POLITICAL SKETCH.
[continued.]
IT is witliin the recollection of every person,
how generally the conduift of the Itate of Rhode-
Island was reprobated for the inveterate opposi
tion which (he made to the five per cent, inipolt
proposed by the Congress under the old confede
ration. Similar principles induced that state to
recede for a time from an adoption of the new
conftitntion. The imperfection of human wil
dom and forefiglu was perhaps nevermore ftrik
i„gly exemplified than on this occasion—what
was denominated obstinacy, in refped: to tliefive
per cent, proved, perhaps, the salvation of our
liberties.
Had the Congress of the old confederation been
invested with general powers to raise a revenue,
the people of the United States, and their polfe
rity after them, would have been under the go
vernment of an uncontrouled elective aridocracy
„ a (ingle allembly, without any check but the
remote, discordant voices of thirteen diftind, in
dependent sovereignties. Inlteud of which, thio
the favor of Providence, we are now blefled with
a free, just, and equal government, founded 011
a conftitntion that will stand the ted of ages
a constitution poflefting in itfelf a progielhng
principle of perfection, wifely providing for such
amendments as a more refined state of society,
and the greater security of civil liberty fliall die
rate to be necefl'ary. Jealousy, which is always
laudable when controuled by realon, prevented
the people of Rhode-lfland from feeling the force
of argument in favor of the new constitution for
a time—but difficulties of various descriptions
rapidly increased upon that people in an alien
state tliefe, in conjunction with the indefatiga
ble exertions to difFufe federal principle? and in
formation 011 the part of the friends to their peace
and credit, at length effected a revolution of sen
timent—The ratification of the constitution fol
lowed—on that joyous event party became ex
tintft—public affairs aflunied a new face—and
every impending cloud began to diflipate. she
state appears now to be tranquil and happy—
their trade eiicreafing, and a spirit of enterprize
in various branches is displayed.
Some recent tranfadions in regard to education
indicate a just sense of the importance of learn
ing to the securing and perpetuating freedom;
while, at the fame time, the djitinguifhed bene
volence of the more wealthy part of the citizens,
in patronizing inffi'utions, that w ill prove a per
petual tax upon their eftaies, merits the highest
eulogium. May knowledge and freedom ever
be the charaderiflics of this small, but spirited
and independent member of ttie union. 1 liede
cided and prompt sentiments of attachment to
the general government, which dillinguilh
the political publications of this flute from time
to time, mull: have been recognized by, and given
pleaftire to every friend to our country.
Among the numerous advantages consequent
on the re-union of these confederated states iin
. der the new constitution, we may justly reckon
the almost total extinction of local prejudices,
and contracted (late-policy—for although fotne
persons are yet haunted with the frightful idea
of such an inveterate incompatibility of' interests,
as will eventually disturb, if not diflolve the
Union,.yet adverting to facts, we find that there
is no reason to fuppoie that a spirit of illiberal
jealousy will ever disgrace our councils, or dis
turb the peace of our country.
' The state of Vermont had for several years
been an independent republic, -previous to the
late recognition of the fad: 011 the part of the ge
neral government. Several propositions had from
time to time been submitted to the old Congress,
refpecling her being acknowledged as an inte
gral branch of the Union—but all these applica-
tions proved ineffectual—there were so many
private views to contravene the vviibes of the
Verrhontc/e, that it was very problematical whe
ther they would have been ever cordially con
ceded ro under the old confederation. But their
profpec'ts became bright at the moment of ratify
ing the n.ew conftitmion ; and a fair difcuflion
of the merits of ihe fnbjetfl, aided by the univer
sal reprobation of local policy, caused every ob
stacle to vatiifh. Vermont is now a constituent
member of the confederacy—and there can be no
doubt of her proving a valuable link in the fe
deral chain. Since that happy event, the most
cursory obferveis mult have I'een the plea/ing ctf
fecis resulting from her new situation—her vieiCsy
are expanded—various objeiTts, of great
tance to her interest, arrelt the attention of/her
citizens—her agriculture, arts and manufactures,
liave imbibed an invigorating principle—-and the
great business of education is duly appreciated
by the people. These subjects appear to be dif
canred on with new spirit by the writers in their
weekly Gazette—a paper that difieniinates re
publican, federal sentiments. Vermont is, and
will be, chiefly inhabited by a hardy race of free
men, and independent owners and tillers of the
foil—among which flie has her proportion of men
of genius, science, and profellional abilities.
(To be. continued.)
Extract from the Tear? of Humanity
A P 0 E M.
Publifhedin the Massachusetts Magazine.
YE glorious guardians of Britannia's fame !
Warm'd with the brightcftray from Vi> tue's flame,
To You torn flav'ry's rending eyeballs roll,
For You ascends his eloquence of foul !
Thou Son of Chatham*, whose all pow'rful hand,
Guides the deep councils of thy native land,
To whom protected millions bend the knee,
While all thy godlike father beams in thee,
Ah ! yet thy heaven-inftrufted voice extend
To Him, whom ancry fate denies a friend.
