Alexandria advertiser and commercial intelligencer (Alexandria [Va.]), 1802-01-13 00:00:00

W. Carlton
Alexandria
Advertiser
AND COMMERCIAL
INTELLIGENCER.
VOL. II.]
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1802
NO. 339.
Public Sale.
On FRIDAY , At ten o'clock, will be sold at the Vendue Store, 3d and 4th proof Antigua and Jamaica Rum in hds. and bls. French Brandy in bls. Holland Gin in bls. Teneriffe Wine in casks, Cordials in bls. Sugar in hds and bls. Molasses in hds. Rice in tiers and bls. Soap in boxes, Queens and Earthen Ware in crates, handsomely assorted, 30 boxes Havanna Segars, Cotton in bales...on a credit.
ALSO, A variety of DRY GOODS.
—AMONG WHICH ARE— Broad and narrow Cloths, Flannels and Planes, Carpets and Carpeting. Irish and German Linens, Worsted and cotton Stockings, Calicoes and Ginghams, A variety of Muslin and Muslin Handkerchiefs and Shawls, Table Cloths, Hats, Boots and Shoes, Hardware, and A number of other articles. P. G. MARSTELLER, Vendue-Master. Jan. 5.
Sale by Auction.
On SATURDAY next, At ten o'clock, will be sold at the Auction Room,
Rum in hds. and bls. Sugar in do. Coffee in bags, Soap and Candles in boxes, Raisins in do. Starch in do. Tobacco in kegs, &c.—ALSO, A quantity of Dry Goods, Viz.
Kendal Cottons, Kerseys, Halfthicks, Plains, Plaids, Coatings, Dummies, Flannels, Irish and Sheetings Linens, German Oznaburgs, Calicoes, Durants, Shawls, Handkerchiefs, Ladies' Silk Gloves, Sewing Silks, Threads, &c. H. and T. MOORE, Auctioneers. Jan. 5.
JUST PUBLISHED,
AND FOR SALE AT  COTTON & STEWART'S Book-Store, Royal-Street,  POLITICAL ESSAYS, RELATIVE TO THE War of the French Revolution; —VIZ.—  AN ARGUMENT Against continuing the War, for the subversion of the Republican Government of France:
A LETTER
To the Duke of Portland, being an answer to the two Letters of the late Right Hon. Edmund Burke, against treating for Peace with the French Republic:— And
A MEMORIAL,
Proposing a Plan, for the Conquest and Emancipation of Spanish America, by means which would promote the tranquility of Ireland. BY JAMES WORKMAN, ESQ. Nov. 22.
Printing in all its variety, executed at this office, with neatness and dispatch.
JUST RECEIVED, COARSE WOOLLENS,
Consisting of Nap'd cottons, half thicks, pladdings, striped blankets and kersey duffles...For sale on very moderate terms by the package, on the usual credit. Wm. HODGSON. Oct. 6. d
FOR SALE,
The Cargo of the brig Little Sally, capt. Cozens, From Rhode-Island, now landing and consisting of
French Brandy, Holland Gin (entitled to drawback). Country Gin, West-India Rum, N. England do. Loaf Sugar, Castile Soap, Tanner's Oil, R. I. Cheese of an excellent quality, Soa! Leather, Russia and ravens Duck and Sheetings, Cordage, 1 bale of Ticklenburgs, &c. For Sale, Freight or Charter, The said brig Little Sally , burthen about 650 barrels, an excellent vessel and well equipped. Apply to J. G. LADD. Jan. 4. d
Toll Gatherers on the Potomac wanted. THE President and Directors of the Potomac Company will meet at Mr. Barney's Tavern, in George-Town, on Saturday the 16th day of January, instant, for the purpose of appointing Toll-Gatherers, at the Great Falls, Little Falls, and at Hooker's Falls; to whom liberal salaries will be given.
No person employed will be allowed to have any concern either directly or indirectly in the business of boating, consignment or purchase of articles, brought down the river. None need apply who cannot give security for his compliance with the duties imposed on him, and who does not possess a knowledge of figures, and is not known to be sober and attentive to business. Applications may be directed to the Subscriber. By order of the President & Directors. JOS. CARLETON, Treasurer. Alexandria, January 6, 1802. dgt
This Day is Published, By R. & J. GRAY, And for Sale, at their Book-Store, Prince-Street, & at the Office of the Times,  ST. LEON;  A Tale of the Sixteenth Century, In 2 vols. By WILLIAM GODWIN. Price 2 Dollars, handsomely bound and lettered. Also for Sale, By R. & J. GRAY,  JANE TALBOT;  A new Novel.
By the Author of Arthur Myrvin ,  Wieland , Ormond , &c. Price one Dollar in Boards.  RUSH'S Introductory Lectures To Courses of Lectures upon the Institution and Practice of Medicine, Delivered in the University of Pennsylvania. Price one Dollar in Boards: And sundry other New Publications. January 8. d3t2aw
JUST PUBLISHED, By Cotton & Stewart, And for Sale at their Book Store, Price 37 1/2 Cents, Certain Acts of the Commonwealth of Virginia for regulating the Militia, and of the Congress of the United States, more effectually to provide for the national defence by establishing an uniform militia throughout the United States, with the Rules and Articles of war.
ROBBERY.
One Hundred Dollars Reward.
THE subscribers' store was last night broke open and the following Cash and Goods taken therefrom, viz.
About 100 dollars in cash, Cross-barred and striped coarse swansdown, 1 Piece of superfine brown cloth, 1 do. do. dark bottle green, 1 do. of dark brown superfine, 1 do. dark mixed brown superfine, 2 do. of blue fine cloth, 1 do. of dark mixture fine cloth, 3 do. lapet muffs, Of sprigged muffs a number—also dimities; camel hair shawls; brown, red and blue bandannoes; yellow flags and cinnamon silk shawls; a number of India book muffs; womens' blue and white worked and cotton stockings, mens' fancy cotton stockings; a few pieces of Marseilles vest patterns and silk nankeen, together with a variety of other articles not particularly recollected.
