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