Gazette of the United-States. (New-York [N.Y.]), 1791-12-24 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. 69, of Vol. III.]
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1791.
[Whole No. 277.]
PHILADELPHIA.
PHILOSOPHICAL-HALL, December 16.
The following Address was presented in a full Meeting, 1791.
To DAVID RITTENHOUSE, Esquire, L.L.D. President of the American Philosophical Society, held at Philadelphia, for promoting useful Knowledge.
SIR, THE American Philosophical Society embrace the present occasion of a meeting for stated annual business, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated Nov. 15, addressed to their treasurer; in which you are pleased to inform him, that "You have paid the debt of 308l. due to the late Judge Hopkinson, and will lay the bond and mortgage before the society," expressing your hopes that this benefaction, on your part, may "encourage the society to exert themselves to get rid of some other heavy debts and incumbrances."
This renewed instance of your liberality, joined to the consideration of the illustrious part which you have taken in their labors for many years past, hath made such an impression upon them, that they are at a loss in what manner they can best express their gratitude, or their respect and veneration for your name.
At any time, and in any country, such a "brilliant present" would indicate a mind that can feel the inseparable connexion between learning and human felicity. But in the present state of our finances, it is a most important benefaction; and a noble specimen of literary patronage in a young empire, where many other improvements must share with the arts and sciences, in the public attention and bounty.
We are sensible of the necessity of extinguishing the other heavy debts of the Society, with all possible speed; and possible speed; and have appointed a proper committee to devise ways and means for that purpose.
Signed in behalf and by order of the Society, at a meeting held this 16th day of December, 1791.
JAMES HUTCHINSON, ROBERT PATTERSON, JONATHAN WILLIAMS, SAMUEL MAGAW, JOHN EWING, WILLIAM SMITH, THOMAS JEFFERSON.
The President of the Society was pleased to return this Answer:
GENTLEMEN,
THE satisfaction I feel in contributing something towards promoting science, the interests whereof are, I am persuaded, inseparable from those of humanity, is greatly increased by your very polite approbation.
My sincerest wishes are, that this institution may ever merit public encouragement, and enjoy the patronage of the generous and the good.
AN ORDINANCE,
For securing the punctual Payment of the Monies due on the Subscriptions to the
"SOCIETY FOR USEFUL MANUFACTORIES."
SECTION I.
BE it ordained, "by the Governor and Directors of the Society for establishing useful Manufactories," and it is hereby ordained by authority of the same, That the monies subscribed to the said Society shall be paid either to the Cashier of the Bank of New-York, or to the Cashier of the Bank of the United States, at Philadelphia, or to John Bayard or John Neilson, Esq. at Brunswick, in the state of New-Jersey, who shall, within ten days after they receive such monies, pay the same to the Cashier of the Bank of New-York. Provided always, That in all cases where the subscriber may prefer to pay his or her subscription agreeably to law, in the funded stock of the United States, such stock shall be transferred on the books of the Treasury of the United States, or on the books of the Loan-Officer at Philadelphia, Trenton, or New-York, in the name of the "Society for establishing useful Manufactories."
SEC. II. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, That the first payment of the said subscriptions shall be made, in the manner aforesaid, on or before the thirteenth day of January next; and that the share or shares of all and every person or persons who shall neglect to make such payments, on or before that day, shall be forfeited, and vested in the Directors for the common benefit of the Society.
SEC. III. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, That if any subscriber, or his assigns, shall neglect to pay the second, third or fourth payment of his, her or their respective subscriptions, for the space of three days after the expiration of the time limited by the law of the incorporation for the said payments, that is to say; the second payment on the thirteenth day of July, 1792, the third payment on the thirteenth day of January, 1793, and the fourth and last payment on the thirteenth day of July, 1793, that then, and in that case, all and every share or shares of such person or persons, so neglecting to make such payments as aforesaid, and the monies by them previously paid, shall be forfeited and forever thereafter vested in the said Directors and their successors for the common benefit of the said Society.
SEC. IV. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, That the Governor, when he gives notification as hereafter mentioned, of the periods of said payments, shall also notify the proportional sums which may be received in specie, as a substitute for the deferred stock, according to the principles expressed in the act of incorporation.
SEC. V. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, That the Governor direct the forms of certificates to be given on the payment of any subscription monies, which shall entitle the original holders, or their assigns, respectively, to such shares or parts of shares as may be specified therein: subject, however, to the regulations contained in this ordinance.
SEC. VI. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, That the Governor, for the purpose of notifying the manner of payment, cause the foregoing ordinance to be printed in one of the public newspapers in the cities of Philadelphia and New-York, and of the state of New-Jersey, twenty days previous to the period of the first payment, and six weeks previous to the period of the subsequent respective payments.
WILLIAM DUER, Governor.
(Counterigned)
ELISHA BOUDINOT, Sec'y, pro tempore.
BE it known, That the proportion of specie which may be paid on the respective installments of every original share, by such subscribers as prefer paying a moiety of their subscriptions in specie in lieu of deferred debt, is as follows:
   Dolls. Cts.     On the 13th of Jan. 1792, 7 42   On the 13th of July, 1792, 7 63   On the 13th of Jan. 1793, 7 86   On the 13th of July, 1793, 8 9   31 0  
WILLIAM DUER.
