The Patowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]), 1791-03-15 00:00:00

The PATOWMAC GUARDIAN, and BERKELEY ADVERTISER.
PRICE TWO DOLLARS PER ANN.]
T U E S D A Y, MARCH 15, 1791.
[NUMBER 18 OF VOL. I.]
WHERE LIBERTY DWELLS, THERE IS MY COUNTRY.
Franklin.
Jolley Ranter,
WILL cover Mares this Season, AT the house of Mr. JAMES STRODE, 4 miles from MARTINSBURG, from the THIRD DAY OF APRIL, to the FIRST day of JULY ensuing, at TWO DOLLARS cash, and one bushel of oats the single leap; or, FOUR DOLLARS, and one bushel of oats the season, payable the first day of SEPTEMBER; if not then paid, FIVE DOLLARS will be demanded—EIGHT DOLLARS and one bushel of oats will insure a colt. The JOLLEY RANTER is a beautiful BRIGHT BAY, about 16 hands high, full blooded, imported from GREAT-BRITAIN, and will recommend himself to good judges, without giving a long preamble of his pedigree. Good Pasturing may be had convenient, and care taken, by
JOSEPH M'DANALD.
N. B. Good Merchantable Wheat, delivered at Mr. EDWARD BEASON's Mill, at the Market price, will be received in payment for Mares brought for the season, if delivered by the first of September. March 4, 1791. 6w
Notice!
THIS is to forewarn any person or persons whatsoever, of purchasing, or taking an assignment of, any writing of any kind, from WILLIAM DUNCAN, against the estate of JACOB MORGAN, deceased, as the Executor is determined not to be answerable therefor.
RICHARD MORGAN.
March 7, 1791.
To be sold, for a term of years, ONE HUNDRED ACRES OF L A N D, Or the one half of a Merchant-Mill.
Any person inclining to purchase, may know the terms, by applying to THOMAS HALL. Berkeley County, January 20, 1791.
Edward O. Williams Most respectfully acquaints the Public in general, and his Friends in particular,
THAT he has recommenced the practice of PHYSIC and SURGERY in this town, living opposite Mr. Wyncoops.
Shepherd's-Town, January 24, 1791.
To be RENTED in CHARLES-TOWN, BERKELEY, THAT VALUABLE H O U S E,
Where Mr. JAMES HAMMOND now keeps Store. IT is well calculated for either Store or Tavern, and may be entered on the 1st. of April next. ALSO, that commodious HOUSE where Mr. PHILIP WELSH lives, opposite Mr. HAMMOND's Store. And a new finished two-story HOUSE, on the Main Street, fit for a genteel private family, or a tradesman. For particulars, apply to the Subscriber, near the premises.
WILLIAM CHERRY.
January 6, 1791.
Blank Deeds of Bargain and Sale, Common Bonds, &c. may be had at this Office.
FROM THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
MR. FENNO, Agreeable to the hint in No. 74 of your Gazette, I send you the following, which may enable your readers to form some ideas on THE PRESENT STATE OF THE AMERICAN NATION.
POPULATION of the United States, Whites, 3,000,000. Blacks, 700,000. *Representatives to the general government, 65. Number of souls to each representative, 61,538. Number of males between 16 and 60, Whites, 825,000. Blacks, 175,000. Number of persons exempted from militia service, about 100,000. Number of fighting men from 18 to 45, about 600,000. Gross amount of duties, impost and taxes, collected in the year 1790.
For support of the general government, payment of foreign interest, and to create a sinking fund, 2,500,000. For support of the State governments, 1,500,000. 4,000,000. Each soul pays 1 dollar.—Each male between 16 and 60, pays 4 dollars.
The amount to be collected in the present year will be greater, because provision must be made for paying the interest on the national debt.—The whole gross amount that will be necessary, may be computed at 6,000 dollars*—out of which the United States may have a sinking fund, which, in addition to the Western lands, may reduce the debt, in a period of time not very long, to a trifle. Each soul will then pay 1 1/2 dollar. Each man, between 16 and 60, would pay 6 dollars; but when it is considered that the revenue of the United States is chiefly collected by duties on consumption, and that the rich consume more than the poor, it is probable that the poorer class of citizens will not pay half a dollar a year.
The debt of the United States divides itself into foreign and domestic. The foreign debt, the interest of which is payable in Europe, including the last 2,000,000 loan, may be computed at 12,000,000. This part of the debt is liable to augmentation, as there is power to borrow 12,000,000 to dis-
* This number, in all probability, at the next general election, will be increased to one hundred.
† Formed as follows, viz. For the general government, Annual expences of government, 800,000. To pay foreign and domestic interest: about 3,000,000. For sinking fund, about 200,000. 4,000,000.
For the state governments. Annual expence of civil list in each state; interest on debt not assumed; improvements in inland navigation and roads; poor rates; city taxes; contributions to clergy, and public buildings, 2,000,000. 6,000,000.
Which may be raised in the following manner viz, For the general government. Impost, including the additional duties and tonnage, 3,200,000. Excise, or duty on rum and other spirits imported, or distilled within the United States, 800,000. 4,000,000. For the state governments. Tax on carriages, Tax on Slaves, Tax on horses, cattle, sheep, and other animals, Tax on monies at interest, Tax on professions and stock in trade, Tax on houses and town lots, Tax on land, Tax on law proceedings, Tax on collateral legacies, And the States may devise many others, if some one or other of these do not suit their purpose. One advantage may arise from this divided mode of taxation, viz. an equalizing of the burthens of all the people of the State; for if the system of taxation adopted by the general government should fall partially on any description of persons, the state legislature may collect the necessary revenue for state purposes, from those on whom the general revenue does not fall.
charge arrearages of interest, and to effect some changes in the debt, beneficial to the Union.
