Gazette of the United-States. (New-York [N.Y.]), 1791-12-31 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. 71, of Vol. III.]
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1791.
[Whole No. 279.]
FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES. MR. FENNO,
THIS day closes another annual measure of time; and happy would be the consequences, if mankind were more disposed to avail themselves of such periods, for the indulgence of reflection, and a retrospective view of the various events of life, which, at a distance, and divested of the false colourings that prejudice may have given them at the time of their occurrence, will often present a useful lesson for future conduct, and subserve valuable purposes in society—moral and political.
The critical observer of human affairs, who has viewed the progress of those evils to which men are constantly exposed by the treachery of the heart, and the errors of judgment, will be ready to acknowledge the advantages to be derived—from a review of former scenes, analyzing the secret springs to action on the great drama of the world—with the several causes of success or disappointment.
If in the course of events we have seen the throne of a Despot consuming on the sacred altar of Liberty—let Kings, by this, be taught to venerate the rights of men—and to know that the affections of a free and generous people are the only satisfactory and durable basis of all authority.—If we have observed a Minister sacrificed to the just resentment of his country—let those in similar situations be careful to shun the causes which led to his disgrace, and to cherish those virtues which will alone ensure them the esteem and confidence of their fellow-citizens.
If, by the rays of mental light, the wiles of priestcraft have been exposed to view, and we have seen the pampered sons of luxury deprived of the wealth they procured by the worst of all abuses—Priests are hereby taught that such pursuits will not in future avail them, as men will be no longer led the blind votaries of superstition and bigotry.
Have we heard that millions of our fellow men (magnanimously asserting the rights of human nature) have dared to break the chains which bound them for ages, and determined to be free—we will indulge the generous emotions of joy, be stimulated to future exertions in the cause of liberty, and nourish fair science in our land, as the source of all social happiness.
If we, on the other hand, have been informed that thousands have fallen victims to the pride of royalty—while, with just indignation, we contemplate the sad effects which the lust of domination is ever found to produce, let us guard with cautious eye among ourselves the aspiring efforts of ambition, and cultivate those sentiments of philanthropy, which teach men to know and feel that they are the brethren of one common family.
Have the bounties of Nature been heaped upon us with a liberal hand—may gratitude inspire our devotions, and our future conduct evidence our sense of the obligation.
If, in the pursuits of private life, fortune has deigned to afford us her smiles—let us, by the exercise of genuine benevolence, endeavor to merit her future favors.
Have we been deprived of some of our most valuable friends—let us study to copy those virtues which procured them esteem, as the best tribute due to their memory. MENTOR.
(TO BE CONTINUED.)
NEW-YORK, December 26.
Official accounts being received of the death of Major-General Butler, Major Ferguson, Major Heart, Capt. Smith, Capt. Bradford, Capt. Newman, Capt. Phelon, and Lieutenant Spear, members of the society of the Cincinnati, who fell in the late action with the Indians, the members of the New-York State Society of the Cincinnati, are requested to wear the usual mourning for three months, as a particular mark of respect for the memory of their brave deceased brethren.
By order of the President, W. S. SMITH.
BOSTON, Dec. 17, 1791.
THE Subscribers to the AMERICAN APOLLO are informed, that the first number will, agreeably to the proposal, be published on the first Friday in January next.—Those gentlemen who hold subscriptions, are requested to return them, as soon as possible, to BELKNAP & YOUNG, in State-Street—who request their brethren of the Type, in this and the other States, to assist them with their usual communications, and publish this advertisement in their respective papers.
PHILADELPHIA.
TUESDAY last being the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist, an elegant Oration was delivered at the Lodge-Room, the corner of Arch and Fifth-street, by the Rev. Brother Smith, and the following persons were installed Grand Officers for the ensuing year:
 R. W. Jonathan B. Smith, Esq. Grand Master.  Joseph Few, Deputy Grand Master.  Thomas Proctor, Sen. Grand Warden.  Gavin Hamilton, jun. Junior Grand Warden.  P. le B. Duplellis, Grand Secretary.  Mr. Benjamin Mason, Grand Treasurer. 
After which the feast of St. John was celebrated at Mr. Oeller's Hotel, and a liberal collection of charity for the poor of the institution was made, and the following toasts were given:
 1. The widow's son.  2. All the Mason's round the globe.  3. May the circle of happiness be commensurate with the square of excellence.  4. Our illustrious brother Washington. [3 times 3, and 3 huzzas.]  5. May the constitution of France, which has rushed in a right line from tyranny, ever be guided by the square, and everlasting role in the circle of happiness.  6. May the torch of masonry be centered in the western sky, and illumine with its brilliant rays United America.  7. May heaven give double blessings in resurrection to those masons, who have fallen in defence of their country in the western territory. 
S O N G,
Composed and sung on Tuesday last, AT THE FESTIVAL OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST.
BY A BROTHER.
YE gracious powers of choral song, Attend; inspire your festive throng; Let harmless mirth, and frolic glee, Dance sportive at our Jubilee.
We ask no sound of spear or shield, No trophies of th' ensanguined field; Let hope, let faith and charity, Begin and end our Jubilee.
No savage warrior's scarlet name, Shall e'er defile our roll of fame; But peace, with white robed train we see, Presiding at our Jubilee.