EXTRACT.
FROM A FRENCH PAPER.
THE best method to restore those persons to their senses who are admirers of titles, and all the nonsense of quality and nobility, would be to recapitulate the quarrels of Princes with their legal descendants; he disputes of these with the Dukes, and of the Dukes, again with the gentry. In all these contests, the truth always came out, that the sceptred and titled men were the meanest of men: not so from nature, but from education and habits which had left little or nothing to their own exertions; for true greatness is always acquired and imbibed in the severe school of necessity. In the most superstitious nations of the earth, little men [in reality such] were always fond of being thought gods, and therefore affected a veil of obscurity to conceal their littleness from the vulgar. The moment they quarrelled, the veil was withdrawn, and with it their pretended divinity.
Let us pass from distinctions of birth to those of decorations, ribbons, and orders: and here we are at once sickened with the silly apparatus — What possible idea of honor could be affixed to the order of the Holy Ghost, or of the Staff, when a Madame Debris created 58 Chevaliers and 7 Marshals of France in one day? — Who can forbear laughter when, in reading history, they see men, totally ignorant of war, purchasing titular dignities, with the motto of Bellicae virtutis praemium , when underneath should in justice have been written, Risum teneatis, Amici? — But these abuses and follies are wearing out with time; men have been for ages in a comparative state of childhood, and the day is at hand when they will be universally ashamed of the toys and baubles befitting the childish age , as the science of government becomes better understood.
PARIS, October 1.
FIRST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
(that which formed the Constitution) SEP. 30th.
THE Assembly received the valedictory addresses of sundry bodies; and decreed rewards to such as had rendered their country essential services.
At four the King, who had already been repeatedly announced, arrived. The former and the new deputies, together without distinction, did not leave the least vacancy in the house.
The King had scarcely ascended to the place assigned him, and turned towards the Assembly, when the house rung on all sides with expressions of applause.
A deep, but pleasing emotion, was depicted in his Majesty's countenance; he appeared happy — and the impression of his being so, diffused joy to all around.
Two or three times while delivering his discourse, his voice faltered; but all deeply felt the cause of it.
His Address, and the circumstances that accompanied it, follow.
Kings of the earth read it; and examine whether in the exercise of your unlimited authority, you find any thing to be compared to the sensations which flow from these thoughts, sentiments, and emotions.
"GENTLEMEN,
"Having finished the Constitution, you have fixed on this day to conclude your labours. Perhaps it might have been desirable that this session should have been somewhat lengthened, that you might have had an opportunity of trying your work, and to add to the fruits of your labour, such as you have not had time to bring to perfection, and all those which three years experience might have suggested to enlightened legislators: But you have no doubt conceived it important to leave as small an interval as possible between the completion of the constitution, and
the end of the labours of the constituting assembly, in order to mark with more precision, the difference which exists between the powers of the constituting, and the legislative bodies.
"Having accepted the constitution, which you have formed for the kingdom, I will use all my constitutional authority, to secure to the laws due respect and obedience.
"I have given notice to the Foreign Powers of my acceptance of that constitution [great applause—long live the King] and I study, and shall constantly study every method that can secure the external safety and tranquility of the kingdom. — I shall not use less vigilance and activity in having the constitution executed within, and in preventing its being violated. [Applause.]
"As for you, gentlemen, having in a long and difficult undertaking, shown indefatigable zeal and industry, — one duty remains to fulfill, when you shall be dispersed throughout this empire: It is to enlighten your fellow citizens concerning the true spirit of the laws that you have made for them, to call back to their duty such as neglect the path they direct, to purify and unite opinions by the example you will give by your love of order and submission to the laws. [yes, yes, unbounded applause.]
"When you return to your homes, gentlemen, I expect you will explain the uprightness of my views and sentiments to your fellow-citizens. — [yes, yes, great applause.]
"Tell them all, and repeat it to them, that the king will always be their best friend. [Long live the king.]
Mr. Treillard—"Sentiments worthy of Henry the IVth."
The King. "That he has need of their love; [long live the king] that he can only be happy with them and for them. [reiterated applause] The hope of assisting in making them happy shall give me courage in my endeavours; and the satisfaction of having succeeded shall be my best reward." [Long live the king, loud and reiterated applause.]
THE PRESIDENT'S ANSWER.
SIRE,
The National Assembly come to a conclusion of their labours, now reap the first fruits of them. Convinced that the government which best suits France is that which conciliates the respectable prerogatives of the throne to the inalienable rights of the people, they have given to the empire a constitution which equally secures royalty and national liberty. The fate of France is connected with the speedy and proper execution of this constitution, and all the means to promote that execution seem united at present.
Soon, Sire, the civic with that your majesty just expressed will be gratified; — soon, returning to our homes, we shall shew an example of obedience to the laws, after having made them, and teach that there can be no liberty, without respect for constituted authority.
Our successors, vested with the powers on the exercise of which the prosperity of the empire depends, will neither mistake the object of their important mission, nor the constitutional bounds of it, nor the means of well discharging their trust. They are worthy, Sire, — they will always shew themselves worthy of the confidence which places in their hands the fate of the nation: And you, Sire, have already almost fixed that fate.
