 1791. NOTICE is hereby given that the Bank of the United States will be opened on Monday the 5th inst. Transfers of the subscriptions to the stock of said Bank may then be made. On Monday the 12th inst, deposits will be received, and on Tuesday the 20th inst, discounts may be made. JOHN KEAN, Cashier.
AT A MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE BANK OF THE UNITED STATES, DECEMBER 5, 1791. RESOLVED, THAT the payment of the portion of the Capital Stock of the Bank of the United States, consisting of Specie which will be due on the several Shares on the first Monday of January next, may be made at the respective Banks of Massachusetts and New-York. Provided, That any Stockholder claiming the benefit of such payment, shall, on or before the first Monday in January next, exhibit to the Cashier of the Bank of the United States, a Certificate signed by the Cashier of the Bank into which such payment shall have been made—any thing in the regulations heretofore established to the contrary notwithstanding. JOHN KEAN, Cashier.
Bank of the United States. PHILADELPHIA, November 22, 1791. THE STOCKHOLDERS of the BANK OF THE UNITED STATES are hereby informed, that according to the statute of incorporation, a general election for twenty-five DIRECTORS will be held at the Bank of the United States, in the city of Philadelphia, on Monday the second day of January next, at ten o'clock in the forenoon. And, pursuant to the eleventh section of the Bye-Laws, the Stockholders of the said Bank are hereby notified to assemble in general meeting, at the same place, on Tuesday the third day of January next, at five o'clock in the evening. JOHN KEAN, Cashier.
Imperial Hyson, Souchong, and Bohea TEAS, REFINED SUGARS, COFFEE, & SPICES, &c. &c. Of the first quality—by retail, No. 19, Third-Street, between Chestnut and Market Streets. A few TICKETS in 3d and last Class of the NEW-JERSEY LOTTERY. PUBLIC SECURITIES, Bought and Sold, on COMMISSION, by SAMUEL ANDERSON, Chestnut-Street, next door to the Bank, No. 97.
American Lead Manufactory. STEPHEN AUSTIN, & Co. HAVE just now opened their LEAD-WAREHOUSE, two doors South of Walnut-street Wharf, adjoining their New Factory—where they have now made, and ready for sale, a general assortment of SHOT of all sizes, with SHEET and BAR LEAD, the production of the Mines in Virginia. As they have employed a number of experienced English workmen, they warrant it to be equal in quality to any manufactured in Europe, and at a reduced price from the cost of imported. They also continue to manufacture all the above articles at Richmond, in Virginia. All orders addressed to either of the above Factories, will be thankfully received, and executed on the shortest notice. N. B. Wanted, industrious, sober, Labouring Men, at the said Mines, where constant employ, good wages, and other encouragements will be given, means of conveyance being provided, and houses for their reception. For further particulars enquire of Messrs. MOSES AUSTIN & Co. at their Factory in Richmond, or as above. Philadelphia, December 3, 1791.
TO BE SOLD, BY JOHN CAREY, No. 26, PEAR-STREET, A COLLECTION OF Scarce and Valuable BOOKS, Which may be seen every day, until five o'clock, P. M. Among them are the following: Folio. HOMER, Xenophon, Plato, Plutarch, Eusebius, Socenus, Theodoret, Virgil, Horace, Livy, Tacitus, Paternus, Concordantia Lat. Concordantia Gr. Thesaurus Ciceronis, Biblia Junii and Tremellii, Bible de Martin, Wells's Maps, Scapulae—Phavorini—Martini—Hoffmani Lexica, Vossii Etymologicum, Antiquit. Eccles. Britannica, &c. Quarto. Pindar, Cyropaedia, Bentley's Horace, Terence and Phaedrus, Ovid, Juvenal, Manilius, Ciceronis op. om. Caesar, Suetonius, Julius Pollux, Hederici Lexicon, Vossii Ars Gram. Cluve-rii Geographia, Justinian Code, &c. Octavo et infra. Homer, Anacreon, Aristophanes, Longinus, Theophrastus, Hesiod, Poetae minores Gr. Isocrates, Phalaris, various editions of Horace, Virgil, Terence, and Ovid, Tibullus, Plautus, Lucan, Martial, Claudian, Val. Flaccus, Aconius, Buchanan, Sallust, Curtius, Florus, Justin, Val. Maximus, A. Gellius, Hirt. August. Scriptores, English and French Translations of some of the Classics, a great variety of Greek and Latin Grammars, &c. &c. Catalogues may be had of Messrs. Rice & Co. Bookellers, Market-street, or of JOHN CAREY. October 31.