The above reward will be paid to any person for discovering the Cash and Goods and convicting the thief or thieves; or Fifty Dollars for all the Goods, or in proportion for any part of the Goods recovered.
It is hoped all well-disposed persons will interest themselves in discovering and bringing to condign punishment the perpetrators of this daring attack upon the property of citizens. J. & M. SCHOLFIELD. January 2. d
Such Printers as are disposed to detect villainy are requested to insert the above.
To Rent,
THAT handsome, convenient three story BRICK HOUSE, lately occupied by Edmund J. Lee, Esq. in King Street, a few doors west of Pitt Street. SAMUEL CRAIG. Dec. 15. eo
ROBERT I. HOOE and Co.
HAVE IMPORTED, In the brig Neptune , from Lisbon,  AND OFFER FOR SALE, 100 casks Lisbon Wine of a superior quality, 500 bushels of Salt, 1 bale of Morocco Skins, A few boxes of Lemons and Oranges, Figs in Frails, Olive Oil, Almonds, Filberts, 10 bundles floor carpets and foot mats. They have likewise on hand, A few bales of Negro cottons and blankets, German Linens, Earthen Ware in crates, Sugar in hds. and bls. and coffee in bags and tiers. Nov. 30. d
SOAL LEATHER
And Mens' coarse Shoes, Just received a quantity, for sale by JOHN G. LADD. Dec. 19. d
JUST PUBLISHED,
AND FOR SALE AT  Cotton & Stewart's Book Store,  ST. LEON:  A Tale of the Sixteenth Century. By William Godwin. Two vols.—Price Two Dollars. Also, for Sale, THE  PHILADELPHIA CARPENTERS' BOOK OF PRICES. Price 75 cents, stitched. Fraternal Discord; the Writing Desk; Abbe de l'Epée, or the Orphan, and False Shame, by Kotzebue. Jan. 9. d
Printing in all its variety executed at this office.
LOST,
Between Mr. Alexander Smith's store and Heiskell's tavern, a BOND drawn by Jesse Taylor, sen. in favor of Messrs. Samuel Dick & Co. in Ireland, and by them endorsed to T. Lee, of Philadelphia, and by his executor, Mr. Bird, endorsed to William Smith, who endorsed it to Edward Russell of Alexandria—a part of the bond has been paid. Whoever finds the above bond and will leave it at the office of the Alexandria Advertiser shall be liberally rewarded. Jan. 12. dgt
For Sale,
Antigua Rum by the hhd. Raisins by the box, Sugar by the barrel, Dates, fresh from the coast of Barbary, With a variety of other
FRUITS and GROCERIES.
ABEL WILLIS.
The HOPE will sail for Norfolk on Thursday next. Jan. 11. d
By virtue of a Deed of Trust from Robert Hamilton and Esther, his Wife, to the Subscribers, for securing the payment of a sum of money to the President, Directors and Company of the Bank of Alexandria, on the 30th instant will be exposed to Sale, for ready money, on the premises.
A Lot or Parcel of Ground, lying upon the East side of St. Asaph-Street, and south side of Wolfe-Street, in the Town of Alexandria; beginning at the intersection of the said Streets, and running eastwardly with Wolfe-Street to Pitt-Street; thence southwardly with Pitt-Street 96 feet 6 inches; thence westwardly parallel with Wolfe-Street 80 feet; thence southwardly parallel with Pitt-Street 80 feet; thence westwardly parallel with Wolfe-Street to St. Asaph-Street; thence northwardly with St. Asaph-Street to the beginning. Upon this piece of ground there are a large, commodious frame dwelling-house, well calculated for the accommodation of a genteel family, a kitchen, stable and carriage-house, a well of water in the yard, with a pump. The situation is elegant. It was formerly occupied by Mr. Robert Hamilton, lately by Mr. Stier, and at present by Mr. James Hamilton. The lot being large, a sufficient proportion of it will be attached to the improvements, and the residue laid off into convenient building lots; a plan of which will be exhibited on the day of sale. ALSO,
One other Piece of Ground, lying upon the south side of Prince-Street, and to the eastward of Water-Street, in the said Town; beginning upon Prince-Street 22 feet to the eastward of Water-Street, and running thence eastwardly with Prince-Street 23 feet; thence southwardly parallel to Water-Street 44 feet 4 inches; thence westwardly parallel to Prince-Street 23 feet; thence northwardly to the beginning. Upon this piece of ground there are a convenient two-story frame dwelling-house, with a kitchen and other conveniences; now in the the occupation of Mr. Smith. ALSO,
One other Piece of Ground, adjoining the last; beginning upon Prince Street 45 feet to the eastward of Water-Street, and running thence eastwardly with Prince-Street 40 feet; thence southwardly parallel to Water-Street 44 feet four inches; thence westwardly parallel to Prince-Street 40 feet; thence northwardly to the beginning. Upon this piece of ground is a large frame warehouse, two stories high, now in the occupation of Messrs. Smith and Bartleman. It formerly composed two distinct warehouses, and may easily be put into the same situation again.
JAMES KEITH, JOHN C. HERBERT.
January 1. d23t

SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
Friday, Jan. 8, 1802.
JUDICIARY ESTABLISHMENT.
Mr. Breckenridge.—It will be expected of me, I presume, Sir, as I introduced the resolution now under consideration, to assign my reasons for wishing a repeal of this law. This I shall do; and shall endeavour to shew,
1. That the law is unnecessary and improper, and was so as its passage; and 2. That the Courts and Judges created by it, can and ought to be abolished.