Your majesty has put an end to the revolution, by your fair and open acceptance of the constitution. You have disheartened our external enemies, you have strengthened internal confidence, restored the nerve of government to its vigor, and secured the useful exertions of an active administration.
Your heart, Sire, has already furnished you a recompence. Your majesty has enjoyed the interesting spectacle of public joy. Your sensibility has been gratified by the marks of gratitude and love exhibited by the people.
The sensations necessary to form the happiness of good kings are due you; Sire, they will ever exist in you, and their energy will increase more and more as the nation shall benefit by your constant efforts to secure the public happiness, by supporting the constitution. [Long live the king.]
The minutes of the meeting were read, and the president declared it to be the last of the Constituting Assembly.

LONDON, October 23.
A letter from the Hague, of October 14, says, "Respecting the late sea-engagement between the Russians and the Turks, we learn that they met in stormy weather; that the Turkish commander having had notice of the signing of the preliminaries, retired; but being followed by the Russians, and several Turkish ships being damaged by the storm, they fled to Constantinople, and occasioned great alarm in that capital; but no ships fell into the hands of the Russians."
"We learn from the rendezvous of the French Princes and their party, on the frontiers of Germany, that the news of the King's having formally accepted the French Constitution, has caused great sensations among them, insomuch that they hardly know what to resolve upon: nay, it is even said to have thrown such a damp upon their intended plans, as to make it doubtful if they will put them in execution, and its effects in the different courts of Europe, must occasion some alteration in the proceedings of the aristocratic party."
The liberal and handsome conduct of Lord Petre, on a late occasion, and the general behaviour of the whole body of Roman Catholics, must speedily root out every prejudice that has been entertained against them. The Ministers of their profession shew no ill-will to the Ministers of the Established Church, but appear to be, as we think they really are, zealous to promote unity in the nation, and to forward every thing that may tend to morality and good order.
From Glasgow we understand, that trade has been very brisk there the last 18 months. The exports of muslins, and other Scots and English manufactures, of late to America, has been very great, so that wages, in all branches, have been rising. About ten cotton-mills have been erected, or begun to be erected, in the neighbourhood of Glasgow; and above a dozen of blast-furnaces have been erected in the west of Scotland. Neither are the improvements in manufactures confined to the west of Scotland; for, at Aberdeen, Dundee, &c. in the north, they have lately erected several cotton and lint-mills to go by water. In short, never was Scotland in so prosperous a state; yet, from the great advance of rents, the turning many small farms into large ones, the emigration to America has been greater this year than at any period since the year 1774.
EDICT published by the Supreme Council of Castile, on the 10th of September, against the Circulation of Writings which have a Tendency to propagate the Principles of the French Constitution.
"The King, informed of the distribution of certain writings full of falsehood and dangerous maxims, capable of disturbing the tranquility and of endangering the fidelity of his subjects had sent circular letters, the 5th of January, 1790, to prohibit the entry of these libels, to encourage informers, and to give the utmost latitude, both in discovering and punishing such atrocities. These precautions have produced the salutary effect which his Majesty's Council had expected."
"The King is again assured, that attempts are making to introduce and diffuse throughout his dominions similar writings from France, containing seditious principles, contrary to the fidelity due to his sovereign power, to public tranquility, and the prosperity of his faithful subjects; his majesty has recourse a second time, to the same precautions, which were before sufficient to prevent the evil: he has renewed the prohibition of those writings in his States, and ordered that every person who shall find or seize in the hands of any person such productions, either printed or written, shall be obliged to give them up to the tribunals, rendering an account of the motives which excited them, if they know or are acquainted with them, on failure of which they shall be proceeded against, as well as other delinquents for the crime of disobedience: that the tribunals shall be obliged to transmit to the supreme council, all the writings which may have been presented or denounced to them, or which they may have seized; and to proceed in this respect with all the vigilance and activity required in such important cases."
"The execution of the Edict is recommended to the pastoral and monarchial zeal of the Most Reverend Archbishops, Bishops, Prelates, as well secular as regular, throughout the kingdom of Spain."
FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
TO THE RESPONDENT.
ON reading your piece, I take it that a man who is not of your opinion, is an aristocrat. I have an opinion too—may I be allowed to call those who deny it, aristocrats. In this affair, I take Dean Swift for an authority—Orthodoxy is my Doxy, Heterodoxy is another man's Doxy—therefore you and I are in the right; we hate aristocrats—we would tar and feather for the sake of POLITICAL TOLERATION.
CONGRESS.
PHILADELPHIA.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1791.
Debate on the amendments proposed by the Senate to the Representation Bill.
SOME debate having taken place, respecting the regularity of a resolution moved by Mr. Benson, for apportioning among the different states (according to their respective numbers) the whole number of Representatives, produced by the gross amount of the aggregate population of the United States;—
Mr. Sedgwick moved, to amend the Senate's amendment, by inserting two members for the state of Delaware, instead of one.
