The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume], March 22, 1809, Image 1

About The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841

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No. 1.
DPROSPECTUY
OF THE
R!
UlOl
DL
A'A'ISL
ND REP
PUB
I v
‘.C \
AN
AT this' momentous crisisy, when foreign
and domestick foes are threatening annibila
tion to our moral, civil, and political exist
ence ; when the great pillars of natural and
poltickdaw are swept away by the torrent of
modern usurpation, and mrcuT is made a
substitute for mricur ; and, when foreign
edicts under the specious pretexts gof mutual
retaliution are prostrating our neutral rights,
and forcing us to the alternatives of war, or
slavish submission—the friends of our Re
publican Governmient and lustitutions,
throughout the Union, are loudly called upon
to support with their fortunes, influence, und
even lives, if necessary, the principles for
which their fathersbled, and which huve been,
thus {ur, trunsmicted unsullied to their pos-
terity.
One ereat means towards the accomplsh
ment of this all important object, is the gen
eral dilTusion of correct political information,
rendered indeed indispensably necessary, by
the alarming snd futal height already utt.ined
by the opposition prints, which have so long
advocated the cause of a foreiyn nation aglinst
our country, that they have actuaily quitted
American ground. Their conductors, in
systemutick abuse of the government of this
countiy, appear to have lost sight of the oii
ginal ground of opposition, and to be as it
were, imperceptibly denationdlized. It is
aguinst flws and sophistry of this faction,
which now¥alks übroad at noon dey, that the
energy & patrioii-m of real Americ.ns should
be exerted ; and in resising which, the
Rhodesliland Kepublican will firmly adhere
to the strict maxims of political jusiice. It
wiil never descend to Jow and virulent wbuse,
or personal invective ; but steady in its course,
it will support with dignity, as far as its influ
ence extends, the Independence and Liberty
of our conntry Actuated by a zeal which
knows no bounds but justice,and governed by
principle’ which have no end but the publick
welfure, its editors will rest their cliims of
continued support upon the fidelity with which
they shall cherish these principles.
The work will eontinue to be printed on paper of
the present size and qlunlitv. The price to subscrib
ers is $ 2 a year, one half in advance.
Persons at a distance, procuring eight subscribers,
and becoming mponmb\e‘ Werefor, will be entitled
to the ninth, gratis.
07 Gentlemen holding subscription g, are
reques ?'?0 retury abown imacdinely o ‘33".,%
of Wit am Simomws, Newport, thut the publisher
may be enabled 1o forward the papers to the sub.
scribers.
BY THE MAIL.
eNI €D OR
The Sovereign of Counterfeiters:
The following letter was received a few
dys since from that Rogue for life, Bur
rouvacHs ; by which it uppeurs that the Ciai=
lous vretch ¢« glories in his shame.”
« Low:r Canada, 25th January, 1809,
“ OENTLEMEN,
« HAVING often ceen your « Only Sure
Guide to Bank Bills,” und admiring your kind
lbours for the public weal, in detecting the
works of those * ingenious, rogues,” ¥ have
enclosed and forwarded to your Exchange-
Office, a Bill on the Skifiton Bank, (which
has very reseutly commenced it operation,)
and 1 pray you wiil have the goodness to give
the publick the earliest notice should spurious
bi'ls of that Bunk be ciscovered to be in cir
culation.—As I'am a principal Stock-holder
in the Shipion Dank,you wiii do me a favour,
for which I will amply reward you, by giving
the genuine prototype pewter plate bills good
credit ot your office, wnd whatever firemium
you wili give for the Shipren Pank Bills, you
may be assured shall be puid you in Bunk
Stock.
“« I wish, Gentlemen, you would be at
tentive to my rejuest, wnd strictly examine
ali biuls on the afores:id Bunk, by the enclo
scd genuine bill ; for such is the depravity of
man, and such the success of counterfeiting,
that I lately observed in one of your news-pu
pers, that patent buck wheat francakes had
been so exactly counterfrited in New-Jersey,
that none except the Officers of the Pancake
Exchange could distinguish them from the
originals ! ! !—I solicit your friendship, Cen
tlemen, in this important business, (to me)
and am, Messieurs,
' “ Your devoted humble serv’t.
“S. BURROUGHS.
¢ Measrs. Giusert & Dean, Boston.”