The domestic debt may be as follows—on the idea of the whole being subscribed—
  6 per cents, bearing interest from 1st January, 1791, about 19,000,000   6 per cents, bearing interest from 1st January, 1792, 10,000,000   29,000,000   6 per cents, bearing interest from 1st January, 1801, 13,000,000   3 per cents, bearing interest from 1st January, 1791, 14,000,000   3 per cents, bearing interest from 1st January, 1792, 7,000,000   21,000,000 
Interest to be provided in 1791. On foreign debt, with necessary charges, 600,000. Domestic debt, 10,000,000 6 per cents, 1,140,000. 14,000,000 3 per cents, 420,000. 2,160,000.
For 1792, Foreign debt, 600,000. 29,000,000 6 pr. cents. 1,740,000. 21,000,000 3 pr. cents. 630,000. Total annual interest until 1801, 2,970,000.
Some part of the domestic debt has been discharged in the course of the last year, perhaps as much as 300,000 dollars, the annual interest of which, and the interest on all other sums which may be hereafter discharged, becomes an augmentation to the sinking fund.
The whole debt of the United States is about 75,000,000.
What the debts due by the several States will be, after the assumption, is difficult to say, but at most cannot exceed 10,000,000.
85,000,000. The whole territory of the United States, is 1,000,000 square miles.
That part which is granted to individuals, or which the United States, or particular States, have a right to grant, may be computed at five hundred thousand square miles, or 320,000,000 acres—which is 80 acres to each soul.
On the idea that the land is bound to pay the whole debt, every square acre is mortgaged for about 14 cents; but if only that part which is already in possession of the United States and several States, be taken into view, then every square acre will be mortgaged for about 28 cents, and admitting that every acre of land, on an average, is worth five dollars, it will then be pledged for only one eighteenth part of its value.
If we look among the European governments, for such as are nearest in extent to our own, we shall find France and Germany, together with Spain, nearly equal to our present territory in possession; but when we contemplate the whole extent of our territory we shall find it nearly equal to France, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Spain, Great-Britain and Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Turkey in Europe.
It is said that the debt of Great-Britain is nearly equal to one half the value of the whole property of the people—whether in land, cash, ships, stock on lands, produce, manufactures, plate, jewels, furniture, or the royal navy and implements of war.
If we compute the value of the several heads as they respect the United States, perhaps the following may be nearly the truth, viz. Dolls.
  300,000,000 acres land, at 5 dollars on an average, including all the cities, 1,500,000,000   Cash of the United States, 10,000,000   Merchant ships of the United States, including coasters, 20,000,000   Stock on the lands, and necessary implements of husbandry, boats, waggons and geers, 5,000,000   Value of produce and manufactures exported and for home consumption, 65,000,000   Plate, jewels and furniture, 5,000,000   700,000 slaves may be valued at 75,000,000   1,680,000,000 
Besides which is the right of pre-emption to the land in possession of the Indians, and the vessels and warlike stores belonging to the United States and the several States.
Say the debt of the United States and the several States, foreign and domestic, is 85,000,000, then the proportion between the value of the whole property and the debt will be about twenty to one, and the ability of the people of the United States to pay their debt, is ten times greater than that of the people of Great-Britain.

Foreign Advices.
BRABANT AND FLANDERS.
The affairs of the Provinces have now drawn to a crisis—The following are the latest particulars that have arrived, and as an article of importance, deserve attention.—The proceedings in the Congress on the 21st inst. were communicated to Mr. Pitt last night.
ON the 18th instant, an express arrived at the Hague with dispatches for Abbe Van Leempoe, Envoy for the Belgic Congress to the States general, informing him that four members of Congress M. Petitjean, the Chevalier de Bouffies, Count Baillet, and M. de Graaf, were on their way to the Hague, to assist him in treating with the Ministers of the three allied powers.
On the 19th these four gentlemen, accompanied by Abbe Van Leempoe, had a conference at the house of the Pensionary Van Spiegel, with the English and Prussian Ministers. On the 20th they met a second time at the same place, and set out the same day for Brussels.
At these meetings they laboured to procure a delay or respite from the 21st of November, the period fixed by the Emperor's Manifesto for the submission of the Netherlands, to the 6th of December.—But he failed in the attempt, the Ministers of the Allied Courts inflexibly refusing to bend themselves to a request which they said appeared to them unreasonable, and little suited to the dignity of their respective sovereigns, or of his Imperial Majesty.
Previous to the departure of the four members from Brussels, a schism had taken place in the Congress, and parties had run exceedingly high, and the two first orders of the states of Brabant, the Clergy and Nobles, had passed resolutions which were to form the basis of an agreement with the Emperor.
On the 13th, when it was debated in Congress, whether a negotiation should be opened with the Emperor's Ministers on the ground of the terms offered in his Manifesto, it is said, that Messrs. Van Rypean and Vandernoot, successively rose, and each took a solemn oath never to consent to treat with the Emperor, upon any terms which should imply that he was, or ever should be, recognized sovereign of the Netherlands.
They endeavoured to gain over the other members to their opinion, but without success; for the members for the Provinces of Hainault, Flanders, and Tournaisis, and for the cities of Tournay and Antwerp, declared that they had received instructions from their respective constituents, to consent to an accommodation with the Emperor, and to treat with him upon the ground of his being recognized their lawful sovereign.