1st. That the act under consideration, was unnecessary and improper, is to my mind, no difficult task to prove. No increase of courts or judges could be necessary or justifiable, unless the existing courts and judges were incompetent to the prompt and proper discharge of the duties consigned to them. To hold out a shew of litigation, when in fact little exists, must be impolitic; and to multiply expensive systems, and create hosts of expensive officers, without having experienced an actual necessity for them, must be a wanton waste of the public treasury.
The document before us shews, that at the passage of this act, the existing courts, not only from their number, but from the suits depending before them, were fully competent to a speedy decision of those suits—It shews, that on the 15th day of June last, there were depending in all the Circuit Courts, (that of Maryland only excepted, whose docket we have not been furnished with,) 1539 suits. It shews that 8276 suits of every description have come before those courts, in 10 years and upwards. From this it appears, that the annual average amount of suits has been about 800.
But sundry contingent things have conspired to swell the circuit Court dockets. In Maryland, Virginia, and in all the southern and south-western states, a great number of suits have been brought by British creditors: this species of controversy is nearly at an end.
In Pennsylvania, the docket has been swelled by prosecutions in consequence of the Western insurrection, by the disturbances in Bucks, and Northampton counties; and by the Sedition Act. These I find amount in this State to 240 suits.
In Kentucky, non-resident land claimants have gone into the Federal Court from a temporary convenience; because, until within a year or two past, there existed no court of general jurisdiction co-extensive with the whole State. I find too, that of the six hundred and odd suits which have been commenced there, 196 of them have been prosecutions under the laws of the United States.
In most of the states there have been prosecutions under the Sedition Act.—This source of litigation is I trust for ever dried up. And lastly in all the States a number of suits have arisen under the Excise law; which source of controversy, will, I hope, before this session terminates, be also dried up.
But this same document discloses another important fact; which is, that nevertheless, all these untoward and temporary sources of federal adjudication, the suits in those courts are decreasing ; for from the dockets exhibited (except Kentucky, and Tennessee, whose suits are summed up in the aggregate) it appears, that in 1799 there were 1274; and in 1800 there were 687 suits commenced; shewing a decrease of 587 suits.
Could it be necessary then to increase courts when suits were decreasing ? Could it be necessary to multiply judges, when their duties were diminishing? And will I not be justified therefore in affirming, that the law was unnecessary and that Congress acted under a mistaken impression, when they multiplied courts and judges at a time when litigation was actually decreasing.
But, Sir, the decrease of business goes a small way in fixing my opinion on this subject. I am inclined to think, that so far from there having been a necessity at this time for an increase of courts and judges; that the time never will arrive, when America will stand in need of 38 federal judges. Look Sir, at your Constitution, and see the judicial power there consigned to federal courts, and seriously ask yourself, can there be fairly ex-
tracted from those powers subjects of litigation sufficient for 6 supreme and 32 inferior court judges?—To me it appears impossible.
The judicial powers given to the federal courts were never intended by the Constitution to embrace, exclusively, subjects of litigation, which could with propriety be left with the State courts. Their jurisdiction was intended principally to extend to great national and foreign concerns. Except cases arising under the laws of the United States, I do not at present recollect, but three or four kinds in which their power extends to subjects of litigation, in which private persons only are concerned. And can it be possible, that with a jurisdiction embracing so small a portion of private litigation, in great part of which the State courts might, and ought, to participate, that we can stand in need of 38 judges; and expend in judiciary regulations the annual sum of 137,200 dollars?
No other country, whose regulations I have any knowledge of, furnishes an example of a system so prodigal and expensive. In England, whose courts are the boast, and said to be the security of the rights of the nation, every man knows, there are but 12 judges and 3 principal courts. These courts embrace in their original or appellate jurisdiction almost the whole circle of human concerns.
The King's bench and Common Pleas, which consist of 4 judges each, entertain all the common law suits of 40s. and upwards, originating among 9 millions of the most commercial people in the world. They moreover revise the proceedings of not only all the petty courts of record in the kingdom, even down to the courts of Piepoudre; but also of the court of King's bench in Ireland; and these supreme courts, after centuries of experiment, are found to be fully competent to all the business of the kingdom.
I will now inquire into the power of Congress, to put down these additional courts and judges.
1st. As to the Courts.—Congress are empowered by the Constitution "from time to time, to ordain and establish inferior courts." The act now under consideration, is a legislative construction of this clause in the Constitution, that Congress may abolish as well as create these judicial officers ; because, it does expressly in the 27th section of the act, abolish the then existing inferior courts, for the purpose of making way for the present. This construction I contend is correct; but it is equally pertinent to my object, whether it be or be not.—If it be correct, then the present inferior courts may be abolished as constitutionally as the last; if it be not, then the law for abolishing the former courts, and establishing the present, was unconstitutional and consequently repealable.
But independent of this legislative construction on which I do not found my opinion, nor mean to rely my argument, there is little doubt indeed, in my mind, as to the power of Congress on this law. The 1st. section of the third article vests the judicial power of the United States in one supreme court and such inferior courts as Congress may from time to time, ordain and establish. By this clause Congress may from time to time establish inferior courts; but it is clearly a discretionary power, and they may not establish them. The language of the Constitution is very different when regulations are not left discretionary. For example—"The trial, says the Constitution, of all crimes, (except in cases of impeachment) shall be by jury: Representatives and direct taxes shall be applied according to number. All revenue bills shall originate in the House of Representatives, &c." It would therefore in my view, be a preservation not only of language, but of intellect, to say, that altho' Congress may from time to time establish inferior courts, yet when established, that they shall not be abolished, by a subsequent congress possessing equal power. It would be a paradox in legislation.