The heart that feels for widow'd woe, The tears, for orphans pangs, that flow, The voice which bids distress to flee, Shall celebrate in Jubilee.
Mercy, with pearly melting eye, Stern Justice with her sword on high, Shall both attendant angels be, To guide, to guard our Jubilee.
Each Brother's soul shall rapturous swell, Nor sorrow toll her sad'ning knell; The voice, the hands, the heart by three, Shall thrice repeat our Jubilee.
Then call from East to West the World, The mystic banners are unfurl'd! And O! departed ancients, see From Heaven, and bless our Jubilee!
Lo! from his great or little store, Each brother flies his mite to pour, That men may still rejoice to see, A Mason's lodge a Jubilee.
Then (round the circle) let the glafs (Yet in the square) convivial pass; And when the sun winds o'er the lea, Each lafs shall have her Jubilee.
Be this the general, cordial toast, (A wish that never should be lost) That all the world may Masons be, And live and love in Jubilee.
SKETCHES OF BOSTON AND ITS INHABITANTS.
[The following is extracted from a series of letters, published in a late Nova-Scotia paper.]
SKETCHES, &c.
THE habits of the people here are very favorable to oratory. Declamation is taught in every school in the country. It is a custom to call on some citizen to make a public oration on the anniversary of independence, and other interesting occasions.
“On the death of a citizen of uncommon merit, if his virtues have been of the private and domestic kind, his memory receives the tribute of approbation from the pulpit: But if in the more splendid walk of public life he has deserved applause, a citizen is called upon to make his eulogium. I have since I came here heard a very sensible one pronounced by Judge LOWELL, on the late Mr. BOWDOIN, who died last summer. Governor HANCOCK, Mr. ADAMS, and every distinguished character in the place were there, a number of respectable ladies, &c. I have picked up a few orations, which I send you herewith.—Some are very lean, others will deserve your reading. The constitutions of the districts, as I have shown you, must, by their nature, give rise and encouragement to eloquence;—there is but one assembly in the whole range of the federal
union, in which it is deemed unnecessary, and, I believe, even absurd and obtrusive. To wit, the senate, or upper house of Congress!—They are merely a deliberative meeting, in which every man delivers his concise opinion, one leg over the other, as they did in the first Congress, where an harangue was a great rarity*.
“The private hospitality of Boston is equal even to that of Ireland, and the practise of it rather better understood.
“In travelling through Massachusetts you are surprised that men, in whom the practice of the moral duties is so habitual, that they observe the laws of God and man without seeming conscious of obedience, should overcharge you in every payment you make, either for lodging, goods, or labour, and should seem to have no other standard of price, than the consent of the buyer; whatever his ignorance or extravagance will yield, is received without scruple. But then if you have left your watch in the temple of Cloacina at the inn, it is in perfect safety; if you have dropped your handkerchief in the street, or on the road, the first man that finds it will call you back; you may carry money loose in your furtout pockets, and remain for hours in the midst of the same extortioners; and if there are no foreigners or Europeans in the crowd, your cash is secure and untouched.
“A British officer lodged in a house which took fire at night; in the confusion of exertions, every thing was carried away, and the officer had many things of value, diamonds, rings, trinkets, &c. In the morning they were delivered or sent to him by different men, who might have justly resented the surprise he shewed at receiving them.
“How is this dishonesty in pecuniary exchanges, in a people so exemplary in all other cases, to be accounted for? I answer, that during the war, and some time after, the value of the only money they had in circulation was very variable, and therefore an indecision and irregularity in prices and payment took place; but this is now wearing off, and when it shall entirely cease, and commercial exactness take place, I really do not know what we of Europe will do for some imputation against those folks, to counterbalance the advantages and diminish the moral pre-eminence they will assume over us.”
* This wants confirmation.
Description of the curious Bridge at Nismes, in the South of France.
THIS bridge to all appearance was constructed by the Romans. The mortar and stone with which it is built, after being exposed for many hundred years, have become one cement as hard as marble. This superb monument of the Romans is composed of three distinct bridges, one above the other: It joins two mountains, the river Gardon passing under it—the upper bridge serving as an aqueduct for the passage of the little river A'iran. This aqueduct by its winding amongst mountains and rocks is 27 miles long.
The first bridge is supported by 6 arches, the river passing through the 5th which is 78 feet wide. This bridge is 498 feet wide, and 62 high. The second bridge is supported by eleven arches, being 25 feet high and 800 long. The third bridge is only 24 feet high and 819 long, being supported by 35 arches.
It is indeed a very curious circumstance to observe two rivers intersecting each other—the one being 151 feet above the other. Indeed by all the vestiges of the works of the Romans, it seems their minds and hearts were on a much larger scale than those of us modern pigmies, who are afraid to encounter what old Romans would have thought little of. To all appearance succeeding ages of Americans, will insensibly regain the dignified character of Romans. The genius of our government, and the happy situation of our country will inevitably lead to this event.
PROVIDENCE, December 17.
Sunday evening last Capt. Brown arrived in the River from Cape-Francois, which he left the 22d ult. He informs that a party of French horse had been attacked by the revolted Negroes, and about 40 of the former killed, which had given great spirits to the blacks; that the whites had abandoned Coracole and Jaquize, and that the former was in flames when he sailed.

PARIS, October 9.
