Gazette of the United-States. (New-York [N.Y.]), 1791-07-06 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. 20, of Vol. III.]
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1791.
[Whole No. 228.]
FROM THE (BOSTON) COLUMBIAN CENTINEL.
MR. RUSSELL,
THERE are in all European countries," says Mr. PAINE, a large class of people of that description, which in England are called the mob ." It was by the people of this description that the Bastile in Paris was destroyed. In London there is no Bastile to demolish; but there is a government to overturn; and there is a king and parliament who must either be put to flight or compelled to call a convention for the purpose of forming a constitution. "In the commencement of a revolution those men are rather the followers of the camp than of the standard of liberty, and have yet to be instructed how to reverence it." As these men were made instrumental to the accomplishment of the revolution in France, Mr. PAINE appears to intimate that they may be employed for a similar purpose in England—I am as little disposed as Mr. PAINE can be, to reproach either the whole nation to which they belong, or that unhappy class of human beings themselves for the devastation which they commit. They cannot be considered as free agents, and therefore are neither the subjects of praise or blame; but the friend of humanity will be extremely cautious how he ventures to put in action a tremendous power, which is competent only to the purposes of destruction, and totally incapable either to create or to preserve. This class of men of whom it is the happiness of Americans, scarcely to be able to form an idea, can be brought to act in concert upon no other principles than those of a frantic enthusiasm and ungovernable fury; their profound ignorance and deplorable credulity, make them proper tools for any man who can inflame their passions, or alarm their superstition; and as they have nothing to lose by the total dissolution of civil society, their rage may be easily directed against any victim which may be pointed out to them. They are altogether incapable of forming a rational judgment either upon the principles or the motives of their own conduct; and whether the object for which they are made to contend, be good or bad, the brutal arm of power is all the assistance they can afford for its accomplishment. To set in motion this inert mass, the eccentric vivacity of a madman, is infinitely better calculated than the sober coolness of phlegmatic reason. They need only be provoked and irritated, and they never can in any other manner be called into action. In the year 1780, they assembled at London, to the number of 60,000, under the direction of Lord George Gordon, and carrying fire and slaughter before them, were upon the point of giving the whole city of London to one undistinguished devastation and destruction: And this, because the parliament had mitigated the severity of a sanguinary and tyrannical law of persecution, against the Roman Catholics. Should these people be taught, that they have a right to do every thing, and that the titles of kings and nobles, and the wealth of bishops are all usurpations and robberies committed upon them, I believe it would not be difficult to rouse their passions, and to prepare them for every work of ruin and destruction. But, Sir, when they are once put in motion, they soon get beyond all restraint and controul. The rights of man, to life, liberty and property, oppose but a feeble barrier to them; the beauteous face of nature and the elegant refinements of art, the hoary head of wisdom, and the enchanting smile of beauty, are all equally liable to become obnoxious to them; and as all their power consists in destruction, whatever meets with their displeasure must be devoted to ruin. Could any thing but an imperious, over-ruling necessity justify any man or body of men, for using a weapon like this to operate a revolution in government? Such indeed was the situation of the French national assembly, when they directed the electric fluid of this popular frenzy, against the ancient fabric of their monarchy. They justly thought that no price could purchase too dearly the fall of arbitrary power in an individual, but perhaps even they were not aware of all the consequences which might follow from committing the existence of the kingdom, to the custody of a lawless and desperate rabble.
But do the people of England labour under such intolerable oppression, as would authorise any of their patriots to employ an arm like this for their relief? Suppose sixty thousand men
should again assemble round Westminster-hall, and with clubs and firebrands for their sole arguments, should compel the parliament to call a convention to make a constitution, what would be the probable consequences? Is it clear that so large a majority in the people of England, have lost all their attachment to their constitution, as to insure an acquiescence in the measure throughout the kingdom? Is it certain that one quarter part of the people would obey an act extorted by such violence as that? Would not all the friends of the present government rally round the standard of the constitution, and would not their duty compel them to defend it with their lives and fortunes? If it should soon appear that they were decidedly the strongest party, would not the insurrection be extinguished in the blood of its leaders? If the parties should prove to be nearly equal, would not the nation be involved in all the horrors of a long and bloody civil war?—In whatever point of view, the effects of this scheme are contemplated, they present nothing but prospects at which every friend of mankind must shudder, nor can I possibly believe that Mr. PAINE, who is certainly a benevolent man, would deliberately recommend this method, though in his ardent zeal for the honor of the French nation, and the propagation of their doctrines, he has incautiously suggested it.
But he recommends revolutions by accommodation; which applied to England, must mean that a convention be called by a free and deliberate act of parliament, to alter the constitution; but this plan appears to be equally dangerous with the other, and more impracticable: while by a singular fatality an act of this kind would be the completest evidence of its own inutility, it would be equally dangerous, because by a formal act of competent authority it would expose the kingdom to all the evils of anarchy and of war, which in the other case would result from a popular convulsion. It would be less practicable, because it is contrary to nature, that any body of men should venture to perform the most transcendent act of power of which human beings are capable, for the single purpose of diverting themselves of all power whatever. It would prove its own inutility, because no man will presume that they ought to take such a measure, unless the wishes of a clear and decided majority of the people are favorable to an alteration of the government. If they are disposed to act in conformity with the desires of the people, the very same power which would authorise them to dissolve the government, would likewise justify them in making any alterations which should meet with the wishes of the nation, and would render a recurrence to them "in their original character" perfectly unnecessary.
Whatever Mr. PAINE's opinion may be with respect to the existence of an English constitution, it is certain that every member of the British parliament, who gives his vote in the making of a new law, or the alteration of an old one, must suppose that he acts by virtue of a constitutional right, vested in him; but the same right which authorises him to give his suffrage in the most trifling object of legislation, has vested in the parliament of which he is a member, the whole power of the British nation, and he cannot possibly deny their right without utterly destroying his own. The right of the individual depends altogether upon the right of the corporation, and his right to vote for the regulation of a turnpike or the toll of a bridge, is the same with theirs to make every necessary and convenient alteration in the constitution of the kingdom itself. While they are thus convinced of their right to exercise these great powers, would it not be the summit of extravagance, and folly in them, nay, would it not be the most flagrant breach of the trust reposed in them, of which they could possibly be guilty, to abdicate an authority lawfully committed to them, to declare themselves altogether incompetent to a wise and prudent use of a constitutional power, and to commit the peace, the welfare, the very existence of the nation, to the uncertain and hazardous event of a revolution?
