The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1801-02-25 00:00:00

The National Intelligencer,
AND WASHINGTON ADVERTISER.
Vol. I. WASHINGTON CITY, PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH, NEW-JERSEY AVENUE, NEAR THE CAPITOL.
No. L.
FIVE DOLLS. PER ANN.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25th, 1801.
PAID IN ADVANCE.
CONGRESS
OF THE UNITED STATES.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
SEDITION ACT.
General LEE rose to express his great pleasure at the very fair and candid manner in which his colleague (Mr. Nicholas) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gallatin) had conducted themselves towards the state he represented. But, he could not wholly approve of the sentiments expressed by them.
With respect to the constitutionality of this law, after what had been so ably advanced by his friends in its behalf, he would only observe that even with the suspension of those sentiments, or without any other support, the decision of the sub-court ought to be with every gentleman, and effectually was with him, sufficient to remove every possible doubt. From the moment of that decision, every doubt ought to have ceased, and the question never again to have agitated the Congress of the United States. Those who had been taught to obey the constitution, must approve of its decisions, and nothing could be more evident than that the reference to the judiciary of our government was the precisely accurate mode of ascertaining the veracity of a legislative measure.
The gentleman from Pennsylvania had told the house that this law was the offspring, and had become a part of a defensive system, adopted when the aggression of a foreign foe raised into action every measure of repulsion within the power of the country, and that it was so considered at a succeeding session of the house. Not having the honor of a seat in the house at that time, Mr. Lee said he did not know, but whether that was the reason of its adoption, or whether not, he could not agree with that gentleman that the occasion for this law was at an end. He would not hesitate for a moment to say that this law ought to be perpetual. It was from this impression that he should vote for the report, and with pleasure would go farther and make it a perpetual law.
In order to examine the propriety of this opinion, it would be necessary to examine the law. What were its provisions, and what its object? Its object is to support your government—not by suppressing the truth—not by suppressing information proper to be known to your people—not by violating the rights of even the humblest of your citizens; but by giving the truth and the truth only its dominion. The gentlemen must pardon him in contradicting them when they said that it operated to the injury of our citizens. He must deny the assertion that the honest well-intentioned citizen could possibly receive the least inconvenience from this law. He owed it to himself and to his friends with whom he usually voted, to declare that it was their most sincere desire to give every truth and every act to the community. He would contend that this law went to adopt, as far as a law could do, measures for the express protection of truth. After a provision against unlawful and forcible combination, the law provided a protection to the government, by guarding it from the consequences of false and malicious defamation.
He would ask gentlemen to consider candidly whether, if the establishment of an oligarchy, of a monarchy, or of an aristocracy, was desired in this country, how the object could be more easily attained than by beginning with undermining the government, and how could the government be undermined but by removing, by every possible manoeuvre, the public confidence from that government? Would not prudence dictate to such characters to bring the government into contempt? This was too plain to be answered negatively; it must be answered affirmatively. If these efforts then might produce such a result, if such measures could lead to it, would it not be highly unbecoming those who saw it was to watch and repel every avenue or attempt that could possibly tend in such
an event to support the authorities of the country by using every effort to the destruction of such measures? most undoubtedly so. He contended that it was a most important duty, without the performance of which the house of representatives would be traitors to that people whose good ought to rest upon the heart of every man, and whose interest could never be more faithfully effectuated than in the perpetuating of a law which would effectually go to protect the government of their choice.
He was surprised at his colleague's objection, and that of the gentleman from Pennsylvania, when it was made so evidently to appear by the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Dennis) that such a protection was afforded by their own state constitution and law! This truth was too strong to be resisted. He believed it to be the case in almost every state. And if so, in the individual states, why should not so valuable a remedy be afforded to the government of the union? This was the charter of our venerable fires, and what principle should withhold this disposition from their enlightened and experienced sons? Why should that be denied to the supreme government which every member of the house, and which every individual in the union enjoyed? Why should gentlemen deny that to the federal government which was denied to the separate governments?
There was however, Mr. Lee said, a point of view which this subject assumed to him, of a very important nature, and which he had not heard from any gentleman. Unless this deluge of falsehood and defamation was impeded in its course or prevented by wholesome and timely provisions, the confidence of the people is removed, and even beyond possibility of relief; the fatal blow once given to the confidence of the people, all efforts to re-establish that confidence is in vain.
But gentlemen say that unless this law is suffered to fall, you resist the voice of the people. How do they estimate this fact? in what way the voice of the people has been heard on that subject, it is in favor of the law, for expression of the public approbation has been experienced in the re-election of men whose principles are in perfect accordance with those who first enacted it. Added to this pointed disapprobation of this measure, submitted her arguments and her definitive vote to all her sister states; and out of them how many were there found to approve of her measures? very few indeed—he believed out of the sixteen not more than two or three!
Mr. Lee could not but admire the soothing manner in which his colleague concluded the house on the change of politics that was about to take place. For the first time since he had the honor of a seat in the house, had he heard such harmonious and highly grateful accents drop from the lips of that gentleman. As this measure would, most undoubtedly, tend to increase and establish the happiness and security of the government, and all its well-disposed citizens, he hoped that gentleman's harmonious disposition would let us be so for life, and to retain to the government their wonted protection, notwithstanding the change of men and of politics. Whosoever of the two great characters should direct the helm of our state vessel—whether he be taken from the south, or whether from the fertile fields of the Hudson, he would be willing to give him all the opportunity of tranquility, so sweetly promised by his honourable colleague.
But how short lived were these pleasing accents! How soon did we hear from the associates of that gentleman, the most poignant anathemas against the judiciary of our country? Such as could scarcely be thought possible to escape their lips, against men who have no opportunity of vindicating themselves! Where are vanished those pleasing forebodings of political happiness? Is it the way to make the people happy, to depict the supreme judiciary of our country—men who hold their offices—not for a day—not during executive pleasure—but for life—to depict those men in co-
lors so unworthy their high characters! But certain he was that the gentlemen were incorrect in their opinions; was he not well assured that they were in an error, and believed with them that the judiciary were partial and corrupt, his duty would excite him to join them; not perhaps in attacking men who were not able to answer in the house, but in taking measures whereby a full and fair examination should be had. This he knew to be the mode which true candor would point out.
True it was that a great change had been made in the direction of our affairs; he did hope (though he did not believe) this change would be productive of much good to the people. Believing that this law would be a protection to the administration in the ways of truth and virtue—willing to do unto others as he desired they should do unto him, how could gentlemen on the other side suppose that they would violate their principles of honor and integrity so much as to depart from a system they had raised for themselves? What better attachment could be displayed than to afford the future administration the same aid which was afforded to one more peculiarly approved of by a majority of the present house?