Thou too, Great Pat r iot+, whose resistless art
Plays round the purple eddies of the heart,
And, like the sacred light'ning's liquid ray,
Fills the whole breast and melts the foui away,
Or, darting thro' the breast's mysterious rounds,
Spreads light, where " Darkness visible" abounds,
Again that thund'ring eloquence dispense,
Pierce the hard head and thrill the torpid sense,
Confirm the holy vows, by virtue made,
Destroy of blood the price—of man the trade,
Illufttious Bur ke, on whose enchanting tongue,
Applauding Senates wrapt in paffton hung§,
Whose ardent foul burns o'er oppreflion's deeds,
Whose feeling heart at every sorrow bleeds,
Whose boundless pen through wide creation flows,
Here mourns the monarch's wrong's, the people's woes,
And here, to philofophick truths a guide,
Celestial Virtue, smiling at thy fide,
Claims a!l thy powers, and bends her view to thee,
Patron of tiu.th ! light of humanity !
Still all ihe charmer in thy voice display.
Tho' the deaf adder turns his away.
"Britannia's Patriots ! Guardians of her laws \
Unite in Mercy's, Honor's, Vi rtu e's, cause !
Ah ! yet the ju(t benignant ast renew,
Which the good Barclay's great disciples drew,
For whom from broken hearts, and delug'd eyes,
Shall many a grateful pray'r like incense, rife.
Unite, ye patriot bands, redeem the Slave,
On you he calls, and claims your power to save ;
As round the pole th' ele&rick fluid (preads,
And gives a twilight to the.funlcfs meads,
So glimmering hope o'er wilder'd bondage flows,
And sheds rfiild radiance thro' a night of woes ;
Then, still auspicious, waft the refluent strain,
Nor pour the heav'n descended ray in vain ;
Soon shall the lingering Orb of Justice rife,
Warm the cold waste, and light tie cheerless skies,
Bid the fell despot's dark oppreflion cease,
Give the chain'd vi&im LIBERTY and PEACE.
80/lon, July 24M, 1791
* Right Hon. William Pitt, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
+ The Right Hon. Charles James Fox.
J See hi* lajlfpeech in favour of the abolition of this infamous traffick,
§ See his pathetick speech on the diflrefjes. in India.
II Mr. Wilberforce, oj the society of Friends.
The mod: approved debates of the National
Alfembly are tnken 111 Paris ip a new and lingu
lar manner. Six persons are engaged in the per
formance. They fit round a circular table, and
each, as a lenience is uttered, in his turn, writes
one. word out ot fix, giving a jog with the knee
while occupied in writing the word which falls
to his fliai e ; then counts the words that follow,
one, two, three, four, five, fix, and at thefeventli
the operation returns to him to be repeated.
The result of their labour, collected in proper
order, forms the complete speech 111 a more per
fect manner, we are informed, than Ihort-hand
on any other contrivance, hitherto thought of,
can elFet r t it. Gen. Adv.
We are informed that a plan to promote Ame
rican Manufactures is now on foot, which .vill
embrace this important obje<sl upon a scale hi
therto unattempted in thi?country. We are as
sured that upwards of one hundred and twenty
three thousand dollars have already been sub
scribed towards carrying the plan into execution.
\ A situation in the Jerlies, we are also inform
ed, is contemplated as the most eligible for the
prosecution of the business.
There are characters in the United States who
are indefatigable in their labours for the public
good—favored by the author of nature with com
prelienfive powers of inveiligation, and having
their minds strongly inipiefied with patriotic
views, the force of their genius is constantly ex
erted to devise such plans as may encreafe the
objects of profit and employment", (trengthen our
public credit, and reduce the public debt.—May
their labors be crowned with success—their ex
ertions, at all events, inuft receive the approba
tion of their country.
The President of the United States has ap
pointed Timothy Pickiring, Esq. Poll-Waiter-
Genera].
jneraj.
' Tlie p.tuation of tlie United States is with re;
on and jiittice said to be difliniilar to that of a.
ither countries—We commence our political ca
eer at the highest point of improvement in thi
jldeft and moil experienced governments—so
us the natirfns of the world display the extenfivi
volume of pafl: events—for us the wars of avarice
ambition and domination are recorded tor u
the arts and manoeuvres of the cunning politiciat
are developed, and the secret springs and fold
ir.gs of the human heart are exposed to full view
—for us the means by which liberty has been
undermined, and the chains of tyrants fixed oil
the people, with all the cabals of parties, and
tie rage of facftions, are pourtrayed by the pen
of hilt ory : Wifely considering that human nature
is the fame in all ages, and thac like causes will
127
PHILE N I A.
forever produce like efFeds > we have, as far a*
poflible, in our general and Hate governments,
taken reason anil experience for our guide—we
have set bounds to the ambition of man, by tem
pering the ardor of youth with the deliberate
gravity of age and experience—and by eltablilh
ing it as the corner (lone of our political fabrics,
that all power originates in the people—we have
created a monitor that continually reminds the
highest in office, that the Public (SdoD is the
supreme law of these free States.