2d. As to the judges.—The judiciary department is so constructed as to be sufficiently secured against the improper influence of either the executive or legislative departments. The courts are organized and established by the legislature, and the executive creates the judges.—Being thus organized the constitution affords the proper checks to secure their
honesty and independence in office. It declares they shall not be removed from office during good behavior; nor their salaries diminished during their continuance in office. From this it results, that a judge after his appointment, is totally out of the power of the President, and his salary secured against legislative diminution, during his continuance in office. The first of these checks, which protects a judge in his office during good behavior, applies to the President only, who would otherwise have possessed the power of removing him, like all other officers at pleasure; and the other check forbidding a diminution of their salaries, applies to the legislature only. They are two separate and distinct checks, furnished by the constitution against two distinct departments of the government; and they are the only ones which are or ought to have been furnished on the subject.
But because the constitution declares that a judge shall hold his office during good behavior, can it be tortured to mean, that he shall hold his office after it is abolished? Can it mean, that his tenure should be limited by behaving well in an office, which did not exist? Can it mean that an office may exist although its duties are extinct? Can it mean in short, that the shadow, to wit, the judge, can remain, when the substance, to wit, the office is removed? It must have intended all these absurdities, or it must admit a construction which will avoid them.
That construction obviously is, that a judge should hold an existing office , so long as he did his duty in that office;—and not that he should hold an office that did not exist, and perform duties not provided by law. Had the construction which I contend against been contemplated by those who framed the constitution, it would have been necessary to have declared explicitly, that judges should hold their offices and salaries during good behaviour.
Such a construction is not only irreconcilable with reason and propriety, but is repugnant to the principles of the constitution. It is a principle of our constitution, as well as of common honesty, that no man shall receive public money, but in consideration of public services.—Sinecure offices therefore are not permitted by our laws or constitution. By this construction, complete sinecure offices will be created; hosts of constitutional pensioners will be settled on us, and we cannot calculate how long. This is really creating a new species of public debt; not like any other of our debts, we cannot discharge the principal at any fixed time. It is worse than the deferred stock; for on that you pay an annual interest only, and the principal is redeemable at a given period. But here, you pay an annual principal, and that principal irredeemable except by the will of Providence. It may suit countries where public debts are considered as public blessings; for in this way a people might soon become superlatively blessed indeed.
Let me not be told, Sir, that the salaries in the present case, are inconsiderable and ought not to be withheld; and that the doctrine is not a dangerous one. I answer, it is the principle I contend against; and if it is heterodox for one dollar it is equally so for a million.—But I contend the principle, if once admitted, may be extended to destructive lengths. Suppose it should hereafter happen, that those in power should combine to provide handsomely for their friends, could any way so plain, easy and effectual present itself, as by creating courts, and filling them with those friends? Might not sixty as well as 16, with salaries of twenty thousand instead of two thousand dollars, be provided for in this way?
The thing I trust will not happen. It is presuming a high degree of corruption; but it might happen under the construction contended for; as the constitution presumes corruption may happen in any department of the government, by the checks it has furnished against it; and as this construction does open a wide door for corruption, it is but fair reasoning to shew the dangers which may grow out of it; for in the construction of all instruments, that which will lead to inconvenience, mischief or absurdity ought to be avoided. This doctrine has another difficulty to reconcile:—After the law is repealed, they are either judges or they are not. If they are judges, they can be impeached; but for what? For malfeasance in office only . How, I would ask, can they be impeached for malfeasance
in office , when their offices are abolished? They are not officers, but still they are intitled to the emoluments annexed to an office. Although they are judges, they cannot be guilty of malfeasance, because they have no office. They are only quasi judges so far as regards the duties , but real judges so far as regards the salary . It must be the salary then, and not the duties which constitute a judge.—For my part, I do not know under what class of things to range them, or what name to give them. They are unacknowledged by the letter, spirit or genius of our constitution, and are to me non-descripts.
There is another difficulty under this construction still to encounter, and which also grows out of the constitution.—By the constitution, a new state may be formed by the junction of two or more states, with their assent and that of congress.—If this doctrine, once a judge and always a judge be correct, what would you do in such an event with the district judges of the states who formed that junction? Both would be unnecessary, and you would have in a single state, two judges of equal and concurrent jurisdiction; or one real judge with an office, and another a quasi judge without an office. The states also forming such junction, would be equally embarrassed with their state judges; for the same construction would be equally applicable to them.
Upon this construction also, an infallibility is predicted, which it would be arrogance in any human institution to assume, and which goes to cut up legislation by the roots. We should be debarred from that, which is indulged to us from a higher source, and on subjects of higher concern than legislation, I mean a retraction from, and correction of our errors. On all other subjects of legislation we are allowed it seems to change our minds, except on judicial subjects, which of all others is the most complex and difficult. I appeal to our own statute book to prove this difficulty; for in ten years congress has passed no less than twenty-six laws on this subject.
I conceive Sir, that the tenure by which a judge holds his office, is evidently bottomed on the idea of securing his honesty and independence, whilst exercising his office. The idea was introduced in England, to counteract the influence of the crown over the judges; but if the construction now contended for shall prevail; we shall in one mistaken imitation of this our favorite prototype outstrip them; by establishing, what they have not, a judicial oligarchy; for there, their judges are removable by a joint vote of Lords and Commons. Here ours are not removable, except for malfeasance in office ; which malfeasance could not be committed, as they would have no office.
Upon the whole Sir, as all courts under any free government must be created with an eye to the administration of justice only; and not with any regard to the advancement or emolument of individual men; as we have undeniable evidence before us, that the creation of the courts now under consideration was totally unnecessary; and as no government can, I apprehend, seriously deny that this legislature has a right to repeal a law enacted by a preceding one; we will, in any event, discharge our duty by repealing this law; and thereby doing all in our power to correct the evil. If the judges are intitled to their salaries, under the constitution, our repeal will not affect them; and they will no doubt resort to their proper remedy: For where there is a constitutional right, there must be a remedy.