WHEN the king understood that the usual ceremonial of salutation between the National Assembly and himself was to be changed at his meeting them, he seemed very much affected — "I should have thought (said he) that altho' they have deprived me of all honor, as an individual, they would have manifested some regard for the dignity of their first magistrate, the hereditary representative of the nation." — This effusion spread like wildfire; and to such a height were the populace raised, that when the great chair of state was brought into the assembly's hall, they seemed to worship the very chair. Such an excess of enthusiastic applause was reproached by one of the orators—but his voice was drowned in the murmurs of the people.—This gave great umbrage to M. Goupilleau, one of the members of the second legislature, who cried out that the majesty of the people was sacrificed to the majesty of the king. — "If you dare to express yourself again in that manner (said one of the officers of the national guard) I will cut you to pieces—you are a traitor—and, take notice, that we have bayonets!" — "Yes! (replied the national guard) —we will cut him to pieces should he infringe the constitution—we are also ready to cut that man to pieces, who offers him the most trifling insult, while he is doing his duty!" — M. Goupilleau then exclaimed aloud, The temple of the country is become the stage of bullies and gladiators. The national guard wears a menacing aspect—they tell us that the word majesty belongs to the king only—that the people are nothing, and the king every thing. The officer was then called to the bar, and desired to explain. Three hours were spent in debating on this insult, and examining witnesses. The officer at length interpreted his expressions into another meaning; and the assembly passed on to the order of the day.
The Directors of the Social-Circle Printing Press in this city, anxious to contribute all in their power to the more general dissemination of that immortal effort of human reason, the New Constitution of France, have lately put to press a polyglott or general translation thereof into all the languages of Europe. The typographical part is to be executed with the most scrupulous attention, that it may not in that respect disgrace the translations which will be made under the inspection of a man of acknowledged learning and merit, and entrusted by him into the hands of such persons as he shall judge properly qualified in the several languages into which it is to be transferred. Each translation will be sold separately. The English will appear this week, and the others successively once a fortnight. These translations when bound up into one volume will, it is hoped, become a classic for the study of different languages.
The following animated sentiments are taken from the Bishop of Paris's circular letter, of the 25th ult.
"The simple and majestic edifice of our new government is now firmly established upon the ruins of the feudal tyranny, odious chicanery despotic sway, and every other species of unrestrained power that have in all ages crushed the genius of the French nation. The whole of this constitution displays to the view of man all that can be wished for to render him happy in a state of society, by an equal mixture of morals, politics, and religion. Let us cherish, then, under the two-fold relation of christians and citizens, this precious constitution, which seems to be the gospel itself transferred, for the happiness of France, to the code of her civil government.
"For a long time we were governed by the Romans; then conquered by the Franks who obliged us to become christians, afterwards ruled by ambitious usurpers of the throne—enjoying a short interval of happiness under Charlemagne; crushed under the fall of this Prince's family, and bowed down under the weight of the feudal system: rising a little under Louis the IXth, only to fall lower still under his successors, and endure the shackles of despotism or aristocracy, which ever happened to prevail—France, before the memorable era of the present revolution, possessed a government void of form and order, a barbarous mode of legislation, and, in fact, no constitution at all.
Thanks to the labors of the National Assembly, light has beamed forth from the bosom of chaos. Our political duties are now so plainly prescribed that he who runs may read. France is free; the people are the sovereign; the king is only a king while he obeys the constitution. We acknowledge no authority superior to the laws; the king only reigns by the law, and it is only in the name of the law that he can exact obedience from the people. This law is made by the temporary representatives of the nation, depositaries of the legislative authority and the mouths of the public will of the people."
LONDON, October 25.
The great care which the French Government have taken of the little settlement of Senegal, has improved it into one of the most advantage-
ous Colonies in their possession. A very extensive trade is now carried on with the Moors and Negroes at each side of the river, and posts established at proper distances, for the protection of those concerned therein.
The garrison is numerous and healthy, and from the great care taken to supply the Hospital and the people with proper medicines, the place does not experience that fatal mortality which it formerly did. The late Lord Sackville was so sensible of the extraordinary advantages which might be derived from this settlement, when in the hands of the English, that he took great pains to accommodate it as the French now do, but he could not prevail upon the Treasury to adopt his plan, however laudable, and the place was lost, more from inattention than from the power of the enemy.
A letter from Prague, has this luxurious passage—"Three hundred kids are daily served up for the Court—fourteen thousand pheasants, and twenty thousand partridges, and every thing else in proportion.
When the celebrated Montesquieu returned from visiting every part of Europe, and residing two years in England, he observed that Germany was fit only to travel in, Italy to reside in—England to think in, and France to live in.—If the good Baron could now take a peep into the latter, he would, we believe, be of a different opinion.
Dodd's second address in Acres on Saturday was well calculated to ridicule the corps. His falling collar—his breeches almost up to his chin, and his short stick, set the house in a roar. The corps looked rather awkward on this occasion.
CONGRESS.
PHILADELPHIA.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1791.
In committee of the whole, on the Post-Office Bill.
[Continuation of arguments against the motion for striking out the section which gives the Members of Congress the privilege of franking letters.]
