Gazette of the United-States. (New-York [N.Y.]), 1790-09-25 00:00:00

Gazette of the United States.
PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS BY JOHN FENNO, No. 41, BROAD-STREET, NEAR THE EXCHANGE, NEW-YORK.
[No. 48, of VOL. II.]
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1790.
[WHOLE No. 152.]
COLLECTION LAW.—Continued.
AND be it further enacted , That if any goods, wares or merchandise, on which duties are payable, shall receive damage during the voyage, or shall not be accompanied with the original invoice of their cost, it shall be lawful for the collector (and upon the request of the party he is required) to appoint one merchant, and the owner or consignee to appoint another, who being sworn or affirmed by the collector, well and truly to appraise such goods, shall appraise or value them accordingly, and the duties upon such goods shall be estimated agreeably to such appraisement or valuation: And in respect to such damaged articles as are charged with a specific duty, by number, weight or measure, the said appraisers shall certify what in their judgment would have been their value, in case they had not been so damaged, and there shall be an abatement in the duty in proportion to the difference in value. Provided , That if the owner or owners, consignee or consignees of such goods not accompanied with an original invoice, shall chuse to wait the receipt thereof, in such case the said collector shall take into his custody the said goods, and shall keep or cause the same to be kept with due and reasonable care, at the expense and risk of the party or parties, until the said invoice shall arrive, or until the said party or parties shall consent to the valuation thereof.
And be it further enacted , That if any ship or vessel from any foreign port or place, compelled by distress of weather or other necessity, shall put into any port or place of the United States, not being destined for the same; and if the master or person having charge or command of such ship or vessel, together with the master or person next in command, shall within twenty-four hours after her arrival, make protest in the usual form upon oath before a notary public, or other person duly authorized, or before the collector of the district where the said ship or vessel shall so arrive, who is hereby empowered to administer the same, setting forth the cause and circumstances of such distress or necessity, and shall within forty-eight hours after such arrival, make report to the said collector, of the said ship or vessel and her cargo as in other cases. And if it shall be made appear to the said collector, by the certificate of the wardens of the port, or other officers usually charged with, and accustomed to ascertaining the condition of ships and vessels arriving in distress, if any such there be, or by the certificate of any two reputable merchants, to be named for that purpose by the said collector, if no such wardens or other officers there be, that there is a necessity for unloading the said ship or vessel, the said collector shall grant a permit for that purpose, and shall appoint an inspector or inspectors to oversee such unloading. And all goods so unladen shall be stored under the direction of the said collector; who upon request of the master or other person having charge or command of such ship or vessel, or of the owner thereof, shall grant a licence to dispose of such part of the said cargo as may be of a perishable nature (if any there be) as may be necessary to defray the expenses attending such ship or vessel, and her cargo: Provided , That the duties thereupon be first paid. And the said goods, or the remainder thereof, may afterwards be reloaded on board the said ship or vessel, and the said ship or vessel may proceed with the same to the place of her destination, free from any other charge than for the storing and safe keeping of the said goods.
And be it further enacted , That the ad valorem rates of duty upon goods, wares and merchandise at the place of importation, shall be estimated by adding twenty per cent. to the actual cost thereof, if imported from the Cape of Good Hope, or from any place beyond the same; and ten per cent. on the actual cost thereof if imported from any other place or country, exclusive of charges.
And be it further enacted , That all foreign coins and currencies shall be estimated according to the following rates: Each pound sterling of Great-Britain, at four dollars and forty-four cents; each livre tournois of France, at eighteen cents and an half; each florin or guilder of the United Netherlands, at thirty-nine cents; each mark banco of Hamburg, at thirty-three cents and one third; each rix dollar of Denmark, at one hundred cents; each rial of plate of Spain, at ten cents; each milree of Portugal, at one dollar and twenty-four cents; each pound sterling of Ireland, at four dollars ten cents; each tale of China, at one dollar forty-eight cents; each pagoda of India, at one dollar ninety-four cents; each rupee of Bengal, at fifty-five cents and an half; and all other denominations of money in value as near as may be to the said rates.
And be it further enacted , That all duties on goods, wares and merchandise imported, shall be paid or secured to be paid, before a permit shall be granted for landing the same. And where the amount thereof on goods imported in any ship or vessel, on account of one person only, or of several persons jointly interested, shall not exceed fifty dollars, the same shall be immediately paid; but where the said amount shall exceed fifty dollars, the same may, at the option of the proprietor or proprietors, consignee or consignees, be either immediately paid, or secured by bond, with condition for the payment thereof if accruing upon articles of the produce of the West-Indies, in four months; if accruing on Madeira wines, in twelve months; if accruing upon any other goods, wares or merchandise, other than teas imported from China, in six months; which bond at the like option of the said proprietor or proprietors, consignee or consignees, shall either include one or more sureties, to the satisfaction of the collector of the district where the said duties shall accrue, or shall be accompanied with a deposit, in the custody of the said collector, of so much of the said goods, as shall in his judgment be a sufficient security for the amount of the duties for which such bond shall have been given, and the charge of the safe keeping and sale of the goods so deposited; which deposit shall and may be accepted in lieu of the said surety or sureties, and shall be kept by the said collector, with due and reasonable care, at the expense and risk of the party or parties on whose account the same shall have been made, until the sum specified in such bond shall have become due, at which time if such sum shall not be paid, so much of the said deposited goods as may be necessary, shall be sold at public sale, and the proceeds thereof, after deducting the charges of keeping and sale, shall be applied to the payment of such sum, rendering the overplus and the residue of the said goods, if any there be, to the person or persons by whom such deposit shall have been made, or to his, her or their representatives. Provided , That no person whose bond for the payment of duties is due and unsatisfied, shall be allowed a future credit for duties, until such bond shall be fully paid or discharged.
Provided always, and be it further enacted , That all teas imported from China, may, at the option of the proprietor or consignee thereof, be deposited in the custody of the collector with whom the same shall be entered, or the duties thereon secured by bond, with one or more sureties, to the satisfaction of the collector, with
condition for the payment of such duties within twelve months; and in case of depositing such teas, they shall be kept at the charge of the person or persons depositing the same. And the collector shall deliver such teas, or part thereof, from time to time, to the person or persons depositing the same, or to his or their order, on payment of the duties for such part as may be so delivered, and not otherwise; and in case the whole of the duties shall not be paid within eighteen months from the time of the entry made, it shall be the duty of the said collector to sell at public auction so much of the said teas as shall be sufficient to pay the duties then due, together with the charges of sale and safe keeping, and to return the overplus to the person or persons who shall have deposited such teas, or his, her or their representatives; and for such teas as have been imported from China in the present year, the owner or consignee thereof shall be entitled to deposit the same, or to give bond, payable in like manner, and under like regulations, as are herein before directed for teas which shall hereafter be imported, notwithstanding the duties on such teas may have been already secured to be paid.