Mr. Breckenridge was followed by Messrs. Cocke, and Wright, in favor of the motion; and Messrs. J. Mason and Morris against it. Their Speeches in course.
Senate adjourned to Monday, when the Debate will be resumed.
FROM THE NEW-YORK EVENING POST.
THE EXAMINATION.
NUMBER IV.
IT is matter of surprise to observe a proposition to diminish the revenue, associated with intimations which appear to contemplate war. The suggestions in the message respecting the Barbary states, plainly enough imply, that treaties are found to be too feeble cords to bind them; and that a resort to coercive means will probably be requisite to enforce a greater sense of justice towards us. Accordingly, as a comment on this hint, we have seen a resolution brought into the house of re-

representatives, authorising the President to take measures effectually to protect our commerce against those states. Believing it to be a sound position, that these predatory nations will never be brought to respect sufficiently the rights of this country, whether derived from nature or from compact, without first being made to recede their power, there is no disposition to condemn the efficacious employment of force. Yet, considering the maxims by which those states are governed, and the obtuseness which they have evinced upon other occasions, it is likely that a policy of this sort will be attended with considerable, & with no very temporary expense. This alone is conceived to be a conclusive reason against parting with any portion of our present income: nothing could be less advisable, at a moment when there is the prospect, if not the project, of a general rupture with them.
Hitherto the proposal for sacrificing the internal revenue, has been tried almost wholly by the test of expediency; it is time to put it to a severer test: to that of right. Can the proposed abolition take effect without impairing the public faith?
This is a question of infinite moment to the character of our government—to the prosperity of our nation. If it is to be answered in the negative, it must be matter of profound regret, that a proposal which could give rise to it, should have come from the first magistrate of the U. States.
It is hardly necessary to premise, by way of explanation, that to pledge or appropriate funds for a public debt, is, in effect, to mortgage them to the public creditors for their security. Retracing our financial system to its commencement, we find the impost and the excise on distilled spirits, repeatedly and positively pledged, first, for the payment and interest of the debt, next, for the reimbursement of certain instalments of the principal. It is true, the appropriation is qualified by the words, "so much as may be necessary," but the public faith is engaged in express terms, that both of the funds shall continue to be levied and collected, until the whole debt shall be discharged; with the single reserve, that government shall be at liberty to substitute other funds of equal amount. It follows, that these two items of revenue constitute a joint fund for the security of the public creditor, co-extensive in duration with the existence of any portion of the debt: and it is to be inferred, that the government, contemplating the possibility of a deficiency in one, intended that the other should serve as an auxiliary, and that the co-operation of the two should effectually guard the creditor against the fluctuations and casualties to which either singly, might be exposed.—Anticipating, however, the possibility that that the one or the other, in whole or in part, might in practice be found inconvenient, a right was reserved to exchange, either for an adequate substitute. But it is conceived, that this does not imply the right to exchange the one for the other.—The effect would be essentially different in the two cases: in the first there would always be two funds , aggregately of the same or similar force and value, to secure the creditor; in the last there would be only one ; from being double the security would become single.
This mode of reasoning is the only one, upon which the rights and the interests of the creditor can safely rest: it is plain and intelligible, and avoids the danger of erroneous speculations about the separate sufficiency of the respective funds. Admitting, however, for the sake of the argument, that this is too rigid a construction of the contract, and that when one of the two funds should have acquired a stable increase, which would render it equal to the purpose of the pledge, it might then be made to stand in the place of both: yet surely, neither the purity of the public faith, nor the safety of the creditor, will endure the application of this principle to any other than an ascertained result. Neither, certainly, will tolerate that merely a reasonable ground of confidence shall authorise so material an alteration in the essence of the security which protects the debt.
The foregoing reasoning as to the question of right, may be further elucidated by the particular provision in the act which introduced the excise on distilled spirits. After a permanent appropriation of the proceeds of the tax to the interest of the debt, it provides, that the surplus, if
any there shall be, at the end of each year shall be applied to the reduction of the principal; unless that surplus, or any part of it, should be required by the public agencies of the United States, and should be so appropriated by special "acts of congress." While at this early period of our finances it was not thought expedient to appropriate this surplus absolutely to the sinking fund , it was contemplated that it should not be diverted except for public exigencies . Gratuitously to relinquish it is, therefore, contrary to the letter as well as to the spirit of the original institution of the fund. The like observations, though with less force, apply to the provision noticed in another number, respecting the surpluses of the revenue generally, which, as we have seen, are all appropriated to the sinking fund. At the session of Congress immediately succeeding any year in which surpluses may accrue, they may be specially appropriated or reserved by law, for other purposes; but if this be not done, they are then to go of course to the sinking fund . To appropriate or to reserve, plainly, can never mean to relinquish. The true meaning of the provision appears, therefore, to be, that though congress, under the restriction expressed as to time, may appropriate or reserve those surpluses for other objects of the public service, yet if not wanted for such other objects, they shall continue to endure to the fund for the reduction of the debt, so long as by the laws regulating their duration they are to continue to be levied.
Thus, on whatever side it is viewed, there is a temerity and a levity in the proposition which confounds and amazes. If, unhappily it shall receive the sanction of congress, there will remain nothing in principle of our system of public credit—nothing on which the confidence of the creditor can safely repose. The precedent of a fatal innovation will have been established; and its extension to a total annihilation of the security, would be a step, not much more violent, than that by which the inroad had commenced. But it is devoutly to be hoped, that the delirium of party spirit will not so far transport the legislative representatives of the nation, as to induce them to put the seal to a measure, as motiveless—as precipitate—as impolitic—as faithless —as could have been dictated, even by a deliberate hostility to the vital principles of our national credit.—Peculiarly the guardians of the public faith , and of the public purse , they surely will not consent to impoverish the one, and the other, through an abject and criminal complaisance.