If, however, we can suppose that the parliament should finally accede to the idea, that they are mere tyrants without the shadow of a right to the authority which they have hitherto exercised, the only act which they could agree to, would be a vote to dissolve themselves, and leave the vessel of the state without either a pilot or a
rudder. For the very act of calling a convention would be an usurpation, and from the importance of its consequences, an usurpation of the most daring nature: It would be assuming the right to dissolve the ties of society; and at the same instant acknowledging that this assumed right was without any sort of foundation. In short, this plan of calling a convention to alter the constitution, by act of parliament, appears to me in whatever light it is considered, to involve an absurdity.
But, as there is unquestionably somewhere in England, a combination of the right and of the power to alter the constitution of the country, and as that constitution is indubitably liable to be improved, we may be permitted to enquire, whether a blind imitation of the French national assembly would probably promote the happiness of the people ; the only object for which all governments were instituted, or which can authorise their alteration. PUBLICOLA.
FROM THE CONNECTICUT COURANT.
THE present revolution in France has been slightly hinted at and predicted by Voltaire and others; but by none does it appear to be so clearly predicted and ascertained, as by Monsieur le Mercier, in his Tableau de Paris , or Picture of Paris .
The following passage, translated from that interesting picture of Parisian manners, will clearly evince that the present revolution was inevitable; that it was not the effect of popular caprice, or blind zeal of enthusiasts—but the necessary consequence of the rapid advancement of science in that kingdom, and a just knowledge of the rights of human nature.
"For these thirty years alone, a great and important revolution, in our ideas, has been effected. The public opinion, this day, in Europe, has a preponderating influence, which nothing can resist: Thus while we admire the progress of science, and the change which must flow from it, we are permitted to hope, that it will produce to the world the greatest good, and that tyrants of every kind will tremble before that universal cry, which now resounds and continues to fill and rouse all Europe.
"It is by means of letters and of writers, that just ideas have, for these thirty years, with rapidity, pervaded all the provinces of France, and that the offices of government have been filled with excellent magistrates. All the enlightened citizens, at this day, are actuated by the same sentiments. New ideas circulate freely; every thing that relates to instruction, is adopted with boldness. The spirit of observation is fine, which spreads in every part, promises us the same advantages that some of our happy neighbours now enjoy. Writers have diffused real treasures, in giving us the most just, the most delightful ideas, and inspiring us with those gentle, those indulgent virtues, which form and embellish society.
"Preachers of morality appear not to be ignorant of man, and to enflame his passions, instead of rendering them calm and moderate. The bias, which letters have, for these some years past, thus produced, will at length become useful to humanity; and those, who are incredulous of their salutary influence, are either blind or hypocritical.
"The influence of writers is such, at this day, that they can announce their hopes, and no longer disguise that lawful authority, which they have over the human mind. Standing firm on the basis of public good, and the real knowledge of human nature, they will direct national ideas. The wills of individuals are already in their hands. Morality is now become the principal study of noble minds; literary glory seems hereafter to be destined to him, who shall, with the most firm voice, support the interest of nations.
"Writers, sensible of their august employments, will be jealous of answering the importance of their trust; and we already behold, truth, with boldness extending herself on every side. It is presumed, that this general tendency will produce a happy revolution."
The Philanthropist and the Philosopher are highly gratified in reflecting, that this revolution has in fact taken place, and upon such principles as must ensure its success; and may safely conclude, from this pleasing prospect, that similar revolutions, in favor of the rights of humanity, and founded on similar principles, will soon pervade not only Europe but the world.

FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
ODE TO TIME.
THOU wast ere Worlds began to be, And shalt continue to eternity. Tho' oft the Painter's pencil, oft the Bard, On canvas, or on Fancy's airy scene, Hath shewn thee laughable, with grisly beard, Stiff-starting from a peaked chin; A few white hairs thin-scattered round thy head, Thine eyes turn'd grey with age; Thy nose quite shrivel'd, like a pointed hook, Thy visage bearing all a wrinkled wizard look: Bent down and crooked was thy form, And tottering on thy weak, lank legs, Like some slim reed amid the shaking storm: Thy blood poor, miserable dregs Of life, crept thro' each wind-puff'd vein, Which seem'd as tho' 'twould burst with ev'ry strain: Thy long and dangling arms a scythe sustain, To lop off men as they cut down their grain: Most laughable indeed! thus to deform A God in power first, as first in form! But look ye Painters! hear ye Bards this truth! His face shall ever bloom unfading Youth. Bright golden locks adorn his head, Majestic beauty seems his form; Where'er he steps, his awful tread Sounds like the thunder of the storm. Imperial Rome! once Mistress of the World! Who rear'd her palaces, her towers on high, Bade her tall obelisks shoot to the sky! In ruin lies, by his strong arm of power hurl'd: Tall fanes, proud palaces and arches thrown By his slight touch come headlong down; The dreadful weight the mountains shakes around, And hills and vales the horrid roars rebound. Some broken arch, or nodding tower, Falls prone to earth each passing hour; And oft the wary traveller hears the sound Of some lofty column broke, By Time's rudely shattering stroke, When down it comes loud-crashing on the ground. Behold yon figure staring on the sight! His awful brow around, With palm and laurel bound; His forceful eye, with genius bright, Seems now in Fancy's view to roll, And speak the bloody Caesar's warlike soul! But Caesar! thou art gone! And Time shall bid thy statue follow soon. The spacious Forum where great Tully's voice, A clear and swelling torrent pour'd along, 'Till the tumultuous faction check'd their murmuring noise, And mute—with dumb attention hark—as to the song Of Orpheus, did fierce Cerberus of old, When he with music's tongue his tender story told; Touched by Time's destructive, potent wand, Lies in ruins moulder on the land. From Rome the Muse now turns her eagle-eye, To where the sun burns in the western sky— Where Niagara loud and strong, Her deep, majestic current rolls along: From many a noble stream and lake supplied The rushing tide, With rapid force, most dreadful roars; While echo swells the solemn sound upon its solitary shores: But lo! the boiling flood check'd by a rocky mound, It madly foams, and whirling round, In one stupendous sheet, From the dizzy awful height, Fierce rushing, flashing, falls headlong thundering to the ground. The trembling groves and caves around For many a league the dreadful shout resound— And while the bellowing flood, 'midst craggy rocks below Boils into foam; above the heaven-depicted bow In rapture holds the wondering traveller's eye; And all his senses whirl with heavenly ecstasy. But hold, my Muse! repress thy airy flight; Nor give thy rapid soul to sweet delight; For e'en those haughty rocks, that rear on high Their shaggy heads, and rend the vaulted sky With their loud-roaring sounds sublime, Shall bow beneath the shattering hand of Time: And ere thrice ten times the God of Day, Hath drove his flaming, annual car, Adown the rosy West: My slender frame of clay, With Time and fierce Disease at war, May moulder into dust: These grief-strung nerves of mine may cease to move In sad vibrations to the voice of Love; With many a hapless Bard whose tender breast, Now knows no more the goading thrust Of penury, or pride his nerves of feeling tear. But hold! ah hold thy lifted hand! Nor lowly bow, Beneath thy awful blow. The Father of Columbia's favor'd land: Oh spare! the glorious Patriot spare! Nor give the stroke of late Until his equal shall appear, To fill with equal dignity the lofty Chair of State.