In favor of this motion it was observed, that the injury, arising from unrepresented fractions of population, is more severely felt by the smaller, than by the larger states, as in the case of the state of Delaware, to which the bill allowed but one representative for 59,000 inhabitants, whilst the larger states would be much better represented, as their fractions would be divided among a greater number of representatives—By the amendment proposed to the Constitution, a latitude, it was said, was given to Congress in this particular, allowing them either to apply the ratio to the aggregate amount of the general population, and then to apportion the representation to the different states, as nearly as they could approach the ratio once established—or to apply the ratio to the population of each state; and if in case of applying the ratio to the aggregate number of the inhabitants of the United States, the number of representatives was found to be exactly one hundred, it appeared doubtful whether Congress could well avoid adopting the former mode: otherwise it would be impossible to apportion the representation to the population with exact precision; even if the United States were to be divided into districts of thirty thousand inhabitants each, there would still remain a fraction, and inequality some where or other, must be the consequence:—
In the bill, it was said, a manifest inequality appeared, as it allowed Virginia to elect twenty-one representatives, whereas, according to the proportion which her population bears to that of the United States in general, she is entitled only to nineteen: the constitution has said, that "representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several states, according to their respective numbers:" but if taxation were to be apportioned in the same manner as the representation is by the bill, the inequality would be striking, and such as never would be submitted to:—Rhode-Island, for instance, being represented by two members, would have to pay 60,000 dollars, whilst Delaware, having but a single representative, would pay only 30,000, although the difference of population is so small between those two states—Rhode-Island having only about 68,000 inhabitants, whilst 59,000 are found in the state of Delaware.—the time may come, when the safety and good order of government will require the imposition of direct taxes: but how can any such taxes be laid, without a new census, and a just apportionment of the representation? before these steps could be taken, the measure might be too late; and it would be unwise in the present Congress to pass any law, that may at a future day, deprive the House of one of its constitutional powers, the power of laying direct taxes—It was further observed, that the Constitution itself did not seem to exact so rigid an observance of the ratio, as to require that any state should be deprived of a representative merely on account of a trifling deficiency in the number of inhabitants; it appeared visibly to contemplate such deficiency, and that there might be states whose entire population would not amount to the ratio that might be fixed on: still it had provided that such states should not remain unrepresented; but that, however small the population may be, "each state shall have at least one representative:"—the convention themselves, who framed the Constitution, were not such scrupulous observers of trifling fractional differences, when they apportioned the representation; for altho, by the estimate of population, which was the ground of the apportionment, the state of New-Jersey, was, strictly speaking, entitled only to three members;—yet, as she had a large fraction remaining, she was allowed four.
In opposition to the proposed amendment, it was said, that the constitution never contemplated a minute attention to fractions; that the weight given to the smaller states, in the senate, was a
concession, to compensate for any inequality that they might be subject to in the other branch of the legislature; that the constitution points out the apportionment according to their respective numbers of the several states; that to allow a representative to be chosen by a less number than thirty thousand, would be an open violation of the express words of the constitution; even if it were not unconstitutional, yet it never could, as a permanent rule, answer the purpose for which it was intended. The same difficulty would again recur on other occasions; for if it were laid down as a rule, that an additional member should be allowed only for a fraction above 50 per cent. it might happen, that there would be found in one state a fraction of 15,001 inhabitants, and in another the precise number of 15,000. Suppose the state of Delaware to be in the latter predicament, she would have a representation of only one member for forty-five thousand inhabitants, whilst another state, whose fraction were 15,001, would be represented in the ratio of one member for less than thirty thousand.
The constitution directs, that taxation shall be apportioned among the individuals in the several states, whereas representation is to be apportioned to classes of thirty thousand in each state, and this according to a census first actually taken: hence as the one apportionment was intended to operate upon states, and the other upon individual citizens, any difference in the apportionment could never curtail the authority of the government with respect to taxation. As to the inequality, said to arise from one large state having as many representatives as six smaller states, any argument drawn from that circumstance must lose its force, when it was considered, that the six lesser states, sending twelve members into the senate, possess three-sevenths of the whole governmental influence of that body (which is much more considerable than that of the house of representatives) whereas the large state, having only two members, can possess but 1-14th part of the senatorial influence: this circumstance operates to the disadvantage of the largest state, and in favor of the smaller ones, which have therefore no reason to complain of an inequality that exists but in idea; or if it does exist at all, bears heavier on the larger state, to which a small advantage in the House of Representatives can hardly be deemed a sufficient compensation for the loss it must necessarily suffer in the Senate, the proposed amendment would but encrease that inequality, by giving a greater portion of influence to the smaller states, which already possess more than their due share of it, and derive this advantage from the very circumstance which is complained of as productive of inequality in the House of Representatives. On a former occasion a proposition had been made to correct that supposed inequality, by allowing the state of Delaware two members in the house; it was made at a time when no local interests could be supposed to influence the decision; and it was then declared to be unconstitutional, unless that state should be found to contain sixty thousand inhabitants.
The question being taken on Mr. Sedgwick's amendment, was lost.
The question was then put, on agreeing to the Senate's amendment, and passed also in the negative: after which, the committee rose and reported accordingly.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21.