And be it further enacted , That the duties imposed by law on the tonnage of any ship or vessel, shall be paid to the collector by the master or person having the charge or command of such ship or vessel, within ten days after his report to the said collector; and before such ship or vessel shall be permitted to clear out; the register of which ship or vessel shall at the time of entry be lodged in the office of the collector, and there remain until such clearance. And if any ship or vessel shall leave, or attempt to leave any district of the United States, without paying the said duties, the master or person having the charge or command of the same shall forfeit and pay five hundred dollars.
And be it further enacted , That to ascertain the tonnage of any ship or vessel, the surveyor, or such other person as shall be appointed by the collector of the district to measure the same, shall, if the said ship or vessel be double decked, take the length thereof from the fore part of the main stem to the after part of the stern post above the upper deck; the breadth thereof at the broadest part above the main wales, half of which breadth shall be accounted the depth of such vessel, and shall then deduct from the length three fifths of the breadth, multiply the remainder by the breadth, and the product by the depth, and shall divide this last product by ninety-five, the quotient whereof shall be deemed the true contents or tonnage of such ship or vessel. And if such ship or vessel be single decked, the said surveyor or other person shall take the length and breadth as above directed, in respect to a double decked ship or vessel, shall deduct from the said length three fifths of the breadth, and taking the depth from the under side of the deck plank to the ceiling in the hold, shall multiply and divide as aforesaid, and the quotient shall be deemed the tonnage of such ship or vessel.
And be it further enacted , That where any bond for the payment of duties shall not be satisfied on the day it became due, the collector shall forthwith cause a prosecution to be commenced for the recovery of the money thereon by action or suit at law, in the proper court having cognizance thereof; and in all cases of insolvency, or where any estate in the hands of executors or administrators shall be insufficient to pay all the debts due from the deceased, the debt due to the United States, on any such bond, shall be first satisfied.
And be it further enacted , That if any goods, wares or merchandise, of which entry shall have been made in the office of a collector, shall not be invoiced according to the actual cost thereof at the place of exportation, with design to evade the duties thereupon, or any part thereof, all such goods, wares or merchandise, or the value thereof, to be recovered of the person making entry, shall be forfeited. And in every case in which the said collector shall suspect that any such goods, wares or merchandise, are not invoiced at a sum equal to that for which they have usually been sold in the place or country from whence they were imported, it shall be the duty of such collector to take the said goods, wares and merchandise into his possession, and retain the same, with reasonable care, at the risk and expense of the owner or owners, consignee or consignees thereof, until their value at the time and place of importation shall be ascertained by two reputable merchants, to be chosen and appointed as in the case of damaged goods, or goods not accompanied with an invoice; and until the duties arising according to such valuation shall be first paid, or secured to be paid, as required by this act in other cases of importation: Provided , That in case of a prosecution for the forfeiture aforesaid, such appraisement shall not be construed to exclude other proof upon the trial, of the actual and real cost of the said goods at the said place of exportation.
And be it further enacted , That it shall be lawful for the collector or other officer of the customs, after entry made of any goods, wares or merchandise, on suspicion of fraud, to open and examine in the presence of two or more reputable merchants, any package or packages thereof; and if upon examination they shall be found to agree with the entries, the officer making such seizure shall cause the same to be repacked, and delivered to the owner or claimant forthwith; and the expense of such examination shall be paid by the said collector or other officer, and allowed in the settlement of his accounts; but if any of the packages so examined shall be found to differ in their contents from the entry, then the goods, wares or merchandise contained in such package or packages shall be forfeited: Provided , That the said forfeiture shall not be incurred, if it shall be made appear to the satisfaction of the collector and naval officer of the district where the same shall happen, if there be a naval officer, and if there be no naval officer, to the satisfaction of the said collector, or of the court in which a prosecution for the forfeiture shall be had, that such difference proceeded from accident or mistake, and not from an intention to defraud the revenue.
And be it further enacted , That every collector, naval-officer and surveyor, or other person specially appointed by either of them for that purpose, shall have full power and authority to enter any ship or vessel in which they shall have reason to suspect any goods, wares or merchandise subject to duty shall be concealed; and therein to search for, seize and secure any such goods, wares or merchandise. And if they shall have cause to suspect a concealment thereof in any particular dwelling-house, store, building or other place, they or either of them shall upon application on oath to any justice of the peace, be entitled to a warrant to enter such house, store or other place (in the day time only) and there to search for such goods, and if any shall be found, to seize and secure the same for trial; and all such goods, wares and merchandise, on which the duties shall not have been paid or secured, shall be forfeited.
And be it further enacted , That all goods, wares and merchandise which shall be seized by virtue of this act, shall be put into and remain in the custody of the collector or such other person as he shall appoint for that purpose, until such proceedings shall be had as by this act are required, to ascertain whether the same have been
so tested or not; and it shall be adjudged that they are not forfeited they shall be forthwith restored to the owner or owners, claimant or claimants, thereof. And if any person or persons shall conceal or buy any goods, wares or merchandise, knowing them to be liable to seizure by this act, such person or persons shall, on conviction thereof, forfeit and pay a sum double the value of the goods so concealed or purchased.
And be it further enacted , That it shall be the duty of the several officers of the customs to make seizure of, and secure any ship or vessel, goods, wares or merchandise, which shall be liable to seizure by virtue of this act, as well without as within their respective districts.
And be it further enacted , That if any officer or other person, executing or aiding and assisting in the seizure of goods, shall be sued or molested for any thing done in virtue of the powers given by this act, or by virtue of a warrant granted by any judge or justice pursuant to law, such officer or other person may plead, the general issue, and give this act and the special matter in evidence; and if in such suit the plaintiff be non-suited, or judgment pass against him, the defendant shall recover double cost; and in actions, suits or information to be brought, where any seizure shall be made pursuant to this act, if the property be claimed by any person, in every such case the onus probandi shall be upon such claimant. And if any person shall forcibly resist, prevent or impede any officer of the customs or their deputies, or any person assisting them in the execution of their duty, such person so offending shall for every offence be fined in a sum not exceeding four hundred dollars.
And be it further enacted , That every collector, naval-officer and surveyor shall within three months after he enters upon the execution of his office, give bond with one or more sufficient sureties, to be approved of by the comptroller of the treasury of the United States, and payable to the said United States, with condition for the true and faithful discharge of the duties of his office according to law; that is to say: The collector of Philadelphia, in the sum of sixty thousand dollars: The collector of New-York, fifty thousand dollars: The collector of Boston and Charlestown, forty thousand dollars: The collectors of Baltimore, and Charleston, thirty thousand dollars, each: The collector of Norfolk and Portsmouth, fifteen thousand dollars: The collectors of Portsmouth in New-Hampshire, of Salem and Beverly, Wilmington in the State of Delaware, Annapolis, Georgetown in Maryland, Bermuda-hundred and City-point, Alexandria, Wilmington, Newbern and Edenton in the State of North-Carolina, Newport and Providence in the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, ten thousand dollars each: The collectors of Newbury-Port, Gloucester, Marblehead, Plymouth, Nantucket, Portland and Falmouth, New-London, New-Haven, Fairfield, Perth-Amboy, Yorktown, Dumfries, Washington and Camden, Georgetown in South-Carolina, Beaufort and Savannah, each five thousand dollars: And all the other collectors in the sum of two thousand dollars each. The naval-officers for the ports of Boston and Charlestown, New-York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston, ten thousand dollars each; and all the other naval-officers in the sum of two thousand dollars each. The surveyors of the ports of Boston and Charlestown, New-York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston, five thousand dollars each; and all other surveyors one thousand dollars each. Which bonds shall be filed in the office of the said comptroller, and be by him severally put in suit for the benefit of the United States, upon any breach of the condition thereof. And as no provision has been heretofore specially made concerning the officers of the customs who may have been heretofore appointed in aid for the States of North-Carolina, and Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations; the said officers respectively shall, within four months after the passing of this act, give bond with proper surety or sureties, in conformity to the provision aforesaid. To be continued.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Sept. 20, 1790. It is hereby made known, that the following arrangement has been adopted towards carrying into execution the Act, making provision for the debt of the United States, viz.