The letter inclostd a Carricature Coun
terfeit Bill for Sixzpience ; having on it a fig
are of on Ourang Outang, from whose mouth
Issues a label with the words “ Death or Bo
tary Bay, hay ha, ha !’
BATTLE IN ST. DOMINGO,
On the 18th of Feb. off Mchola Moie, two
schooners were spo&en just out of port ; the
captains informed, that two or three days be
fore, a desperate battle had taken place . near
“the Mole between Periox and Cunistorue’s
forces, in which the former gained tiie victo
ry-=the total loss on both sides was said to be
30,000 killed.
THE RHODE-ISLAND REPUBLICAN.
CONDITIONS,
BOSTON, MARCH 17.
( Palladium.)
INAUGURAL SPE
T —— D——
[Although most of cur readers heve undoub’-
edly frerused the Inaugyral Speech of AR,
MabDisoN, yel goe are gnxiods (o firescrve %
52 valuable a document in our columns, as it .
may always be read with Mncwed pleasure
and satigfuction.) =
' wumm-rou.mcu 4, 1809,
This day, at 12 o’clock, JA MADISON took
the outh of office, as President of ‘Qe United States,
and delivered in the Chamber of {se House of Re
presentatives, in presence of the senate, most of the
'ate Represeniatives, and a large concourse of Citi
zens, the following
SPEECH :
~-U~nwiLLing to depart from examples
of the most revered autharity, I avail
myself of the occasion now presented, to
express the prolound impression made
on me, by the call of my country 1o the
station, to the duties ol which 1 am a
bout to pledge myself, by the most sol
emn of sanctigns. So distinguished a
mark of confidence, procecding from the
deliberate and tranquil suffrage of a Irce
and vértuous nation, would under any
circumstances have commanded my ‘grat
itude and devotion ; as well as filiked me
with au awlul scose of the tiust to be
assumed, Under the various circum
stances which give peculiar soleninity to
the existing period. 1 ieel thut both the
honour avd the responsibility allotied to
me are inexpressiblp cnh:mgcd.
The present situgtion of the world is
indecd without a pfizfi s and that of our
own country full "of @ifficulties. The
pressure of these (oo 1s the more severcly
lelty because they have fillen upon us at
a moment, when the national prosperity
being at a height not belore attained, the
contrast resulting from the change has
heen rendered the morestiiking, Under
the benign influence of ogr Rcpublican
institutions, and the maint@oance of peace
with all pations, whilst so many of them
were engaged in bloody and wastefu!
wars, the fruits of a just policy were en.
joyed in an unrivalled growth of our fac.
ulties and resources. Prools of this werc
seen in the improvements of agriculwre ;
n the SHECEFTUI veemprimeo
merce ; in the progress of manulactunds
and useful arts; in the increase of the
publick revenue, & the use made of it in
reducing the publick debt ; and in the
valuable works and establishments every
whsrc multiplying over the face of our
land.
[t is a precious reflection that the tran.
~sition from this wrosperous condition of
our couniry, to gw scene which has for
some tme been distressing us, is not
chargeable on any unwarrantable views,
nor as I trust,on any invaluntary errors,
in the publick comncils, Indulging no
’ passions which tresspass on the rights, or
the repose of other nations, ithas been
the true glory of the United States to
“cultivate peace, by observing justice,and
to entitle themsclves to the respect of the
nations at war, by fulfilling their neutral
obligations, with the most scrupulous
impartiality. It there be candour in the
world, the truth of these: assertions wil
not be questioned ; posterity, at least,
wil |do justice to them.
This unexceptionable course could
not avail against the injustice and vio
lence of the belligerent powers. In their
rage against en(fin other, or impelled by
more dircct motives, principles of retalia
tiun have been introduced, equally con
trary to universal reason, & acknowledg.
ed law, How longtheir arbitrary edicts
will be continued 1n spite of the demon.-
strattons that not even a pretext for them
has been given by the ‘jl’lith States,and
of the fair and liberal attempt to induce
a revocation of them, cannot be anticipa
ted. Assuring mysélf, that under every
vicissitude, the determined spirit and
united councils of the nation will be safe
guards to its honour and its essential in
terests, I répair to the post aw%:‘d me,
with no other discouragement than what
springs from my own inadur-cy to its
high duties. If Tdo not sink under the
weight of this deep conviction, it is be
cause I find some support in a conscious
ness of the purposes, and a confidence in
the principles which I bring with me,in.
o tg's arduouns service.
