proportion to his riches. He contends, however; that a direst lax, though jt would be obnoxious to the people, if coUe&ed by continental authority, would be acccptable, it" levied by the au thority of the states. When we advert to the funding fyftcms of the several slates, we shall find them less beneficial to the people than is imagined. The mode of issuing certificates for interest, jnd calling them in by a dircft tax, is injurous both to the credi tors and to the other citiaens. The creditor is heaviiy taxqd in order to pay himfelf ; money is taken from him in the fir ft instance 10 pay him the interest on his debt; the poorer part of the com- 4 rt)unity who are Unprovided with these certificates delay purcha sing them till they are prefled for their taxes, and then they are iupplicd at an enhanced rate by an accommodating fpcculator, or a friendly colle&or, who had previously bought them up for the puipofe; the creditor receives no benefit, the public derive no .advantage, the citizens are heavily taxed, and the fpcculatois get all the profit. The conftar.t fln&uation in their schemes of finance is another diftrcfling circumstance to the citizens In one feflion those who have purchased public property for which they are to pay in state paper, and which it becomcs their interest to depreciate, gain the ascendancy and carry mealures produ6live of that effect. In the next, the holders of the state oaper preponderate, and in their turn procure a system which will appreciate the paper. Thus the people are embarrassed and diftrelled by these speculations and contentions. The numerous tax collectors in the different states is another cause of expcnce and inconvenience to the citizens. A direst tax in every state would require, under state regulations, collc&ors, all of whom mull be paid by the people for their trou ble. There is another consequence reciting from dire£t taxes of a very fcrious nature -Individuals pre too apt to neglect making provision for their taxes in due fcafon; executions are iffaed a £atnft them,their property is levied upon and they have ultimatrly to pay poundage and constable fees, which sometimes amount to inore than the tax itfelf. All these grievances are remove dby re sorting to the import, and that species of revenue will alone be nearly competent to provide for the state debts, if aflumed by the union. Even (hould Congress resort to dircdt taxation 'and lome members from the fouthcrn states have exprefTed a predilettion for it) there is no doubt that it would be levied in a mode adapt ed to the particular habits and convenience of every state ; for by the constitution it is not required that taxes, like duties and excise Ihould be uniform; and as each ftete has its particular reprcfenta tion in this house, it is evident that the accommodation of the dif ferent parts of the union would be confultcd : It would also be levied with more economy under one system than under thirteen. The ceflion which the state of North-Carolina has made to the United States is said to contain a provision which is opposed to the aflumption : the provision referred to only relates to the final ad justment of the accounts between the individual states; for it re quires that in such adjustment the lands ceded,and the inhabitants belonging thereto, shall not be estimated in ascertaining the pro portion of North-Caroliua with the other states in the common expence occanoned by the war. An amendment proposed by that state to the constitution has also been expatiated on, as manifefting her aversion to this mca fure; it is rather extraordinary that this conftru&ion should be given to the amendment, when the house have been told that the idea of an aflumption was never contemplated in that slate; indeed it was improbable the citizens of that country should endeavor to guard against a measure, the bare portability of which had never occurred to them. An attentive examination of that amendment will prove that it evinces no such intention as has been attributed to it; as it relates expressly to all the states, it could not have had North-Carolina exclusively in view, nor was it dcfigned to guard against any interference with her state paper alone ; As it parti cularly relates to an interference by Congress or the judiciary, it an apprehension of some interference by the federal courts, which eould not be involved in a question of aflumption ; it is therefore evident that the true interpretation of that amendment is that the convention of that state were apprchcnfive of some in terpolation of the judicial courts of the United States, in enforcing payment of her state Cecurities. That it docs not relate to the question of aflumption is clear, hecaufe were it calculated to pre vent an aflumption, it would have said so in explicit terms, and declared that Congress should not pay her state debts; and because the genxleman from that state has informed the committee that they never dreamt of an aff'iinption. North-Carolina, is unwil ling that Congress should dittate to her how fhc should discharge her debt, but it does not appear that (he has any objection to Con gress afluming and paying it themfelvcs. Admit however the full force of the remark, and it would tend to restrain Congress from funding even the continental and fo reign-debt without the a (Tent oftwo thirds of the members pre sent in both hojjfes; for another amendment from that state re quires that no navigation law, or law regulating comuicrce should pass except in the above mode; and the funding fyftcm cannot go into operation without Inch laws. The gentleman however woirJd have no obje£lion; he fays, tr the assumption, provided security could be given that there woul d be a settlement of ihc accounts of the fcveraJ states, but there is no such proviso in the amend ment ; if it has in view theailumpuon, it is opposed t<s it under •auy modification whatfocver. How can he then reconcile his Jlate to a vote gi\ en in contradiction to their express sentiments, merely becaufethc buflne.s would be put in a shape which is pa 'iutable to hiinfelt, is