Mr. Lee concluded by expressing a most sincere hope that the success under the operation of this law, and a full satisfaction of its being strictly constitutional, in the opinion of the judges, which our government stamped its authority, might operate to continue to the government every necessary protection, and evince to the world that the political sitting of the federal side of the house was as bright at its rising, and their last acts devoted to the public good.
SATURDAY, Feb. 21, 1801.
On the engrossment of the SEDITION LAW.
Mr. DAWSON said,
When the law which this bill is intended to continue was first passed, I gave to it my dissent; I did it from a conviction on my mind, that it does violate that constitution which I have sworn to support, and from a persuasion that the then state of things did not require it; that while it begat an unjust suspicion of the American character, it was a stain on our code of legislation.
If there were my impressions at that time, some reflection since, aided by the productions of men, whose names and talents will be long remembered, and a knowledge of the sentiments of the state from which I come, and of the people whom I represent, have confirmed those impressions, have resolved me to vote against that bill in every shape and in every stage, and I hope that it will not be suffered to be ingrossed.
Sir, it is well remembered by me, nor can it be forgotten by any gentleman on what grounds this law was advocated when first passed—it was then supported and pressed upon us, as a necessary link in a chain of measures which a majority of the two houses of congress thought proper to adopt, to meet a particular crisis—to guard against the supposed intrigues of a foreign nation—to give respectability and energy to our executive, to prevent its falling into disrepute with the people, and to punish factious individuals. The history of the last two years has, I am persuaded, convinced gentlemen, how mistaken were their opinions of the American character. With me they must now believe, that whatever difference there may be in our political principles, when the safety, freedom or honor of our country are threatened by a foreign nation, like a band of brothers we will rally round our government, and support it by every means which the constitution of our country authorises, and which the energy of the case may require. How far this law has given respectability or energy to our administration, I will not pretend to say; the events of the present day, is an ample comment on that point; but after the experience which we have had, since some of the objects for which it was formed have passed
by, and others have not been answered, I did hope that no attempt would have been made to continue it, and that it would have been suffered to expire like its twin-brother the alien law. In this hope however, I have been disappointed; gentlemen have come forward and supported it with a zeal, not uncommon to them on other occasions, and unexpected in the present, when we were taught to believe that they were at least indifferent about it, and new reasons have been assigned for its continuance—formerly it was thought necessary to protect the administration against the people—and now, sir, it is wanted to guard individuals against an administration which may be weak or wicked—Experience has I am persuaded convinced gentlemen that it has not answered the first purpose, and I hope they will find it unnecessary for the latter—into whatever hands the administration of our country may fall, its acts ought to be examined with that freedom which becomes freemen, and with that decency which becomes gentlemen—so long as they are guided by justice and wisdom, they will be supported with decision and firmness by the friends to the administration—Whenever they shall descend from these great principles, the voice of the people will again sweep the actors from the political theatre.
This law, sir, has been advocated, because it is said to ameliorate the common law of England—and on this argument much dependence has been placed; however, admitting it to be true, on a moment's reflection it will not be found to merit any consideration—for, sir, let it be remembered that the opponents to this law are also the opponents to the adoption of that law as the law of the United States, and do not think it authorised by the constitution—this is the doctrine which they have uniformly contended for, and which pardon me if I say has been established as fully as one point possibly can be—it is not therefore probable, nay I think it impossible that they ever should appeal to it to shield them. No, sir, supported by the justice and policy of their measures, I trust they will need the aid of neither the Alien, Sedition or common law.
Sir, it will be unnecessary for me to touch on the unconstitutionality of this law; it has been proven over and over again in this house, and in every part of the continent, and if what has been said and written has not convinced gentlemen, no effect would be produced by any thing which I could say—But, sir, as some of the objects for which the law was at first enacted, have past by, and others have not been answered, as the friends to the approaching administration do not wish it for their protection, and the opponents will not need it for theirs, I do hope that those gentlemen who doubt about the constitutionality will vote with us, and that the bill will not be permitted to be engrossed.
The question was then put, and the engrossment refused 53 to 0.
JOHN BARNES,
FROM PHILADELPHIA,
Has just opened for sale the following articles at his store opposite Mr. Semmes's tavern, in Georgetown, a general assortment of
Fresh Teas of the first quality, viz.
Imperial, Large Hyson,
Young Hyson, Hysonkin,
Souchong and Bohea.
SPICES.
Nutmegs, Mace,
Cinnamon, Cloves,
Four bags each Almonds.
LIQUORS.
Madeira, six years old, Dry Sherry & Port,
Brandy, 4th proof Jamaica Spirits, and Holland Gin.
COFFEE.
Pennington's best refined sugars. With a handsome assortment of gentlemen's fashionable London Hats and trimmings. He has likewise for sale, ten cases well assorted STATIONARY, consisting of writing paper of different qualities, Quills, Wafers, and ink powder, in packages from 80 to 180 dollars on the most reasonable terms for each or approved notes.
English and American playing cards, Pasteboard per gross, Wrapping paper per ream, A case of 7-8 and yard wide Keith Linen per piece.
Nov. 14th, 1800.

(Continued from first page.) to the prison, all which, with this report, are respectfully submitted.
ROBERT BOWNE, GEORGE WARNER, JOHN MURRAY, jun. JOTHAM POST, THOMAS EDDY, LEONARD BLEECKER, THOMAS FRANKLIN.
New-York, 1st Mo. 1st. 1801.
By an account exhibited to the Legislature by the Inspectors of the State-Prison, it appears they have expended in the year 1800.
   Dolls. Cts.     For balance due the inspectors last year, 1,842 30   Iron, Leather, and other raw materials, 28,253 60   Maintaining, support and clothing the convicts, and to the sheriffs for bringing them from the different counties, 14,450 86   Salary of the agent, 1,500  
   Dolls. 46,046 76   And that they have received.   From the Comptroller, as a capital stock, 8,000   Sales of goods manufactured in the prison, 22,966 77   Balance due the Inspectors, 15,079 99  
   Dolls. 46,046 76   The amount of manufactured goods, raw materials, and tools on hand, 15,228 83   Due from the state to the prison manufactory, for materials furnished and labor done by the convicts in completing and making the prison fence, 8,000  
   Dolls. 23,223 83   Deduct the amount due the Inspectors by the above statement, 15,079 99  
Dolls. 8,148 84 By the above statement it appears that there remains in favor of the prison 148 dolls. and 84 cents, after maintaining and supporting the prisoners during the year 1800, more than the capital stock paid the Inspectors, of 8000 dollars, mentioned in the above statement.