" Knowledge by time advances flow arid wife,
<l Tarns every wheie its deep difceijnng eyes;
" Sees what befel, and what does yet bctal,
" Concludes from both, and best provides for all."
Or, as one of our own writers fays—" Blest by-
Heaven with a concurrence of favorable circu'm
ftanres, the citizens of these States have beeh en
abled to seize on and profit by the wisdom ajid
experience of ages ; and upon an equal and solid
base, to erec r t a splendid and magixificent dome,
in which wisdom, strength and beauty are ele
gantly and ufefully blended. It is the aggregate
of the"a<siive virtues of individuals, cemented by
morality : and it is denominated Public Good."
Flatterers-'are confined to'-, no age or country,
and their motives are the fame in all situations—
they are equally dangerous and detellable under
all governments —for those who flatter the peo
ple for sinister purposes in free slates, would adu
late a tyrant in a defpotifni ; and for the fame
reason, because they are refpetftively the source
of power and preferment.
SAYS A CORRESPONDENT,
The late fpeculaiions in Scrip appear to hare
had no better foundation than •, it is well
if the result is not fometliing real.' The old bal
lad does not seem to have been duly attended to—
Learn to be wife by other's harm,
And you shall do full well.
The check which the Scrip balloon received in
its ascension, will doubtless prove the salvation
of many ; for the fame fancy which railed it to
300, would very soon have puffed it 100 higher—
and in proportion to the elevation, would have
been the cralh occasioned by its descent.
Captain Hills, the gentleman who has been for some time pad
furvevin# the country between the Conncfticut and Charles Ri
vers (Mall.) in order to open a canal communication betwen them,
has completed the bufinels. We understand that he thinks a canal
pra&icable.
From PELOSI's MARINE LIST.
ARRIVALS at the PORT of PHILADELPHIA.
Londonderry.
Oporto.
Cape-Francois.
St. Kitts.
New-York.
Ship Washington, Forte,
Brig Sally, Cochran,
Keziah, Brown,
Sloop Sally, Eve,
Philadelphia Packet, Holden,
PRICE CURRENT.—PUBLIC SECURITIES.
FUNDED DEBT.
6 pr. Cents 20f V r -£'
3 pr. Cents 1 2/6
Defered 6 pr. Cents 12/6
UNFUNDED DEBT.
Final Settl. and other Certificates 2of
par.
Indents do,
N. and S. Carolina debts, *5/6.
Bank Subscriptions, 140 to 150 Dollars,
Various calculations of the value of Bank Stock appear in the
papers—but they are very uncertain—a just estimate mull be the
result of an accurate statement of the dividends; the dividends
\>;ill depend in some measure on contingencies, but taking for
data those which have been made by the existing State Banks, it
may be fairly presumed, that those of the bank of the United
States will greatly exceed the percent, which some have publish-
?s probable that others have over-rated it.
»
Gray's Gardens.
A CONCERT of VOCAL and INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
will begin To-morrow, the 18th of August, at 4 o'clock in
the afternoon, and conclude at 9 at night, (hould the day be fair.
Tickets delivered at one Quarter of a Dollar at the Bar. 9
The Illumination will be very extensive and fplcndid.
Gray's Ferry, August 17. G. & R. GRAY.
Her Most Faithful Majesty's Consul-General to the United States,
publishes the following EXTRACT from the Inftru&ions sent
him by the Royal Board of Trade at Lisbon, lor the informa
tion of those whom it may concern :—
ALL Mercantile Contracts, Policies of Insurance, Protests, or
other Documents, which are to be given in evidence in
Courts of Justice, or out thereof, shall be authenticated by the
Consuls, and sealed with the royal arms ot the refpc&ive Consu
late, which her Majesty has been pleased to grant the Consuls to
affix to papers relating to their office ; without which no crcdit
shall be given thereunto in Courts of Justice, or otlferwife.
Philadelphia, August 12.
New-Haven Wharf Lottery.
(BY ORDER OF THE MANAGERS.)
New-Haven, July 20, 1791.
THE Public are informed, that the Tickets in the New-Haven
WharJ Lottery have met with a rapid Sale; —more than two
thirds are already disposed of. The DRAWING will positively
commence on the 13th September next. Those Persons who have'
received Tickets to fell, are reauefted, without fail, to return to the
Managers what (hall remain uvfold on the 10th September. Those
who intend ro become Adventurers in this Lottery, will do well to
secure TICKETS immediately, left, by delay, they loose the
CHANCE of making their FORTUNES ; as the Managers have no
doubt the Tickets will all be SOLD before the ioth September.
$3" A few of the above TICKETS may be had (tj applied for
foouj ci Messrs. STEPHEN AUSTIN Sc Co. corner of Pine and
Front-ftrects—who are authorised to pay the PRIZES.
Philadelphia, August 13, 1791,
par.
pr. cent.
62J do.