BIRTHA.
ROME, April 1.
HIS Holiness has written a very affectionate letter to the Emperor Leopold, inviting his Majesty here with the King and Queen of the two Sicilies.
The Holy Father has had some rich presents made for their Sicilian Majesties, among which are two Chaplets, of Lapis Lazuli, a gold chain, and two double Cameos, set round with brilliants, of the value of five thousand Roman crowns.
Mesdames of France are expected here about the 22d instant.
PARIS, March 16.
Yesterday a statement of the land and other taxes was produced by the central committee of liquidation to the National Assembly; by which it appears that those on real property amount to 204,000,000 livres, and those of moveables to 67,000,000 livres annually. Several members objected to the enormity of the taxes on real pro-
perty; while others contended that they were very moderate, and far less in proportion than those of the same denomination in England; which, it was affirmed, amounted on the authority of Mr. Arthur Young, to 310,000,000 livres, though England in population and extent of country is only equal to one-third of France. The question was adjourned.
APRIL 23.
On Thursday M. de la Fayette went to the National Assembly, and expressed his desire to resign; at the same time declaring that M. Char-ton, Commander of the 6th regiment, was both capable and willing to accept the office of Capt. General of the National Guards.
A State Coach is arrived and put into his Ma-jesty's coach house; from whence it is conjec-tured that the King will go during the holidays to his parish church, with all the splendor and pomp of royalty.
LONDON, April 23.
MESDAMES.
WHILE these august Personages are still on this side the Alps, it may gratify our readers by giving some short account of them.
Marie-Adelaide de France, called Madame by way of distinction, was born on the 23d March, 1732:
And Victoire-Louise-Marie-Therese de France, born May 12, 1735.
The lineage of these ladies is uncommonly il-lustrious: they are the daughters of Louis XV. the great grand-daughters of Louis XIV. the aunts of Louis XVI. and, like all these monarchs, claim their descent through Louis XIII. and Hen-ry IV. up to St. Louis, the founder of the House of Bourbon.
In their most tender years, Mesdames imbib-ed an early and a violent attachment in favour of Religion. The debauchery of a court, proverb-ially licentious, could never warm their minds from the practice, or tincture their moral char-acter with the prevailing vices of the times.
They have been known, on their knees, to conjure Louis, as a father and a sovereign, to dismiss his mistresses, to listen to and relieve the distresses of his subjects, and in his own person, to give an example to the world worthy of a Monarch who claimed the titles of the "Most Christian King," and the "Eldest Son of the Church." His favourite daughter, Louise-Marie de France, was, if possible, still more pressing in her solici-tations; but finding all her attempts, her pray-ers, her entreaties, and her tears, ineffectual, she at the age of 34 took the veil, and becoming a Carmelite, in that character, as more nearly connected with heaven, the continued with un-exampled piety to exhort her father to repen-tance and amendment. She is now no more!
Her sisters, no less fond of a solitary and re-cluse life, would have followed her example, and adopted a monastic life; but the policy of the French government prevented it.
On the death of Louis XV. the present king presented them with Belle Vue, a royal residence formerly belonging to the celebrated Madame Pompadour; in this palace they lived with great privacy till the Revolution, at which period they were obliged to attend his Majesty, the Queen, and the Dauphin, to the capital.
This great event, which conferred freedom on 25 millions of men, however it might hurt their pride, could not but be pleasing to their sensibility; for they are naturally humane, tender, and be-nificent!
It was the decrees enacted in regard to religi-on that struck them to the heart: they thought that in enjoining toleration, the National Assem-bly were about to extirpate Catholicity; they imagined that in the popular election of Bishops, the power of the Sovereign Pontiff was annihila-ted, and the general interests of christianity undermined!
Impressed with these ideas, they resolved to leave their native country, and approaching nearer to the centre of Christian Union, leave that kingdom forever which had so long been governed by their ancestors. In a private audi-ence which they demanded of his Majesty, they cast themselves at his feet, and implored his con-sent for, and protection during their journey.