no t this another proof that the amendment did not relate to th "ifiumption ? Another local objc&ion is started from that state : It is said that she has i(Tued paper money with winch (he has bought up an 4 paid ofF certificates, and which paper money she mull lay taxes to redeem, and if Congress do not alFume lhat paper, as pait of her debt, she will be under the neceflity of paying taxes to link it, and at the fame time of contributing her proportion ot reve nue for the debts of other states, and that this would be defraud ing her of half a million of dollars, the amount ot the paper to emitted. If that state has funk a part of her debt, Congress will have less to aflume on her account in proportion to the sum dis charged* there will be consequently a tmaller charge against her in the ultimate settlement, and she will become a creditor state in the fame proportion; if therefore the has bought in her own cer tificates under par, or paid them ofF with paper in a depreciated state, she has bten a gainer by the negotiation, and is ui a better condition than those states which have not had this advantage : The revenue she will contribute willte applied as well to the payment of her own debts as those of other states, which will also contribute their proportion to the payment of her debts. But no mcafures, it is said, arc in forwardnefs for the completion of this settlement. CommitTioners of accounts have been engaged a con siderable tiny: 111 this business, and are now pursuing it.with the aflfiftance of a numerous body of clerks, and are in a train of set tlement. Should other measures be thought requisite to expedite and ciifure the adjuftinent, Congress may accompany the afTump tion with a bill making special and effe£lu3l provision for that ob je&. Noith-Carolina it is laid, is apprehensive least some fecui i ties of that state which were fraudulently iirued ftiould be funded by the union, and charged to her account; how will they be charg ed to her account if there is to be no settlement of the accounts, and the member from that state <ays he is persuaded there is to be none ? She will then receive the benefit of those fccuritics,.and the citizens of the other states will pay her the intcreft on them ; if they are fold to speculators, at all events Hie or her citizens have received a consideration for them : But either that state will be able to deteftthe fraud, or she will not; if (he can discover the f'iud, so can Congress; they wi*' therelorebe rejected, and there is no ground of appre'henfion ; it ».he fraud is not liable to dete&i ---o i, their at any rate North-Carolina must pav them; ii*afmuth therefore as it is for her interest that they should be paid by Con gress rather than by hcrfelf, this circumstance is rather an argu ment in Sgvor oi the ail-umption* THE TABLET V Not for him felf he fees, or Hear/, " Artists mud chirfc mufjc, meats." THE taste of the world is regulated by very few persons. This may seem the more strange, as few people approve ot the fafhions they are compelled to follow. It is not easy to account for it, that in a land of freedom where men are leftj in most refpetfts, to pursue what their inclination didlates, to many persons thould lead a life totally the reverse ot what they with. Amanfeems, as it were, to give up his natural in dependence of temper, the mojnent he begins to live in falhion. Henever can consult hiscoveni ence, and not often the particular call ot his fan cy, in the choice of his food or apparel. The pri vilege of chofing for one's felf is surrendered by every one, who would be supposed tathionable. A man of finilhed taste mult feldoin eat what he likes, or wear what is convenient for him. As no great harm results from this kind of felf denial, in a general way, it is not my intention to com plain of it. There is however some regard to be paid to reason and nature, in the regulation of our diets. Though taste cannot be managed by any rules which admit of demonstration, there is nevertheless, in some things, a natural propriety which ought not to be overlooked. Forinltance, drefslhould be accommodated to the season and climate. The laws offafhion can never control the conllitution of our bodies in such a manner, that the people of a cold climate can,without real impropriety,borrow their modes of drels, from the inhabitants of a warmer one. French falhions may be, in themselves, superior to thole of any other nation, but they illy apply to the lituation of the Northern parts of the Uni ted Srates. The furrs of Rnffia are much better adapted to our winters, than the silks of France. It is not a matter of consequence in point of ex pence, what country we imitate in our dress, be cause it we are industrious, we can afford to wear what we please. But when we conliderhow the health is affected, it becomes an affair of serious moment, to whom we look for direction in form ing our taste. It would discover more reul good sense to form our own—but as this would be trou blesome, I do not expect we shall ever be so inde pendent. Foreigners remark that the ladies of .America lol'e their bloom, and impair their viva city at a very early period of life. I am of the opinion that the irregularity of our climate is the principal cause of this unfortunare fad:. Perhaps this is a misfortune againll whi h there is no per fect remedy. The effctfts of it, however, may be partly counteracted, and our women may preserve their health and vivacity much longer than they do. There isnodoubt, thata warmerdrefs in the Winter,than is usually worn by our females, would meliorate their Conllitution, and contribute to their happineis. These few hjnts, I hope will be enlarged upon, by fomeperlbn of leisure and re flection. FOR THE GAZETTE OF Tift UNITED STATES. MR. FEX.N'O, A PARAGRAPH under the New-York head, published in your Gazette of this day, has these words, " In this age of refinement, when even tyrants are taught moderation, and Haves their rights, I am surprised that the attempt to repeal the British (religious) Tell Laws, has not fucceedcd." In the next sentence, it