TO BE SOLD, Of the Waters of Tye River, a Branch of James River, in the County of Amherst, and State of Virginia, About 7,000 acres of rich Land, Well adapted to produce every kind of grain and grass a farmer can wish to cultivate, distant from navigation twenty miles. For terms apply to JAMES ROSE, residing on the Land. Amherst County, Virginia, Dec. 10, 1791.
GEORGE MEADE Has for SALE, at his STORES ON WALNUT-STREET WHARF, A FEW pipes of 3 and 4 years old bills of exchange Madeira WINE, which he will dispose of by the pipe, hoghead or quarter cask. London market Madeira WINE, 5 and 6 years old. Old Sherry WINE of the first quality, by the hoghead or quarter cask. Three and 4 years old Lisbon WINE, of a superior quality to what is generally imported, by the pipe, quarter cask, or larger quantity. Choice old Coniac BRANDY, by the pipe, tierce, or larger quantity. A few quarter chests of first quality Hyson TEA. He has just received by the Pigeon, Loxley, master, from London, a few quarter casks of old Madeira WINE—And By the brig Mercury, Capt. Stevens, from Dublin, a few boxes of Irish LINENS, low priced and well assorted; a few bales of red and white FLANNELS, and some GLUE. A few boxes of Spermaceti CANDLES of the first quality, and Burlington PORK of prime quality. He has also to dispose of, a quantity of dressed White Oak STAVES. He means to keep a constant supply of First Quality Madeira and Lisbon WINES, and whoever is pleased to favor him with their custom, may be assured of being well served. He will, through the Winter and Spring, buy undressed HAND-SPIKES. He is purchasing FLAX-SEED and BEES-WAX, and will give the highest price for them. N. B. A few hampers of excellent London PORTER and Taunton ALE, just received, and to be disposed of. Philadelphia, November 16, 1791. (cp 6w.)
JOHN PINTARD, SWORN BROKER & AUCTIONEER, PURCHASES and SELLS PUBLIC DEBT of every description, on Commission, at the following rates: On the Specie amount of all sales at auction, one eighth per cent. On ditto at private sale or purchase, one-half per cent. On remittances, ditto. Receiving interest at the Loan-Office, one per cent. on the amount of the interest. For making transfers at ditto, seventy-five cents per transfer. Such persons as may incline to favor the subscriber with their orders, may rely on their being executed with punctuality, fidelity and dispatch. His long experience and extensive dealings in the public stocks, together with a well established correspondence throughout the United States, enable him to conduct his operations with peculiar benefit to his employers. JOHN PINTARD, New-York, No. 57, King-Street. October 15, 1791.
The First and Second Volumes of the HISTORY OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, (To which is prefixed an accurate Map of the State) By the Rev. JEREMY BELKNAP, Are ready for Delivery to Subscribers—who may receive their Books on application to HAZARD & ADDOMS, at the Corner of Chestnut and Third Streets. The above two volumes contain the political history of the State, from its first settlement to the adoption of the present Constitution of the United States;—the third, containing a geographical description of the State, sketches of its natural history, &c. is in the press. * * A few copies of the first two volumes for sale—price 20/.
THIRTY DOLLARS REWARD. RUN AWAY, some time in August 1789, a yellow NEGRO MAN, named ABRAHAM, late the property of Nathaniel Wickliff, deceased—about forty-five years of age, about five feet eight or nine inches high, pretty well set, with a large woolly head and large beard, walks with his knees bent, often complains of pains in his feet and ancles—by trade a bricklayer, stone mason and plasterer. He is a very handy fellow as a house-waiter, and is fond of such business. He is a great dissembler, and no doubt pretends he is a freeman. He has been eloped so long that no description of his present clothing can be given. It is supposed that he went to the Northern States, as he often mentioned having friends there. Twenty Dollars reward will be given to any person that will secure said Negro in any jail, so that the subscriber may get him again; and reasonable charges will be paid—or Thirty Dollars will be given if he is brought to Prince William County, Virginia, to Mr. JOHN KINCHELOE, by CHARLES WICKLIFF, Administrator. October 12, 1791. (1awgw)
ADVERTISEMENT. BY late arrivals from France, the Editor has received from No. 10 to 31, both inclusive, of a Publication which comes out twice a week in Paris, entitled, "CORRESPONDANCE NATIONALE." From No. 1 to No. 10, have been shipped, but are not yet come to hand. Any person who may incline to subscribe for this work, which appears to be ingenious, impartial and patriotic, may be furnished with the numbers as they arrive by applying to the Editor of this Gazette. Blank Powers to receive the Interest, and for the transfer of the principal of public debt, agreeable to the Rules established in the Treasury Department: Also Blanks for abstracts of Certificates, to be sold by the Editor. The price of this Paper is 3 Dollars per ann. One half to be paid at Subscribing.