Loan-Office Certificates, and those issued by the Commissioners for the adjustment of accounts in the several States, will be receivable only at the Treasury and by the respective Commissioners of Loans within the States in which they were respectively issued. The Certificates issued by the Register of the Treasury, by the Pay Master General and Commissioner of Army Accounts, by the Commissioners for the adjustment of the Accounts of the Quarter Master's, Commissary's, Hospital, Cloathing, and Marine Departments, Indents of Interest, and Bills of Old Emission, will be receivable indiscriminately at the Treasury and by the Commissioners of all the States. The situation of the Checks has dictated this arrangement for the greater security of the public against impositions by forged or counterfeit paper, and the details which have been adopted from the same consideration for the execution of the business are such, that it will give facility and dispatch, if applications from the Holders of Certificates of the Register of the Treasury and of the Paymaster General, and Commissioner of Army Accounts, and of the Commissioners of the five Departments above mentioned, are made in the first instance at the Treasury; and if applications from the Holders of Loan Office Certificates, and Certificates issued by the Commissioners for the adjustment of Accounts in the respective States, are made in like manner to the Commissioners of Loans within the States in which they were issued. Transfers can afterwards be made to any Office that the Proprietors of these Certificates may desire.
The Printers in the several States are requested to insert this.
PURSUANT to a Resolve or act of Congress of the 10th day of May, 1780, relative to the destruction of Loan-Office Certificates by accident; notice is hereby given to all whom it may concern, that on the 2d day of January 1780, the house occupied by the subscriber in Market-Street, Philadelphia, took fire and was consumed, in which was lodged a number of Loan-Office certificates as pr. list below, all which were destroyed by the said fire: Therefore if any person, hath any objection why the said Certificates should not be renewed, agreeable to the resolves of Congress, they must make them before the expiration of three months, from the date hereof.
Invoice of Loan-Office Certificates destroyed in the house of John Holker on the 2d day of January 1780.
   1778. No. Dols.     March 13. 1636 1 Samuel Cooke, jun. New-York, 600   1673 1 ditto. do. 600   Dollars, 1200.  
In testimony whereof I have signed the present publication. HOLKER. New-York, July 26th, 1790.

PARIS, JULY 13.
M TALMA, an actor in the French Theatre, complained that the Rector of St. Sulpice, had refused to publish the banns of marriage for him, alledging that Comedians are deprived by law of the holy sacrament of matrimony.
Several members expressed their surprize at this perverse opposition in the Rector of St. Sulpice, adding that it was customary to admit the people of the Theatre to the sacrament of matrimony, under the character of musicians.
It was decreed—
That the committees of the constitution, and of ecclesiastical affairs, do take this into immediate consideration.
The address made to the President by a deputation of Americans, was much applauded.
“The force of truth is irresistible; the celebrity of its progress, beyond calculation—
“We have long believed that the nations of the earth would wake out of their lethargy; and that men would claim their rights in a voice that men would not be able to resist. We believed that religion would be disrobed of its borrowed terrors, and that fanaticism and intolerance would fly at the presence of reason.
“We have but one wish on the present occasion, and that is to assist at the august confederation, and to swear, at the feet of the same altar, to be faithful to the nation, to the law, and to the King, and to vow eternal friendship with the people of France.”
The answer of M. Bonnay, the President, was not less applauded—
“It was in aiding you to be free, brave Americans, that the French became acquainted with Liberty and loved her. The arm which broke your fetters asunder, disdains to be fettered itself.
“But in this respect we are more happy than you were. We have a Patriot King to assist us in the recovery of our liberties.
“Liberty cost you torrents of blood, you won her by your courage. We are free by following the dictates of reason, the Throne of Liberty is now established in the two worlds.”
The address and answer were both ordered to be printed.
LONDON, July 13.
THERE are still idle whispers about the King of France being rescued, as it is called.—They are wretched politicians who believe that the King of France, with the History of England before him, will fly from his throne to make it more secure. He knows that in any country a King is more easily found than public liberty.
The trial by Jury is much applauded by all Englishmen, and in conjunction with the liberty of the Press, is justly supposed to be the strongest pillar of the British Constitution. But when individuals are called to attend on the public service, it is truly astonishing what trifling excuses are made. One wishes to be exempted because he has served in the army; another because his estate is not sufficiently large; a third because he has only a copy hold; and a fourth pretends he is deaf or has got the gout.
The determination against the notorious old Mother Hassel does honor to the Jury who tried the cause, and it is hoped will operate as a precedent now established by several trials, that a bond or note given by a seduced female to the mistress of a brothel is invalid and cannot be recovered—and that those unhappy females who have unfortunately fallen into the clutches of those pests to society, are not bound to pay for either board, lodging, or clothing, furnished evidently for the purpose of a prostitution, from the profits of which those Bawds exact about nine-tenths of the whole.
Mr. Winne, a quaker, a man of the first respectability, who has a considerable plantation in Jamaica, in a letter to a gentleman at Birmingham, declares, that he knows several plantations on that island, where slaves are treated with a due degree of kindness, which not only keeps, but increases the number of their slaves, without ever purchasing.—His own estate is one of these. And by this mild and gentle manner of encouraging the negroes to perform their work, he has increased the produce of his lands four fold. Indeed Mr. Winne says, “I am acquainted with the proprietor of a plantation, whose negroes have doubled their number in eighteen years, and three over, whilst in that period the plantation has greatly increased its produce. On the other hand, says he, I know another plantation, where, in three years, the slaves have been diminished seventy-two, which was more than a third of their whole number, merely by acts of severity and cruel treatment.”—Mr. Winne concludes his letter with observing, he is well convinced the abolition of the slave-trade would be of the highest advantage to the planters, considered only in a pecuniary point of view.
Bella horrida bella!—at present rages in the Carnatic. Earl Cornwallis most certainly has sent a bold defiance to the tyrant Tippoo, whom it is earnestly to be wished may now meet the fate his insolence and cruelty deserve.
REMARKS ON THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.
NOTHING is more common in our courts, than the use of the word evidence for witness . The person who testifies is called an evidence , and not unfrequently by men of considerable eminence. But it is equally common to use the word evidence for testimony , a person gives his evidence . This confusion of terms is altogether inexcusable among professional men; for technical language should always be correct.