Louis XVI. a Prince of the most benevolent disposition heard their request, and after many delays, occasioned by the struggle between pub-lic justice and natural affection, at length yield-ed his consent. Rome, so often the asylum of fugitive princes, and which is now about to re-ceive part of the house of Bourbon, in the same manner as it formerly entertained the House of Stuart, will be extremely solicitous to give them a reception worthy of their high rank. They themselves rejoiced in being relieved from the authority of the Departments and Municipalities, which have impeded their journey, will think themselves fortunate in having departed before the decree has passed for restraining the family of the ruling Dynasty; and after receiving the holy benediction of Pope Pius VI. on their arri-val, will no doubt be happy to celebrate with a
Te Deum Laudamus in St. Peter's, an event that looks more like an escape than a retreat.
Their prospects are no doubt Heavenwards— were they directed towards earth, nothing on the banks of the Tiber could be found more beautiful or romantic than their retreat on the banks of the Seine. Of that enchanting spot we may say something hereafter.
MIRABEAU'S WILL.
The dispositions found in his Will were as fol-lows.
M. Dufaisant, his nephew, is named his uni-versal Legatee.
He bequeathed each of the Miss Dufaisants 2800 livres per annum, "to make them amends," said he, "for the loss they have sustained as Ca-nonesses;"—to each of the other sisters he has left 600 livres.
He bequeathed 24,000 livres to an infant that was dear to him; and the like sum to his Secretary, the same person who stabbed himself the day before his master's death.
To all his servants, without distinction, he bequeathed as many year's wages as they have respectively lived with him.
All his papers relative to legislation and poli-tics, he has left to M. Cabanis, his physician and friend.
His writings on the Revolution, and all his minutes of intended motions and speeches, he has left to M. de la Marck. And he begs M. Fancherot, his colleague, to take from his li-brary any books he likes, to the amount of 48000 livres.
PORTSMOUTH, (N. H.) June 23.
Last Saturday the General Court of this State finished their session at Concord, and adjourned to meet on the last day of November next, in this town.
The President and Treasurer of this State are directed by the General Court to subscribe one hundred and fifty shares in the Bank of the United States.
By a late statement made by the Treasurer, there appears to be in the state treasury about six thousand pounds in silver and gold, of the funded debt forty-seven thousand pounds.
The revision of the State laws were compleat-ed at the late session, and an act past suspending their operation until February next.
An act has passed the legislature for calling a convention on the first Wednesday of September next, to meet at Concord, for the revision of the constitution of this state.
Thursday the 17th day of November next is appointed to be observed as a day of public thanksgiving and praise throughout this state.
BALTIMORE, June 28.
From a Correspondent.
The following letter is from a person of high rank, in Europe, concerning the new method of finding the Longitude. The accounts from that part of the world, on this occasion, generally breathe a spirit of liberality unknown in any other age. It is hoped that some things therein contained may be useful to the public, and ex-cite such of the American navigators, and others who have it in their power, to lend a hand to bring this scheme to the test:
Hamburg, April 2, 1791.
SIR,
SINCE my last, having applied to my friend, the King's principal Astronomer, Mr. Bernouilly, at Berlin, for a more exact note of the memoirs of the Swedish Royal Academy at Stockholm, relative to your object, particularly Mr. Wilke, I received the enclosed answer, by which means I soon got sight of them. They are many, very instructive, and peculiarly interesting, for esta-blishing your theory, being the result of many thousand observations, carefully made by sev-eral members and sea-captains, both in regard to the magnetic needle's declinations and inclin-ations, at various times and places, both regular and irregular; accounting, very minutely, for the effects of electricity, thunder, lightning, tem-pests, and hurricanes, still more for those of the frequent aurora borealis, visible and invisible, happening in the day time as well as night, and much stronger towards the poles than towards the equator, to a far greater extent.
To collect all these, and to translate them into English, with the necessary maps and figures, would take up at least six month's application; but would furnish you with a rich supply of new and useful materials for your work in hand.*
The German edition, made by professor Kastner, at Leipzig, containing the philosophical transactions of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, with many copper-plates, and two co-pious alphabetical indexes, consists of about fifty volumes, in Octavo, and costs, at Leipzig, a dol-lar each volume in sheets. Perhaps the philoso-phical society is already furnished with a com-
* The Magnetic Almanac.

plete copy, and understanding either the Swedish original, or the German learned translation of Mr. Kæster, with his remarks, stands in no need of English extracts from the same.—But, should it be otherwise, and my further assistance, on this and other occasions, prove acceptable to the Congress, or any of the confederate States, or their learned, and patriotic societies, or to yourself, friends and patrons in particular, you may freely command and dispose of my time and labour, whilst living and unengaged, for whatever compensation of unavoidable expenses and trouble shall be thought adequate and equitable; it being still, though far advanced in age, (being born in 1723) my utmost ambition, as it was that of my deceased friends, Doctor Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Hollis, General H. Laurens, (of South-Carolina) &c. to promote, even in my narrow sphere, every philanthropic pursuit, agreeably to the duties of our various powers and destinations in life.
These were the motives which prompted me to direct the whole of my present communication to your great protector, General WASHINGTON! with an intimation of my readiness to cheerfully obey any commands of his Excellency, and of doing you, also, what further services you may with for, within the reach of, Sir, your humble servant, *****
To Mr. John Churchman."
Translation from a Newspaper, printed at Paris, on the 11th of April.
AS nothing is more characteristic of the sentiments of a free people than the impression and legend of their coin, new dies, cut by the ablest Artists in France, are about to be engraved immediately. After a consultation with the Academies of Inscriptions, and of Painting, the National Assembly has decreed, that the effigies of his Majesty shall appear on all the money in the kingdom, surrounded by the motto, Louis XVI. Roi des Francais .
On gold coins, of all denominations, as also on crowns and half crowns, the reverse is to be adorned with a figure representing the genius of France standing before an altar, and engraving the New Constitution on it by means of the Sceptre of Reason, which is particularized by an eye at its extremity. At one side of the altar a cock is to appear, as a symbol of vigilance, and on the other a bundle of rods, in the manner of the Roman Fasces, as an emblem of the union of an armed republic; the legend surrounding these, is Regne de la Loi , and on the edge of the coin, La Nation, la Loi & le Roi .
