Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1805-04-27
From he Manonel MteMgescer.

| ufCaSuTcS Oh TutcTS are ultimately icStcu ny
reilecting people. Abstract principles
may be correct, they may be the basis Of
good plans; but until they are applied TO
the interests and actions of men, they
scarcely transcend in utility the dreams
OF enthusiasts. OF what benefit are the
accumulated materials for the erection of
a commodious dwelling, without the prac-
teal talent ofpuiting them together! Be-
sides, profession is so distinct a thing from
Practice, that the world has grown scep-
teal; not satisfied with principles, it re.
Fqurcs actions.
The republicans avowed themselves, a
lew Years since, when in the minority, the
friends ofthe people. Asserting the supe-
rior purity oftheir principles, they claimed
the national confidence. By vigorous ex-
ertions they gained it.
They promised TO render the people
more happy. Have they done so!
| We Shall here say nothing Of those great
national operations which have placed the
peace and character Of Tie nation upon
stronger ground than has ever before been
[ occupied. These results are fully appre-
ciated-they have long been the standing
topics OF discussion and no man is igno.
rant OF their merits.
But have they, in greater degree, than
rpresece.sors, advanced those objees,
which, though they may be OF subordinate
grade, are more directly connected with
personal comfort, That they haveis evin.
ced by review OF the proceedings of al
most every legislative body in the union
by the endowment of schools and acade-
mics, the laying out of new and the i'm
provement of old roads, by the clearing of
navigabie waters. by the amelioration of
the civil code, and by various other OBJ
iects.
The task might be- tedious, bu. it !
would most surely be an agreeable one,
periodically to review and contrast the
measures adopted by the several state le-
gislatures with regard to these inter-
( csiin.. objects. We should thereby be
presented with view of the relative pro-
gress OF the different states in promoting
the arts most connected with individual
happiness; the picture might tend to sli-
muate the slaggishness Of one state by
the spirit Of another; * a condensed view
OF the aggregate advances Of all the states
would demonstrate the rapitlity with which
increasing wealth and enterprise carry our
country 10 the ultimate grandeur which il
IS reserved for no distant futurity 10 dis.
close.
These remarks have been drawn forth
by list OF acts, lying before us, passed bv
the Legislature of Pennsylvania at their
laie session.
Among these are
Eight acts for endowing, or erecting
schools and academies.
-Four acts for Incorporating companies
for making turnpike roads.
An act Tor removing The obstrpefions
and improving the navigation of the Sus.
quehannah.
] An act Tor ascertaining the best mode
oil improving the navigation of the Ohio.
An act to incorporate company for
obtaining slate from quarries within the
county OF Northampton.
The following statement of the forti6-
cations of Tripoli, is extracted from the
remarks of captains Stewart and Smith.
OF the American squadron, who were EN-
pioyed to reconnoitre the harbor and bat
teries of that city:
guns.
"s"s" Hort mounts
| hHicriCan fOrt
Bashaw's Castle IN
Between the Palace and Male
| head Battery "A
| Molehead, or Double Battery, to 20
the ". L. and N. 10
footway Battery, to the north II
Malta Battery
Two small Batteries between the
Footway and Malta batteries
Hait-Moon, or French battery IL
West Battery
South West Battery
A new fort to the west, called by
the Americans Fort Vixen
Total guns on the Harbor Bat
, teries lis
, Besides these, there are guns mounted
on the walls TO w. and S. w. Of the city,
: and Sand Battery Of guns.
. Count Rumford has recently married
IL "a =. n