The person declaring is a witness ; what he declares, is his testimony ; the effect of what he declares, is evidence . Evidence is the effect of testimony in producing conviction, or it is the proof arising out of testimony. The distinction will be clearly obvious in this concise phrase, the evidence produced by the testimony of the witness .
The oath administered to witnesses in this State runs thus—“you swear that the evidence you shall give to this court, shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Here the word evidence is very improper; for how can a man swear to his evidence ! Or can a man say what effect his declarations will have on another's mind, in making a thing evident . The oath should run thus, “you swear to declare to this court the truth, the whole truth, &c.” or, “you swear that the testimony you shall give to this court, &c.” Whatever carelessness may have done in introducing such confusion of words into use, the distinctions ought to be known and observed.
In a new country like America, it is of consequence that words should have one uniform meaning through the country. It is a misfortune that the word Court has very different significations in different States. In Massachusetts, and Connecticut, General Court is the constitutional name of the Legislature; in Maryland and Virginia, General Court is the constitutional name of the Supreme Judicial Court. I have known persons in conversation led into material errors by this difference. The word Court , traced back to antiquity, is found to signify the assemblies or councils of men, who, in ages of simplicity, had both legislative and judicial powers; as the county courts or shire mottes of the Saxons in England, and the cortes of Spain. But it is to be regretted that in this country, the word should have distinct and opposite significations. N. W.
(From a Connecticut paper.)
PHILADELPHIA, SEPT. 22.
IN COUNCIL, SEPT. 21, 1790.
A LETTER to the Secretary of Council, from sundry inhabitants of Huntingdon County, taken prisoners by the Indians, and carried to Detroit, being read,
Ordered, That the said letter be published.
Extract from the Minutes, CHARLES BIDDLE, SECRETARY.
“WE, James Cresswell, and Ann his wife, two children—Walter Cresswell, and Margaret his wife and one child—David Mears, and Elizabeth his wife and three children; and John Evans, lately residents in the county of Huntingdon, in the state of Pennsylvania, do most earnestly request, that your honor will have the goodness to make public as soon as possible, that we were made prisoners on the 27th day of June last, within seven miles of Limestone Landing, on the Ohio River, by a party of Saganan Indians, eighteen in number, who stripped us of all our goods and effects, tied us together by the necks, and brought us on the 23d of the present month of July to Detroit, on our way to the Saganan Village, on Lake Huron. That Major Smith, of the 5th regiment, commanded at that post, assembled the said Indians and us their prisoners, and after a talk of some length, the war Chief made a present of us all to the said commandant, who instantly gave us our freedom, ordered us a house to live in, with new bedding and clothing for ourselves and families, together with provisions, kettles, firing and every thing necessary for a comfortable subsistence, until he shall have an opportunity of conveying us safely back to some of the American posts.
“We have no view in desiring this to be made public, except for the information of our relations and friends and that of acknowledging to all the world, our gratitude and sense of obligation for the inestimable blessing of liberty and happiness we now enjoy, through the intercession and humane disposition of his Britannic Majesty's commandant at this post.
JAMES CRESSWELL, WALTER CRESSWELL, JOHN & EVAN's mark, DAVID MEARS.
Detroit, 26th July, 1790.
To the Secretary of the state } of Pennsylvania. }
“Be pleased to notify also, that John Canada, half-brother to James Cresswell, was taken by the same party and left at Glaze-Town, on the Toway river, and that orders will soon be sent from hence to have him brought to Detroit also.”
MR. FENNO,
[In the Connecticut Journal , printed at Newhaven, there lately appeared an address “to the people of Connecticut,” under the signature of CYRUS, on the important subject of Election—the following extract containing general observations on a republican government, and that vital principle of freedom, REPRESENTATION—appears to me worthy of republication.
Your's, Z.]
ON ELECTIONS.
AFTER all the minute speculations of the minute politicians, we seem to rest in this important truth, that popular security, in republics, principally consists in a certain fair division and balance in the branches of the government, and the establishment of a pure and equal system of representation. When you have provided proper checks, that is, when you have so arranged the capital parts of the machine, as that, while it is acting in a right direction, they will move in perfect harmony, and when in a wrong direction, will produce an immediate and mutual resistance; and when you have secured such a frequency and freedom of popular election, as that the democratic branch, in the government shall feel with sensibility the interests of their constituents on the one hand, and their own responsibility on the other; you have fixed the main pillars on which public liberty must rest. When you have done this, you may go on to organize the smaller and dependant parts of the system, multiply the objects of its exercise, and accumulate its powers without limitation.
Power cannot of itself, render a government dangerous; because danger generally arises from irregular operations; and power, so far from producing irregular operations, is, in well constructed machinery, the best preservative against them; as weight, imposed upon a perfect arch, but augments the solidity and security of the structure. That the truth of my comparison may not be mistaken, I must explain it further. In the form of a well adjusted republic, there must be an interior principle of mutual resistance, designed essentially for the security of the people: The stronger this check, the more perfect is this security. I suppose that power has in the political, as in the physical machine, a tendency to strengthen the reciprocal resistance of the parts, and consequently to augment the security of all that depends upon it. The security which power adds to the government itself, is derived from the solidity it gives to the whole, by confirming the union of its parts: The security which it gives to the people, arises from its overcoming all irregular tendencies in the government. The danger to liberty must spring either from the irregular operations of the parts, or from the united and direct operations of the whole government: From the first of these the admirable system of balances, essential in all republics, is an effectual preservative; for the last we have a free system of election, as a still more efficacious and more radical remedy. This is the most irresistible power in a nation; it acts with universal and perpetual influence; it is a spirit, which pervades, invigorates and purifies every part of government; the spirit of political regeneration, which infuses life, health and beauty into the most deformed and debilitated body: It is our final resource in all our painful apprehensions: It is our sweetest solace, the firm foundation of our hope, a relief, ever ready, accompanying the distempers it is designed to cure. Let us cling to our right of election as to the rock of our political safety. Our Constitution has provided a system of representation calculated on the truest principles of liberty. So ample, that the interest, the feelings and the wants of all parts of the community are expressed in the administration: So equal, that every citizen, whatever may be his rank or fortune, has his voice, and every state its just proportion of influence, in the public measures: so frequently renewed, that the representative cannot lose for a moment the image of his dependence, nor the constituent the pride of his creative authority. It belongs to us to give activity and energy to this beautiful theory, and to maintain in full vigor its inestimable principles.
The design with which I have undertaken to address you, is to point out and urge the extreme importance of your right of election. If some of the remarks I have already made should appear to be foreign to this purpose, I beg you to recollect, that contracting the basis of our security to a small compass, necessarily increases the importance of the parts which compose that basis. If our resources are few, do we not embrace them with proportionable ardor? If there is no danger in bestowing powers, is it not on the ground of the all powerful influence of election, which, by operating on the prime interests and more steady passions of our rulers, gives a salutary direction to the public measures? Indeed no political axiom appears to my mind more demonstrably true, than that, with a perfect system of elective representation, no power can possibly be dangerous; but that, without such a system, every power, that can be conferred, is pregnant with danger.