It is a fact not unknown to himself, that abroad as well as at home, a diffidence has been entertained of the opinions and views of the person now at the head of our government, with regard to our system of public credit. This undoubtedly ought to have been with him a strong reason for caution, especially at so early a stage of his administration, as to any step which might strengthen that diffidence, which was in the least equivocal in its tendency. Nor ought it to have been overlooked, that the interest of the state, and a regard for his own reputation, demanded this caution. The appearance of instability in the plans of government, particularly respecting its finances, can never fail to make injurious impressions. To a government, the character of which has not yet been established by time, the example of sudden and questionable innovations, may be expected to be in the highest degree detrimental. Prudent men everywhere are apt to take the alarm at great changes not manifestly beneficial and proper; a disposition which has been much increased by the terrible events of the present revolutionary era. Yet, disregarding these salutary and obvious reflections, the president has ventured, in the very infancy of his administration, upon the bold and unjustifiable step of recommending to the legislative body, a renunciation of the whole internal revenue of the country; though the nation is at this moment encumbered with considerable public debt; and though that very revenue, is, by the existing laws, an established fund for its discharge.
What then are we to think of the oft-repeated assurance in the inaugural speech as to the preservation of PUBLIC FAITH ?—Was it given merely to amuse with agreeable, but deceptive sounds? Is it possible that it could have been intended to conceal the insidious design of aiming a deadly blow at a system which was opposed in its origin, and has been calumniated in every stage of its progress?
* Passed March 6, 1791.
Alas! how deplorable will it be, should it ever become proverbial, that a president of the United States, like the Wierd Sisters in Macbeth, " Keeps his promise to the ear but breaks it to the sense! "
LUCIUS CRASSUS.
Alexandria Advertiser.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13.
On Wednesday last, the House of Delegates of Virginia, took up Mr. Munford's bill to enable the courts of common law to give relief in certain cases. After a long debate, in which Mr. Venable opposed, and Mr. Munford and Mr. George Smith defended the bill, the house agreed to pass it to a third reading. Ayes 86. Nays 65.
On Thursday, the debate on Mr. Munford's bill was continued. The bill finally passed the house by a majority of about seven members. The object of the bill is to supersede that for the creation of six additional courts of chancery.
The following PROPOSALS of Amendments to the Federal Constitution, are now before the Legislature of Virginia.
WHEREAS there are defects in the Constitution of the United States, which from their operation as heretofore experienced, have excited well founded fears in the people and the states individually, that certain principles under the influence of the defects alluded to were rapidly progressing, which were destructive of the liberty and happiness of our fellow citizens at large; and believing as we do, that a corrupt administration will at all times have it in their power to give that direction which will most probably fix upon the People a system of real oppression—in order effectually to quiet those fears, and to prune the Constitution of its exuberances which may ultimately lead to the establishment of an aristocracy or monarchy; these considerations induce the Legislature of Virginia to suggest to her sister states, the propriety and necessity of amending the Federal compact in such a way as to secure the invaluable rights which ought to attach to a Republican form of government; They think the present the most proper time to commence this highly important work, whilst they have fresh in their recollection the extreme danger from which they have emerged; and it is further their opinion if these defects should not be now corrected, that the mildness of the present administration will be such as to lull the people into a state of security, which will render any efforts of this kind fruitless and abortive, and that no future attempt can succeed until the people are forced into it by the hand of oppression. They therefore take the liberty to propose the following amendments to the Constitution aforesaid.
First—That from and after the next Presidential election, the President of the United States shall not be permitted to serve for a longer period than four years successively, and that he shall be ineligible until one complete term shall have intervened.
Secondly—That the Senators of the United States shall in future be elected for three instead of six years, and that they shall be classed as heretofore, so that one third may go out of office every year.
Thirdly—That the Treaty making power shall be so construed, as to give to the House of Representatives of the United States a complete control over all treaties, whenever their agency shall be required to carry such treaty into effect; and that all such treaties are to be considered as not ratified or binding upon the government, until the sanction of the House of Representatives shall have been obtained.
Fourthly—That in all future elections of President and Vice President of the United States, the characters voted for shall be particularly designated, by declaring which is voted for as President, and which as Vice President.
The Executive of this state are hereby directed without delay, to transmit the foregoing amendments to the different state legislatures throughout the Union, and to invite their cordial co-operation.
To aid the cause of virtue and religion.
NEW-YEAR'S LESSON.
IT has been common for people in this country, on the New Year's day, to congratulate each other with mutual wishes of a happy new year: and the Monitor, taking the hint from this ancient custom,
will offer a few remarks and lessons of advice, which it well observed will tend to render the year, that we are beginning, an improvement and consequently a happy portion of our lives.
Begin the year with an impartial review of past life and with a sincere and firm resolution to rectify whatever has been amiss.
If you have hitherto been slumbering in indolence, it is now time to awake out of sleep; for much is to be done and the time to do it is short. If the poisonous weeds of vice have been sprouting up in your mind, resolve now to eradicate them. If you have been addicted to gambling, to profane swearing, to using the cup of intemperance, or to any other practice that degrades the human character and wastes the estate, improve the present opportunity to break this pernicious spell and to deliver yourself from the pit of ruin. If you have hitherto lived in domestic jars, settle immediately a treaty of peace in your own house:—to yourself and family this is of much more importance than even the general peace in Europe.
If you have neglected to govern and educate your children in such a manner as tends to lead them to the practice of good morals, "turn over a new leaf," and for the future let your example and precepts combine in training them up in the way they should go.
If you have been careless or extravagant in point of economy, begin a new course.—Remember that four cents saved every day will amount at the end of the year to fourteen dollars and sixty cents.