Copper money, on the reverse, is to have a half-pike, piercing the bundle of rods, and surmounted with a Cap of Liberty, encompassed with a wreath of oak.—Thus the new coinage will be an emblem of the new constitution, and every piece of money in the kingdom will exhibit the triumph of Liberty!
GEORGETOWN, July 2.
On Monday last, being the appointed day, the PRESIDENT of the United States arrived in this town; and on Wednesday put the finishing hand to the location of the Federal City.
On Thursday the President, with his suite, set off from this town for the seat of government. He goes by the way of Frederick Town, in this state, and through York and Lancaster in Pennsylvania.
At a Court of General Sessions, Oyer and terminer, Affize and General Goal Delivery, begun and holden at Charleston, in and for the District of Charleston, on Tuesday the seventeenth day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, and in the fifteenth year of our independence.
The presentments of the Grand Jury for the District of Charleston.
WE present as a grievance of a very serious and alarming nature, the mischievous practice of duelling, in consequence of which, the state is frequently deprived of its citizens; children of their parents, parents of their children, wives of their husbands, and families of their support.
We recommend, that the legislature provide some more effectual means, than the present juridical farces, called indictments for murder, always ending in total acquittals.—For the prevention and punishment of this relict of gothic barbarism, so evidently opposed to every principle of our holy religion as Christians, of our political constitution as republicans, and so disgraceful to a civilized people, in this age of refinement.
We present the necessity of the present punishment for killing negroes, as a great defect in the legal system of this state. And we do most earnestly recommend, to the attention of the legislature, a revision of that clause of the negro act, which confines the penalty of killing slaves to fine and imprisonment only.
We present as a grievance, the evil practice of negroes belonging to the neighbouring villages coming to the city on the sabbath day, and holding a public market on South Bay, to the great
detriment of their owners, and to the disturbance of the good citizens in that part of the city.
We present as a grievance the too frequent profanation of the sabbath day, and the almost total neglect of the law, which enjoins the strict observance of peace and good order on that holy day: by which neglect, negroes are suffered to frequent dram-shops, and assemble in many places in a riotous manner, to the great disturbance of the city.
We present as a grievance, of a very alarming nature, the number of idle and disorderly houses in and about this city, tending to debauch the minds and corrupt the morals of youth.
We present as a grievance, the bad state of the pavements in the streets, in many parts of the city, and the deficiency of posts to preserve the fame.
We present as a grievance, the evil practice of forestalling provisions, in and about the city, to the great detriment of the inhabitants thereof.
Lastly, we recommend that these presentments be published in the several gazettes of the city.
  John Beale, foreman  Sebastian Spencer,    John Withers,  Elias Hauser,    Daniel Rouples,  William Scott, jun.    Jacob Saff,  Robert Gibson, jun.    I. Lockwood,  Eagar Wells,    John Reid,  James Ceesler,    John Toad,  David Hamilton.   June 20.
Philadelphia, July 6.
Monday being the Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, the day was devoted to festivity, rational and intellectual amusement. The day was ushered in with the ringing of bells, and a discharge of cannon. At 10 o'clock the Society of the Cincinnati, and the Independent and Light-Infantry Companies, walked in procession to the German Lutheran Church in Fourth-street. A well adapted address to Heaven was there delivered by the Rev. Dr. ROGERS; and a spirited and patriotic Oration by ROBERT PORTER, Esq. which was received with great applause by the audience. Several pieces of music, composed for the occasion, were performed by a choir of singers of both sexes, accompanied by the organ. The performances had a fine effect, and were well received. From Church the Society walked in procession to the State-House, where their annual business in electing officers, &c. was transacted. At four o'clock they sat down to an elegant entertainment at the rooms in the new building in Chesnut-street.
The different places of entertainment in town and country were crowded with company. Gray's gardens, Harrowgate, the Wig-wam, and every other beautiful villa, whether public or private, exhibited one continued concert of national harmony and exultation.
Monday morning the commissioners appointed to receive Subscriptions for the Bank of the United States, met at the Bank in this city. At an early hour many respectable gentlemen of this and other states assembled before the doors were opened, for the purpose of delivering in their subscriptions, which, we learn from the best authority, amounted to twenty-four thousand shares, —four thousand more than could be received. The number of persons ready to subscribe was so great, and the amount of their intended subscriptions so far exceeded the limits prescribed in the constitution of the Bank, that the Commissioners thought proper to adjourn, in order to form some rule by which to regulate the business, so that no preference or partiality should prevail in the establishment of an institution that so much concerns the welfare of the United States and the interests of the individuals who are disposed to become Stockholders.
It may be proper to observe here, that the number of shares limited by law is 25,000—of which the United States retain 5000, consequently 20,000 only can be subscribed for. About 24,000 were offered, but a few subscriptions only received, for the reasons above mentioned. Mail.
Yesterday the Subscribers to the Bank of the United States assembled at the Bank-house in this city, for the purpose of adjusting the difficulty resulting from the great number of surplus subscriptions, over and above the number limited by law, which had been given in—and we hear that the gentlemen, from a spirit of compromise, agreed that a deduction should be made from the respective subscriptions, so that the whole number of Subscribers should be proportionably accommodated.
Extract of a letter from Boston, June 16.
"I fancy this town will subscribe three or four thousand shares in the Bank, if they should not all be taken up soon. This activity in completing the institution, must be pleasing to the Secretary of the Treasury, and to the other friends of the system. It is, I think, favorable to our national government, as it will give energy to the executive departments, and be a powerful spring in national operations."
"It is, I think, favorable to our government, and to the general happiness, that the people are
tired with political writers upon systems of government; they suppose we have one about as good as we ever shall make, and the best way is to enjoy it as it is, and not trouble their heads to read essays and disputes. I am much inclined to believe this is best on the whole; and therefore am not impressed with the utility of some recent publications, either on one side or the other. However, some may read and write, and whet their geniuses, and thereby keep the knowledge of every form of government circulating in our country, for free discussion is the parent of truth: the wise and humane may thereby improve. But I do not wish to see much haste in mending our government, lest, as Dr. Young expresses himself on another occasion, it should be "the worse for mending."