The committee of enrollment, presented to the Speaker an enrolled bill, "making appropriations for the support of government for the year 1792." The Speaker signed the same, and it was presented to the President of the United States, for his approbation.
A report from a select committee, to whom was referred the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, on the petition of Comfort Sands and others, was read, and made the order of the day for Friday next.
The committee appointed, reported a bill for carrying into effect the contract for the purchase of a tract of land bordering on Lake Erie; which was read a first time.
The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole (Mr. W. Smith in the chair) and resumed the consideration of the post-office bill.
After having proceeded through all the remainder of the bill, except the 8th, the 22d, and twenty-third sections (respecting the carriage of newspapers) which were postponed for future consideration, the committee rose and reported progress. Adjourned.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22.
A bill for carrying into effect a contract between the United States and the State of Pennsylvania, was read a second time, and referred to a committee of the whole house, to-morrow.
Mr. Goodhue presented the petition of Lawrence Furlong, praying compensation for services as a pilot in the navy of the United States during the late war, which was read and referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.

A petition of the merchants, traders, and other inhabitants of the town of Newport, in the State of Rhode-Island, praying that a route for the post may be established from that place to Boston, through the towns of Bristol, Warren, and Taunton, presented by Mr. Bourne, was read and referred to the committee of the whole house on the bill to establish the post-office and post-roads within the United States.
Mr. Muhlenberg presented a memorial and petition from the society of the people called Quakers, in Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Virginia, deploring the loss of so many of our brave citizens in the late action with the Indians; and praying that such measures may be adopted as may be the means of restoring peace and harmony between this country and the Indian tribes; which was read, and laid on the table.
The report of the Secretary of the Treasury, on the petition of George Webb, late receiver of continental taxes in the State of Virginia, praying compensation for services, and indemnification for public money, of which he was robbed, was read. Mr. Giles then proposed the following resolution—That a committee be appointed to bring in a bill, allowing to such of the receivers of continental taxes as continued in office after April 1782, a certain rate per cent. for their services, &c. which was laid on the table.
Mr. Sedgwick asked leave of absence for three weeks, which was granted.
Mr. Gerry, of the committee to whom was referred certain propositions relative to the annual receipts and expenditures of public monies, &c. brought in a report, which was read and laid on the table.
In committee of the whole, Mr. Smith (S. C.) in the chair—the bill sent from the Senate, relative to the election of a President and Vice President of the United States, and declaring in case of vacancies, in the office of President and Vice President, what officer shall act as President of the United States, was taken into consideration.
Several amendments were proposed, some of which were agreed to, and others negatived. A motion to amend the ninth section, by striking out the words which designate the President of the Senate pro tempore , or the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to fill the vacancy of President, occasioned some debate.
The committee rose without coming to a decision on the question, and reported progress.
Mr. Dayton asked leave of absence for one week, which was granted. Adjourned.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23.
A message from the President of the United States, by his Secretary Mr. Lear, informed the House that he had this day approved and signed the act making appropriations for the support of government for the year 1792.
The House took into consideration the resolution laid on the table yesterday, by Mr. Giles, pursuant to the report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the petition of George Webb, receiver of Continental taxes—This resolution was, after debate, agreed to, and a committee, consisting of Messrs. Livermore, Giles, Clark, Fitzsimons, & Bourne (R. I.) appointed to report a bill.
On motion of Mr. Benson, the House took into consideration the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, on the petition of Comfort Sands and others—also the report of a committee to which said report had been referred the last session.—Proceeding on this report being objected to, as informal—the Secretary's report was again referred to a select committee, consisting of Messrs. Benson, Gregg, and Venable.
Mr. Smith (S. C.) presented a memorial and petition of sundry merchants of South-Carolina, who were in business in that State before the revolution—stating the hardships imposed on them, in consequence of being obliged to receive during the war, paper money for debts, &c. and now being called on to pay their foreign creditors in specie, pursuant to the treaty of peace, and pray that Congress would grant such relief as they may see meet—read and laid on the table.
In committee of the whole, on the bill for carrying into effect a contract between the United States and the State of Pennsylvania—Mr. Smith (S. C.) in the Chair. The committee made no alteration in the bill, they reported it accordingly to the House; it was then ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.
In committee of the whole on the Post-Office bill—Mr. Smith, (S.C.) in the chair.
The committee took into consideration those sections of the bill which had been postponed—On motion of Mr. Fitzsimons, the 8th section, which regulated the rates of postage, was expunged, and a clause proposed by him, substituted, in which the rates are reduced below both the present regulation, and that which was originally proposed in the bill.—The section which made it death for robbing the mail, by persons employed in the post office department, was amended, by substituting imprisonment for life, or for such term as the judges may determine .
The committee rose without finishing the bill—and the House adjourned till Monday.
Philadelphia, December 24.
Last Wednesday evening Lieutenant Denny, Aid-de-Camp to Major-General St. Clair, arrived with dispatches for the Secretary for the department of War, dated Fort-Washington, the 17th November.
The garrison at Fort-Jefferson was intended to be continued, and was not conceived to be in any danger: It was well supplied with provisions, provided with artillery, and commanded by Capt. Shayler of the 2d regiment. Most of the wounded had arrived at Fort-Washington from Fort-Jefferson.