Regulate your expenses according to your income: if that be small, carefully study economy and let industry supply the deficiency. If you are one of the Ton, or a leader of fashions, try, for once, to make good morals fashionable. If you have been raised to any considerable office, consider that your example will tend either to purity or to poison the manners of others; and, that if you set an ill example, you will be answerable even for its remotest consequences. If you are rich, open your hearts to deeds of charity and benevolence. Extend a liberal hand to the children of need, that the blessings of such as are ready to perish may come upon you.—Devote some of the surplusage of your income to the education of the children of the poor, who would thankfully rise up & you call blessed. In a word, study to be good, and do good.—
Let every day be marked with deeds of virtue; and then, on the last day of this year, peaceful reflections will sooth your mind: or even if death should intervene before the sun shall perform another annual revolution, the testimony of a good conscience will be better than the softest down to your pillow and will support you in the last struggles of nature.
BALANCE.
STOLEN
From my stable on Saturday night, the 2d instant, a large SORREL HORSE, about 15 hands high, with a flaxen mane, and tail not docked, branded with I. G. Any person securing said horse, or bringing him to me, living about six miles from the town of Dumfries, in Prince William County, shall receive Ten Dollars.
JAMES GRINSTEAD.
Jan. 13.
203 1/2
PRESLEY JACOBS, TAILOR,
Respectfully informs his friends and the public, that he has commenced business in Royal street, second door south of the Times printing office, in the house lately occupied by Mr. John London, where he will be happy to execute any commands in his line of business with which he may be favored.
N. B. Wanted—a GIRL of from ten to 12 years of age as an indentured apprentice.
Alex. January 12.
3 1/2
House of Entertainment.
Randolph Mott, RESPECTFULLY informs his friends and the public in general, that he has opened an INN in the Town of Alexandria, in the house lately occupied by captain Charles M'Knight, where he intends using his utmost exertions to give general satisfaction to those who may favor him with their custom, which from his experience in the business he flatters himself he shall be able to do on the most reasonable terms. January 5. 12W 4t.

JEWELRY.
Charles Gouvernet & Co.
Who are just arrived at this place, inform the ladies and gentlemen that they have a handsome assortment of Jewelry, consisting of
Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets, gold and silver Watches, Watch Chains, Breast Pins, Lockets, Rings, Pearl Beads, Black Jetts, &c. &c. all of which they offer for sale, by wholesale and retail, on the most reasonable prices.
Apply at the Eagle Tavern.
Jan. 11.
d3t
William Hartshorne
HAS FOR SALE,
At his Mill, or in Alexandria,
Plaister of Paris by the
ton, or ready ground by the bushel,
Indian Meal or Rye Meal, bolted or
unbolted,
Corn or any other grain (except wheat)
ground for toll at the mill.
At his store in Town,
Hay in bundles, corn by the bushel,
Loaf or lump sugar by the hhd. or bbl.
Jamaica spirit by the hhd. or barrel,
more than 3 years old,
First and second quality James River
tobacco in kegs,
A few very good mill spindles,
Two good scale beams.
For Sale,
A number of valuable Lots in town.
Also, to Sell or Rent,
A valuable Brick House on King Street,
now in the tenure of Thomas Cruse.
To Let,
A two story Frame House, on Duke
Street, with a large garden and a well of
good water at the door. 12 mo. 22.
L A W.
MERIT v. DEMERIT.
The Rival Clergy for Chaplainship to Congress.
For Sale at this Office,
The Clerical Candidates.
A POEM.
The above work is printed on fine wove
paper, containing 36 pages, octavo, price
25 cents.
Dec. 3.
d
FALL GOODS.
The Subscriber has received,
by the Reserve from London, part of his
FALL ASSORTMENT,
and is in daily expectation of receiving
the balance by the first arrivals from Li-
verpool.
James Wilson.
Sept. 12.
d
FOR CHARTER,
The Schooner
RACHAEL,
Burthen about 86 tons. Apply to Capt. Russell Ste-
vens, or to
KORN & WISEMILLER.
January 7.
Notice is hereby given,
To the Stockholders of the Bank
of Alexandria,
THAT a dividend of four and an half
per cent. on the old capital stock, and
three per cent. on the new augmented
stock of said bank, for the half year end-
ing this day is declared, and will be
ready to be paid to them or their legal
representatives, on Thursday next, the
7th instant.
By order of the President and Directors.
GURDEN CHAPIN, Cashier.
Jan. 4.
co3w
FOR SALE,
On Credit, or for Cash, as may suit pur-
chasers,
That Lot with the House
thereon, lately possessed by Mr. Jones,
Coachmaker, situated on Fairfax Street,
near the centre of the square formed by
Queen and Cameron Streets, running par-
allel with said Streets 123 feet 5 inches,
and fronting on Fairfax Street 39 feet 1 1/2
inches, with the privilege of a 10 feet
alley adjoining.
Also,
That convenient Lot, with the very
complete and substantial Buildings there-
on, in the town of Dumfries, occupied by
Mr. E. Smock. COLIN AULD.
Alexandria, January 4.
tawtf
VALUABLE MEDICINES.
SAMUEL BISHOP,
STATIONER and BOOKSELLER,
Respectfully informs the public that he has
received a fresh supply of the following
esteemed Medicines from Lee and Co.
Baltimore, who have appointed him
their only Vendor in Alexandria.
HAMILTON'S
WORM DESTROYING LOZENGES.
FOUR YEARS
Have scarcely elapsed since the introduction of
HAMILTON'S WORM DESTROYING LO-
ZENGES into general use, yet in this short pe-
riod upwards of
One Hundred and Twenty Thousand
Persons of both sexes, of every age, and in every
situation have received benefit from this extraor-
dinary remedy, in various complaints arising from
worms and from obstructions in the stomach and
bowels.