Charles Campbell,
WATCH-MAKER, FROM PHILADELPHIA;
INTENDS remaining in the City of Washington a few days—Offers to the public a neat assortment of elegant Gold and Silver Watches, Chains, Seals, and other articles in the Watch and Jewellery line.
C. CAMPBELL may be spoken with at Tunnicliff's Hotel.
N. B. Also a small assortment of Scissors, Sportmen and Penknives.
For SALE.
A HOUSE and LOT in the City of Washington, called the COTTAGE beautifully situated on the slope of the Hill appropriated for the National University and near the Commissioners wharf, at present in the occupation of Mr. KNAPP of the Auditor's take.—For terms apply to Dr. Wm. THOMPSON, one of the Commissioners of the City, to Mr. Philip Fitzhugh, or PRESLY THORNTON. Washington City, Feb. 11. 1801.
For Sale.
A Small tract of land containing 150 acres more or less. It is on the road to Frederic about five miles from George Town, and is a high and healthy situation. Terms are one third to be paid on possession being given, the remainder in two yearly payments. Enquire of the printer, or at the Commissioners Office, City of Washington.
If not sold within a month it will be rented on easy terms. January, 28th, 1801.
Conrad & M c Munn
HAVE opened houses of entertainment in the range of buildings formerly occupied by Mr. LAW, about two hundred paces from the Capitol, in New Jersey avenue, leading from thence to the Eastern Branch. They are spacious and convenient, one of which is designed for stage passengers and travellers, the other for the accommodation of boarders. There is stable sufficient for 60 horses—They hope to merit public patronage City of Washington, Nov. 24, 1800.
WASHINGTON CITY.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25, 1801.
FURTHER NOMINATIONS, By the President of the United States.
Thomas Bee of South Carolina, to be Chief Judge.
John Sitgreaves of North Carolina, and Joseph Clay of Georgia to be Judges in the fifth Circuit of the United States.
William McClung of Kentucky, to be a Circuit Judge in the Sixth circuit of the U. States.
Jacob Read Senator from South Carolina, to be judge of that district in the place of Judge Bee.
William H. Hill, member of the House of Representatives from North Carolina to be Judge of that District in place of Judge Sitgreaves.
Samuel Blackburn to be attorney for the Western District of Virg.
Robert Grattan of Staunton Vig. to be Marshal of the Western District of Virginia.
Thomas Gray of the District of East Tennessee to be Marshal of the said District.
Charles J. Porter of the district of East Tennessee to be Marshal of said District.
William Pitt Beers of Albany to be attorney of the U. States for the district of Albany.
James Dole of Troy in district of Albany to be Marshal of that District.
James Cole Mountflorance to be commercial agent for the United States at Paris.
We understand that these nominations have all been confirmed by the Senate, as well as those inserted in our paper of Friday. The Senate decided on most of them,
Mr. PAINE, Senator from Vermont, nominated District Judge of Vermont.
The following motion was made by Mr. BAYARD, and ordered to lie on the table the 21st. Instant.
RESOLVED,
That a committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a bill to amend the COMMON LAW, so as to define and limit the punishment upon prosecutions for libels; and to enable a defendant, upon such prosecution, to give the truth of the matter charged as a libel, in evidence, in his defence.
REPORT,
On State Balances.
The committee appointed to inquire into the expediency of extinguishing the claims of the U. States for certain balances which by the commissioners appointed to settle the accounts between the U. S. and the several states, were reported to be due from several of the states, to the United States,
REPORT, That the commissioners aforesaid, on the liquidation of the accounts, reported that there were due from several of the states, certain balances, that is to say:
   Dolls.     From New-York, - - - 2,074,846   Pennsylvania, - - - 76,709   Delaware, - - - 612,428   Maryland, - - - 151,640   Virginia, - - - 100,879   North-Carolina, - - - 501,082  
That Congress, by an act passed the 15th February, 1799, engaged that any state so reported against, might discharge itself from the claim, by an engagement in the form of a legislative act, to be passed before the first of April 1800, to pay at the treasury of the U. S. within five years, the amount of the sum assumed by the U. S. in the debt of such state; or by expending monies to the like amount within the time aforesaid, in the erection of fortifications. And the said act of Congress provides further, that any payment or expenditure aforesaid shall be credited at the treasury to the amount of stock which said payment or expenditure is equal to the purchase of at the market prices of stock—That the state of New-York passed within the time limited, the legislative act required by the act of Congress aforesaid, and has already received credit at the treasury for the sum of 222,810 dollars 6 cents for
having previously expended in fortifications the sum of 136,533 dollars 82 cent.—That no other state has acceded to the terms offered by the said act of Congress.
The committee further report, that by the immediate operation of the said act of Congress, and of the legislature of the state of New-York, that state was exonerated and released from a very considerable part of the balance reported, to wit the sum of 891,129 dolls. 31 cents; the balance reported against the state being to that amount more than the sum subscribed on the assumption of the U. States in the debt of that state, the sum so subscribed amounts to 1,183,716 dollars 69 cents—that the sum of 891,129 dollars 31 cents exceeds the whole amount of the balance reported to be due from any one of the states, and the aggregate amount of the whole of the balances, with the exception of the balance reported to be due from the state of Delaware.
The committee, without entering into a discussion of the principles whereon the settlement of the accounts by the commissioners was founded, remark—that as none of the states but the state of New-York, has manifested any disposition to pay the balances reported against them, whether the terms offered by the said act of Congress operate favorably or not, and none of them have assented to the justice or equity of the claim of the U. States, and no means exist of exacting payment, it seems unwise to keep alive a claim which cannot be enforced, and may have the effect of producing irritation and exciting discontent; and as the act of Congress has already released the state of New-York from so large an amount, and enabled that state, with ease and advantage, to discharge the residue of the balance reported to be due from that state, the committee are of opinion that a release of the balances due from the other states is expedient, and for this purpose report a bill, which is submitted.
The above report was made Feb. 19, 1801, and the consideration thereof postponed till the 3d day of March next.
REPORT.
The acting Secretary for the Department of War, in obedience to the direction of the House of Representatives, expressed in their resolution of the second instant, that he "communicate to the House such information as may be in his power, in relation to the destruction of the books and papers in that department, by fire; designating particularly, what description of books and papers has been lost thereby, and what the probable effect of such loss will be in the adjustment of the unsettled accounts of the United States."
Respectfully Reports—That he has very little doubt that the fire which on the evening of the eighth of November last entirely destroyed the house then occupied by the Department of War, was communicated from the adjoining house, as it was first discovered in the library which was arranged against the partition wall directly behind the fire place of that house, and at the distance of the whole width of the house (twenty-five or twenty six feet) from the only fire place in the apartment; in which last fire-place a fire had not been made on that day or for upwards of three weeks immediately preceding.