SUMMARY of EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE, by arrivals which left LONDON the last of JULY.
A Congress is sitting in Silesia, the result of whose deliberations is to decide on the continuance of the continental war, or the future peace of Germany. Prussia, Austria, Russia, Poland, &c. are represented in this Congress.
The affairs of the revolutionists are said to be in a very unprosperous way: Brussels is shut up, and no one suffered to go in or out, without a passport; the port of Ostend is also said to be shut.
On the 14th July, the day of the grand federative meeting of France, 600 persons met at the Crown and Anchor tavern in London, to celebrate this glorious anniversary of French freedom. At this meeting it was proposed to Lord STANHOPE, that he should follow the example of several of the French Nobility, by surrendering his title, and the rights and privileges of the peerage. This his Lordship declined to do.
War now rages in the East-Indies. Lord Cornwallis, in consequence of Tippoo Saib's treachery, has determined to attack that Prince.
A battle has been fought between the Turks and Russians in Cuban, in which the latter were beaten: A number of prisoners, several heads, and a large sack of ears were brought to Constantinople.
The Russian fleet has been defeated in such manner as renders the Turks absolute Master of the Mediterranean: The Russians have however gained a recent advantage over the Turks, near the Rhine, a body of them being defeated by C. n. Clairfelt.
Leopold appears determined to bring the Brabanters to terms by force: He disclaims every idea of treating with subjects in rebellion. The Protestants of Hungary have made a claim to equal privileges with their fellow subjects: This demand it is feared will not be complied with without opposition by the Catholics.
The celebration of the grand anniversary of French Freedom was followed by a series of rejoicings in Paris, to the suspension, in a great measure, of all kinds of business.
The abolition of Titles of Nobility in France, has not been followed with the extinction of Clerical Titles and Distinctions: Perhaps the National Assembly had the unsuccessful innovations on the Church made by the late Emperor of Germany in mind. These titles are however more absurd and dangerous than any other scripture and common sense are certainly against them.
In the Grand Federative Procession of France, there was a body of 150 Englishmen; they wore a ribbon with this inscription, Ubi Libertas, ibi Patria .
The elector of Bavaria has refused to give his vote in favor of Leopold, King of Hungary, at the ensuing election of Emperor, at Frankfort.
In consequence of a report that a battle had been fought between the British troops and some of the Nabobs of India, India Stock fell 2 per cent. the 24 July.
The Parisians, according to the English papers, are much displeased that the King did not advance to the Altar, and take the Civic Oath.
In a violent storm at the Cape of Good Hope on the 12 April last, the frigate Guardian, Lieut. Rous's ship, was beat to pieces, and many other vessels were destroyed.
The English they say have now 52 sail of the line in commission. Great tumults prevail in the city of Lyons, in France: Despotism and aristocracy are no more; but licentiousness prevails in their room: The National Assembly are sedulously employed in adopting measures for the restoration of good order.
The rendezvous of the different corps of the National Confederation was at the Boulevards du Temple, from thence they went to join the National Assembly at the place of Louis XV: This procession was a striking sight, but nothing was more effecting than when the Deputies of Bearne arrived at the spot where Henry the Great fell by the hand of a fanatic. They all stopped for a moment in silence—and then paid to the memory of this Prince, the rites of his people—military honors—while the loudest plaudits shewed how every citizen interested himself in the moving scene.
One of the most striking ensigns exhibited in the Grand Federative Procession of France, was inscribed in letters of gold—THE LIBERTY OF THE PRESS.—It was the first in order in the Procession—and plainly evinced, that the people of France have perfectly ascertained to what they are indebted for the freedom they now enjoy.
Commerce in France, will now rear its long depressed head; the academy of Paris offer a valuable prize for the best composition, either in prose or verse—on the origin, progress and dignity of commerce. Thus this great and important subject, so long held in contempt by the French nobility and noblesse, will shortly excite the emulation of the first characters in that country, and add strength and energy to freedom.
The Hotel de Ville at Paris distributed 18000 copper medals to the Deputies of the Provinces, commemorative of the Grand Confederation.
A solemn funeral Oration, to the memory of Dr. Franklin, was delivered in the Church of Notre Dame, in Paris, at which the National Assembly were present.
The King of Prussia has interdicted all communication between Silesia and the Austrian Territories.
Very few Parisian families of the higher order were in the city at the time of celebrating the Confederation; having previously removed into the country on account of the vast concourse of people assembled from all parts of the kingdom.
It is supposed not less than five hundred thousand persons were assembled in the Champ de Mars; and also the weather was unpleasant and rainy, satisfaction and mirth were painted on every countenance.
The Irish it seems have got the start of the English in common sense, being the first to determine that TRUTH is no LIBEL.
Lord HASTFIELD raised the first Regiment of Light Dragoons—this was in the year 1750: He had the command to the day of his death: This was the only Regiment in Britain which never changed its Colonel.
A spirited Address to the people of Ireland, from the citizens of Dublin, on the subjects of representation, taxation, standing armies, &c. &c. was published the first of June last, and is now circulating in that kingdom.
Nearly 200,000 people were employed in preparing the Champ de Mars for the grand scene on the 14th July: Persons of all descriptions assisted. The King himself to encourage and animate the people, wheeled away three barrows of gravel.
There were in the grand Procession 100 infants, carried in their mothers' arms, decorated with the national cockade.
In the King's Amphitheatre the Queen had a chair assigned her, in which she was seated with the Dauphin on her knee: She was most beautifully dressed: Her cap decorated with pearls—a pearl necklace and earrings—No diamonds! Her appearance was enchanting.
The King was seated in a chair of State: He was superbly dressed: The Crown had been removed from the top of the chair—and the Cap of Liberty substituted: The President of the National Assembly sat in a chair, placed in a line with the King's.
At five minutes after four, the King rose, and waiting till every thing was silent, read very audibly, and with great majesty of expression the oath assigned him—as follows, viz,
I the King of French men, swear to the nation to make use of all the power that is delegated to me by the constitutional laws of the state, in maintaining the constitution, and causing the laws to be put into execution.
As soon as he had read it, he, as the rest had done, extended his arm, looked steadily at the altar and pronounced Je le jure —and immediately the shouts of nearly half a million of people—the clattering of fifty thousand swords, the waving of one hundred
and forty three banners and ensigns—and the discharge of an immense line of Artillery, excited feelings which words cannot express, and of which the human mind unaided by a view of the grand and glorious scene, can form no adequate conception.
The ladies (in justice to them it is remarked) instead of wearing those enormous hats, caps, and feathers, which intercept the view of those who are placed behind them, on this occasion appeared with a neat gauze or cambric handkerchief rolled round their hair; so that nobody was incommoded by their head dress.
The natural lively character of the French, had excited some apprehensions of tumult on this occasion—but the prudent precautions of the Magistrates, or, perhaps, the fatigue and wetting, the actors and spectators had undergone during the day rendered every thing so very peaceable, that almost every body retired to rest, even before their usual hour.
