The majority of the publications on this f;ihje&—the various
amendments proposed by the States, all plainly declare that the
fenfeof the people is in favor of one for every 30.000.
And what, fa id he, are the objc&ions ? — It is said that the pub-
Jic business will be impeded by a large number of members in the
house and that the ex pence will encreafe the public burthens of
ihc people. With refpeft to the firft obje&i®n, it seems to be a
general idea of gentlemen, that about ico members would be the
most eligible number—the proposed ratio will give about 11 ;an
addition of ten or twelve cannot embarrass th'e public business.
The objr&ion on account of an encreafe of the expence, he did not
confidcr as well founded. The encreafe of the rep: efentation will
be in proportion to the encreafe of the people who pay tor the
support ot the government.
Theobjeftion he could not consider therefore of fiifficient weight
to deter Congress from establishing such a ratio as would give a re
prefentauon iuiiy competent to doing full juftite to every pare oi
the Union.
The government is a government by reprefentatio.i, and it is of
thelaft importance that the confidence of the people ihould be in
lpired by feeling that their interests are fully represented.
Mr. Lawrance observed, that eucreafing the ratio would un
doubtedly excite unealinefs and complaint in some of the States,
by diminishing their present representation. He concluded by
faying that the few remarks he had made, were crude and undi
gested not expelling the fubjett to be brought forward this day,
he had not revolved it fufificiently in his mind—he hoped howe
ver that what had been said, would prevent a sudden decmon of
thequeftion.
Mr. Giles moved that the committe fliould rife, report, and
a(k leave to fit again. The motion was agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Boudinot, it was resolved, that the report of
the Attorney-General on the Judiciary System—also sundry pro
positions on the fame fubjett, as amendments to the Conllitution,
which were laid before the late House—be referred to the com
mittee of the whole—and that 100 Copies of cach be printed.
FRIDAY, November 4.
Sundry petitions were presented, read, and referred to the Se
cretary oi War.
The petition of Charles Coiv'tn, some timea prisoner in Algiers,
presented by Mr. Fitzlimons, was read, and leterred to the Secre
tary of State.
The reports of fcveral committees on petitions were taken into
consideration, and disposed of.
That on the petition of Jeremiah Allen, was referred to the
committee of the whole house on the report of the Attorney-
General, refpe&ing the Judiciary Syftern. That on the petition of
Susannah Fowle,which was 111 favorot the petitioner, was leferred
to the committee of the whole house on the State of the Union.
Ou the petition of Francis and Isaac Choate > which was againlt
the prayer of the petition, was accepted by the houie.
Mr. Fuzfnnons laid the following motion on the table—That
a committee be apoointed to bring in a bill or bills, to regulate
pilots,and to provide for the appointment of fuperintendanrs of
lighi-houles, beacons, and public picis, throughout the United
States.
On motion of Mr. Lawrance, the order of the day, on the ccn
fus of the inhabitants of the United States, was postponed to Thurf
daynext; at which time it was to be expetted there would be a
fuller representation on the floor of the Houle.
Mr. Sterrett, member from Maryland, having very fpccial buli
nefs to tranfaft with the legislature of that State, now in feflion,
and which required his personal attendance, aiked leave ot absence
for ten days, which was granted.
The house then adjourned to Monday morning, 11 o'clock.
ALBANY, Oi'.iober 24.
It is with the mud infinite regret, we announce
the premature and premeditated death of so wor
thy a character as Cornelius Hogkboom, Esq.
Sheriff of the county of Columbia, whole disposi
tion and eondudt, not only in the walks or fecial
and private life, were such as to gain him the
friendfhip and refpe<Tt of all his intimate acquaint
ance, but whose lenity in his official capacity,was
such as ought to have made friends of all who
lenew his benevolent character. —The circum
stances attending this much lamented event, as
related to us, are as follow
" Saturday last, Cornelius Hogebooj?i, Esq. She
riff of the county of Columbia, iiccompanietl by
two other gentlemen, went to the faie of some
property, legally ndvertifed, in the town of No
bletown, expecting that his deputy had arrived
there before him and had commenced the sale.