That the rapidity with which a large library extended the flames on the admission of fresh air into the room, entirely precluded the possibility of saving any books or papers that were deposited on the second or third floor—the whole of the former, and one apartment on the latter, then being occupied as the Secretary's office.
That not a book or paper of the office was saved, except one volume, in which the contracts and deeds for lands sold to the United States were recorded. This had been taken into the Accountant's apartments on the ground floor, in the morning, for the adjustment of some accounts, and was saved with his books and papers which were in those apartments.
That immediately after the fire, measures were taken to secure a renewal of the most necessary and important documents in all possible cases. That the lists of invalid pensioners have already been renewed, and sundry communications of importance from the Department, returned and copied—that additions to these are still making, and that the examination of the claims to land for services in the Virginia line on continental establishment, as directed by law, though now suspended, is expected soon to be in the usual state of progression.
That the library, which was entirely destroyed, was extensive, and contained ma-
ny military works of celebrity, which it is scarcely expected can be replaced. In order, however, to effect so desirable an object as far as may be, the Secretary has added a proportionate sum to the estimated appropriation for the present year, for the purpose.
That the claims for continental military bounty lands, the entries of which were by the act of 2d of March, 1799, limited to the first day of January, 1802, many still remain unsatisfied; that from the manner in which the grants were made, the checks and books being all lost, a great difficulty will oppose the renewing issues of warrants for those lands. The Secretary has recommended to applicants, that all claims be filed in the office before the day on which the above mentioned limitation will take place, in order that the examination of them may thereafter be made under such regulations as may be judged most proper to secure to the claimants their lawful rights, and protect the United States, as much as possible, from fraud and imposition.
That it is not presumed that any consequences to affect the adjustment of unsettled accounts, will follow from the loss of the papers of the Secretary's office—the original directions for expenditures being, it is supposed, to be obtained on the exhibition of the accounts growing from them; and it is not probable that any material injury will result from the losses sustained in the Accountant's office; the specification of which, with the remarks of the Accountant thereon, follows, viz.
Relating to the accounts of the old army.
Several cases containing muster and pay-rolls; others containing accounts and vouchers of sundry paymasters and agents for paying troops; and one case containing individual settlements made by the late paymaster-general, and commissioner of army accounts.
These papers could only be of use in the examination of claims for services prior to the establishment of the present government, which, if not already settled, are all barred and foreclosed by acts of limitation—the loss will, therefore, not materially affect the unsettled accounts of the United States.
Relating to services and Supplies under the present government.
William Colfax's accounts as contractor for the said state of New-York, from the 1st of January to the 31st of December, 1799.
Robert Balls accounts as contractor for North Carolina, for supplies furnished in 1799, and 1800.
These accounts had been examined and the balances ascertained, but had not been entered on the principal books, owing to differences in the statements of the claimants and those made at this office, of which they had been informed, but had not finally removed the objections. No material inconvenience it is thought will arise from the loss of those accounts.
William Colfax and Co's accounts as contractors for the states of New-York, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island and Vermont, from the 1st of January to 31st of December, 1800.
his account had not been examined; the amounts are therefore only known from the claimants own statements when they were rendered. It is therefore thought that no settlement can be made until a principle shall be fixed for the settlement of accounts in this situation.
Nathan Starr's accounts as contractor for furnishing swords, belts and scabbards, per contract in 1799.
This account had not been examined, owing to a want of vouchers. It is probable that duplicates of the accounts can be furnished, and that no inconvenience will arise in the settlement.
Part of the vouchers belonging to the paymaster general's accounts.
Some of the muster and pay-rolls of this account were lost, but they can all be replaced; no inconvenience but that of having copies made from duplicates in the possession of the paymaster general, will arise.
All which is respectfully submitted. SAMUEL DEXTER, Acting as Sec'y of War. War Department, Feb. 12th, 1801.

The Legislature of Maryland has passed an act to enable the corporation of Baltimore to derive a supply of water for the use of its inhabitants, from certain springs in the vicinity of the city.
APPOINTMENTS
By governor St. Clair.
William Clark, chief justice of the Indiana Territory.
Henry Vander Burgh, second judge, and John Griffin, third judge of the same territory.
The Legislature of Pennsylvania have passed a very serious and important act to check and punish intrusions in the counties of Luzerne, Wayne, and Lycoming, &c. They have carried their fines and penalties as far as one thousand dollars, seven years imprisonment at hard labor, and damages equal to the mesne profits of the land; and they have authorised the holding the intruders to special bail in actions of ejectment. An agent is to be appointed to procure the necessary information and report it with the evidence to the attorney-general. All persons coming to settle within the late Connecticut pretensions, are to make known, under a penalty, the title under which they settle. Other measures are under consideration of the Legislature.
On Thursday last a number of the citizens of George-Town, who felt grateful to William Duane, for the services he had rendered the republican cause, invited him to a dinner at the Columbian Inn.
Upon this occasion the following toasts were drank.
 1. The Aurora—The radiant precursor of eternal day.  2. The Editor, to whom (the chosen instrument of heaven) we principally owe the triumph of the day.  3. America's glorious sun, rising majestically in the west—destined to enlighten the globe.  4. The Ignis fatuus of federalism—Fallen like its fire, never to rise again, sinking in the east to endless night.  5. Printing—Far exceeding in utility shipbuilding and the mariner's compass, or even that "stupendous fabric of human invention," The British Constitution.  6. The memory of Benjamin Franklin.  7. The memory of Benjamin Franklin Bache.  8. Reaction equal to action—Elevation succeeds depression, what is down to the heel to day, may be on the top round of the ladder to-morrow—May all those who attempted to disfranchise the people down to the hub, like Oldmixon in the Dunciad, "In all the majesty of mud."  9. The republican printers throughout the world.  10. Those men who have suffered in dungeons or been injured in their fortunes for magnanimously asserting the rights of man, and the genuine principles of representative democracy.  11. The 11th of February 1801—The day on which the friends of faction were caught in the net they had spread for the friends of the Constitution.  12. Representative Democracy, with reason for its weapons and truth for its defence, may it pervade the world and speedily annihilate monarchy, aristocracy and priestcraft. 
Volunteers.
James Madison junr.—The friend of his country and of man.
Edward Livingston—The real friend of the American sailor.
The democrats of the district of Columbia.
Thomas Cooper—A bright example to the virtuous alien.
The bottomless pit—To Pitt and his friends.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
FEB. 17, 1801.