To remove these differences of opinion, it was proposed, that in a meeting of the Congress, which was held at Brussels, on the 21st instant, the day limited by the Emperor's Manifesto, that the Emperor should never be acknowledged as the sovereign of these states, but that to prevent, if possible, the further effusion of human blood, his third son the Arch-Duke Charles, should be elected to the sovereignty.
This proposal was debated for some time, and at 1 o'clock at night it was unanimously resolved in the Congress, that the Arch-Duke Charles be elected to the sovereignty, under the titles of Marque, Conte, and Duc de Belgic, under such regulations as may be determined on, bound to reside in the country of the states, to govern them by their ancient laws, and agreeable to the articles of their constitution; and to preserve to all and each of the states, their respective rights, immunities, and privileges.—The succession to be hereditary in his family, never to revert to any branch of the House of Austria, possessing the sovereignty of any other country.
Whether the Emperor will agree to the proposal, will be known in a few days.—At any rate, a fairer ground of reconciliation seems to have presented itself than was first expected.
V I E N N A, Nov. 13.
Prince Gallitzin, the Russian Ambassador, received a courier the day before yesterday from Prince Potemkin, with the news of a complete victory gained the 10th of October, by the troops of the Empress of Russia, over the Seraskier Catel Bey, Pacha of three tails, who commanded an army of 40 000 Turks, with which he was ordered to penetrate into the southern provinces of Russia.
Prince Potemkin being informed that the enemy's army had already moved from Anapa, gave orders to the different corps, in the Cuban and the neighbourhood of Mount Caucasus, to march forward and give battle. One of the corps commanded by General Herman, met with the enemy at a small distance from the river of Cuban, which Catel Bey had just passed; he attacked the Turkish army, notwithstanding its great superiority, with such impetuosity as totally to defeat it.
The whole of the enemy's camp, with all the artillery consisting of more than 30 pieces, all the ammunition, provision, tents and baggage, fell into the hands of the victors, and the Turkish General himself, and all his suite, were made prisoners of war.
The Russian General had chosen a most advantageous position, and at one onset more than 5000 were killed on the spot, and the rest of the Otto-
man army forced to a precipitate flight, in which a great number were drowned in the Cuban.
N A P L E S, Nov. 2.
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius has ceased, without having done much damage to the cultivated parts of the mountain. The late eruption was certainly the most violent that has happened since that of the year 1779, which was truly alarming and destructive.
United States.
B O S T O N, January 29.
Extract of a letter from London.
“Mr. Elliot, late resident at the Court of Sweden, from this country, is named Ambassador to the United States of America. He is a gentleman of the first family in this country, and is much attached to yours. In this appointment Ministry have adopted a principle of regard for the promotion of the intercourse and a liberal trade between the two nations. The American credit is rapidly appreciating in this country—and the respect for the STARS and STRIPES is increasing throughout all Europe.”
London papers mention, that the British parliament had determined again to take up the abolition of the African slave trade; notwithstanding all the clamours from the south western parts of England, particularly of the Liverpool merchants, whose shameful interest it is, that this infernal trade should be continued, to the disgrace of the present century, and the country that permits it.
A L B A N Y, February 7.
In electing federal Senators, in the State of Vermont, a question is left by the Legislature to be decided by the Senate of the United States.
The choice lies between the honorable Noah Smith, Moses Robinson and Stephen R. Bradley, Esquires, two of whom are undoubtedly legally elected.
The question to be decided, turns wholly upon the legality of a vote, given for Mr. Robinson, by Governor Chittenden, when presiding in a meeting of both Houses of the Legislature.
If, in that situation, the Governor had no right to give any but a casting vote, then Mr. Smith is elected first Senator; if he had a right to give a vote other than a casting one, Mr. Robinson is elected.
The phrase in the constitution of Vermont, which explains this point, is, in substance, ‘The Governor shall preside in Council, and have a casting, but no other, vote.’
In case Mr. Smith's election should be confirmed, a further question will arise, which of the other two gentlemen will hold his office of Senator.
H A R T F O R D, January 21.
The assembly of Massachusetts, acting on truly republican principles, have some time since abolished the right of primogeniture, by which in times past of ignorance and bigotry, the eldest son has received a double portion of his father's estate. This is an example worthy of imitation, and I wish that it might be followed by the enlightened republic of Connecticut: for the law which constitutes, what is called the right of primogeniture, appears not founded on reason, and can recur only to tradition or some despotic establishment for support. The case may happen where the eldest son is not half an hour older than the second. It may also happen where the eldest son is the most expensive, and least profitable of the whole family:—Now, what says reason in those cases? Her decision is, let each be rewarded according to his merits. Again, let us put a common case: A man leaves an intestate interest of 3000l. to five sons; now by the mode of primogeniture the eldest will have 500l. more than either of the rest, which will make his share one third of the whole estate; and why this? Say he has been in his father's service 2 years longer than the second; but has he been 2 years clear of all expence, earned 500l.? By no means, and even what he has gained is by no means of principle not his own, and to which the joint efforts of his brethren have contributed. Why then should he have 500l. more than another? Has he earned something more? Then let him be compensated: But why in the name of reason should he be paid a large sum merely for coming into the world a little sooner than the other? For that is a matter in which his merit has no more concern than in the colour of his hair.