This medicine, which is as innocent and mild as
it is certain and efficacious in its operation, cannot
injure the youngest infant, or the most delicate
pregnant lady, should no worms exist in the body;
but will, without pain or griping, cleanse the sto-
mach and bowels, removing whatever is foul or
offensive within, particularly that slimy humor
from whence worms and many fatal disorders pro-
ceed.
Children generally take this medicine with ea-
gerness; having a pleasing appearance, and an
agreeable taste.
A dose of this medicine given occasionally will
effectually prevent the vomiting and purging of
children, a dreadful disorder which annually de-
stroys thousands of the infant part of our cities. It
is likewise the mildest and most certain remedy
known, and has restored to health and strength a
great number when in an advanced stage of this
fatal complaint. Particular and plain instructions
are given for every part of the necessary treat-
ment in such cases.
The celebrity acquired by the Worm Lozenges,
particularly in the city of Baltimore, renders the
further publication of certificates in their favor,
an unnecessary expense.
Description of Worms, and the symptoms
by which they are known.
Worms which infest the human body, are chief-
ly of four kinds, viz. the Tereis or large round
worm, the Ascarides, or small maw worm, the
Cucurbitina, or short, flat, white worm, and
a tiny, the Tania, or tape worm, so called from
its resemblance to tape; this is often many yards
long, and is full of joints—it is most hurtful, and
most difficult to cure.
Among the symptoms attending worms, are
disagreeable breath, especially in the morning—
Bad and corrupted gums—itching in the nose
and about the seat—Convulsions and epileptic
fits, and sometimes privation of speech—gnashing
and grinding of the teeth in sleep—Irregular ap-
petite, sometimes loathing food, and sometimes
voracious—Purgung, with slimy and foetid stools
Vomiting—Large and hard belly—Pains and
sickens at the stomach—Pains in the head and
thighs, with lowness of spirits—Slow fever, with
small and irregular pulse—A dry cough—Excess-
sive thirst—Sometimes pale and unhealthy coun-
tenance, and sometimes the face bloated and
flushed.
Persons afflicted with any of the above symp-
toms, should have immediate recourse to HA-
MILTON'S WORM DESTROYING LO-
ZENGES, which have been constantly attend-
ed with success in all complaints similar to those
above described.
Hamilton's
GRAND RESTORATIVE,
Is recommended as an invaluable medicine, for
the speedy relief and permanent cure of the vari-
ous complaints which result from dissipated plea-
sure—juvenile indiscretions—residence in cli-
mates unfavourable to the constitution—the im-
moderate use of tea, frequent intoxication, or any
other destructive intemperance—the unskilful or
excessive use of mercury—the diseases peculiar to
females, at a certain period of life—bad lying-
in, &c. &c.
And is proved by long and extensive experience
to be absolutely unparalled in the cure of
Nervous disorders, Violent cramps in the
Consumptions, Stomach and back,
Lowness of spirits, Indigestion,
Lots of appetite, Melancholy,
Impurity of the blood, Gout in the stomach,
Hysterical affections, Pains in the limbs,
Inward weakness, Relaxations,
Seminal weaknesses, Involuntary emissions,
Folur albus, (or whites) Obstinate gleets,
Barrenness, Impotency, &c. &c.
The principal operations of this remedy are in
the stomach, restoring the digestive powers, and
sending from that organ new health and vigor
into every part of the system; it enriches and pu-
rifies the blood without inflaming it; braces, with-
out stimulating too violently the nervous system;
strengthens the secretary vessels and the general
habit; brings back the muscular fibres to their
natural and healthy tone; and restores that nutri-
tion which immoderate evacuations have destroy-
ed, and which has thrown the whole frame
into languor and debility.
The Restorative is absolutely above all recom-
mendation in removing those weaknesses and in-
firmities with which many females are afflicted,
the consequences of difficult and painful labours,
or of injudicious treatment therein.
The most obstinate seminal gleets, and the most
distressing cases of fluor albus in females, fall par-
ticularly under the province of this Restorative—
speedily yield to its benign operation, and are
radically cured, by correcting and purifying the
acrimonious humors, restoring a proper degree
of tension to the relaxed fibres, and strengthening
the weakened organs.
In cases of extremity, where the long preva-
lence and obstinacy of disease has brought on a
general impoverishment of the system, excessive
debility of the whole frame, and a wasting of the
flesh, which no nourishment or cordial could re-
pair, a perseverance in the use of this medicine
has performed the most astonishing cures.
Dr. HAMILTON'S ESSENCE AND EX-
TRACT OF MUSTARD,
A safe and effectual remedy for rheumatism,
gout, palsy, sprains and bruises, white swellings,
old strains, and relaxations, numbness and weak-
ness of the joints, stiffness of the neck, pains of
the side, head ache, swelled faces, frozen limbs,
and every similar complaint. It prevents chil-
blains, or chopped hands, and the ill effects of get-
ting wet or damp in the feet.
The extract is celebrated for removing cold &
windy complaints in the stomach and bowels' fly-
ing pains, and other spasmodic affections.
The testimony of thousands, and daily experi-
ence, sufficiently prove the superiority of the above
medicine over all others, in the cure of the mala-
dies we have enumerated.
Dr. HAMILTON'S ELIXIR,
A sovereign remedy for Colds, Obstinate Coughs,
Asthmas, Catarrhs, Sore Throats, and Ap-
proaching Consumptions.
To parents who may have children afflicted
with the HOOPING COUGH.
This discovery is of the first magnitude, as it
affords immediate relief, checks the progress, and
in a short time entirely removes the most cruel
disorder to which children are liable—the Elixir
is perfectly agreeable and the dose so small, that
no difficulty arises in taking it.
Dr. HAHN'S ANTI-BILLIOUS-PILLS.
The operation of these pills is perfectly mild, so
as to be used with safety by persons in every situ-
tion, and of every age.