When he came to the spot, he found that his de
puty had not been there—waited a considerable
time—deputy did not arrive—adjourned the sale
'to a future day—mounted with his companions
—a pistol immediately discharged—no notice ta
ken of it by either of them—proceeded about jo
yards from the houfe-—fifty (or thereabouts)
-armed men, difguilcd like Indians, started up out
■of the bufties—fired a shot from thu whole with
out effect !—Mr. Hogeboom said to his compani
ons, " they only mean to frighten us' —a lecond
charge was fired, when Mr. Hogeboom received
the fatal (hor, and liad time only to fay, " I am
a dead man."
This, of all murders within our knowledge,
fee ins to lie the moll horrid !—A public officer le
turning, not from thedifcharge of his duty, but
before it had been executed, murdered by aco>v
arclly set of afl'affins, who had taken upon them
the appearance of savages, a badge, which even
nature did not entitle them to ; and under this
garb perpetrated a crime far below the meanness
of savage brutality !
This is one of the numerous instances which
frequently occur, either ot the lols of life 01
some pevfonal iujury being fuitained by public
officers in the legal discharge of their duty. \V e
would not presume to reform, but there is a tan 1 '
somewhere—there can therefore be noitiipropr
ety in fuggelting an enquiry
This day, obfei ves a correfpondenr, the fecotid
Congress under our tree constitution, are ro meet
in Philadelphia,after a recess of nearly 8 months.
On this occasion it mud occur to every onf, the
clamor that was made two years part, re/petting
'he exorbitant naf*esofthe members ofCongrc s.
If under the nev/ fyftein, Congress can dispatch
the business ot the Union by litting one third of
the year, they will be less burthenfome to the
Union til in the Congress under the old confede
ration, who were a perpetual body—to a very
final] purpole.
It gives us lingular pleasure to have it iu our
power to inform the public, iit.it 011 Friday last
ac the trial of Mr. Molter, proprietor of theglafs
h . ife, that gentleman wa/ acquitted. After hear
ing the evidence, it was deemed umiecellary, by
the counsel on each (ide, to fay any tiling either
pro or con ; and the jury without hefitauon de
clared his innocence of the charge.
CARLISLE, October 26.
Last week the courts of quarter-felfions and
common-pleas were holde'n at tliis place for the
fii ll time under the new constitution of this com-
monwealth.—A charge, adapted to the occasion,
was delivered to the grand jury, by Thomas
Smith, Esq. prefie'ent of the circuit.—He after
wards addreiled the officers of the court, and the
gentlemen of the bar, and after stating briefly
and in general terms, the fcveral duties of each,
he added, " Let us conclude, by iinpreHing upon
the minds of all our fellow-citizens, of every
class, vrhofe duty it is to attend at court, that it
is only by our united exertions in a punctual, di
ligent and faithful discharge of the duties of our
several Rations, that the real dignity of the court
can be supported ; and jtilhce administered to
the fatisfaCtion of the public."
The couwfel who firlt addrefled the court, be
ginning with the words, " Ma'y it please your
honours," the pieftdent requested him to post
pone the motion tor a tew minutes, and made ihe
following obfervaiions : " The gentlemen of
the bar frequently use this expression in addrefl
ing this court but the appellation not being
given to us by the conltitution or laws of our
country, it will be agreeable to the court, if you
decline giving it in future. The expression "this
honorable court," has indeed crept into one of
our aCts of Membly :—Should that form of ad
dress be used in the other circuits, we fliall not
fay that it is improper. For, as on the one hand,
it would be falfe niodefty, or rather falfe pride,
under Ihe inalk of inodelty, to refufe any titles
(riven 11s by the conltitution or the laws ; so on
■the other, it would disclose uninformed minds,
ihould we arrogate to ourselves appellations not
given by either.