To those who plead the levitical law for the custom, it may be observed, that the Jewish law was made for the Jews: But what have we as legislators to do with the types and ceremonies of their religion? If the tricklers for the right of primogeniture hold themselves bound to obey the Jewish laws, let them be circumcised, and abstain from eating pork; let them by the consistency of their conduct avoid the just censure incurred by that denomination, who say they are Jews and are not.—But let them not incorporate their traditions with the civil policy of a free modern republic.
N E W - Y O R K, February 21.
The Reverend John Thayer, a Catholic clergyman at Boston, has challenged any Protestant Divine, of whatever denomination, to dispute with him publicly on the truth of the doctrines of the church of Rome. Mr. Leslie, a Presbyterian minister, has accepted the challenge, upon condition however, that the dispute shall be carried on in the Boston newspapers; so that we may expect warm
work, if the Printers be engaged in the service of their respective champions. Unfortunately perhaps for the well-meant efforts of both these gentlemen, the world at present seems to have lost all relish for these antiquated theological questions, which have so often deluged Europe in blood, and too deeply interested all ranks, from the Prince to the menial. At present the empire of reason seems to be prevailing in the world, and all speculative disquisitions not strictly conformable thereto, will no doubt be treated with the neglect they deserve.
Never (says a correspondent) was any species of atrocious villainy more prevalent in any country than that which is at present practised in the United States, of altering and counterfeiting State Certificates, and other public securities of different denominations. A gang of villains, generally well dressed, are merely employed in travelling through the country, imposing upon unguarded people; and in many instances to the great detriment, if not total ruin of the honest farmer, or other unsuspecting persons. A mode of counterfeiting is said to be now practised by those infamous wretches so completely answering their purpose as almost to baffle a possibility of detection. Their secret, however, is fortunately discovered, which it is hoped, will be one great step towards disappointing those pests of society in future. The following may (among numerous other instances) be depended on for a fact: a farmer in Morris county, (New-Jersey) had a state certificate of 500 dollars, which two or three persons, unknown to him, made overtures of purchasing. Having, by the farmer's consent, examined the certificate, and made their observations thereon, they took their leave, promising to call again in few days and talk with the owner further about purchasing it—They accordingly returned, bringing with them a false certificate of the same date, value, &c. and so nicely executed, that in passing it back and forward among them they took an opportunity of making an exchange, and thus imposing upon the unfortunate proprietor a counterfeit security for the true one.
The legislature of S. Carolina, now in session has chosen Jacob Read, Esq. speaker of the house, and David Ramsay, Esq. speaker of the Senate.
The speaker informed the house, that, in conformity to their resolve at the last session, he had imported from England “a superb gown of black satin, ornamented with velvet tassels, richly fringed.”
It is said to be an exact pattern to that worn by the speaker of the British house of commons.
The number of inhabitants within the state of South-Carolina, as reported to the legislature, is 126,131.
The magistrates of New-London have hit upon an excellent method of punishing petty criminals, and at the same time making them useful to the public. Great numbers who have been confined one, two, or three years in the prison called Newgate, have, at the expiration of their time, been turned out complete masters of the nailing business, who, when they were put in, were acquainted with no other art than shop-lifting and house-breaking.
Accounts from Paris say, that on the 4th of November last, there were sold in that city of the assignats, or funded paper money, one hundred and twenty-five million of livres, at five and one quarter per cent. above par.
P H I L A D E L P H I A, February 24.
A CORRESPONDENT congratulates his fellow-citizens on the late nonconcurrence of the resolutions of the House of Representatives by the Senate of this state, on the subject of the duty proposed to be laid by Congress on spirituous liquors. These resolutions recall to the mind of every reflecting citizen the precipitation to which the more numerous branch of a Legislature are frequently exposed. Just selected from the mass of the people they come forward with all their passions, prejudices and fears—led often by designing and plausible men, who with to gain their confidence, by advocating measures which seem to have the immediate good of the state in view—they are persuaded to sacrifice the most remote but more essential interests of the people—These remarks apply strikingly to the resolutions lately adopted by the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania—But query—have the gentlemen who originated these considered soberly their nature or tendency? Admitting that a revenue is indispensably necessary to support the credit, peace, and welfare of the Union, have they ascertained which is the least exceptionable source? If they have murmured at what they call an excise, they would storm and rave at a land tax. If a duty was proposed to be laid on law proceedings they would bellow—citizens beware!—your liberties are in danger—behold a stamp act! In short, Congress can apply to no source of revenue, but some interested persons will raise a clamour, because in sooth, “the craft is in danger.”
Contemplating this law of Congress as yet capable of many amendments, have the pre-eminently enlightened leaders of our sovereign House of Representatives been influenced by either prudence or patriotism? Has this “council of revision” to Congress, as they were properly stiled by a distinguished southern delegate, observed that delicacy and reverence towards the assembled wisdom of the United States which became them? have they not rather been guilty of hasty presumption, and mischievous folly; In regard to the gentleman of this city, who brought forward these resolutions, and who supported them most strenuously, it is high time he should at least attempt something to induce a belief among his constituents that he has their interest in view.—How unlucky it is that he did not exert his wondrous talents in their behalf at a time of gens-

ral difficulty and danger, and maintain their liberty and independence. But he has the merit of being perfectly uniform in his conduct. After thwarting collection of the impost under the laws of Pennsylvania, by countenancing smuggling, he now comes forward with his syllabub declamations and newspaper authorities, to prevent the adoption of the most expedient system of revenue, which the wisdom of Congress can devise, thus endeavouring, as far as his humble power extends, to effect his favorite plan, of wiping off the whole continental debt, and by this means, to demolish the rising credit and prosperity of the United States.