Mr. SPAIGHT's motion.
Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause the proper officer to lay before this House, a particular detail of the expenditures of the monies appropriated by the acts of the fourth of May and sixth of July one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight, and of the 10th of May one thousand eight hundred, for the purpose of purchasing cannon and arms, or fabricating the same; and the purchasing, leasing and establishing of foundries and armouries, shewing the quantity of cannon and arms purchased or manufactured, the foundries and armouries established, and what lands have been purchased for the purposes of erecting foundries, together with their respective quantities and situations; also a list of the warrants drawn on these appropriations, specifying in whose favor each warrant was drawn, and for what purpose.
with their respective quantities and situations; also a list of the warrants drawn on these appropriations, specifying in whose favor each warrant was drawn, and for what purpose.
SATURDAY, Feb. 21, 1801.
Ordered that the committee to whom was referred the message from the President relative to the disposition of the public property in his possession, be discharged from the consideration thereof, and that the same be referred to the joint committee appointed on the 18th inst. to enquire what further measures ought to be taken for the accommodation of the President of the United States.
"An act directing the mode of estimating certain foreign coins and currencies, and of making out invoices in certain cases," was read a third time and passed.
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 1801.
The bill "declaring the consent of Congress to an act of Maryland passed the 28th of Dec. 1793, for the appointment of a health officer," was read a 3d time and passed.
A petition of Notly Young and others, of the city of Washington, was read, praying that the consent of congress may be given to an act of the General Assembly of the state of Maryland for erecting a bridge over the Eastern branch of the Potomac river—referred to Messrs. J. C. Thomas, Craik, and Dennis.
The bill sent from Senate entitled "An act to establish the district of Bristol and to annex the towns of Kittery and Berwick to the district of Portsmouth," was read a third time, and passed.
After going into committee of the whole the House came to the following resolution:
Resolved, That it is expedient to augment the salaries of the district judges of Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
A bill to this effect was then ordered to be brought in, which was immediately introduced by Mr. Platt, and after two readings was committed to a committee of the whole house tomorrow.
The house resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the bill making appropriations for the navy of the U. S. for 1801, when several amendments were made, reported, and agreed to by the House; and the bill ordered to a third reading tomorrow.
Ordered that the committee of ways and means be authorised to report a bill to amend the act to establish a stamp office.
Mr. Griswold immediately reported a bill to that effect, which was read twice, and committed to a committee of the whole House tomorrow.
The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the bill from the Senate entitled an act concerning the District of Columbia.
Several amendments were made by the committee and reported to the House, and agreed to, and the bill, as amended, ordered to a third reading tomorrow.
Tuesday, Nov. 24, 1801.
The Bill from Senate entitled "an act concerning the district of Columbia" was read the third time and passed, Yeas, 57, Nays 36.
The yeas and nays are as follows:
YEAS.
Messrs. Allston, Baer, Bartlett, Bayard, Bird, J. Brown, Champlin, Cooper, Craik, J. Davenport, F. Davenport, Dennis, Dent, Dickson, Edmond, Folger, Freeman, Glen, C. Goodrich, Griswold, Grove, Harper, Henderson, Holmes, Huger, Imray, Kittera, S. Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Mattoon, Morris, New, Nicholas, Otis, Page, Parker, Platt, Powell, J. Reed, N. Read, Rutledge, Shepard, S. Smith, J. C. Smith, Spaight, Stone, Sheafe, Thatcher, J. C. Thomas, R. Thomas, Wadsworth, Waln, R. Williams, L. Williams, Woods.—57.
NAYS.
Messrs. Bailey, Bishop, R. Brown, Cabell, Clay, Claiborne, Condit, Davis, Dawson, Eggleston, Elmendorf, Fowler, Galatin, Gray, Gregg, Hanna, Heister, Jackson, Kitchell, Leib, Lyon, Linn, Livingston, Muhlenberg, Nicholson, Randolph, Smilie, J. Smith, Stanford, Stewart, A. Trig, J. Trig, Tazewell, Taliaferro, Van Cortlandt, Varnum.—36.
Resolved that the President of the U. States be directed to be laid before this house an account of the depredations committed on the commerce of the United States by vessels of Great Britain, of which complaint has been made to the government.
JOHN KEARNEY,
HAS FOR SALE,
Three Thousand weight of FIRKIN BUTTER of a superior quality. Washington, Feb. 23d, 1801. 3t
LOTS FOR SALE,
In the City of WASHINGTON.
THE SUBSCRIBER offers for Sale a number of valuable Lots beautifully situated between the Capitol and the Eastern Branch. Also a few Lots to be let on lease for ninety nine years in the vicinity of the Navy yard.
WILLIAM PROUT.
City of Washington. December 12, 1800. tf N. B. A few Tons of good Meadow Hay, one Kilo of Bricks, and some Cord Wood. W. P.
NAILS.
ALL Kinds of Hammered and Cut Nails, and Brads, Sold at my store in this place, between the President's house and the Six buildings, at the following prices for Cash only.
Hammered Nails and Brads.
   By cwt. or 1. 2 cwt by retail under 56     20dy Nails 12 1-2 d. per lb. 13 1-2 d per lb.   12dy do 13 13 3-4   10 do 13 3-4 14 1-2   8 do 15 15 1-2  
Deck and Spike Nails, 11 1-2
Cut Nails and Brads.
   20dy Nails 9 1-2 10 1-2   10 do 10 11   8 do 11 12   6 do 12 13   4 do 13 1-2 14   3 do 14 1-2 15  
SAMUEL M'INTIRE.
Washington, Feb. 6, 1801. tf
FOR SALE
SEVENTY THOUSAND LATHS,
Enquire at this Office.
Washington, Feb. 18, 1801. tf
Robert Greenhow.
Merchant in Williamsburg, Virginia.
BEING desirous to withdraw in a great measure from the further pursuit of business, offers for sale the whole of his well known General and Valuable Assortment of Merchandise amounting probable at their prime cost, to Eight or Ten Thousand pounds sterling, of which an idea may be formed by referring to a printed list deposited in this office—Not wishing to divide the stock applications by letters post paid will be by him received as to the purchase of the whole of it Feb. 2, 1801. tAp
WASHINGTON BOOK-STORE.
RAPINE, CONRAD, & CO.
Corner of South B. Street and New Jersey Avenue, near the Capitol.
HAVE just received, and for sale at the above store, Letters from Alexander Hamilton, concerning the public conduct and character of John Adams, Esq. President of the United States.