" If we poflef's fufficient legal abilities, and an
intimate and accurate knowledge of the practice
—if we administer the laws with decision, dif-
Adjourned,
patch, and rigid integrity— if we consult and pro
mote the real and permanent jnterelts, an'd locial
happinafs of our fellow-citizens, as far as in our
power, in our present itation, they will refpeift
us without any titles !—But fliould we appear un
equal to our office—(hould we betray the want of
legal abilities, or ihould our judgments be led or
influenced by our affections, or passions, or by
any pcrfonal or party considerations, 110 titles or
appellations, however pompous, could secure to
us the refpert of an enliplitened people.
" We beg leave on this occasion to point, out
another impropriety, ot which, indeed, 1 was as
guilty as any of you when I was at the bar, al
though 1 scarcely ever was in the other inltance:
The gentlemen in whole favor the courtgave
judgment, generally rife and thank the court. We
reoueil you will discontinue this practice ; were
the counsel on the other lide to fay, wc blame the
court, the expression would certainly be thought
improper—the one indeed Hows from politeness
the other would be looked upon as rude ; in
every other point of view they are equally ex
ceptionable.
" We mull give judgement according to law
we could not give it otherwise than we do, to
•rain the applause or to shun the cenlure of mil
lions we mull be actuated by considerations in
finitely higher than the applause or cenlure of
men. God forbid that any of the parties in this
court, or in any of the other courts which 1
fit, should ever have it in his power to lay, with
truth, either that he has a jrietid or an enemy on
the bench."
The remains of the wid jvv of the late Bishop
of Durham were 011 Tuesday brought from Wan
dead in Suflex, and interred in the Temple.
It is remarkable that she fiiit Itruck the late
Dr. Thurlow with her charms, when flie was
weeding a garden belonging!©a gentleman with
whom he was dining. Such was the humble Iphet e
in which that lady originally moved. Ihe Doc
tor had her called into the hall, where with her
fineing and native beauty (he so much enraptur
ed him, that he sent her to a boarding fcliool,
and in due time married her.
Monsieur, the King's brother, was, on the 2 jrh
of Anguft, appointed Regent of I ranee, with the
unanimous consent of all the emigrants, who ce
lebrated, 011 that day, the fealt ol St. Loins, ar
Coblentz.
219
LONDON, September 6
Mrs. THURLOIV.
Philadelphia, November 5.
A southern pnper by yesterday's mail informs, that the Court
Martial which (at for the trial of General Harmar j has acquitted
him with honor.
By the Boston Independent Chronicle, it appears that the town
ofßofton has voted in town meeting, to inftruft their representa
tives to endeavor to eifcdl a repeal of the law against Theatrical
Exhibitions.
At a meeting of the Dire&ors of the Bank of the United States,
on Wednesday evening, the following Gentlemen were appointed
a committee to prepare and report a plan for Offices of Discount,
viz. Wii lt am Smith, Jonathan Mason, William Bing
ham, Jeremiah Wadsworth, and James Watson, Efqrs.
In consequence of the late daring attempts to burn this city, the
most fpiritted measures have been adopted to guard against the in
cendiaries— and to dete£l and bring them to justice, patroles of ci
tizens are formed in the several wards, whole nightly vigilance
will secure the repose and preservation of the inhabitants, and their
property.
On Monday last Joseph Ravar a, Esq. was introduced to the
President, by Mr. Jefferfon. as Consul-General in the United
States from the Republic of Genoa.
Within thefc tew nights pafl several attempts have been made to
set fire to buildings in different, parts of the city, bit they were
happily fruftrated bv the a&ivity of the citizens, different parties
of whom have patrolled the streets for the purpose of preventing
those diabolical incendiaries from executing their horriddcfigns.
His Excellency Governor Clinton has ifiued a proclamation
offering a large reward for apprehending and securing the mur
derers of Mr. Hogeboom.
The Constitution of France was exaflly two years, three months,
and fifteen davs in forming—the empire of despotism, on the ru
ins of which this fabrick of Freedom is raised, was the work of
ages. At the moment of finifhmg the Constitution, all parties
seemed to unite—Feuillans and Jacobins joined in equal expreflions
of triumph.
The motion of Mr. Languinais, that the Constitution cannot be
changed, was carried unanimously.