In the brig Savannah Packet, which arrived here on Sunday last from Georgia, General ANTHONY WAYNE, Member of the House of Representatives of the United States, came passenger.
A large quantity of grained Maple Sugar, in boxes of about 400lb. each, and also about 15,000 weight of the same sort of sugar in cakes or lumps, are advertised for public sale at New-York, on the 11th instant.
The present situation of the United States abounds with circumstances of a truly original complexion—The extraordinary union which subsists and links in one harmonious band FIFTEEN different governments, composed of so great a variety of persons, prejudices, passions, and interests, and extended over so large a territory, is unexampled in the history of mankind. The universal and cordial approbation of one plan of general government to cement the union, promote justice, and preserve the liberties of so various a people, is something in our experience, that language has not furnished terms to express. It is the happy result of a combination of causes; one of which, and the greatest is, that superior pervading intelligence derived from early education, which illumines the minds of the great body of our citizens—another is, that stream of public information which, through the medium of the public Gazettes, is conveyed to all parts of the union— "line upon line, precept upon precept," are repeated—so that, like the Mosaic instructions of old, the volume of intelligence is continually before our eyes. The administration of the general government has been conducted upon such liberal, just, independent and successful principles, that we shall seek in vain for a parallel to that acquiescence and applause which it has received from our citizens. The difference between the present and past circumstances of our national character, credit and importance, while it ought to inspire our bosoms with thanksgiving to that Being, from whom all wisdom descends, should at the same time excite our gratitude to the agents in these astonishing events. Judging from the past, what may not be anticipated of the future?
The PRESIDENT of the United States is expected to arrive at the Seat of Government this day.
EXTRACT.
Georgius Leti, in his history of the Duke d'Ofuna, gives a remarkable instance of the perverse nature of Man. A rich Neapolitan merchant, Jacob Morell, prided himself in not having once set his foot out of the city, during the space of forty-eight years. This coming to the ears of the Duke, Morell had notice sent him, that he was to take no journey out of the kingdom, under the penalty of ten thousand crowns. The merchant smiled at receiving the order; but, afterward, not being able to fathom the reason of such a prohibition, grew so uneasy, that he paid the fine, and took a little trip out of the kingdom.
From PELOSI's MARINE LIST.
ARRIVALS at the PORT of PHILADELPHIA.    Brig Hannah, Marshall, Tobago   Lydia, Vannise, Cape-Francois   Georgia Packet, Burrows, Georgia   Minerva, Anderson, Cadiz   Sloop Amelia, Oldham, St. Johns   Polly, Walsingham, N. Carolina 
PRICE CURRENT.—PUBLIC SECURITIES.
   FUNDED DEBT.     6 pr. Cents 17/10 pr. £. 90 pr. cent.   3 pr. Cents 9/11 50 do.   Deferred 6 pr. Cents 9/11 50 do.   UNFUNDED DEBT.   Final Sett. and other Certificates 16/10 85 do.   Indents 9/11 50 do.   N. and S. Carolina debts, 13/ 15/6.  
GEORGETOWN, June 30, 1791. THE PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES having approved the sites for the Public Buildings, to be erected in pursuance of the act of Congress for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of government of the United States, the Commissioners, appointed in virtue of that act, will meet at Georgetown, on Monday the seventeenth day of October next, and proceed to sell, at Vendue, a number of lots in the best situations in the Federal City. A deposit of 8 per cent. will be required; the residue to be secured on Bonds, with security, payable in three equal yearly payments.—The farther terms will be made known at the sale.
THOMAS JOHNSON, } DAVID STEWART, } Commissioners, DANIEL CARROL, }
THE Printers throughout the United States are requested to insert the above in their papers.

A CARD.
JOSEPH WHEATON
P RESENTS his compliments to his old Military Friends, the Gentlemen of the Civil List, and the Public—wishes they may be informed that he has received a very handsome ASSORTMENT of the best chosen
SPRING GOODS,
By the PIGOU, and other late arrivals, which are now opening at his KNOWN CHEAP STORE, No. 38, Third-Street, North, and which he is determined to dispose of (at wholesale or retail) on so low terms as must make it an object to customers.—Orders from his friends will be attended to with punctuality and dispatch, and the time of payment made convenient.
Philad. May 2, 1791.
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.
LOTTERY TICKETS,
New-Haven Wharf, to commence drawing 13th September, Massachusetts Semi-Annual, 2d Class, 13th October, may be had as above.
PINTARD and BLEECKER,
PURCHASE and SELL all kinds of
Certificates & Public Securities,
On COMMISSION, at public and private sale, on the following terms:
ON the specie amount of all sales or purchases at auction, one eighth per cent.
On ditto of all sales or purchases at private sale, on all sums below 5000 nominal dollars, one-half per cent.; and on all sums above 5000 nominal dollars, one-fourth per cent.
For receiving interest at the Loan-Office, one per cent.
For making transfers at ditto, one dollar each transfer.
Such persons throughout the United States, as may be pleased to favor the subscribers with their orders, may rely on their being executed with punctuality, fidelity and dispatch, as considerable experience in the public stocks, together with extensive connections in the city of New-York and different parts of the continent, enable them to conduct their operations with peculiar advantages.
PINTARD & BLEECKER,
New-York, No. 57, King-Street.
March 15, 1791.
(97 1aw 6m)
Intelligence-Office,
IN FOURTH-STREET, second Door below Market-Street.
FRANCIS WHITE
BUYS and Sells on Commission all kinds of Public Securities and Paper Monies.
Transacts business for those who have claims on the United States, or against either of the States, particularly for the Officers, Soldiers and Mariners, and others who have served in or about the late American Army, or for their legal Heirs, Administrators, Attorneys, &c.
Certificates and such Paper Monies furnished for country people and others, who have to make payments to the Pennsylvania Loan or Land Offices, as will pass equal to specie, and their warrants, patents, &c. passed through the different offices.
Money borrowed or loaned, and discounts procured for bills, bonds, and notes of hand, with or without deposits.