Also, just opening, a choice assortment of books in History, Law, Medicine, Divinity, Arts and Sciences, Classics, School books, Novels, Romances Biography, &c. &c.—With a good assortment of super royal, royal, medium, demy, and foolscap writing paper, thick and thin post, blue & common wrapping paper, best Dutch quills, wafers, sealing wax, ink powder, red and black ink, black lead pencils, parchment, playing cards, blank books, &c. &c.—All which they will dispose of at the very lowest prices.
Public officers and others, who will please to favour them with their custom, may rely on having the strictest attention paid to their orders. Nov. 17th, 1800.
BY virtue of a decree of the High Court of Chancery, will be Sold at public auction to the highest bidder on the 10th day of March next, on the premises, Lot No. 1. in square No. 744 in the City of Washington, with the Sugar House and materials, and the other buildings on the said Lot erected.
Such part of the purchase money as shall be sufficient to pay and satisfy the debt, interest and costs due by mortgage from James Piercy to Thomas Law (the amount whereof will be made known on or before the day of Sale) is to be paid down the day of sale, or brought into the Court of Chancery on the twenty-fifth day of June next, at the option of the purchaser; and for the residue of the purchase money, with interest, the purchaser is to give bond payable on the 20th day of June 1802 and upon the ratification of such sale by the chancellor (which ratification if made at all will be upon the twenty-fifth of June next) and upon payment of the whole of the purchase money (and not before) a title will be made to the purchaser clear of all claim of the said Law and Piercy or either of them.
JAMES D. BARRY, Trustee tmio.
January 26, 1801.
FOR SALE.
THE Subscriber will sell at private sale, two Three story Brick Houses, adjoining each other, 28 feet front each, by forty feet deep, on Capitol Hill, Lot No. 6. Sq. 686—a fine commodious lot 61 feet front, by 196 feet deep, running back to an alley 30 feet wide, and may be occupied as one or two tenements, they are finished in a plain, but substantial manner, and built on the best materials—a credit of three, six, and nine months, on giving approved notes, negotiable at the bank of Columbia, or Baltimore—apply to Daniel Carroll, or in Baltimore to HENRY H. CARROLL. Washington, Jan. 3, 1801.
JOHN IVANCICH,
BOOT MAKER
FROM PHILADELPHIA.
RESPECTFULLY acquaints his FRIENDS, CUSTOMERS, and the PUBLIC, that he has removed his BOOT AND SHOE MANUFACTORY from near the Eastern Branch, to New Jersey Avenue, on the hill, near the Capitol, where he makes Gentlemen's Boots, Bootees, dress and undress Shoes on the shortest notice, in the neatest manner, and of the best materials. December 3d. gtw.
TO JOURNEYMEN SHOEMAKERS.
WANTED, a number of Journeymen Shoemakers, to whom constant employment and good wages will be given.
Nail Manufactory,
ALL kinds of Cut Nails for Sale by Wholesale and Retail at the Factory on F Street, and at the Hardware Store of the Subscriber, where persons building and all others wishing to purchase may be supplied with any quantity at the most reasonable rates.
JOHN JACK. tf
Washington Feb. 4, 1801.
WANTED to purchase a Small farm consisting of one, two or three hundred acres of land—at a convenient distance from this City, with comfortable buildings thereon for the accommodation of a small family. Enquire of the Editor of the National Intelligencer.
Washington, Jan. 26, 1801.
CONVEYANCER'S OFFICE.
THOMAS HERTY has opened an office a few yards from the CAPITOL, on the New Jersey Avenue, where he will attend daily till 3 o'clock during the sitting of Congress, and in the afternoon, at his office opposite the LITTLE HOTEL—Conveyances of land, wills, mortgages, leases, assignments, copartnership deeds and dissolutions, marriage settlements and separations—letters of licence and composition, bills of sale of vessels, slaves, and other chattels, bonds of conveyance, and other bonds, powers of attorney, awards, manumissions, partitions, exchanges, petitions, annuities, post obits, seamen's wills and powers, and all other instruments in the above line, are drawn according to the legal import of the same respectively, with the utmost punctuality, accuracy, secrecy, and dispatch, and on moderate terms.
Titles investigated, and opinions given where necessary.
N. B. Hertys Abridgment of the laws of Maryland, approved and sanctioned by the Attorney General and Legislature of Maryland, may be had at the above office, price Six Dollars neatly bound and lettered; also Hertys Digest of the Laws of the United States, price Three Dollars, neatly bound and lettered. December, 1800. twtf
RANAWAY from the Subscriber, living in the upper end of Orange County, a Negro man named ROBERT, formerly the property of Payson Buckens of Stafford County and by him sold to Mr. James Patten of Alexandria, and the said Patten sold him to William Brock barkeeper from whom the Subscriber purchased him. He is somewhat pitted with the small pox, is about Five feet nine inches high, and between 22 and 24 years of age; had on when he went away, cotton Jacket and Overhauls, and green Waistcoat—he has been seen in the employ of Mr. James R. Dermot and supposed to be concealed by said Dermot.
Whoever will secure said Negro in Alexandria, shall all receive TEN Dollars reward.
RICHARD SANDFORD. 3t
Feb. 19, 1801. N. B. Any person harboring or employing said Negro will be dealt with to the utmost rigor of the law. R. S.
ADLINGTON & FOWNE'S, GROCERY & DRY GOOD STORE.
JUST arrived, and now open for Sale, on New Jersey Avenue, near the Sugar House a Complete assortment of Dry Goods suitable for the present season—Consisting of the following articles, viz.
 Ladies and Gentlemen's Great Coats,  Ladies and Gentlemen's Hats,  Ladies Callomanco & Durant Petticoats,  Silk, cotton, and worsted Stockings,  French Kid Gloves best quality,  Fashionable Ribbons,  Tamboured and plain Muslin,  6 4 Laper Muslin,  Dimity's  Muslin Hankerchiefs,  Blankets,  Flannels,  Bed Ticken,  Sewing Silks,  Threads,  Tapes,  And all kinds of Haberdashery.  Sailors Jackets and Trowlers,  Check Cotton, & White Shirts.  With a complete assortment of Shoes and all kinds of Groceries.
Washington, Feb. 13, 1801. 3t.
THIS DAY IS PUBLISHED
BY
RAPINE CONRAD, & Co. Corner of south B street and New-Jersey Avenue near the Capitol. (Price 37 and half cents)
Thoughts on the increasing wealth and national economy of the U. States of America;
With a statistical table for the United States, for a succession of years, compiled chiefly from official documents. Feb. 16.

A STATEMENT EXHIBITING THE AMOUNT OF DRAWBACK,
On the sundry articles exported from the United States, in the year 1797, '98, and '99: compared with the amount of DUTIES collected on the same respectively.