Piamingo, the Chickasaw Chief, had returned safe with his warriors, and Captain Sparks, of Clark's battalion, bringing with them five scalps.
The Kentucky militia, under Generals Scott and Wilkinson, all mounted and furnished with 20 days provision, would probably arrive at Fort-Washington about the middle of November.
It was expected that the dispersed situation of the Indians would afford a good opportunity for the militia to make an important stroke yet this winter.
The brave Major Clark (who covered the retreat with some soldiers) supposed to be killed, had arrived safe at Fort-Washington.
The levies were generally discharged, excepting those who had enlisted into the regular service.
Non commissioned Officers and Privates—Killed and Missing, 593—Wounded, 214.
N. B. Of the 1st United States Regiment, a small detachment only was in action, the Regiment being on command.
Late accounts from Rotterdam mention, that Gin has risen in price from 7l. 5s. to 14l. per cask, of 30 velts or 60 gallons. This is occasioned by the unparallelled demand in France for that article, owing to the scarcity of Brandy in that kingdom.
It is said that the denomination of people called Methodists, of the late Mr. Wesley's persuasion, has greatly encreased in France of late.
The citizens of Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia, are taking measures for the establishment of a State Bank in that Commonwealth.
We hear from Brunswick, New-Jersey, that on the 15th inst. the valuable mills upon Millstone river, belonging to Archibald Mercer, Esq. Deputy Governor of the Manufacturing Company of New-Jersey, took fire and were totally consumed, with property therein to the value of about five thousand pounds in flour, wheat, and other species of grain. The fire is said to have been communicated from an iron fire-stove which was used in severe weather to prevent the ice from clogging the wheels.
Some of the eastern papers have published the following article, viz.
"We learn from Philadelphia, that there is no hope of any commercial treaty between Great-Britain and the United States on terms of reciprocity, but that the language of Mr. Hammond indicates an adherence on the part of Britain to her old system."
It is very frequently the case, that persons several hundred miles from the scene of action, appear to know more of a particular business than those on the spot. It is fairly to be presumed that the above is a fabrication, without the least foundation to support it. Nothing that wears the semblance of authority has ever appeared to sanction the suggestions.
The articles sketching the outlines of colonial government, as proposed to the Assembly by M. Barnave, on the 24th September, have been decreed, only with the following amendment in the third article: "The laws relative to slaves, and the political situation of mulattoes and free negroes, as well as the regulations relative to the execution of such laws, shall be made by the colonial assemblies; and, with the approbation of the several governors of the colonies, shall be executed provisionally , during one year, for the American colonies, and two years for the colonies in Asia; immediately after their passing in the colonies they are to be sent home, for the sanction of the King, their execution in the mean time not to be impeded, or the power granted to the assemblies, infringed, by any prior decree whatever. French Paper.
If the amount of free letters by the mail is at the present time equal to the amount of those which are not free, what will their amount be when the number of the members of the House shall be double to what it now is?
Will it not very much reduce the revenue of the Post-office?
Will not the diminution of the revenue of the Post-office necessarily tend to obstruct the channels of information, since the Postmaster-General's arrangements are confined to the amount of the revenue?
While the constitution of the United States was on its passage by the people, the men of wisdom and virtue very generally paid a close attention to politics; and never did any country profit more by the united cares and exertions of its most estimable citizens. The constitution was gained by the temperate zeal and persuasive arguments of its advocates; nothing then escaped their vigilance—they watched for the safety of a plan of government which they justly considered as involving their own, and their country's safety. Their affection for so excellent a plan was naturally great, but this was greatly increased by the sense of the hazard while on its passage, and even during the first operations under it. But the federal zeal has abated, parties have, very much to their honor, shook hands: But there is some risk in this new state of things; the government being prosperous, its friends think it no longer stands in need of their cares—having gained strength and consistency, they fear nothing for it. They are even told that they have much to fear from it. They are open to such impressions; and the men and the occasions are not wanting to make them. The State governments are frequently called the most popular, the most friendly to republican liberty: and then consolidation is held up as a dreadful tendency to our political state. Tho' the constitution of the nation is a copy of the best of the State constitutions, perhaps an improvement upon them all, yet this style of suspicion and accusation may grow into a habit, which ought to prevail in every American bosom. The conclusion from these observations, is, that the government of the United States having been called into being and supported thus far, by the enlightened zeal and virtue of our best and wisest citizens, the necessity still subsists for those men to aid it, to watch for it and to guard it against those encroachments which may be attempted upon its authority. Jealousy against government is often recommended; let it still be wakeful: But jealousy for government is also a virtue—as our present condition proves. We should to this day have remained a divided people, if the friends of union had not guarded with a wise jealousy against the further prostration of all government; it was in effect liberty that they watched for.—And such men will never be false to it. It is hoped that they will never cease to pay attention to the conduct of government, as the weight of their virtuous influence will be sufficient to support a good one, and to reform a bad one. There is some appearance that they are become more inattentive and cold towards it than they once were. Being in part a government over governments, questions of jurisdiction will arise. Very good men it is well known incline to extend the jurisdiction which they exercise; disputes between the State and national governments will arise—candor will allow that it is probable the latter will be in the right half the times: But there are reasons which will operate to make error and encroachment appear less excusable on the part of Congress than of a State legislature. In every fray, we naturally enough take part against the strongest. A State, a small one especially, is not the object of fear to the union—and under this impression it is overlooked that an encroachment made by one State establishes a new and more ample line of authority to every other. In this way the power of Congress may be pared away, and the friends of union may not take any alarm.