Extracts of a letter from London, dated Nov. 30.
"It is with pleasure I inform you, that the credit and character of the American states is rapidly appreciating in this country; one considerable proof of which is, the speedy appointment of an Ambassador to reside in Philadelphia, whose arrival, it is said, will be succeeded by a commercial treaty with Great Britain; and which, if constituted upon the liberal basis of reciprocal advantage, cannot be otherwise than highly beneficial to both countries. Many of your works of literature are in growing estimation on this side of the Atlantic; and as refinement advances, we have no small apprehensions of rivals in the fine arts rising in the western woods. An American production, entitled "A Law Case, between Solomon Dath, and Fred. Flute," has been lately delivered with great eclat in the British theatre, owing to that fund of satirical humour with which it abounds, and yet is of such a nature as to please without offending."
NOTE.
* See a volume of Miscellaneous pieces, by P. Freneau—page 216.
CHAMBERSBURG, (Penns.) February 3.
A gentleman just arrived from Kentucky, has favored us with a Lexington newspaper of the 1st of January, from which we have extracted the following article:
"It was currently reported on Friday evening, that the English had taken New Orleans from the Spaniards; the account is said to have come by a gentleman who has arrived from that place by land and who says he was present when the English took possession, which account seems to be confirmed by another gentleman who has just arrived from the same place by the way of Philadelphia, who says, on his way down the Mississippi from Orleans, he passed an English 74, 64, and one transport, on their way up the river, and that before he left the mouth of the river he heard a heavy cannonade supposed to be at Orleans."
The gentleman also informs, that on the way through the wilderness, one of their company was killed by an accidental falling of a dead tree—his name was John Hall, and he formerly resided near Catfish, in Washington county.
It was reported in Kentucky that an expedition against the Indian towns would take place about the first of March next, and preparations were accordingly making—but by what authority, or under whose command, was not certainly known.
SHEPHERD'S-TOWN, March 15.
Last Thursday morning the Honorable ALEXANDER WHITE, Esq; passed through this town, on his return from the Congress of the United States—which Honorable Body adjourned on the 3d inst. to meet again on the 1st of November, ensuing.
Previous to the close of the session, the following, among other acts, were passed.—
An act in addition to the act for establishing the permanent Seat of Government; which amendment extends so as to include the whole of the town of Alexandria.
An act providing for the defence of the Western Territory. [It was this bill which engrossed the attention of the House of Representatives at the several periods when the galleries were ordered to be cleared.]
And an act for establishing a National Bank.
The Militia Bill was referred to the next session. Governor St. Clair has been appointed to the command of all the Western Forces, in the room of General Harmer. The appointment of General Morgan to this command, as mentioned in a former paper, was an error.
By a person who arrived here a few days since from the Western Country, we were informed, that on the 16th of January last, Capt. John Lamasfer was killed, by the savages, on Indian Short-Creek, and ten horses stolen.—That on the 27th, ten horses were stolen on Indian Wheeling.—That on the 29th, Mr. James Boggs and five others, coming in from hunting, were fired on about break of day; Boggs was killed, and one man wounded, but made his escape with the other four, after loosing seven horses, six rifles, all their skins and meat.—And that on the 11th of February, a small party of Indians came on Indian Short Creek, and killed and took prisoners Francis Ryley and family, consisting of nine souls—one woman made her escape after being taken and tied.
A correspondent observes—If the opinion of all the inhabitants of the United States could be collected, I am fully persuaded there would be two to one in favor of the excise on spirituous liquors—mothers, wives and sisters, would cheerfully assent to it; fathers would join in sentiment. When I behold reason, the boasted pre-eminence over the beast—expunged as it were by the excessive draughts of this poisonous fluid; and when I reflect upon the melancholy consequences of intoxication, I am rea-
dy to wish (if it could be collected) that 100 per cent. duty was laid upon it. But perhaps I am wrong, it is doubtless a republican drink, and all from the highest to the lowest, when they have copiously drank, are reduced to one level; no odious distinctions any longer exist; indeed it is shortening being's chain by uniting the links of human and brute, so as to make them but one.
On Tuesday night last, about 8 o'clock, a most daring robbery was committed at the dwelling-house of Mr. George House, about 5 miles from this town. A party of villains, to the number of 5 or 6, advanced towards the house—on their way they were met by Mr. House and his wife, the former of which they immediately knocked down and wounded in such a shocking manner, that his life is despaired of; the latter, by a manly exertion, overcame one of the miscreants, but in the moment of victory the unfortunately received a stroke from another of the gang, which deprived her of sensation. They then entered the house and continued their barbarities by beating the whole family with clubs until they were rendered incapable of resistance:—after which they went to and broke open Mr. House's chest, took from thence a sum of money to the amount of fifty-six pounds, and made off—no person being near to afford any assistance.
It is with pleasure we have since been informed, that four persons, of whom there is very strong suspicion of their being guilty of the horrid deed, have been apprehended and lodged in Hagerstown goal. It is expected that the public will not suffer the perpetrators of such villainy and cruelty to escape—and that the law will, in its force, bring them to condign punishment.
CENSUS of the Inhabitants of MASSACHUSETTS as taken by the Marshall of that District.