   In the Year 1797. In the Year 1798. In the Year 1799.   Amount of Duties. Amount of Drawback. Amount of Duties. Amount of Drawback. Amount of Duties. Amount of Drawback.     On Merchandize paying a duty of   10 per cent. adva. 1,473,793 186,650 1,217,761 145,973 1,654,709 289,357   11 do. do. 130,793 52,517 338,925 117,715 418,958 252,252   12 1-2 - - 869,731 134,371 791,363 135,959 912,771 206,136   13 3-4 - - 26,392 15,594 78,364 30,516 150,676 67,861   15 - - - 952,540 50,640 637,126 53,532 723,955 69,756   16 1-2 - - 60,263 14,391 92,471 18,324 119,986 22,491   20 - - - 60,779 8,807 34,718 5,145 40,997 6,077   22 - - - 5,783 936 17,474 3,411 11,961 3,048   On Wines 40 - 130,019 89,936 106,600 80,626 63,557 47,957   44 - - - 45,624 26,584 85,994 51,024 50,919 55,614   Wines.   Madeira, 174,920 24,562 86,158 14,571 35,949 6,826   Burgundy and Champaigne, 623 75 539 245 391 167   Sherry, 90,467 22,797 51,876 6,836 231,388 37,468   St. Lucas, 6,964 734 8,084 750 6,647 1,912   Lisbon, 102,959 2,608 27,235 951 38,008 890   Oporto, 77,256 2,652 65,879 2,345 35,796 3,648   Tenneriffe & Fayal 41,839 13,586 37,496 12,440 55,833 9,497   Malaga, 17,972 1,041 46,175 12,130 61,665 24,946   All other, Spirits. 86,585 66,613 45,776 37,483 69,059 47,787   Foreign distilled from grain, 416,670 65,010 159,512 32,281 151,290 15,966   From other materials, 1,586,630 56,960 1,312,596 85,556 2,151,600 233,166   Distilled in the U. S. from molasses 376 96 342 2 498 175   From domestic produce, 27 19 54 — 2 —   Molasses 145,858 1,631 177,252 1,194 167,911 1,277   Beer, Ale & Porter 22,673 2,768 16,349 710 22,871 2,834   Teas.   Bohea, 145,760 3,975 181,573 1,440 412,329 2,097   Souchong, 37,992 1,223 64,872 1,497 58,491 1,178   Hysop, 79,126 13,256 76,017 9,705 92,385 15,106   Other Green, 45,087 222 57,158 365 109,847 1,881   Coffee, 2,820,073 2,299,646 2,556,561 2,321,589 1,932,504 1,464,70   Chocolate, 19 — 21 — 31 —   Cocoa, 58,881 27,927 104,605 78,233 124,136 102,076   Sugar—Brown, 1,218,131 482,460 1,263,212 632,431 1,547,823 734,488   Clayed, 420,890 345,197 627,951 535,709 984,661 864,847   Lump, 67 — 16 — 29 —   Loaf, 1,937 — 2,325 1,036 235 162   Other, — — — — 115 —   Candles—Tallow, 2,718 1,696 2,646 1,379 2,021 1,020   Wax & Spermaceti, 253 40 562 266 660 288   Cheese, 26,020 19,376 34,902 16,377 18,685 13,182   Soap, 23,438 16,062 10,679 12,304 13,302 11,246   Pepper, 87,543 85,434 63,775 30,426 20,106 29,295   Pimento, 4,685 12,910 11,229 106 33,020 23,151   Tobacco—manufactured, 3,375 189 4,650 2,717 8,865 542   Snuff, 4,518 22 5,346 5,705 3,274 1,257   Indigo, 46,064 33,028 52,933 45,524 83,965 68,028   Cotton, 95,814 77,489 104,026 92,024 141,514 113,282   Nails, 65,336 6,370 49,150 6,414 66,314 11,386   Spikes, 2,250 100 1,085 157 1,493 137   Bar & other Lead, 7,250 1,850 12,419 22 27,478 28   Steel unwrought, 10,140 81 6,044 427 6,801 42   Hemp, 40,455 — 82,788 — 165,785 500   Cables, 1,911 91 — 981 1 183   Tarred Cordage, 24,495 5,911 15,797 5,543 37,912 4,922   Untarred do. and yarn 2,995 81 2,432 11 2,296 43   Twine and pack-thread, 6,430 778 6,622 778 7,915 469   Glauber Salts, 1,453 31 1,180 10 2,285 258   Salt, 391,134 12,436 543,810 32,242 438,617 20,805   Coal, 9,702 153 9,755 16 11,981 79   Malt, 18 — — — — —   Boots, 1,406 273 1,080 159 1,428 562   Shoes and Slippers of silk, 731 419 594 359 546 216   All other Shoes, 19,250 4,864 12,033 1,991 11,403 2,407   Cards, 10 — 2 — 10 —   Wool and Cotton Playing, 12,074 13,577 18,215 14,775 11,134 11,904   DOLLARS— 12,247,861 4,308,704 11,394,074 4,701,742 13,610,814 4,905,345  
The following accounts are not received at the Treasury, viz.
Marblehead, from the 1st of October, to 21st December, 1799.
Norfolk, do. to do.
Charleston, 1st of July to do.
Savannah, 1st January, to do.
Treasury Department, Register's office Feb. 6, 1801.
JOSEPH NOURSE, Register.
Kid, Eliot & Co.
At the Brick Store opposite BLODGETS' HOTEL.
HAVE received by the Brig UNION, Capt. Leonard, from Liverpool, a large supply of Crockery Ware. Some of which is well assorted in small casks for the country.
Also, by the same Vessel.
White Lead, ground in oil.
Spanish Brown do.
Red Lead, Patent yellow, &c. &c.
They expect by the Roba and Betsey arrived at Norfolk, an additional Invoice of crockery and a large assortment of Glass ware. All which will be sold at the Philadelphia prices.
December 28.
Kid, Eliot & Co.
HAVE received by late arrivals, a general assortment of Hard ware and Ironmongery, which they offer for Sale at their Store opposite the Great Hotel.
They have also on hand
Madeira, Sherry & } Wines, Lisbon.
Cogniac Brandy.
Jamaica Spirits,
Holland Gin,
Loaf and Brown Sugar,
Tea, Coffee, &c. &c.
Washington, Dec. 18.
tf.
To the representatives of the people of the state of New-York, in senate and assembly convened, the Inspectors of the State Prison respectfully report—
That warmly impressed with the intentions of the legislature to improve the criminal code, and fully convinced that too much attention cannot be bestowed on whatever may tend to carry it to as great a degree of perfection as human wisdom is capable of, the Inspectors have been anxiously employed for the last year, in adjusting and improving the institution committed to their charge, and although some disagreeable circumstances have occurred, yet they trust on the whole, the result has been highly favorable to the wishes of the public.