WHEN the bill under consideration is once passed into a law, it is presumable, that no gentleman will ever ask a member to frank for him, as he cannot grant the request consistently with his honor:—the apprehension entertained of the existence of abuses, and of their increasing with the increase of numbers, would be an argument equally valid against every law: for no law can be so framed, as that people will not find means to evade it: but still the legislature will have the power of correcting the abuses, as soon as discovered, by passing new laws to check them. The committee, who drafted the bill, had before them all the acts of the British legislature, respecting the post-office: they saw the abuses and how they had been remedied; and with such light to guide their steps, they had proceeded in the execution of their task. The privilege of franking they had introduced into the bill, upon mature consideration—to take it away, would be levelling a deadly stroke at the liberty of the press: the information conveyed by franks, may be considered as the vital juices, and the channels of the post-office, as the veins; and if these are stopped, the body must be destroyed: it is treading on dangerous ground, to take any measures that may stop the channels of public information, especially of that which relates to matters in which the people are interested:—to check the circulation even of foreign intelligence, may be dangerous; but it is highly so, to deprive the people of information respecting the measures of the general government:—nor ought the members to complain of being obliged to read so many letters and petitions as come to their hands in consequence of the exemption from postage. If any gentleman thought this a heavy task, he ought to remember that it was only his duty, and a task which every member had undertaken when he accepted a seat in the House.
The privilege of franking was granted to the members, not as a personal advantage (for in fact it proved rather a burden) but as a benefit to their constituents, who, by means of it, derive information from those who are best qualified to give it, as they are the persons chosen to administer the general government. The members also receive useful information through the same channel. When the impost law and the excise law were under consideration, many persons, who were better acquainted with the operation of such laws, transmitted to the house much valuable information on those subjects; and to such information the house ought ever to be open; as on the other hand, the motives for adopting certain
measures, ought always to be explained to influential characters in the different parts of the Union. Such conduct will produce the most salutary effects, in reconciling the people to the measures of government, when the principles upon which every law is framed, are explained to them, as well by the correspondence of the members, as by their debates, published in the newspapers.
It is the duty of the members to disperse the newspapers among those people who cannot perhaps otherwise obtain them, than under the protection of franks:—even along the post-roads, the common packets of newspapers are not safe from depredation: but when once they get into the interior parts of the country, there is hardly any chance of their escaping,—whereas under cover of a frank, they are sure to reach their destination in safety.
If the privilege were confined, during the session, to letters sent from and received at the seat of government, and the members limited to their own letters, and obliged to write the whole subscription, the increase of the apprehended abuses would be prevented: if it were further restricted, by limiting it to those letters only that are sent to or come from the state to which the member belongs, this would convince the people, that the privilege was intended for the benefit not of the members but of their constituents.
Further it was observed, that every argument, which might be adduced in favor of withdrawing the privilege from the members of Congress, might be used with equal force in the cases of the President, Vice-President, and every other public officer, mentioned in the same section. If the allowance of six dollars per day was a reason for subjecting the members to the payment of postage, every public officer ought also, on the same principle, to pay for his letters, as they were all compensated with equal liberality. If abuses were apprehended from the members, others were as likely to introduce them as they: if an increase of revenue was contemplated, the postage of all letters to and from the President, the Vice-President, the Secretaries of State, of the Treasury, of the Department of War, &c. would contribute to that increase:—but on the other hand, those gentlemen must have their compensations increased, if their letters were to be taxed; for they could not be expected to pay for them at their own expense. If the privilege can be guarded against abuse, with respect to those officers, it can also be guarded in the case of members of Congress.
The establishment of the post-office is agreed to be for no other purpose than the conveyance of information into every part of the Union; and a greater portion of that had been conveyed into many of the interior parts of the country, by the newspapers sent by the members of the house, than could be conveyed by other means, excepting on the main roads on which stages go:—that information had proved highly serviceable to the present government; for wherever the newspapers had extended, or even the correspondence of the members, no opposition has been made to the laws, whereas the contrary was experienced in those parts to which the information had not penetrated; and even there, the opposition ceased, as soon as the principles on which the laws had been passed, were made known to the people.
As long as the privilege can be thus used for the general advantage of the citizens, it ought not to be relinquished by the members merely through fear of its being thought a personal privilege: it might be confined to members actually attending the session; they might be obliged to write the whole subscription, and even to add the date. In short, the wisdom of the house, it was hoped, would prevent all the evils apprehended from it, and retain the advantages.
The question being taken on the motion (for withdrawing the privilege from the members) passed in the negative—yeas 21, nays 35.
WEDNESDAY, December 28.
Mr. Livermore presented a memorial from the legislature of the State of New-Hampshire, remonstrating against the inequality in the assumption of the State debts; referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
A message, from the Senate, was delivered by Mr. Secretary Otis, informing that they had passed a bill (sent to them from the house) for carrying into effect the contract between the United States, and the State of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Secretary Lear delivered a message from the President of the United States, accompanied with the copy of a letter from the Attorney-General, stating certain difficulties in the execution of his office.
The house resumed the consideration of the amendments, proposed by the committee of the whole, to the post office bill.
The 20th section, with the amendments, was agreed to, and the privilege of franking continued to the members of both houses, and conferred on the Secretary of the Senate, the clerk of the House of Representatives, and some other officers.

The amendment to the 23d section was also agreed to, subjecting newspapers conveyed in the mail, to a postage of one cent for 100 miles, and a cent and a half for any greater distance.