Houses, Farms, Lands, Lots, bought and sold, and Houses, Rooms, Boarding and Lodging, rented or let, or procured for Strangers or others.
Reputable Characters of either sex, and of any profession, out of Place, may hear of Employ—and Families, Merchants, Travellers and others, be supplied with suitable domestics.
Those at a distance who may address on either the above subjects, their letters being post paid, will be duly attended to, by
FRANCIS WHITE.
Philad. June 22, 1791.
(cp tf)
PUBLIC SECURITIES,
BOUGHT and SOLD, on COMMISSION, by SAMUEL ANDERSON, Chestnut-Street, next door to the Bank, No. 97.
MASSACHUSETTS SEMI-ANNUAL
Lottery Tickets,
Class SECOND, to be had at the same place.
May 28, 1791.
(cp tf)
Public Notice is hereby given,
to all whom these presents shall come, or in any wise concern, That JAMES GARDNER, late of Wilmington, North-Carolina, deceased, did make four promissory notes payable to SAMUEL JACKSON, of Philadelphia, Merchant, all bearing date the 19th July, 1785: one for three hundred and seventy-one pounds, payable in six months—one for seven hundred and forty two pounds, in nine months—one for seven hundred and forty pounds, in twelve months—and one for seven hundred and forty-five pounds thirteen shillings and three-pence, in fifteen months, amounting in the whole to two thousand five hundred and ninety-eight pounds thirteen shillings and three-pence, and payable in produce at Wilmington:—Which said notes have been assigned by the said Samuel Jackson to THOMAS MACKIE and Co. and JAMES HOOD, Merchants, Philadelphia, and have since, in the life-time of the said Gardner, by him been accounted for and paid in part to the amount of two thousand and forty-seven pounds fifteen shillings and six-pence, to the said THOMAS MACKIE, and Co. in proof of which the subscribers have sufficient vouchers.
These are therefore to caution all persons from purchasing said notes as they will not be taken up.
THOMAS WRIGHT, } ROBERT SCOTT, } Executors. M. R. WILLKINGS, }
Wilmington, North-Carolina, 27th May, 1791. (e p 3 m.)
Published, and to be sold by the Editor, price 1/4th of a Dollar,
TWENTY-SIX LETTERS,
On the most important Subjects,
Respecting the REVOLUTION of AMERICA.
Written in Holland in the year 1780,
By the VICE-PRESIDENT of the United States.
Funds of the United States.
ALL kinds of the Public Debt of the Union, bought, sold, or exchanged; Foreign and Inland Bills of Exchange negotiated; Merchandise of all sorts bought and sold on Commission, and all other Business in the line of a Broker, transacted by
WILLIAM CLELAND,
at the Office, next door to the Custom-House, State-Street, BOSTON.
LIKENESSES
OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, NEATLY executed in Profile, have just come to hand, and for sale by Messrs. Carey, Stewart and Co. Mr. William Young, Mr. Robert Campbell, Messrs. Rice and Co. Booksellers, and by the Editor.—Price 1/4th of a Dollar.
Philad. June 29, 1791.
New-Haven Wharf Lottery.
THE Legislature of the State of Connecticut, at their session in December last, granted a Lottery for the purpose of extending Union Wharf, in the harbour of New-Haven, to the channel; and appointed the subscribers managers, who having given bond for the faithful discharge of their trust, present the public with the following
   S C H E M E.     1 Prize of 10,000 Dollars, is 10,000   1 5000 5000   1 4000 4000   2 2000 are 4000   4 1000 4000   5 500 2500   12 200 2400   30 100 3000   45 50 2250   50 40 2000   61 30 1830   100 20 2000   140 10 1400   5390 8 43,120  
5842 Prizes.
11658 Blanks.
17500 Tickets, at Five Dollars each, is
87500
NOT TWO BLANKS TO A PRIZE.
Subject to a deduction of twelve and a half per cent.
The public utility of extending this wharf, is too evident to require any comment, to those who are acquainted with the town and harbour of New-Haven; to those who are not, suffice it to say, that its beautiful situation is not surpassed, if equalled by any; being in the heart of a country, which may, with propriety, be said to be the garden of America. The harbour lays open to the sound but by reason of the flats, this wharf is necessarily extended to the channel, where ships can load and unload; and when completed, will be the most extensive and commodious wharf in America, the whole extent being about 3/4ths of a mile; and not only will the mercantile interest of New-Haven and the towns adjacent, but the maritime interest of all the States will be benefited by it. The general wish that prevails in the minds of all classes of people, for the success of this enterprize, together with the very great advantage which this scheme holds out to adventurers (there being more capital prizes for the number of tickets than any yet published in America) induce the managers to believe the tickets will meet with a speedy sale.
The drawing will positively commence at the State-House, in New-Haven, on the 13th of September next, or sooner, if the tickets are sold.
A list of the fortunate numbers will be published, and the prizes paid on demand, by the managers. Those prizes not called for in nine months after drawing, will be deemed as generously given for the use of the wharf, and appropriated accordingly.
MANAGERS:
JAMES RICE, MICHAEL TODD, JEREMIAH ATWATER, ELIJAH AUSTIN, JOSEPH DRAKE, JOSEPH HOWELL.
New-Haven, April 14, 1791.
TICKETS in the above Lottery may be had at the Compting-house of Messrs. STEPHEN AUSTIN, and Co. corner of Front and Pine-Streets.
Who will pay the prizes which may be drawn by Tickets purchased of them in said Lottery.
Tickets in the Massachusetts Lottery that have drawn prizes, will be received in payment for the above tickets.
MASSACHUSETTS SEMI-ANNUAL LOTTERY.
CLASS II.
THE MANAGERS of the STATE-LOTTERY assure the Public, that the second Class of the SEMI-ANNUAL LOTTERY will positively commence drawing on the day appointed, viz. On Thursday the 13th of October next, or sooner, if the Tickets shall be disposed of. As the Managers have in their several monthly Lotteries commenced drawing at the hour assigned, so they are determined to be equally as punctual in this.
S C H E M E. NOT TWO BLANKS TO A PRIZE.