On the other hand, the authority of the union being exercised in one place, being very conspicuously placed, excites the fears of many, even when it keeps within its proper bounds—but if it should pass them, the whole people would see and check them. Thus, Congress will feel the strongest restraints against any undue exercise of its power.
Very sanguine hopes were entertained at the time of the establishment of the Bank of the United States, of its eminent utility to trade. We have seen its first operations. Though the transactions of a Bank are not exposed to view, yet enough is conjectured, and on very satisfactory grounds, relating to the great extent of its deposits and discounts, to justify the conclusion that our first hopes will not be disappointed—Certainly the affairs of a trading country cannot be well managed, where a Bank of extensive circulation is not in being. The utility of a Bank is little short of that of a Canal—it opens a trade where obstacles not less stubborn than those of nature's make, would have prevented any without it.
The late Fires which have distressed a part of the public, were solely kindled by the hand of a malevolent boy, who, after an examination before the Mayor, uniformly perseveres in his declaration, that he alone was the actual incendiary, and that no other person was in any degree concerned in his villainy. The panic therefore excited on that occasion, must subside; and age, sickness and debility may take their usual repose. It must however be confessed, that the conduct of this boy has been artful and atrocious, and can scarcely be paralleled.
CHARITY.
On Tuesday evening next, the 27th inst. being the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist, will be performed at the Theatre in the Northern Liberties, the Tragedy of VENICE PRESERVED, &c. &c.—The proceeds of the sale of Tickets to be applied to the immediate relief of distressed Masons, Widows and Orphans.
Died, at Galacz, Prince Charles Frederick Henry of Wurtemberg Stutgard, brother to the Grand Duchess of Russia, aged 21. On his journey to Italy, Lord Craven. In London, Lieutenant-General John M'Kenzie, aged 80. In Scotland, by his horse rearing and falling upon him, Lord Haddo, only son of the Earl of Aberdeen.
From PELOSI'S MARINE LIST. ARRIVALS at the PORT OF PHILADELPHIA.
  Ship Atlantic, Hutchinson, Liverpool   Brig Naucy, Hathaway, Port-au-Prince   Schooner Friendship, Foster, Charleston   Franklin, Eves, Aux-Cayes   Sloop Polly & Sally, M'Neeran, Maryland 
PRICE CURRENT.—PUBLIC SECURITIES.
   FUNDED DEBT.     6 pr. Cents 22/6 pr. £. 111 1/2 pr. cent.   3 pr. Cents 13/6 65 do.   Deferred 6 pr. Cents 13/3 66 1/4 do.   UNFUNDED DEBT.   Final Sett. and other Certificates 20/6 102 1/2 do.   Indents 12/6 62 1/2   Bank Subscriptions, 146 Dollars.  
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.
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)

AN ADDRESS TO THE CITIZENS OF WESTMORELAND, WASHINGTON, FAYETTE AND ALLEGHENY COUNTIES. ON THE REVENUE LAW. BY JOHN NEVILLE, INSPECTOR OF THE REVENUE, SURVEY NO. 4, DISTRICT PENNSYLVANIA. (CONTINUED.)
CONGRESS began with duties on goods imported from abroad. The first section they passed a law laying such duties, to an extent that was then supposed to be as high as was proper.
But as it appeared that the proceeds of all these duties would fall short, several hundred thousand dollars, of the sum necessary for the payment of interest on the public debt and the support of government, it became necessary to provide some additional fund.
The committee in the four western counties of this State, intimate the policy of an increase of the duties on imported articles. But the two houses of Congress, and the great body of the merchants in all the States, are of a different opinion.
Long and multiplied experience has proved, that, if duties on importation are carried beyond their proper limit, they do not produce revenue, but smuggling, fraud and perjury in abundance.
Should duties on the importation of goods be carried to an improper extent, the farmer would not be the person least injured by it.
Is it even certain, if the thing were in itself practicable and proper, that it would be the interest of those who live at a distance from the sea, to prefer an increase of the duty on imported articles, to a duty on spirits distilled among themselves?
If Congress had not had good ground to think, that the duties on imported articles were sufficiently high in the main, they would naturally have been led to increase them, rather than have recourse to an internal duty, which they could not but have foreseen would meet with more objection.
But the committee suggest another resource for supplying the deficiency. This is a reduction of the salaries and compensations of the officers and members of the government.
A tax on the certificates themselves is proposed. This would be the same as if, between individuals, a debtor being stronger than the creditor, and there being no superior judge to controul him, should force him to accept fifteen shillings for twenty which he owed.
Remember, that on full examination a discrimination was found impracticable and inadmissible. As Pennsylvanians we surely cannot complain of this, for we had but lately funded our full proportion of the debt HIGHER than Congress have done, and our LEGISLATURE made no DISCRIMINATION; and they have since deemed it proper to ADD to the rate of interest allowed by Congress, thereby preserving that body from the charge of extravagance on the part of their citizens.