Section 25, as amended and agreed to, authorizes the post-masters of Portsmouth, N. H. Boston, Providence, New-York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Charleston, S. C. to send the letters to the houses of the persons, to whom addressed, and to charge, for such conveyance, one cent on each letter, in addition to the postage.
Having proceeded through all the amendments, the house adjourned.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29.
The letter of the Attorney-General of the United States, sent from the President yesterday, was referred to the committee who have before them the report on the judiciary system.
The petition of James Rumsey, respecting his invention of a steam-boat, was referred to the committee on useful arts, &c.
Two petitions, of William Langley and Adam Giffart, praying compensation for services, were read and referred to the Secretary of War.
The House resumed the consideration of the Post-Office bill. Many of the amendments were again amended—the time was taken up in discussing the various propositions offered from all parts of the House—the franking section was restricted in several particulars—A motion to reduce the postage of newspapers to an half cent each—and another providing for the transportation of periodical pamphlets by the mail—both failed. The several sections being gone through with—a motion to recommit the bill and amendments occasioned further debate, which continued to the time of adjournment.
Mr. Hartley obtained leave of absence for 8 days.
Mr. Hillhouse obtained leave of absence for 20 days—and then the House adjourned.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30.
A number of petitions were laid on the clerk's table by several members—these were taken up in order, read, and referred—those for pensions and compensations for services and disabilities, to the Secretary of War.
A memorial of John Churchman was read, renewing his application for the patronage of Government, to enable him to undertake and prosecute a voyage of discovery towards the North Pole—laid on the table.
Mr. Bourne of the committee of enrolment, reported the bill for carrying into effect a contract between the United States and the state of Pennsylvania, as duly enrolled—the Speaker then affixed his signature to the same.
A message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Secretary Lear—communicating a copy of the ratification by the state of Virginia, of the amendments proposed by Congress to the Constitution of the United States.
A petition from a number of the inhabitants of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, against that part of the revenue law, which lays a duty on spirits distilled from the produce of the country, and praying for a repeal of the law—was read and laid on the table.
In committee of the whole, on the bill to extend the time for settling the accounts of the United States with the individual States—Mr. Muhlenberg in the chair.
The bill being read, Mr. Clark proposed an additional section, providing for enhancing the salary of the first clerk in the Commissioner's office to the sum received by the principal clerk in the Auditor's office—which was agreed to.
The committee then rose and reported accordingly—the house accepted the report, and ordered the bill to be engrossed for a third reading.
The report of a select committee, respecting the Secretary of the Treasury's exhibiting annual accounts of the receipts and expenditures of public monies, was taken into consideration—This report consisted of two resolutions—one requiring the account, the other that a committee should be appointed to examine and report thereon.
After considerable debate, the first resolution was adopted—the other disagreed to.
Adjourned till Monday.
FROM A LONDON PAPER.
VOLTAIRE.
AS Voltaire is quoted as the great Oracle of republicanism (as his ashes are looked upon as the embers from which the democracy of France has been lighted up into its present flame) let us per contra, give, in his own words, what that notorious atheistical hypocrite has said of kings:—In his celebrated address to the members of the Academy of Paris, in the year 1746, will be found these words:
In speaking of Louis the XIVth. he says, "Do you think, gentlemen, that the honors resounded by so many voices to the memory of Louis the XIVth. did not open to themselves a way to the
heart of his successor?—It will one day be said, that both journeyed to immortality; sometimes by the same road, sometimes by different routes. Posterity must say, that this was the true pursuit of glory; that the monarchy of France displayed a greatness of soul in the happiness of its people! That land and sea gave testimony of its magnificence—and the smallest objects, as soon as they began to have any relation to it, assumed a new character, and received the stamp of Sterling grandeur!"
At the conclusion of this memorable harangue, we find Voltaire again either a strong royalist, or the most profound hypocrite. His words are, in describing the character of the late king of France, "We are happy, we have known his virtues ever since he began to reign. We have always thought of him, as all ages, and all nations will think. Never was there a love more sincere, or better expressed: By all hearts it is felt, and by your eloquent tongue it is declared. Medals worthy of the most polite times of Greece eternize his triumphs and our happiness. O! that I could see in our public places, statues of that humane monarch carved by the hands of our Praxiteles's, environed with all the symbols of public felicity: O! that I could read at the foot of each statue, these words, which are engraved upon all our hearts, "To the father of his country."
After this, what must the public think of the admirers of Voltaire?
FROM THE LONDON CHRONICLE.
THOMSON.
One of the most elegant compliments ever paid to this charming Poet was by a person of his own name, who sent him the following Verses:
To Mr. JAMES THOMSON, on his SEASONS.
HAIL Nature's Poet, whom she taught alone To sing her works, in numbers like her own, Sweet as the thrush that warbles in the dale, And soft as Philomela's tender tale; She lent her pencil too of wondrous pow'r, To catch the rainbow, and to form the flow'r, Of many mingling hues—and smiling said, (But first with laurel crown'd her Favourite's head) "These beauteous Children, tho' so fair they shine, "Fade in my Seasons; let them live in thine." And live they shall, the charm of every eye, Till Nature sickens, and the SEASONS die.
WILLIAM THOMSON.
Philadelphia, December 31.