Counties, 11.—Towns, 265.—Houses, 54,477.—Families, 65,779.—Free white males, 16 years old and upwards, 94,453.—Free white males, under 16 years, 87,289.—Free white females, 190,582.—All other free persons, 5,463.—Total of each county, 378,787.—Slaves, NONE.
An author, in the Poughkeepsie Journal, treating upon education, recommends the introduction of newspapers into schools.—"These, says he, being compiled of various matter, and always of something attracting to young minds, will not only lead them to read well, but from the variety of their contents, to read each subject with a proper cadence; and also enlighten them in the history of the world, and manners of mankind." Should, however, the proposed tax upon newspapers take place, the benefit that might accrue from these publications to the rising generation will be entirely lost.
From the PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE.
To the Philadelphia County Society for the Promotion of Agriculture and Domestic Manufactures.
GENTLEMEN,
HAVING been informed of the advantage of using the Tops of Indian Corn, cut as rye-straw, to be mixed with potatoes, shorts or meal, for horses and cattle, I have been making the experiment during the present winter, and find that my cattle thrive better on this fodder than on rye-straw. Corn stalks certainly contain a quantity of saccharine substance, and therefore must be highly nutritive. Being cut, and scalded with a small quantity of bran, they afford an excellent mess for milch cows. In the common way of foddering cattle with corn tops, the blades are greedily eaten off but the stalks are wasted. By adopting the plan recommended, the whole, afford a nutritive food.
I am, with great respect, Gentlemen, Your assured friend,
Stanton, Feb. 6, 1791. GEORGE LOGAN.
Published by Order of the Society, JOHN LARDNER, Sec.
A N E C D O T E.
MR. ADDISON was subject to a native timidity, which nothing could surmount.—Upon a very interesting debate in the House of Commons, he essayed to speak, and began with, "Mr. Speaker I humbly convulse."—This he repeated thrice. A gentleman in opposition replied, "The worthy member has convulsed thrice and brought forth nothing;" which so effectually dashed Addison, that he was unable to proceed.
IT is remarkable, that two of the most universally read books in the English language were wrote by plain unlettered men—the Pilgrim's Progress by Bunyan, and Robinson Crusoe by De Foe.
That was a good repartee which a father made to his friend who advised him to prevent his son's marrying till he became wife:—"You are wrong, my friend," said the father, "for if he ever becomes wise he will "never marry."
From the NEW-YORK DAILY ADVERTISER. ON THE PROPOSED TAXATION OF NEWS-PAPERS.
'TIS time to tax the News (old Gripus cries) Subjects were never good that were too wise:
In every hamlet, every trifling town, Some vain ambitious fellow sits him down, On spacious folio prints his weekly mess, And spreads around the poison of his Press. Hence to the world the streams of scandal flow, To tell them secrets that they should not know; Hence courtiers sit with libels on their backs; And shall not News be humbled by a tax? Once ('tis most true) these Papers did some good, When British chiefs came bouncing o'er the flood; By these enkindled, every heart grew warm, By these excited, all were taught to arm;
When I, retiring to Britannia's clime, Sat brooding o'er the vast events of time, Doubtful which side to take, or what to say, Or who would win, or who would lose the day.
Those times are past; (my sentiment excuse) The well born sort, alone, should read the News: No common herds intrude behind the scene, To view the movements of the state-machine; One Paper only fill'd with pompous stuff, One Paper, for this country is enough; That fill'd with gifts from chaplains, squires and quacks, Shall have the merit to escape a tax."
MR. WILLIS,
In answer to a publication in your last, please to insert the following state of facts, and oblige your's. W. D.
THAT Matthew Duncan kept store in Shepherd's-Town—in the course of his business employed Jacob Morgan to purchase butter for him, and gave him about 281. Virginia currency, for that purpose—the butter, instead of being brought to M. Duncan, J. Morgan knowing of a rising price, went to market and sold it himself, and never returned the money. This occasioned a law-suit, which ended in Morgan's being adjudged to pay the debt and costs;—this happened in November, 1763—the debt continued unpaid in October, 1764.—Duncan willing to settle in any manner so as to be secure, bought a tract of land, containing one hundred acres, for sixty-five pounds from Morgan, and as far as I can learn and believe will be proved, was to give up Morgan's bond with judgment and execution thereon, in part payment. M. Duncan soon afterwards getting unfit for business, continued so until he died at the Warm Springs in 1765. After his decease, Mr. William Good, of Sharpburg, administered on M. Duncan's estate, and in the interval between M. Duncan's death and my arrival in this country in 1775, I found that Mr. Good had received a partial payment of Morgan's bond, and I myself did receive some payments of said bond, for which proper credits are allowed—but I always considered that the bond had no affinity or relation to the Bargain and Sale of said lands by Morgan to Duncan, and always told Morgan that I would insist upon getting the land. Several times he (Morgan) promised and proposed something (but always wavered) as compensation for the land and my right to it—this he never pretended to deny—surprising! after the death of my brother (Mr. Good, his administrator, not intervening) Mr. Jacob Morgan thought proper to sell the said tract of land anew, divided into lots, many of the purchasers whereof were not acquainted that what they then bought had been previously sold to my brother.—It appears to me throughout the whole of this transaction, or rather transactions, that Mr. Morgan, in hopes of being secure from the forgetfulness of the administrator, and no heir appearing, that he had liberty to make use of that disposed property, as best suited him. Evidences can be got, who from the first well knew the circumstances, and will attest the real nature of the bargain.
WILLIAM DUNCAN.
March 14, 1791.