The disadvantages the Inspectors have labored under in establishing a regular course of manufactures among people accustomed to idleness and dissipation, is very evident; they had not only to encounter the bad dispositions common to men, who have by their crimes become hardened and obstinate, but they had also to undertake a business novel in this country, and to form a system which could only be perfected by much patience and perseverance; it may therefore be supposed, that many inconveniences and discouragements presented as obstacles in the prosecution of their designs, yet the Inspectors have the satisfaction to find, that in the most important objects, their views and wishes have been so far answered as to leave no doubt on their minds with respect to the rectitude of the system, or the practicability of carrying it into effect.
There is reason to believe, that in all countries it has been attended with great difficulty to determine what kind of labor would be suitable to employ convicts at—consistent with their safe-keeping, and at the same time that the profits of their work should be sufficient to maintain them; the difficulty has been such, that it has seldom, if ever, been done in any prison; but it is with peculiar pleasure that the Inspectors are enabled to inform the legislature, that from the work now going on in the Prison, there is good reason to calculate on the prisoners being hereafter supported by their own labor.
Many articles are now manufactured in the prison, equal we presume, to any done in the state, and as the quantity of shoes and nails made in this city is not near sufficient for the supply of the citizens, it has been necessary to import immense quantities of those articles from New-Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts; hence it is evident, that manufacturing of shoes and nails in the Prison, has been of great benefit and accommodation to our fellow citizens of this state.
The place of worship is now compleatly finished, and the Inspectors have found it absolutely necessary to make very considerable improvements in order to strengthen the Prison; the principal part of which was done by the convicts; all the iron grating, spikes, nails, &c. were made and supplied from the Prison Manufactory; and if the same had been done by the Prison for account of any individual, it would have probably cost a larger sum than the one estimated, which is 8000 dollars.
The Legislature, in the third month last, appropriated 8000 dollars as a capital stock for purchasing tools and raw materials, and contemplated the profits on the sales, would be sufficient to maintain the prisoners; as might well be supposed, this sum was found to be very inadequate to answer the end intended. To employ more than 200 men requires a large stock always on hand, consisting of tools, raw materials and manufactured goods; the amount of these at present belonging to the prison, is 15,228 83 100 dollars. The sum granted not being sufficient, the inspectors, on their own private credit, with a view to promote the public good, were induced to borrow and now have their notes out for 12,000 dollars. If they had not adopted this plan, a large proportion of the prisoners would have been idle most the year, the views of the legislature would have been defeated, and the state put to great additional expence, which would have given the inspectors much concern.
From the above statement, the inspectors submit to the Legislature the propriety of directing a reimbursement of the above sum, or the payment of 8000 dollars to the inspectors, for materials furnished, and work done by the convicts, in improving, furnishing and making the prison more secure; and also to grant a further sum of 4000 dollars, as an increase of capital. This will enable the inspectors to discharge the debt contracted by them for the public benefit. The whole of the business carried on in
the prison, is now under such excellent arrangement, that after receiving the above sums, the inspectors are of opinion, that no further legislative aid will be necessary: this however, is calculated on the inspectors being able to prosecute their present arrangements, and without any accidents arising in the prison to prevent the execution of their plans.
It appears to have been understood by the legislature last year, that the inspectors had established a warehouse in New-York, for the purpose of vending the goods manufactured in the prison; it is, therefore, proper to mention, that no such warehouse was established by the authority of the inspectors; they had considered on the propriety of making such an establishment, but on calculating the expence of rent, hiring suitable persons to attend it, and other incidental charges, it appeared evident, that the profits of the goods manufactured in the prison would not admit of it; they therefore concluded to put them into a store to be sold on commission; but they have it in contemplation, in future, to dispose of them immediately from the prison.
Articles for the support of the prison, or for the use of the manufacturers, have been purchased wherever they could be procured on the best terms, and with as much attention as if for their own account; iron has been sometimes bought in New York, New England and Philadelphia. These circumstances are mentioned to show the legislature the exertions which have been made towards procuring the raw materials of the best quality, and on the most advantageous terms; in order to effect the very desirable object of making the institution support itself; and the inspectors have an additional motive for effecting this, as they have so often urged that it would be capable of doing it, provided they had a competent capital.
By the annexed statement of convicts in the prison, it will appear that the number has increased the last year to 283; this is principally owing to the great increase of petty crimes committed in the city of New-York, which, in some measure, may be accounted for by the great number of grog shops to be found in almost all directions of the city; the great influx of foreigners also contributes very much to the increase of crimes.
It is by applying a remedy to causes, instead of levelling the laws against effects, that crimes can be effectually prevented. Some legislative aid, therefore, seems necessary to limit the number of taverns; and much good would also result to society, and many crimes be prevented, if horse-racing was effectually prohibited. It is, however, pleasing to remark, that the number of convictions for capital crimes, throughout the state, are very considerably lessened, and from the counties there have been but 30 prisoners received during the last year.
The inspectors take the liberty respectfully to suggest to the legislature, the propriety of directing a number of cells to be provided in the City Bridewell, in order to confine petty offenders from 30 to 90 days, on a low diet; this mode of punishment would oftentimes be more proportionate to the offence than to send them to the State prison for one year.
A very useful discovery has been lately made in the prison by one of the convicts, of tempering cut nails, so as to retain a sufficient degree of toughness, to answer all the purposes of wrought nails. The inspectors conceive a considerable pecuniary advantage will result to the prison from this discovery; and they were, therefore, induced to apply for a patent, in order to secure the benefit to the state, under a promise to the discoverer that he should be at liberty to dispose of it when he may be discharged, reserving the use of it always to the state.
During the last summer 15 of the convicts, confined in the prison, made a most daring attempt, and by taking advantage of a weak part of the prison, they forced their way to the front of the building, and effected their escape into New-Jersey: the inspectors offered a reward for apprehending them, and eleven were retaken and brought back to the prison.
It is only by experience the inspectors can be made acquainted in what manner to regulate the prison so as to prevent escapes. They found it necessary to make very considerable improvements, in order to make it more secure; but finding it necessary to separate the worst and most hardened men, from the rest, they therefore selected out notoriously bad characters, and these they keep in a separate part of the prison, at constant employ, and closely watched. If this plan had been introduced in the first establishment of the prison, it is probable no violent attempts would have been made, as by far the greatest part of the prisoners have well.
Annexed are several statements relative (Continued on second page.)