All accounts of the late action with the Indians reflect honor on the conduct of General St. Clair and his gallant troops. It is true the army was defeated, but it is highly probable they were overpowered by superior numbers.—The annals of the late war do not exhibit a more lengthy and severe conflict; and although the issue of it was unfortunate, the reputation of the American arms remains unimpeached.
Whatever may be the consequences of the Indian war, the United States are not responsible for them.—The predatory incursions of the Wabash and Miami Indians, began in the early part of the late war, and have continued without intermission to the present time.
These Indians have constantly refused the invitations of the United States to treat of peace, although the neighbouring tribes did, at several periods since the late war, conclude treaties with us. Some people have supposed that this war has been lighted up by the encroachments of the whites.—This does not appear to be the case.—The Wabash Indians have not any claim to the lands within the boundaries stipulated by several treaties with the Western Indians;—nor have they urged any such claim: they appear to have been incited to a continuance of their depredations, by a thirst for blood and plunder, with both of which they have been but too abundantly gratified.
When the insolence and cruelties of these banditti shall be fully explained to the public, together with the means used to bring them to a just sense of their situation, without having recourse to the last extremity, the humanity of the United States will be abundantly apparent, and their conduct receive, as it merits, the approbation of the enlightened part of mankind.
Six Cherokee Chiefs, with a woman and boy of that nation, accompanied by Mr. Carey, interpreter, arrived in town on Thursday last, about twelve o'clock. They were attended by Colonel Procter, of this city.
The following are the names of the six Cherokee Chiefs:
 Innetetua, or Bloody fellow: a General.  Chadlaw, or King-Fisher: a Colonel.  Nattawego, or the North Nation: a General.  Kuthaguita, or The Prince: the Old Warrior.  Teyeyitkey, or The Disturber: a Captain.  Shucwugee, or Captain George.  The Squaw, Jean Dougherty. 
Christian Febiger, Esq. is unanimously re-elected Treasurer of this Commonwealth, by the Legislature.
A vessel arrived at Boston brings a confirmation of the destruction of Port-au-Prince.
Port-au Prince was a large and populous city, containing more than 20,000 inhabitants—It is now an heap of rubbish and its citizens reduced to indescribable distress.
We can inform our readers from the best authority, that in the late action of the 4th of November, under Major-General St. Clair, the following gallant conduct of Major Butler, brother to the late General Butler who commanded one of the battalions of levies from this state, took place—the Major having received the wound which broke his leg, he retired to be dressed, and the moment it was over, got himself put upon a horse, and returned to his battalion, and continued with it until it was ordered to retire.
The Subscription-Book for opening the Canal and Lock Navigation between the rivers Schuylkill and Susquehanna, by the waters of Tulpehocken, Quitapahilla, and Swatara, in the counties of Berks and Dauphin, having been kept open for fifteen days, agreeable to law, were closed on Saturday last, when it appeared that there were 40,000 shares subscribed, being 39,000 shares more than the law requires, the whole number is to be reduced down to one thousand shares, by lottery.
The committee of the House of Representatives appointed to consider and report on the act respecting dramatic exhibitions, have reported in substance, That as the public sentiment will forever prescribe the language, and stamp the character of public exhibitions, it becomes unnecessary for the Legislature to place the Theatre under the trammels of censors.
Late letters from Jamaica to a gentleman in this city, mention that the spirit of revolt among the negroes had at length reached the island—that the white inhabitants were sincerely alarmed for their safety, had proclaimed martial law, and were taking every precaution in their power to prevent a general insurrection. The flame is spreading, and threatens the West-India islands with ruin and devastation.
Wednesday last the Senate of this Commonwealth, voted that the choice of a Federal Senator should be by a concurrent vote—11, to 6.
The amnesty, allowed in France to the fugitive princes, and others who have opposed the revolution, is very honorable, as well as wise and politic. Men overturn a tyranny, because they fear it; and what they fear they hate. The struggle for liberty inflames both passions, fear and hatred. The moment of triumph is a dangerous trial of the heart; for it finds the later passion thirsting for the destruction of the objects and persons, which it lately feared and continues to hate. The amnesty evinces the magnanimous confidence of the National Assembly in the stability of their own work; no longer fearing their foes, they have the nobleness of soul, as well as wisdom, to forgive them. It is to the honor of the age that opinions are no longer punished as crimes. Go on, enlightened Frenchmen, your mildness (a national virtue now resumed) in the use of your privileges, will make liberty appear amiable in the eyes of other nations.
Hitherto a free people have been considered as a kind of sectaries; it has been a distinction in the world, and a proud one too of more worth than all its titles. But the time is coming, and the French, if they are wise and prudent enough to make their work strong as they do it, will hasten the period, when the major vote of the world will be given in favor of liberty—when the want, or the loss of it, will be considered as a stain, a mark of ignominy and degradation, which slaves, the most used to it, will not have the patience to carry.