Remember, that under the newly plighted faith of the government, by a solemn and most deliberate act, the evidences of the debt have been purchased by the present holders beyond their par, that is at more than twenty shillings in the pound.
Shall these people, who, relying on the faith of the government, have paid full value, be arbitrarily stripped of their property.
'Tis impossible. Truth and justice, religion and morality, would recoil at so forthright an enormity. (TO BE CONTINUED.)
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.
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 fill again.
Also for SALE, a Quantity of Particular 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, hoghead or quarter cask.
London market Madeira WINE, 5 and 6 years old. Old Sherry WINE of the first quality, by the hoghead or quarter cask.
Three and 4 years old Lisbon WINE, of a superior quality to what is generally imported, by the pipe, quarter cask, or larger quantity.
Choice old Coniac BRANDY, by the pipe, tierce, or larger quantity.
A few quarter chests of first quality Hyson TEA. He has just received by the Pigou, 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. (ep 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.
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. tf
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, Paternus, 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. Britannica, &c.
Quarto. Pindar, Cyropaedia, Bentley's Horace, Terence and Phaedrus, Ovid, Juvenal, Manilius, Ciceronis op. om. Caesar, Suetonius, Julius Pollux, Hederici Lexicon, Vossii Ars Gram. Cluverii Geographia, Justinian Code, &c.
Ottavo & 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, Florus, Justin, Val. Maximus, A. Gellius, Hist. August. Scriptorum, 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.)
PUBLIC SECURITIES, Bought and Sold, on COMMISSION, by SAMUEL ANDERSON, Chestnut-Street, next door to the Bank, No. 97.
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 3, 1791. NOTICE is hereby given that the Bank of the United States will be opened on Monday the 5th inst.
Transfers of the subscriptions to the stock of said Bank may then be made. On Monday the 12th inst., deposits will be received, and on Tuesday the 20th inst., discounts may be made.
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." [ep1f]
IMPERIAL HYSON, SOUCHONG, and BOHEA
T E A S, 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.
The First and Second Volumes of the HISTORY OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, (To which is prefixed an accurate Map of the State) By the Rev. JEREMY BELKNAP, Are ready for Delivery to Subscribers—who may receive their Books on application to HAZARD & ADDOMS, at the Corner of Chestnut and Third Streets.
The above two volumes contain the political history of the State, from its first settlement to the adoption of the present Constitution of the United States; the third, containing a geographical description of the State, sketches of its natural history, &c. is in the press.
** A few copies of the first two volumes for sale—price 20s. November 5, 1791.
In the Press, and speedily will be published, HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS; Consisting of STATE PAPERS, and other authentic Documents, tending to elucidate the HISTORY of AMERICA, and particularly of the UNITED STATES. By EBENEZER HAZARD, A.M.
** The price to Subscribers will be a Dollar for each Number, containing 160 large quarto pages; or Four Dollars and a Quarter for each Volume in Boards; to be paid as follows, viz. the first and second Numbers, or Volumes, to be paid for on delivery of the first; and each subsequent one (except the last) at the time of delivery.
Subscriptions will be received, in this city, by THOMAS DOBSON, and HAZARD & ADDOMS, (who will exhibit Specimens of the work) and in other places by the principal Booksellers there. Philadelphia, November 5, 1791.
HOLY BIBLE.---Royal Quarto.
MR. THOMAS, of Worcester, Massachusetts, most respectfully informs the public, that he has this day completed the Old and New Testaments of his Royal Quarto Edition of the HOLY BIBLE. The Apocrypha and Index, &c. will be finished with all the dispatch the nature of the work will admit.
Such Gentlemen as hold SUBSCRIPTION PAPERS, he begs will return them to him at Worcester, or to him and Company at Boston, by the last day of November next, and as much sooner as they conveniently can.
He is happy to inform the public, that the work has been examined by many gentlemen, clergymen and others, and has met with their highest approbation; both as to the execution of the printing, its correctness, and its cheapness compared with English copies of the same size and quality.
As this very laborious and exceedingly expensive undertaking, is carried on solely at his own cost, he is led to hope that all those who wish to possess a large Family Bible, will so far encourage this laudable undertaking of their countryman, as to add their names to the subscription. Worcester, Sept. 29, 1791. ISAIAH THOMAS.
ADVERTISEMENT. BY late arrivals from France, the Editor has received from No. 10 to 31, both inclusive, of a Publication which comes out twice a week in Paris, entitled, "CORRESPONDANCE NATIONALE." From No. 1 to No. 10, have been shipped, but are not yet come to hand. Any person who may incline to subscribe for this work, which appears to be ingenious, impartial and patriotic, may be furnished with the numbers as they arrive by applying to the Editor of this Gazette.
Blank Powers to receive the interest, and for the transfer of the principal of public debt, agreeable to the Rules established in the Treasury Department: Also Blanks for abstracts of Certificates, to be sold by the Editor.
The price of this Paper is 2 Dollars per ann. One half to be paid at Subscribing.