Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1851-05-24


something left part of which they lent for
the occasion to the state government, whose
treasury, after Shays' defeat, was so exhaust
ed that not enough was left for the most
common current expenses SO low, indeed.
was it,, that my father, who was member
for Boston, of the General Court, at that Pc
Rod, told me that he had been applied TO by
Jacob Kuhn, its we'll known messenger, Tor
loan of Is. sd.--(a dollar and quarterl-
10 bny candles for an evening session of the
House of Representatives!
In the month of June, 1897, on my return
from residence of few years in France,
arrived at New York. The present genera
tion will scarcely be able 10 realize the state
of prosraion and decay in which found
that city Built chiefly of wood, with a very
few vessels at its ruined wharves, il did not
show the smallest sign Of revival The
British had evacuated more than three years
before, and while they held possession, about
1882, an extensive fire destroyed Trinity
Church, in Broadway, and both sides of that
street down to Fort George; and now, -four
or five years after, not the smallest effort had
been made 10 clear away the rubbish from
single building. SO spirilless, so dead, was
its population of about twenty thousand to
every desile 10 restore their town The
next year, in view of the adoption of the
present constitution, Mr.. Macomb and 9TH
ers began 10 rebuild. This was the state of
the city Of New York when the country was
without national government, and when
each separate commonwealth was left to
| shift for itself.
On arriving al Boston, found the same
Iauguor, the same dearth Of Improvement
No commerce, mechanics unemployed, 50
much so with the shipwrights, that an asso-
citation of the few who could command
little capital, was formed, for the purpose Of
setting up three small ships, to keep the car
pemers from starving or emigrating. Those
ships were sold at a loss, as think in 1888
80, for account Of the association. Seamen's
wages were seven dollars Il month house
/ servants, for men, four; and for females,
! fiIy cents week. So demoralized were the
merchants, and inefficient the state govern
meni, that smuggling was in universal pgac-
lice. myself have seen one half of car
| 90 clandestinely slowed away in the store
and only the other half entered at the Gus
tom-house, and this by one of the first mer-
camille firms. The clerks aud apprentices
were aiers, if not abettors, in this dshon-
orable work.
Boston had decreased in population, fall
! ing of several thousands from its colonial
number to 18,03O, which it contained at the
censns of 1890. The certificates of deb, of
| the United States were sold al twelve dollars
for hundred rs. 81. on the ponnd Each
state, as well as Massachusetts, governed its
own mercantile marine according TO its own
laws or course there was no uniform tariff
and the customs of each varied, levying one
on another as their respective legislatures
| directed.
From This chaotic position, this state Of
disorder and d,Sunion, the federal cons,i,u-
ton, under which we now live, came with
taIismanic power TO operate 4 perfect cure,
and set everything right,
1t was that instrument, under the guidance
of a merciful Providence, which raised this
dismtcd and PROSTATE people 10 their feet,
and put courage and hope into their hearts.
1t was this governing principle Of uaioa, that
made them feel again like Americans, and
: ras,ora1 tbosa continents nE ho,or ,,I L "a. 4
brotherhood. which had nearly become cX-
! tinct
With what eagerness did every state hail
I its adoption, and aid in lis organization -
at Philadelphia as had never, in magnii-
cence, been surpassed in that city. II was
the occasion of jubilee in every adopting
state. Two only. North Carolina and Rhode
Island, kept aloot for year or two and then
came cordially into the federal ranks where.
| up TO this moment, they, in common with
their elder and younger brothers, have par
| taken OF degree of prosperity far exceed
| ing the most romantic predictions Of the
warmest eXpectant.
| Wher onr present constitution went into
operation, in 1889, one of the chief elements
of its brilliant beginning was produced by
Alexander Hamllon's system of finance,
which brought the continental and state
debts up to their par value, and Tins created
capital, perfectly available, OF about one
millions Of dollars. Credit followed, Snug
Cling stopped, revenue was raised, and a
career of prosperity entered upon, that stands
unmatched in the history Of the world
To relinquish all this But ! stop: !
will not believe in the possibility of such dis
| traction.
With many thanks to Rev Dr. Boardman,
for his useful exerlions and display of pure
patriotism at this important juncture, send
you this, my brief essay, to recall the past !;
and shall be happy if it be acceptable 10 you,
or in any way useful among your friends
Ever, with great respect,