SAYS A CORRESPONDENT,
In consequence of the success of the Boston Tontine, a plan for
an United States Tontine will be published in a few days, in all the
principal towns throughout the Continent; and as the objedfc is to
effect a union of public and private benefits, there can be little
doubt of its fuccceding.
A fvftem of Bankrupt Laws has long been expected by many
persons. It has been said that the United States is almost the on
ly civilized country in the world, which is not in poffeflion of
such a fvftem ; an idea is excited by this circumstance, which
fomc may construe to the disadvantage of the general character of
the people of America. If we can boast of equal honesty with
the reft of mankind, we do not appear to Hand on an equal foot
ing with the citizens of European government in this refpeft.
There may be peculiar difficulties attending this business in this
country, owing to the extenfivenefs of our circle of credit; but
we certainly in this cafe, as in many others, enjoy fupertor ad
vantages by having all the light to direst us, which can arise from
the practice and experience of the greatest commercial, and moll
enlightened nations of Europe.
It is doubtless for the intercft of individuals and communities,
that men should pursue the paths of honor and re&itude. An en
lightened people will always make it for the advantage of their
public officers to be honest and patriotic. How highly favoured
is our country, in having those to conduct her public affairs, wh®
feel the force of the above remark.—On every occasion, the pro
moting the public good will be the supreme motivp to a&ion, so
long as\he people distinguish worth and abilities by their fuffrages.
On the 2 ift ult. at a meeting of the American PhilofophicalSociety,
agreeably to the order and rule of proceeding in the choice of new
members, the following gentlemen were duly elected :
Andrew Murray, M..D. ProfefTor of Botany in ihe University of
Gottingen.
Peter Simon Pallas, M. D. ProfefTor of Natural History at Peterf
burgh, &c. &c.
Dugald Steuart, Profeflor of Moral Philosophy in Edinburg.
Alexander J. Dallas, Esq. Secretary to the Commonwealth ot
Pennsylvania. Extratt trom the minutes,
Samuel Macaw, Sec'ry.
ARRIVALS At the FORT oj PHILADELPHIA.
Brig A6tive, Baflet, Berrrmoa
Union, Bell, Hamburg
Scho'r Fanny, Bents, North-Carolina
PRICE CURRENT.—PUBLIC SECURITIES.
FUNDED DEBT.
6 pr. Cents ai/6 21/8 pr.
3 pr. Ci-ntJ 12/4 > a /6
Defered 6 pr. Cents 13/ 13/3
UNFUNDED DEBT.
Final Settl. and other Certificates 18/ 90 do.
Indents 11f 11/6 do.
Bank Subscriptions, Mi to 118 Dollars.
Inspector is received.
The First and Second Volumes of the
HISTORY OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE,
(To which is prefixed an accurate Map of the State)
By the Rev. Jeremy Belknap,
Are ready for Delivery to Subscribers—who may receive their
Books on application to HAZARD & ADDOMS, at the
Corner of Chefnut and Thiid Street®.
£3H The above two volumes contain the political history of the
State, from its firft settlement to the adoption of the present Con
fti'Htion of the United States ; —the third, containing a geographi
cal description of the State, (ketches of its natural history, See. is
in the press.
* # * A few copies of the firft two volumes for sale—price 20/ I
November % 5, 1791.
In the Press, and speedily will be publidied,
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS;
Confiding of State Papers, and other authentic Documents,
tending to elucidate the History of America, and
particularly of the United States.
By EBENEZER HAZARD, A.M.
* # * The price to Subscribers will be a Dollar for each Number,
containing 160 large quarto pages; or Four Dollars and a Quarter
for each Volume in Boards t to be paid as follows, viz. the firft
and ferond Numbers, or Volumes, to be paid for on delivery of
thr firft ; and each subsequent one (except the last) at the time of
de ivery.
tfpf Sflbfcriptions will be recefved, in this city, by Thomas
Do? son, and Hazard Sc Addoms, (who will exhibit specimens
of ihe work) and in other places by the pr ncipal Bookfc-llers
there. November 1791.
icß| pr. cent,
do.
' 66£ do.