Many persons had taken their stand on the ground by 10 o'clock the preceding evening.
On the day previous to the Gallic Fete Champetre a most bloody and wide extended slaughter took place in every corner of France; and at one instant commenced the most inhuman, cruel and general massacre of—pigs, geese, turkeys, sheep, and oxen—that ever stained the pages of History!!
FROM THE NEW-YORK DAILY ADVERTISER.
The following EPIGRAM was written on the recent marriage of a celebrated BROKER.
NOW Love's FINAL SETTLEMENT surely takes place, And INTEREST is given in beauty and grace: May their joys be well FUNDED at full SIX PER CENT, And paid at the TREASURY of peace and content.
September 21.
BOSTON, September 18.
By a vessel arrived at Marblehead, from Spain, letters have been received by gentlemen in this town, from their correspondents at Cadiz, dated as late as July 20, 1790.—The following are extracted therefrom, viz.
"CADIZ, July 8th."
"We shall be relieved from the state of suspense, in which we are, in the course of a few days, as the armament is finished, and every thing appears to announce a speedy declaration of war with England."
"JULY 20, P. M."
"Our fleet is now under way.—The Almighty protect, and give it success."
Yesterday Edward Vail Brown, and John Bailey, a black man, who have been severally convicted of burglary, were brought to the bar; when his honor Chief-Justice Sargent, after a few preliminary observations, which did great honor to his head and heart, pronounced sentence of Death on both of them.
The court-house, on this occasion, was crowded with citizens—attracted by the uncommon sight, of a fellow citizen, as Brown once was, the head of a family, who until of late years, supported an unblemished character for probity and industry, and who once had fair to be a man of affluence—arraigned at the bar of public justice, to receive sentence of death for an atrocious crime. While commiseration cast a gloom on every countenance, a solemn silence indicated the impression which each one received from the scene.
Brown appeared in much distress, and whilst the sentence was delivering, sunk down on the floor. In noticing the manufactures of our country, we must not omit the Bedtickling manufactory, at Nantucket—which has produced Tickling, that has commanded approbation and a quick sale, both in France and England.
We hear from Hardwick, that on Saturday the 28th ult. a child, about five or six years of age, was bitten by a rattle-snake, and expired the next morning.
MIDDLETOWN, September 18.
Yesterday 'twixt night a boy aged 10 years, living near the river in this city, leapt from a garret-window and fell 26 feet to the ground, with very little injury to himself, only spraining his wrist and otherwise slightly bruising himself.—The circumstances of the above were as follows, viz. The lad had the preceding day made fast some logs to a wharf, and being abed in the garret and asleep, about 10 o'clock in the evening, dreamed that the logs had gone adrift, and that he dove from the wharf to prevent their going off; instead of which it appears he dove out at the window. The family being alarmed by his groaning immediately discovered him on the ground—he appeared as if just awaking from a sound sleep, and could give no account of what had passed except his dream, which he perfectly recollected.
NEW-YORK, SEPTEMBER 25.
Extract of a letter from London, dated in July.
"Whatever report may say on the subject of the naval armament of Britain, you may rely on it, that the fleet equipping consists of but sixteen sail of the line, and which to this moment are by no means manned, notwithstanding every exertion by impress; even the much talked of popularity of a war with Spain, has not prevented their sweeping the prisons, and yet the fleet must remain unmanned till the arrival of their West-India ships."
"You will hear much of ten sail of Dutch line of battle ships, having joined the English; but in this report there is no truth; neither is it possible for Holland to arm ten ships at present, were they so inclined; five sail of the line they can and will man. Lord Auckland is at the Hague, urging a compliance with the treaty: Amsterdam, however, gives every opposition to his measures, and despises the Prince of Orange, as the tool and creature of Britain."
"You will be told of counter-revolutions in France, but to such reports, pay not the least attention, as every idea of the sort is entirely abandoned. The King of Spain demanded of the Count FLORIDA BLANCA, to name an officer to command a body of troops to re-instate his brother of France. The Count asked permission to refer his Majesty to Count D'ARANDA, who from his personal and accurate knowledge of the situation of France, was well qualified to head an army for this purpose. With what body of troops, demanded the Monarch, can you penetrate into the heart of France? I believe, Sire, replied the Count, at the head of fifty thousand men the thing is practicable; but I beg leave to add, as my opinion, that not a man of them would return, because the National Assembly have thirteen hundred thousand troops devoted to them: The difficulty was deemed insurmountable, and every idea on the subject has been since rejected."
"As to Spain, it is well known they have been arming, without intermission, since the commotions in Holland, in 1787; and were powerful enough, before Britain was alarmed, to have crippled the naval nerve of England, by intercepting the East and West-India fleets; but they want enterprise, and in case of war will have cause to lament omitting this blow."
"America is rising very rapidly in consequence; and since the prominent national features that she displays by her new constitution, the powers of Europe heretofore unwilling to do her justice, discover symptoms of more than respect. This Court, I aver, will concede many points that they have heretofore obstinately contended for; and Spain is already soliciting your friendship, by having ordered the Governor of New Orleans not to interrupt you in a free navigation of the Mississippi."
Notwithstanding the reports of an amicable settlement of the differences between England and Spain, the ship George, Capt. Hunter, which arrived here on Tuesday last, from St. Andero, in Spain, and which place she left the 8th of Aug. brings an account of a hot press for men, and of the most active preparations for war at that place.
Notwithstanding the accounts from Spain of the failing of their fleet on the 20th July—it appears by Capt. Watson's report that the English fleet was laying at Torbay the 17th August; and intelligence by him also states that Mr. Pitt had informed the Lord Mayor of London that all differences between the two powers were compromised.
The Legislature of Massachusetts met in Boston the 15th inst. and in consequence of the assumption of the state debts by the United States, repealed their excise law—which is to expire the first of next month: on the 18th they adjourned to the last Wednesday in January next. Previous to the adjournment the House voted an address to the National Assembly of France, on the glorious revolution in that Kingdom.
ALEXANDER WHITE, and RICHARD B. LEE, Esquires, are re-elected Members of the House of Representatives of the United States, for the State of Virginia. It is said Mr. PAGE and Mr. PARKER are also re-elected.
The President of the United States and his Lady, arrived at Baltimore on Wednesday the 8th inst.—at which place they were received with such demonstrations of pleasure, as manifested the most unfeigned affection and veneration of the citizens for the ILLUSTRIOUS TRAVELLERS.
They left Baltimore the 10th, and arrived at Georgetown on Saturday the 11th inst. The Members of the Potowmac company of Alexandria and of Georgetown, met their illustrious President at Mr. JOHN SUTER's, and notwithstanding the fatigue of a long journey, the President proceeded to business respecting the navigation of the Potowmac; after which he sat ought for Mount Vernon, and arrived there the same day.
The Schooner Experiment, Capt. Smith, is arrived at Charleston, from St. Mary's river, having safely landed there General Mc GILLIVRAY, and the other Chiefs of the Creek nation.