The example of a free people is important to the world. The common objection against free governments, is, that they run into licentiousness. A free people, therefore, by refusing obedience to the laws, do an injury not only to themselves, but to mankind. It is not kings only who are terrified by seeing the effects of this disobedience—it seems, in their view of the matter, a duty with men of sense and virtue, living in countries whose governments need reforming, to oppose the work of reformation, and to preserve the public tranquility, even at the price of delaying, perhaps of finally losing the opportunity of changing things for the better. How would it discourage the European lovers of liberty and good order, for they are the same sort of men, to find that we in America have made a new form of government, as free as the air, and one that has been found as good to dispute about as ever was made; but the people will not obey it. Surely then no American who is half as proud of his country and his liberty as he has cause to be, will give occasion for his own and his country's dishonor, by opposing or counteracting the excise laws. There is no liberty without government—and surely there is no government where men govern the laws. Men may love liberty in their hearts who join in the cry against the excise—but if they are wild enough to oppose it forcibly, they are the worst enemies of liberty.
The excise has a bad name—but never was more pains bestowed to make the act deserve a good one. Will not the men who think it a dangerous law, give those who would explain it an hearing? Will they not see the effects of the law before they pronounce it oppressive? It is to be feared that great misrepresentations have taken place. But the truth, though slow, will arrive at last, and thousands will be surprised to find how grossly they have been imposed upon, in relation to this obnoxious law.
With so much good sense as our countrymen are known to possess; and after so much as they have done and suffered to establish an equal government, by laws and not by men, it is impossible to conceive that any men, unless in a fit of mad passion, can be found so wicked and foolish as to fly in the face of authority, and to oppose those very laws which they, by their representatives, have had part in framing.
PRICE CURRENT.—PUBLIC SECURITIES.
   FUNDED DEBT.     6 pr. Cents 23/ pr. £. 115 pr. cent.   3 pr. Cents 13/6 67 1/2 do.   Deferred 6 pr. Cents 13/8 68 3/4 do.   UNFUNDED DEBT.   Final Sett. and other Certificates 20/6 102 1/2 do.   Indents 12/9 63 3/4   Bank Subscriptions, 15/8 Dollars.  
THE annual election of OFFICERS of the AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, will be held at their Hall between the hours of 2 and 5, P. M. on FRIDAY the 6th of JANUARY next.
December 31. JONATHAN WILLIAMS, Sec'ty.

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.)
As far as any discretionary power of visiting is given to any officer acting under that law, it is confined to BUILDINGS, which are ENTERED by the parties, as places in which they carry on the BUSINESS OF DISTILLING. No other house or building they may have can be visited. If there are even particular APARTMENTS in a house in which the business is carried on, these only, if designated properly, can be visited by the officer. He would have no right to meddle with any other apartment in the house.
Thus careful have Congress been to secure and protect the citizen from any improper intrusion or search.
But even this very qualified power of visiting is confined to Distilleries from Foreign Materials, and to distilleries from domestic materials in Cities, Towns and Villages only. It does not at all apply to any case, in which the duty is charged upon the Still itself, whether the party chooses to pay the sixty cents per gallon of the capacity of the still, or the nine cents per gallon on the spirits actually distilled by him. In which ever way he may make his election, he is free from the visitation of the officer; this, it is believed, has escaped your notice, as it appears to my mind to obviate many of the prevalent objections.
The power of visiting the still to take its dimensions, once for all, will hardly be deemed an exception to what is here asserted. This would be nothing more than if Assessors were to come upon a man's farm to view the size, the kinds and quality of the land.
Neither can the provision which authorises magistrates in certain cases to grant search warrants be deemed an exception. Here the discretion is not in the officer of the revenue, but in the Magistrate, and even he cannot grant such a warrant, but in consequence of reasonable cause of suspicion made out to his satisfaction upon oath, nor can the warrant granted be executed but in the presence of a constable or other peace officer.
This power of searching so much complained of, is however not peculiar to excise laws. Ships, which are certainly much more the dwellings of the master and the crew, than are the greatest numbers of distilleries, are liable to constant search, and as far as search warrants are concerned, a similar power is to be found in the law regulating the collection of the duties on imported articles, which is not only a necessary provision, but one which has never excited the least murmur among the merchants, or others whose houses or store houses might be affected by it.
By the laws of Pennsylvania too, all bakehouses may be entered and examined by certain public officers at their discretion; and they are almost uniformly a part of the dwellings of the persons who conduct them; whereas distilleries in most cases form no part of the dwellings of their owners, any more than a saw mill or a smith shop. This regulation has always been strictly executed in the city of Philadelphia, being considered as one of the most important in its police.
No one of these things has been deemed an invasion of domestic peace or private property. As well might it be said that the entry of an assessor to levy, or of a tax-gatherer to demand and enforce the payment of a tax is such an invasion. Ideas of this sort are certainly overstrained, and are incompatible with the necessary operations of the mildest of governments.
Third objection. "The oaths which are required of the parties tend to injure morals and multiply temptations to perjury."
Answer. It is certainly always to be wished that a multiplication of oaths could be avoided, but the requiring them is not an objection to excise laws in particular. It applies to several other kind of revenue laws, and it is much easier to wish they could be avoided, than to discern how it can be done with due security to the public.
No article subject to a duty on importation can be brought into the country, but the master of the vessel must, in the first place report it on oath; and before it can be landed the owner or consignee must also enter it upon oath, producing an invoice of the article, its cost, &c. Similar regulations are practiced in foreign countries, and were practiced under all the State governments; nor has there ever been any reasonable substitute proposed. If neither the inspection of officers, nor the oaths of parties are to be tolerated, there is no alternative, but that all taxes must be laid upon land, or assessed according to the arbitrary guesses of certain officers. The former would ruin the farmer and disappoint the revenue: the latter truly involves the worst kind of tyranny, and is equally unproductive to the treasury.