***** + RANGER, + + WILL STAND THIS SEASON, + + AT MR. NATHANIEL CARTMELL, senior's, + + Five miles from WINCHESTER, and will + + cover Mares at TWO DOLLARS the season. + + ***** + RANGER is 15 1/2 hands high, a beauti- + + ful DARK BAY, strong and well made, and + + of a figure that will recommend himself to + + good judges. This Horse was got by FEAR- + + NOUGHT, a full blooded horse, who is well + + known in the Counties of FREDERICK and + + BERKELEY, for getting fine colts.—His Dam + + by the noted BOLD RANGER.—Such per- + + sons who wish to have VALUABLE COLTS on + + MODERATE TERMS, will find it their interest + + to apply to their most obedient servant, + + SOLOMON CARTMELL. + *****
** Cash given for clean Linen or Cotton Rags, at this Office.

SEAT OF THE MUSKS.
THE JUG OF RUM.
WITHIN these earthen walls confin'd The ruin lurks of human kind, More mischief here united, dwell, And more diseases haunt this cell Than ever plagu'd the Egyptian flocks, Or ever curs'd Pandora's box. Within these Prison-walls repose The seeds of many a bloody nose, The chattering tongue, the horrid oath, The first for fighting nothing loth, The nose with diamonds glowing red, The bloated eye, the broken head! Forever fasin'd be this door— Confin'd within, a thousand more Destructive fiends of hateful shape Even now are planning an escape. Here, only by a cork controul'd And slender walls of earthen mould, In all their pomp of death reside Revenge, that ne'er was satisfied, The tree that bears the deadly fruit Of maiming, murder, and dispute, Assault, the innocent assaults, The images of gloomy Jails— All these within this jug appear, And—Jack, the hangman, in the rear! Thrice happy he, who early taught By nature—ne'er this poison sought; He, with the purling stream content The beverage quaffs that nature meant; In reason's scale his actions weigh'd His spirits want no foreign aid— Long life is his, in vigour pass'd, Existence welcome to the last— A spring that never yet grew stale; Such virtue lies in Adam's ale.
ADVERTISEMENT.
WHEREAS the subscriber, on the 21st day of June, 1788, purchased of a certain WALLACE REED a Tract of Land, for which he was to give him the sum of ninety-eight pounds, Pennsylvania currency, eighteen pounds of which he paid in hand, and gave his obligations for ten pounds each, payable annually on the 15th day of March—six of which bonds only are unpaid. And whereas I am informed, and have every reason to believe, that the said WALLACE REED cannot make me a clear and good title for the land, I hereby forewarn all persons from taking assignments of the said Bonds, as I am determined to pay no more until I am assured of the title.
JOHN SHANEYBERRY.
January 25, 1791.
Shepherd's-Town New-Church  Lottery Tickets, Sold at the Printing-Office hereof.
TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF FREDERICK, BERKELEY, HAMPSHIRE, and HARDY.
ESTEEMED FRIENDS, THE season is approaching, when you will be called upon to elect a Senator for this District, and if life could last, I should continue to serve you with cheerfulness—but your prudence and attention is now necessary in making another choice. More than twenty-five years, the prime of life, have I devoted to your service, stimulated as I was, by a zeal for my country second to none, together with the uncommon marks of esteem conferred on me by the unanimous voice of these numerous and opulent Counties. More than fourteen years, added to the generous manner in which I had, preceding that period, been uniformly elected to the former legislature. A disposition thus affectionate, with a circumstance so peculiarly rare, demand my warmest thanks, which I offer with pleasure, and with a heartfelt consciousness that the rights of the people have at all times been very dear to me, whilst I now rejoice with them in the full enjoyment of a free constitution, and equal laws, which secure these rights, religious and civil. They, the People, have indeed delegated some powers very properly to Congress, which that honourable Body will no doubt exercise with great wisdom, prudence, and moderation, for the honour and real interest of the union; but all the members of the Federal Assembly being elective, the primary powers of government, the Majesty of the People, are by them retained, as they ought, and as sacred deposits, transmitted inviolate to latest posterity.—Our country, as a tender parent, claims the pious attention of every man of genius, as well as the people at large. May she continue to be revered with deepest regard, by her numerous patriot sons, and may they remain, as now, the most free and happy people, is the wish of their sincere friend,
R. RUTHERFORD.
BERKELEY COUNTY, February 15, 1791.
To be RENTED, for a term of years,  A Blacksmith's Shop
With a set of TOOLS, advantageously situated for business, about five miles from WINCHESTER.—There is also a Log Dwelling-House, with a good Garden, nearly adjoining. For terms, apply to NATHANIEL CARTMELL, living opposite the premises, or the Printer hereof.
TO BE SOLD, On Friday, the 25th day of March, The Personal Estate of ANDREW CALDWELL, deceased.
Consisting of
Household Goods,
Horses, Cows, Hogs, Indian Corn, and Grain in the ground, where due attendance and reasonable credit will be given, by me, SARAH CALDWELL, Administratrix.
ALL Persons having any just Demands against said Estate, are hereby desired to bring them in, properly attested, immediately, that they may be settled:—Likewise, those that are indebted to said Estate, are desired to make immediate payment, as no indulgence can be given by me, SARAH CALDWELL, Administratrix.
SHEPHERD'S-TOWN  New-Church LOTTERY.