The late grand federative association of the French Nation at Paris, was one of the most interesting, solemn and dignified transactions, ever exhibited on the Theatre of this lower creation.
If ever the celestials bend with delight to view the triumphs of reason, humanity and freedom, it must be on such an occasion.
To see the Representatives of a mighty Empire, with the sovereign at their head, emerging from the depths of slavery and darkness, to light, liberty and happiness, impresses feelings on every philanthropic mind, too great for utterance.
Some modern innovations in government do not merit the name of improvements—they are only the old story over again, which was told a thousand years ago—and have not advanced mankind one step higher in the scale of happiness—the truth is—knowledge is the only foundation of liberty: The United States enjoy the greatest advantages for the acquisition of science of any people on the globe—and therefore they enjoy superior degrees of freedom—for as Mr. Adams observes, in his Defence of the American Constitutions, "In a tree government, knowledge must be general, and ought to be universal."
The antient republics are often referred to as models for modern imitation—but what sort of Republicans were the Romans, who often dragged men at their chariot wheels, and made miserable slaves of innumerable multitudes of as good, if not better men than themselves?—And the often celebrated Athenian Republicans, had so little idea of the true principles of liberty, that ten thousand citizens of Athens only, owned four hundred thousand slaves.
There is a strange idea that prevails in the world, that wars are necessary at the return of different periods in the age of a nation; and on this principle there are those who justify a pleasing anticipation of this most capital of all misfortunes: It will however be generally found on examination, that this insensibility to the misery of our species, arises from an unprincipled love of gain—for what are wars in general, but robbery and murder on an extensive plan?—The two principal inducements to all the wars which have deluged the world in blood, have been avarice and ambition. The first has given rise to predatory excursions, and extending the limits of particular States and Kingdoms: The latter has led to that species of war, which, while it diverted the attention of the people from contemplating their domestic misery, enabled the tyrants of the earth to rivet the chains of slavery—and extend the limits of their despotism: Hence wars, however successful, and however advantageous to individuals, are always a losing business to the people.
ARRIVALS SINCE OUR LAST. —NEW-YORK.
 Ship George, Hunter, St. Andero, 42 days.  —New-York, Watson, London, 35  —Diligence, Howland, Lisbon 36  Brig Friendship, Townsend, Bristol, 56  —Lively, Clark, do. 55  Packet Le Suffrein, M. Le Grand, l'Orient 56 
X. is informed that 'N. W.' and 'Aristides' are indeed natives of the same country, America—but residents in different States; and it is not probable either know, or ever saw each other: Whether Aristides will 'exhibit' again, is uncertain—but the 'remarks' signed N. W. will be continued from a Connecticut paper as usual, unless their inutility is proved—or more important speculations should be offered as a substitute.
PRICE CURRENT.—PUBLIC SECURITIES.
 FINAL SETTLEMENTS 12 1/2 a 12 3/4.  INDENTS 7 1/2 a 7 3/4.  STATE SECURITIES 8 3/4. 
We are informed that the last purchase of Final Settlements made by the Treasurer of the United States, was at 12 3/8 on the pound.
To be let, from 1st November, THE HOUSE in which the Editor now lives:—A good situation for a Boarding-House—being formerly occupied in that business.

Grand French Confederacy.
PARIS.
THURSDAY, 14th JULY, 1790.
SUCH a magnificent association of Freemen, emancipated from the shackles of despotism within so short a space of time is hitherto unparalleled in the annals of history. It is a phenomenon on which surrounding empires look with admiration. It is a subject that deserves the most minute attention—and with no small degree of satisfaction, we feel ourselves happy in being the first that announced with authenticity, the conclusion of the day, without any of those horrid consequences which were apprehended by many, and wished for by some.
Excepting the bursting of a cannon, and the fall of a tree, by which one man lost his life, we have not heard of any other accident. The idea of freedom was general, and as the ultimate end was happiness, common sense and proper prudence directed every man to keep the peace, and rejoice in the event.
On the 11th inst. the following PROCLAMATION was issued.
“THE KING having been informed of the measures taken, as well by the Mayor of Paris, as by the Committee of the Municipality and Federative Assembly of the said city, to regulate the preparation for the ceremony which is to take place on the 14th, and willing to prevent all difficulties which might give rise to any troubles or interruptions, has thought proper to manifest by the present Proclamation, the order which seemeth best to be observed, as well for the placing the Members of the Confederation, as for their march to the place of the ceremony. So that no obstacle may arise to trouble the order of the day, or to derogate from its majesty.
“The general rendezvous of the different corps, which might compose the confederation, is appointed to be at the Boulevards du Temple, at six in the morning.
“They are to march and enter the Champs de Mars in the order pointed out in the table annexed to this Proclamation, which has been approved of by his Majesty.
“No troops but those on guard are to be armed with guns. No carriages can be suffered to follow those of his Majesty, the Royal Family, and their train. If any Deputy of the Confederation, or any person invited there, should be in a state to be unable to go on foot to the Champs de Mars, they shall receive from the Mayor of Paris a ticket, permitting them the use of a carriage, and a Chevalier d'Ordonnance to escort them to the military school.
“M. de la Fayette, Commander General of the Parisian National Guard, already charged by a decree of the National Assembly, and sanctioned by his Majesty, with the care of the public tranquility, shall fulfill under the King's orders, the functions of Major General of the Confederation—and in that quality the orders he shall give shall be observed as the orders of his Majesty himself.
“The King has, in like manner, nominated M. Gouvion, Major General of the Parisian Guard, Lieutenant General of the Confederation for the day of ceremony.
“When all persons are placed, the blessing the flags and colors shall be proceeded to, and the celebration of mass.
“The King empowers the said M. de la Fayette to pronounce the Confederation Oath, in the name of all the Deputies of the National Guards, and those of the troops and Marines, according to the forms decreed by the National Assembly, and accepted by his Majesty; and all the Deputies of the Confederation shall hold up their hands.
“Then the President of the National Assembly shall pronounce the Civic Oath for the Members of the National Assembly; and the King shall in like manner pronounce the Oath, the form of which was decreed by the National Assembly, and accepted by his Majesty.
“The Te Deum shall be then sung, and conclude the ceremony; after which the procession shall return from the Champs de Mars, in the same order it came.
Done at Paris, the 11th of July, 1790. (Signed) LOUIS. (And lower down) Par Le Roi, GUIGNARD.
According to the notice which had been issued by the Marquis de la Fayette, the whole body of National Confederation met on the Boulevards, between the gates of St. Martin and St. Antoine, at six o'clock in the morning, in order to form a procession from thence to the Champs de Mars.
At nine o'clock the procession being formed, it marched along the Boulevards, down the Rue St. Denis, and through the streets Feronnerie, St. Honore, Royale, the Place of Louis Quinze, the Cour de la Reine, and the Quai, as far as the bridge of boats, and being there met by other bodies, the whole procession then entered the field in the following order.
PROCESSION.