"Fourth objection. The penalties and forfeitures in the law are so high as not only to punish, but ruin delinquents, who bear in their sufferings the delinquency of others."
Answer. The penalties and forfeitures are not higher nor more severe, than those which secure the collection of duties on imported articles and the regulations of the coasting trade, and are not greater than are usual in revenue laws generally. Pecuniary penalties in some cases extend from one to five hundred dollars, and forfeiture of the article itself, in respect to which attempts have been made to defraud the public, are the only punishment to be found in the excise law, except for false oaths and extortion or oppression on the part of the officers. False oaths involve the pains of perjury; the extortion or oppression of officers brings with it fines imprisonment, forfeiture of office, and an incapacity to hold offices in future.
Provision has been made for the mitigation and remission of penalties in all cases but those of wilful negligence or fraud.
Wilful disobedience to the laws, fraud and corruption, perjury, extortion and oppression are the only things which are treated with severity; is a wilful disobedience to the constitutional laws of the country a light offence? Are attempts to defraud the nation, through its government, of the means of paying its debts and providing for the common defence and general welfare, slight transgressions? Are pecuniary penalties from one to five hundred dollars, with a forfeiture of the article which are the object of the fraud, excessive punishment for such injuries to the public? Is there any substantial distinction between one false oath and another, or does the making of such distinction tend to increase the respect for an oath? Do not slight punishments for certain oaths tend to diminish in the mind the horror which ought to prevail against false swearing and to prepare it for those which are represented as a more heinous kind of perjury? Are imprisonment for a time, forfeiture of office, and incapacity to serve in another, punishment too severe for an officer who is guilty of extortion or oppression? Or does the inflicting of those penalties argue regard or disregard to the rights and security of the citizens.
The idea that one man suffers for the delinquency of another is in every sense erroneous: no man is either put in the place of another, or suffers more for his offence than the nature of it requires.
God forbid, fellow-citizens, that we should on cool reflection think so lightly of the obligations we are all under as to deem such penalties too grievous for such offences.
(TO BE CONTINUED.)
At No. 263, South Front-Street, Next Wednesday evening, JOHN MACPHERSON will Lecture on MECHANICS, and begin precisely at Eight o'Clock. Tickets are sold by Mr. Poulson, at the Library; Mr. Pelfi, at the Merchant's Coffeehouse; and by said Macpherson, at one half a dollar each.
BOULTING CLOTHS.
An extensive Assortment, of very superior texture, suitable for every branch of the business, just imported from Amsterdam, and for Sale by
DANIEL TYSON, No. 114, SOUTH FRONT-STREET;
Where Millers and others may always be supplied with the best Cloths, and large allowance made to those who purchase in quantities to sell again.
MADEIRA WINE,
Of the first Quality, fit for immediate use, in Pipes. Philadelphia, December 6, 1791. [1aw1m]
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, hogthead or quarter cask.
London market Madeira WINE, 5 and 6 years old. Old Sherry WINE of the first quality, by the hogthead 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.)
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. if
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, Sozomen, Theodoret, Virgil, Horace, Livy, Tacitus, Paterculus, Pliny, Concordantia Lat. Concordantia Gr. Thesaurus Ciceronis. Biblia Junii and Tremellii, Bible de Martin, Wells's Maps, Scapulae—Phavorini—Martini—Hoffmanni Lexica, Vossii Etymologicon, Antiquit. Eccles. Britannicae, &c. Quarto. Pindar, Cyropaedia, Bentley's Horace, Terence and Phaedrus, Ovid, Juvenal, Manilius, Cicero's op. om. Caesar, Suetonius, Julius Pollux, Hederici Lexicon, Vossii Ars Gram. Cluverii 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, Ausonius, Buchanan, Sallust, Curtius, Flows, Justin, Val. Maximus, A. Gellius, Hist. 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. Booksellers, Market-street, or of JOHN CAREY. October 31. (cp tf.)
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.
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. (41) 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 instant. Transfers of the subscriptions to the stock of said Bank may then be made. On Monday the 12th instant, deposits will be received, and on Tuesday the 20th instant, discounts may be made. By order of the President and Directors, JOHN KEAN, Cashier.
All Bills or Notes offered for Discount shall be delivered into the Bank on Mondays or Wednesdays, the Discount shall be settled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and shall be made known the next succeeding days.
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. By order of the President and Directors, 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. By order of the President and Directors, JOHN KEAN, Cashier.
Second fundamental Article of Statute of Incorporation.
"Not more than three-fourths of the Directors in office, exclusive of the President, shall be eligible for the next succeeding year. But the Director who shall be President at the time of an election, may always be re-elected." [entf]
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.
TO BE SOLD,
On 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. (41)
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 coniguity to Alexandria, the Federal Town, and George-Town, 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 incumbrances, 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. (df) BALDWIN DADE.
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 20s. November 5, 1791.
TO BE SOLD BY THE EDITOR, A TABLE for receiving and paying Gold at the Bank of the United States, shewing the Value of Gold in Dollars and Cents, from One to a Thousand Pennyweights—according to the Act of Congress, ascertaining the Standard and Value of Gold.
The price of this Paper is 2 Dollars per ann. One half to be paid at Subscribing.