is said that Mr. Pitt, and by an inference the British Legisla ture, treats the claim of.an equality of rights as an extravagant delusion of the mind." And then the question is alked, "Is there a village in A merica, where this dodtrine of Mr. Pitt's would be approved !" Was the writerto learn thatthereare not only villages in America where this dodtrine of Mr. Pitt's would be approved—but that it is a funda mental principle in the government of Six of the Twelve United States. I allude to those States which have clauses in their. Constitutions to the following effect—That no per/onjhall be eligible to a feat in the Lcgijlaturc,utile ft he be of the P* oTes ta nt Religion. Ido not by this remark intend to sup port the decision of the British parliament, I la ment it, and hope it may be soon reversed—nor do I add that a circumstance Jike this is a reproach upon the 18th century, as your paragraphia has aflert«d—l know that we approach pei fedion but by flow degrees. From the firft settlement of this Continent toler ation dawned upon the brightened upon it as the United States withdrew from under the ihadowof Britain—and theConftitution recently established marks the meridian splendor of that luminary. I trust its benign influence will chafe away the few clouds of prejudice which still reft upon us—May we, by our example, induce the world to refpedtrhe equal rights of men and citi zens—and not declaim against what we daily practice. VERDO SAT. 442- No. CXI. CONGRESS. HOUSE OK REPRESENTAi IVES. FRIDAY, APRIL 30. SEVERAL petitions and' memorials tfcre read. The engrofled bill for the encouragement of learning by liecuring the copies of maps, charts, and other writings, to the authors and proprie tors of such copies during the time therein iiiwii tioned, palled the house. - - -- On motion, a committee, confiding of .Mr. Boudinot. Mr. Scott and Mr.Seney, was appoint ed to bring in a bill to alter one of the places for ' holding thediltridt court in Pennsylvania. Thebilltoauthorife the Hitting certijicar.es to a certain defcriprion of officers, was read a fj.-ij. time A mellage from the President of the United Scares, informing the house thac die bill to regu late the military eltablifhment of the United Staces has received his aflenc. Mr. Gerry, Mr. Burke and Mr. White were ap. pointed a commiccee Co reporc a catalogue ofbooks for the use of the house. The house chen resolved icfelf into a committee of the whole, for prefcribiitg the mode lit which the a(st, records and judicial proceedings of the feveraj states fliall beauthenticated, so us to take effecfc in any other itate.—The bill being gone through with, the committee role, and thehoud agreed to chefame, and ordered ic to be engros sed for achird reading. The bill making compenfacionto John Ely, was agreed to, and ordered to be engrofled for at bird reading. Mr. Gerry, from the committee appointed for the purpose, brought in a bill for the adjusting and finally fettling the accounts of the Baron do Steuben, which was read thefird time. A committee of five members was appointed to conlider of, and report the period frjni which the President, Vice-Prefidenr, Senators and mem bers of the House of Representatives arc to date the commencement ofthe time for which, by the constitution, they are eletfted to ferv-e, and to report upon such other matters as may relate to said bulinefs. IN SENATE.—FIUDAY APRIL 30, The Senate proceeded, agreeably to the order of the day, to consider the motion made yesterday, viz. That the doors of rhe Senate Chamber (hall be open when the Senate is fitting in their le gislative capacity—to the end that such of the ci tizens of the United States as may chufe to hear the debates of this lioufe, may have an opportu nity of so doing and the question being taken it pafledin the negative MAY 3. . ; The bill to .prescribe the niode, }n which the public a<fts, records, and judicial proceedings<jf each State fhajl be authenticated, so as to take efFe<ft in everyot Jjer State—and , The bill to allow compensation to Col, Jyftp Ely. for his attendance as and to the American prisoners on Lojig-Ifland, Wlffe read the third time and pafled the house. The bill to authorise ifl'uing certificates ' certain description of invalid officers was read the I'econdtime, and ordered to be eugrofled. , ; The bill for adjusting and fatisfyingthe claims of the Baron de Steuben, was read the fecondtiiwp and referred to a committee of the whole to-mor row. Mr. Fitzfiinons reported a bill for the tion and government of the seamen in the Mer chants fei vice—which was read a firft and fecoiyt time Mr. Lee presented a petition from the inhabi tants of Alexandria, refpedting certain clauses ill the tonnage aifl—l-ead and referred to the com mittee on the report of the Secretary of the Trea sury, relative to the defects in the revenue laws. On motion oi Mr. Goodhue, the report of the committee on the petition of the inhabitants of 1 ortlniouth, (N. H.) refperting an enhanced du ty on foreign tonnage, was read—This report proposes that an additional duty of one dollar per ton be laid on foreign bottoms, and 10 per cent additional inipoft on goods imported from ports in which American veilels arc not permit ted to enter. 1 his was referred to a committee of the Whole ho life ou Friday next. On motion of Mr. Smith, (S. C.) it was voted, that the accounts of the Treasurer of the United States ihould be printed, and annexed to the Journals of the lioufe. Mr. Gerry fuggeftecl the propriety of reading thole reports on petitions, from the heads of de pal tments, which negative the prayers of such pc. titions, as well as those in favor of granting theni —as, he observed, the contrary practice is in facft c e egnting a very extraordiary power to execu tive officers—After some debate Mr. Gerry f'ub mitted the following proportion in substance— i hat the reports on memorials and petitions not determined upon in one feflion may be called up in a subsequent felfion. On motion of Mr. Smith, (S. C.) that part of
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