 A troop of Horse, with a standard, and six trumpets.  One division of the music, consisting of several hundred instruments.  A company of grenadiers.  The Electors of the city of Paris.  A company of volunteers.  The Assembly of the Representatives of the Commons.  The Military Committee.  A company of Chasseurs.  A band of drums.  The Presidents of the districts.  The Deputies of the Commons appointed to take for them the Federal Oath.  The Sixty Administrators of the Municipality, with the City Guards.  Second division of Music.  A battalion of children carrying a standard, with the words.—  “The Hopes of the Nation.”    A detachment of the Colours of the National Guard of Paris.  A battalion of Veterans.  The Deputies of the forty-two chief Departments of the Nation, in alphabetical order.  The Oriflamme ; or Grand Standard of France , borne by the  Marshals of France.  General Officers.  Officers of the Staff.  Subaltern Officers.  Commissioners of War.  Invalids.    Lieutenants of the Marshals of France.  Deputies of Infantry.  Deputies of Cavalry.  Deputies of Hussars, Dragoons, and Chasseurs.  General Officers and Deputies of the Marine, according to rank.  The Deputies of the forty-one last Departments in alphabetical order.  A company of volunteer Chasseurs.  A company of Cavalry, with a standard and two trumpets. 
Each different department was preceded by a banner carried by the oldest officer of each department, on which were written these words; on one side “The National Confederation of Paris on the 14th July, 1790,” and on the other side “The Constitution.”
Being arrived on the Place de Louis XV. the Standard bearers moved to the right and left, in order to receive the National Assembly between two lines. It was then eleven o'clock.
The whole procession was not closed until midday, when there was a grand salute of 100 cannon.
The Field of Mars represented an immense circle, round which were placed very large amphitheatres, containing about 400,000 spectators.
The procession entered the field under a triumphal arch, opposite to the bridge of boats, on which were painted the different insignia of war. The following inscriptions were conspicuously engraved near the entrance.
[All these inscriptions were in French poetry, which we omit for the sake of brevity, only inserting the translations in prose.]
“The power of the King consists in the freedom of his people. Cherish the liberty you have now obtained, and by preserving its purity, make yourselves worthy its continuance.
“The rights of man have been inveloped by darkness for ages past—but humanity at last found out the recesses of misery, opened the door, and let in the light of justice. We are now no longer in dread of that subaltern tyranny, which has so long oppressed us under its many hundred forms—we are free.”
On the side of the bridge of boats, these other inscriptions were very conspicuously written:
“Under our present defender, the poor shall no longer tremble for the safety of his inheritance. The strength of the Great—the power of the wealthy shall not tear it from him.”
“Sacred to the great work of the Constitution—we now lay the finishing stone. Each circumstance is propitious to our happiness; every thing flatters our wishes. May the gentle breath of peace dissipate the storm of adversity, and may the mind glow with the ineffable delight of acknowledged Freedom.
“Our country now, and its laws are the sole authority that can call us to arms; and we will die in its defence, for we only live to preserve it.”
In the middle of the Field of Mars was erected the grand Altar of Liberty, where the civic oath was administered. The approach to it was up a lofty flight of steps, composed of four different stair cases. The steps were formed from the stones of the Bastille, and supported by large pillars.
On the altar was placed the Records of the Constitution, the Royal Sceptre, the Hand of Justice, with a spear, bearing the Cap of Liberty.
About the altar were painted several allegorical designs on the subject of the day. Four grand
paintings were hung—one on each front of it. The first, represented the Genius of France, pointing to the word Constitution , with a picture of Plenty, holding two cornucopias.
The second painting described some of the glorious descendants of France, blowing the trumpet of Fame, and bearing this inscription:
“Hold in your remembrance these three sacred words, which are the guarantee of your decrees;—The Nation, the Law, and the King. The Nation is yourselves—the Law is your own, for it is your will—and the King is the Guardian of the law.”
The third painting represented the National Deputies taking the civic oath, and the fourth described the arts and sciences, with the following verses underneath.
“Men are equal: It is their virtue, and not their birth which distinguishes them. The law ought to form the basis of every state—in its presence all men are equal.”
Myrrh and frankincense were burnt in large urns about the altar: The form of it was round, the ceiling painted of sky blue, and was ornamented with large chandeliers. At the end of it was placed the sword of justice.
At the bottom of the Field of Mars, opposite to the triumphal arch, was an amphitheatre allotted for his Majesty, the Royal Family, the Foreign Ministers, the National Assembly, the Municipality of Paris, and other persons of distinction.
While the Procession was advancing, the National Parisian Guard antecedent to its arrival, performed different evolutions, in order to divert the attention of the spectators, and to bear up their spirits against the heavy and incessant rains. Dances were likewise performed.
At half past twelve the late Marquis de la Fayette, who had been nominated Major General of the Confederation, entered the field under a general discharge of all the artillery, accompanied by the beating of drums and other martial music.
The company had no sooner taken their seats, than the King entered under a very large escort of the National Guard. On his entrance he was met by the Major General, and conducted to his Throne. The President of the National Assembly sat on his right hand. His Majesty was very magnificently dressed in a suit of gold and silver Tissue. The Queen, M. Provence, and the Dauphin were seated near him.
The Procession did not finally close till half past three o'clock.
The King being seated, there was another general discharge of artillery, and beating of the drums. The grand mass did not begin till towards four o'clock. The Bishop of Metz officiated as High Almoner, and was assisted by 60 other Priests, nominated by the 60 districts of Paris.
Previous to the commencement of this sacred ceremony, the Grand Standard of France—( l'Oriflamme ) and the banners belonging to each district were carried to the altar, and their received a benediction. This was followed by another general discharge of artillery, and the sound of martial music.
The mass being over, the 60 banners belonging to the districts of Paris, were placed so as to form a line between the altar and the amphitheatre where the King was seated.
A long delay took place in the expectation that the King would advance to the altar and there take the Civic oath. But his Majesty remained on the throne. M. de la Fayette then gave the signal for the National Representatives to come forward and take the Oath. He was the first person who ascended the Altar, and on the sound of the trumpet, he took the Civic Oath, in the name of himself and all the National Guards. The Oath is longer than that formerly taken, and is as follows:
“WESWEAR to be faithful to the Nation—the Law, and the King—to maintain with all our power, the Constitution decreed by the Assembly, and accepted by the King—to protect the individual, and preserve his property according to law—to see that there be a free circulation of grain, throughout the kingdom—to enforce with all our power the collection of the public revenues—and to remain united to every Frenchman by the bonds of brotherly love.”
The President of the National Assembly, in the name of the Municipal Bodies, afterwards pronounced the same form of Oath as above.
The King then took the Oath, prescribed for his acceptance, from the throne.
At the same moment, all the spectators, with uplifted hands repeated, I SWEAR IT —and immediately there was one general shout of— Vive la Nation—la Loi—et le Roi!
This acclamation being subsided—the signal that the ceremony was over, was made by the waving of one of the banners, and at half past five o'clock, the company began to retire.
The principal company were invited to a feast at the Castle of la Muette, whose tables were spread under the trees in those gardens. At night there was a general illumination.
[The preceding Account was received by the New-York, Capt. Walfon, from London.]