THE following is the SCHEME OF A LOTTERY, to be drawn under an Act of the Honourable the Assembly of VIRGINIA, granting to the Trustees of the Congregation full power, by this method, to raise the sum herein proposed, for the purpose of completing their NEW MEETING-HOUSE in SHEPHERD'S-TOWN. Any of the Trustees who sign the Tickets, will be responsible to the fortunate adventurers, that the prizes drawn by them shall be paid in specie the next day after the Lottery is drawn—and that the drawing of it shall commence as soon as the Tickets are sold. There shall be in this Lottery
  1 Prize of 160 Dollars..... is..... 160   1 ditto of 80 ditto..... 80   2 ditto of 40 ditto..... 80   4 ditto of 20 ditto..... 80   8 ditto of 10 ditto..... 80   16 ditto of 5 ditto..... 80   50 ditto of 3 ditto..... 150   229 ditto of 2 ditto..... 458   The sum to be raised..... 832 
Dollars...2000
1000 Tickets at 2 Dollars each, are.....2000
In this Scheme there is little more than two
BLANKS to a PRIZE, and as it was unavoidably set on foot for the most laudable purpose, so the most ample justice may be expected, and we flatter ourselves it will meet with encouragement from every good man. The Trustees will be considered as Managers—and Col. JOSEPH SWEARINGEN, Col. WILLIAM DARKE, and Major ABRAHAM SHEPHERD, will be requested to sit as Judges at the time of drawing—which time will be published 3 weeks before it commences, in the PATOWMAC GUARDIAN and BERKELEY ADVERTISER.
JOHN KEARSLEY, JOHN MORROW, JOHN MARK, WILLIAM BUCKLE, LAURENCE VANDEVIER,
Trustees.
N. B. Tickets may be had from any of the Managers, and also from sundry other Gentlemen in the County.
A LOTTERY.
   Pennsylvania Currency.     1 Prize, - - - - - £ 516 0 0   1 ditto, - - - - - 275 0 0   1 ditto, - - - - - 150 0 0   1 ditto, a Horse, with new Saddle and Bridle, - - - - - 25 0 0   ditto, ditto, - - - - - 14 0 0   1 ditto, ditto, - - - - - 12 0 0   36 ditto, Lots, near 1 Acre, at 10s. each, 360 0 0   6 ditto, near 1 Acre, at 8s. 48 0 0   10 ditto, - - - - - 60s. 30 0 0   20 ditto, - - - - - 40s. 40 0 0   30 ditto, - - - - - 30s. 45 0 0   30 ditto, - - - - - 27/6 41 5 0   515 ditto, - - - - - 25s. 643 15 0   1 first Blank, a Saddle, - - - - - 2 10 0   1 last ditto, ditto, - - - - - 2 10 0   655 Prizes - - - - - £ 2205 0 0   1305 Blanks, - - - - -   1960 Tickets, at 3 Dollars each, - - - - - £ 2205 0 0  
TO THE PUBLIC.
EVERY person acquainted with LOTTERIES, cannot but perceive, that the above is framed and calculated, so as will, upon solid grounds, induce adventurers to purchase. NOT TWO BLANKS to a PRIZE; the lowest class of which are of value superior to the price of one ticket. That, with the consideration of such large prizes that will be drawn in a Lottery of such small amount. These, and the other prizes of Lands, are near the centre in MECKLENBURG, commonly called SHEPHERD'S-TOWN, or adjoining other Lots belonging to said Town. A sketch of the first or capital prizes, are as follow, viz. The highest prize contains a genteel Brick-House, forty six feet long, and eighteen feet wide, in which there are three rooms neatly finished, with a kitchen and garret; also, a cellar under the same, 30 by 18 feet. Said House fronts New-Street, and the stream of water that runs through said town, runs under said building. The area of this prize comprehends seventy-one feet square.
The second prize is a Stone Malt-House, fifty feet long, and twenty-four feet wide, well finished, and the situation calculated for the business. Also, a Brew-House, thirty-six by twenty-four feet;—they are both under one roof, but separated below by said stream; at the lower end is a vacancy of ten by twenty-four feet.
The third prize consists of a Frame House, eighteen by sixteen feet, has a cellar under it, fronts New-Street, 33 feet, and thence runs with King-Street, 71 feet, which renders it a valuable corner.
For a greater convenience to the fortunate drawers of said prizes, there is an alley laid off, five feet wide, which runs across the lot, dividing the second from the first and third above-mentioned prizes. These landed and other property, prices will be found on examination to be estimated on very moderate terms. Upon the whole, the Subscriber flatters himself, that every candid enquirer will find, that the property, &c. exposed, is fully adequate to the sums required.
For the execution of this Lottery, the following gentlemen, Major HENRY BEDINGER, Capt. ABRAHAM SHEPHERD, and Capt. JAMES KERNY, have been pleased to accept of the appointment of Trustees, to whom full power is granted, and them alone to sell and receive payment for the Tickets, and to give deeds for the landed prizes; also to pay off the others. Tickets signed by either of said Trustees, are and will be good to the adventurers, and may be had of either of them, and from such Gentlemen as the Trustees may please to appoint. These Gentlemen will appoint Managers to superintend the drawing of the Lottery, which will be in the house of Mr BENONI SWEARINGEN, at his Ferry opposite SHEPHERD'S-TOWN. The time of drawing, and every other necessary information, relating to this Lottery, is wholly and exclusively left to the discretion of the said Trustees, by
THOMAS WHITE.
N. B. The Trustees will publish the time of drawing the Lottery, in the newspapers printed in the vicinity of this town.
SHEPHERD'S-TOWN, February 18, 1791.