Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-01-20

citizen who reflects but is pleased with the re-
deral Government, and grateful for the many be-
nefits he receives from its benevolent admins
tration. He also knows there can be no one SO
deficient, who cannot do some good service TO
his country, aud that If ''grateful mousse" oy
gnawins ahunter's net, gave liberty TO generous
lion, or that a bee by singing bad man when
about to shoot, saved the life Of good man, SO
he believes the mite OF the humblest citizen may
save nation. and BY his vote keep dangerous
man out of power, or preserve his country from
misrule.
The intent of these preliminary observations
is, to excite the yeomanry of this country OF ex-
traordinary freedom to think seriously, and to
invite their attention to the important subject
Virginia appears now 10 be captvated with. BY
reflection, they will come to prefer national to
State improvements; they will ascertain no fede-
dera legislation has injured them, ard they will
understand that the States cannot be injured or
deprived of any portion Of sovereignty by ma.
tlonal improvements. What is more. they will
discover, If artificial roads and canal navigation
are the effects of State authority, they will have
to pay unpleasant, il not vexatious taxes, the
common cause Of discomfort. Were the advo-
Gates of State improvements aware of this dis
agreeable occurrence, persuasion would not be
necessary to induce them to cease to resist tede-
raj improvements, made in all the States by the
authority and money of the Union. If elder
Ecynt nv pnlit,cal MI IA evom-
pifed by her national improvements the oracle
of all heather governments, the United States
will not err by adopting the policy Of that renown.
ed nation; and if she will. before the completion
of solar cycle, every Christian Government
will be imitators of the American policy. A
character to merit imitation will be acquired,
when internal trade and agricultural labor are
accommodated by federal bounty. The statesmen
whu shall accomplish what is SO essential to ma
toms prosperity, will attain the reputation Of
benetactors, glory the Mercurys Of Egypt lid
attain, by promoting enterprise. by exciting in
dus'ry and by fostering the arts; and it can be no
wonder their country surpassed all others in what
ever was excellent.
The prosperity Of its inhabitants was sustained
by national Impro, ements-their social comfort
was guarded by equitable laws, promptly and
mpartially administered. by judges famed for
wisdom and integrity: rewarded with competent
salaries, they were devoted to the duty Of dis
pensing justice, to protect life, character, and
property. And such is the judicial administra-
ton of the U. States. Here, as in elder Egypt,
the dspensaton of equal justice is considered to
be of more value to the poor than to the rich,
who have always many facilities and friends,
while the poor remain exposed to the chance Of
many injuries, even when protected by the equl-
y Of the magistrate. Dispensing justice after
the manner Of renowned people. why not inmate
them in other matters: To doit, American lesis-
ators will merit a nations praise, and deserve
the encomium of freemen, as none of them who
will not, participate in the advantages provided
by wise legislation. When the opponents to Ma.
tional improvements shall cease to believe the
States can make costly improvements, without
mourning onerous public debts, that can only be
paid BY heavy taxation, Congress will then be al
lowed to provide internal trade and agricultural
industry with the convenience Of safe and quick
transportation within the States. Wisdom d.
reefs tie States to avoid any business that will put
them in debt. or will be the cause of unusual tax.
es-the certain cause Of discomfort and COM
plant. The apprehension of an occurrence so
unpleasant. should warn them to abstain from
making State. aud to desire National improve
ments. Not to consent to what is so prudent,
will be to mistake the wish of the People, or to
commit wilful mlsdemeanor against their own
welfare FITZ-HENRY.
RICHMOND, Jan. II.
Yesterday, the Select Committee on Slaves,
&c. reported tina, it inexpedient at this time,
to ,eglsae on the question of abolition. The
reader will bear in mind, that the great Debate
in which the House of Delegates is engaged, came