25,000 TICKETS, at Five Dollars each, are 125,000 Dollars, to be paid in the following Prizes, subject to a deduction of twelve and an half per cent. for the use of the Commonwealth.
   PRIZES. DOLLARS. DOLLARS.     1 of 10000 is 10000   2 3000 are 6000   3 2000 6000   6 1000 6000   10 500 5000   30 200 6000   80 100 8000   90 50 4500   100 40 4000   120 30 3600   161 20 3220   200 10 2000   7585 8 60680   8388 Prizes. 125000   16612 Blanks.  
25000 Tickets.
TICKETS in the above Class may be had of the several MANAGERS, who will pay the prizes on demand; of the TREASURER of the Commonwealth; of JAMES WHITE, at his Book-store, Franklin's Head, Court-Street—and at other places, as usual.
BENJAMIN AUSTIN, jun. } DAVID COBB, } SAMUEL COOPER, } MANAGERS. GEORGE R. MINOT, } JOHN KNEELAND, }
Boston, April 14, 1791.
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.
ADVERTISEMENT.
HAVING completed the second volume of this Gazette, its patrons, and the public at large, are informed that it will be prosecuted on its original plan, with every improvement that friendship and ingenuity may suggest.
The price of this Gazette, (published Wednesdays and Saturdays,) is Three Dollars per annum—one half to be paid at the time of subscribing.
The utmost punctuality is observed in transmitting the papers to subscribers: The Editor thinks there is the fairest prospect that Information from the seat of government, to the extremes of the Union, will in future circulate with greater facility and certainty, than through the past winter.—Additional Subscriptions from all parts of the Union are therefore solicited.
This volume contains the laws of the two last sessions of Congress—the journal and debates of the house of Representatives—reports of the heads of departments—besides a greater variety of original communications immediately connected with the interests of the United States, than any other periodical publication.
The Editor acknowledges with gratitude the punctual payments received from a great proportion of his subscribers—some arrearages remain—which he is confident will very speedily be discharged.
Payments may be made to the several persons of whom the papers are received.
Advertisements of one square, or less, will be inserted in this Gazette, three times, for one dollar—subsequent insertions, twenty-five cents each; larger advertisements in proportion: No vehicle in the United States gives so immediate a circulation—and the number of each impression is at present fourteen hundred.
THIS DAY IS PUBLISHED, (Price Six Shillings)
By CAREY, STEWART, & Co.
No. 22, North Front-Street,
A TREATISE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF RELIGIOUS OPINIONS. BY M. NECKER.
Extracts from the Monthly Review, vol. 78, page 598.
De l'importance des opinions religieuses. By M. NECKER.
THE offering here made at the shrine of religion, by a man of business, a man of true political wisdom, and a man of the world, in the city of Paris, is a curious phenomenon.—It is also a noble one—and gives M. Necker, who has been long esteemed for his great capacity, literary merit, and eminent virtues, a new and distinguished title to the veneration of the public. It has been this virtuous man's destiny to arrive at eminence in every line that he has pursued, from the counting house to the threshold of the cabinet. And it is impossible, if we read the work before us with candour and attention, not to see that both his head and his heart make a distinguished and affecting appearance in the cause of religion.
Vol. 80, page 370.
"We rejoice to see this excellent work naturalized here—and it ought to be translated into every European language." (4t)
To be disposed of, BY PRIVATE SALE, A COLLECTION OF
Scarce and Valuable BOOKS,
In various LANGUAGES—being part of a private Library; Among which are the following:
FOLIO. Euripides, Homer, Demosthenes, Xenophon, Plato, Lucian, Plutarch, Pausanias, Procopius, Eusebius, Nicephorus, Cicero, Virgil, Horace, Livy, Tacitus, Seneca, Pliny, &c. Quarto. Pindar, Aristotle, Terence, Ovid, Cæsar, Suetonius, Juvenal, Manilius, &c.
Octavo & infra. Septuagint, Aristophanes, Longinus, Theophrastus, Epictetus, Hesiod, Orpheus, M. Antoninus, Phalaris, Isocrates, Polyænus, Lucretius, Catullus, Tibullus, Propertius, Paterculus, Florus, Lucan, Statius, Gellius, Ausonius, Vida, Buchanan, Boëtius, Poëtæ minores Latini, Calliopædia, Stada, L. Valla, &c.
Catalogues may be had, and further particulars learned, at the Book-Store of Messrs. RICE and Co. Market-Street. Catalogues are also stitched up with the AMERICAN MUSEUM, for April.
June 1, 1791. (e2w)
A FINE CHANCE FOR A YOUNG PRINTER.
FOR SALE,
A Printing Press and Types,
together with the right of publishing a PAPER, in good repute, the subscribers to which are continually increasing—The present number of its patrons is between seven and eight hundred. The types consist of BURgeois, Pica, and a sufficient quantity of larger letter to display advertisements to advantage. The situation is in the interior part of MASSACHUSETTS, in the centre of a populous and thriving community, and within 17 miles of an excellent Paper-Mill, where paper of every quality and size may always be had on short notice. Perhaps no country paper on the continent has a larger share of Advertisements than the one offered for sale. A very considerable profit also accrues from the sale of Blanks of all kinds, which are much used in the place—from the publication of Hand-Bills, &c. &c. It is a good situation, also, for a small Book-Store—and it is supposed the Book-Binding business might be carried on in the same place to advantage.
For further particulars, enquire of JOHN FENNO, at his Office, No. 69, High-Street, between Second and Third-Streets, Philadelphia. (1aw 8w)
MATTHEW M'CONNELL,
IN CHESNUT-STREET, No. 66,
BUYS and SELLS all kinds of THE PUBLIC DEBT OF THE UNION; has frequently occasion to NEGOTIATE INLAND BILLS OF EXCHANGE—and will receive Orders for making SUBSCRIPTIONS to the BANK of the UNITED STATES.
Philadelphia, March 30, 1791.
(96 tf)
A few copies of the CONSTITUTION of the United States, printed with Notes, may be had of the Editor.