Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1819-10-12

certainly and for my part I wish my
family to be decent.
Hasty. You ask why our produce does
not bring a high price only think for a
moment that the armies that fought under
Bonapsrte and Wellington are disbanded
and raise corn for themselves, and why
should they purchase what they do not
want? You are inc onsistent, Mr.. Smith.
field.
Smithfeid. But we must have silks for
all that: o my appearance,my respectable
appearance demands it.
Hdsty. In domestic manufactures you
have your remedy. The workmanship is
good, and the appearance neat.
Smithieid o cannot bear your do
nestle work: all things of mine must
cross the Atlantic.
Hasty. Do you say all things, Mr..
Smi.hfield ? Why here is your own rye
and wheat is your daily food, and dare
say that you thrive as well on American
beef as you would on the best of British.
Smithjfeid. All, that is another matter
what similarity is there between beef aud
clothing! / can perceive none.
Hasty. But If American beef is so val
ued by you, il depends principally from
habit; it is custom entirely that gives il
its agreeable flavor and renders it SO pal
atahle
SmfhfelM / admit your arguments to
be correct.
Hasty. Well, as 10 this case, SO 10 the
other; be advised for once by a disinter-
ested friend, and clothe yourself in Amer.
lean woollens; and if two years wear
does not influence you to give them the
preference, I'll pay the forfeit.
Snithfeid. / will make the attempt at
your request.
Hasty. You will have occasion to thank
me who advised you to it; and think
our Legislators are remiss in their duty in
not paying more regard to domestic man.
afactures.
Smitkfeld. Since you mention lesisla.
tors | am reminded of election: Did you
hear nothing Of it in town?
Hdsty. o yes, considerable was said.
Snaithfeld. How do they like the pro-
posed amendment?
Hasty. Othey are outrageous about il !:
they say it will never do for the legislature
thus to trample on their rights: when they
have fought for the present constitution
they wish to preserve it; but some men,
toned something respecting mem cOnSti-
tuition, and throw the old one entirely
away.
SmithieM. Is it possible! why our
liberties would be as effectually destroyed
as would village at the foot of Etna
when its Examinations disgorge the lava
from the fiery mount on the surrounding
country. What timesi Mr.. Hasty.
Hasiy. The times are bad, but it is in
our power to make themb better: but while
] think on it. this is election day It's
time that l choose me ticket.
Smithfeld. Well, choose one for me
but see not much necessity for my
voting; there are enough without me.
Hasty. But you know the amendment
is to be made this year, and therefore all
our votes will be required to prevent its
adoption.
Smithfsld. That is very true / will
vote for no amendment: want no change.
Oh the times have changed; how regret
It. l say I'll have no amendment.
TASTY. We agree perfectly in opinion
on this topic : ii would be well if the state
were as unanimous likewise in their senti-
ments respecting it, as two thirds Of them
will De required to speak into existence
the binding law.
Sn'itJietd What, changet certainly
tney can have no reasonable ground for
II. Don't you recolIect that DIR. Franklin
says, rolling stone gathers no moss =
NOW it appears to me if we wish to be free
aud happy, we must strictly adhere to our
ancient maxims, and not venture on the
stormy ocean of uncertainty but what
said the townsmen respecting the nsw
constitution?
HaSty. There are various opinions
about 1t: some say one thing, and others
another; there was one man said we must
have a new constitution.
Sns'thfeld. This changing, Mr.. Hasty,
cannot approve of: we will certainly be
ruined unless we forbear.
Hasty. But they say it is the very plan
to prevent it.
Smithfed. What! change the constitu.
ton! Why il has remained forty-two
years untouched, and for aught l know
may continue for ever as it is; but times
are critical.
Hasty. My opinion is that we want a
constitution. Connecticut has lately made
one, and why may not we? certainly, We
Jerseymen are acute enough for that.
Sm'tJield. Why, as to our ability, /
cannot dispute that; but there is the look
Of the thing; to be always changing, Mr..