To cherisn peace and friendly inter
course with all nations having corres
pondent dispositions, to maintain sincere
neutrality towards belligerent nations; to
prefer in all cases, amicable discussion
WEDNLSDAY, MARCH 22, 1809,
‘H
. .
| aud“.reasmmblc. vecommodation of difier.
~ences, to a decision of tl.‘em.by.:m appeal
| toarms : to exclude foreign intrigues and
loragn partialities, so degrading 1o all
countiies, and so baneful to Irce oues ;
“to foster o spirit of independence, too
Just to invade the rights of others, too
vroud to surrender our own ; too liberal
to nfiqqlgc unworthy prejudices ourselves,
and 100 elevated not to look down upon
them inothers ; to hold the union of the
states as the basis of their peace and hap
piness; tosppport the constitution,which
15 the vement of the union, as well in its
limitations as in its authoritics ; to res
pect the rights and authorities reserved
o the states and to the people, as cqually
incorporated with, :mcrc(asmtiz;l to the
success of, the general system : to avoid |
the slightest interference with the rights
of conscience or the functions of rgligon,
so wigkly exempted from civil jarisdie
tion 3 to preserve in tiwir full energy the
other galutary provisions in behall’ ol
private and personal rights, and ol the
trcedom of the press ; 1o observe econo
my in publick ¢ :penditures; to liberate
the publick resources by an honaurable
dischargre of the publick debis; to keep
within the rcquisite limits-a standing mil
itary furce, nlways remembering that an
armed and troived militia is the firmest
bulwark of Republieks ; that without stan- J
ding armics their lerty can never be in |
danger ; nor, with large ones safe 5 to
promete by duihioviced méans improve.
ments fricndly to sgricniiure, 1o many.
factures, and o externe! as well a 8 inter
nal commerce to favour in Lk manner,
the advancement of sciciice, and the diffu
slon of information, as the best aliment to
true hiberty ; to carry on the benevolent
plans, which have been so mérilori.oqsly
gpplic 2 to the conversion of our aboriginal
neighbotirs fiom the degradation and
wretchedness of savage life, tom partici
pationyaf the improvements of which the
human mind snd manners are susceptible
Wy te: As far as sentiments
aid the
Itis my good fortune, moreover, to
have the puch, in which Tam to tread,
lighied by examples of iilustrions servi.
ces, successfully rendered in the most
nying difficulties, by those vho ba e
marchcd besre me. OfF those of nuy
immedinte predecessor it might least
peconie me ficrc to speak. 1 may how.
ever be pardoned for not suppressing the
sympathy with which my heart js full, in
the nch reward he enjoys in the benedic
dons ofa beloved country, gratefuliy Le
siowed for exalied talems, zealously de
vofed through a long career, 1o the ad
vancement of its highest interestand hap-
ANLCSS,
: But the source, to which I lock for
the aids which alone can supply my de
ficiencies, is in the well-tried inteligence
and virtue of my fellow citizens, and in
the councils of those representing them,
in the offer departments associated in the
care of me national interests. In these
my confidence will under every difficul
ty be best placed, next to that which we
have all been encouraged to feel n the
guardianship and guidance of that al
mighty Being, whose power regulates
the destiny of nations, whose blessings
have been so conspicuously dispensed to
this rising Republick, anj to whom we
are bouo§ to address our devout grati
tude for the past, as well as our fervent
supplications and best hopes for the {u
ture. -
JAMES MADISON.
MISCELLANY.
From the National Intelligencere—Mar. 3,
This day will form a bright aera on the
page of history. Never willqt be forgotien as
long as liberty is dear to man, that it was on
this day that THOMAS JEFFERSON re
tired from the suprema. magistracy amidét
the blessing sand regrets of rfims. It ourht
to he forever remembered this sicp was
the dictate, not of necmir{, but cheice, and
that it manifests the most illustrious homage
which the mind ofmncm to prineipie.
That man must be great the spontonc
ons will of millions calls to lt.lm m;;’remi:
power ; but now greater is he, who,
the midst of xfivmw'fll popu
larity, and with a mind or weaken+
ed,rejecting the eager ‘that would a-
guih clothe sim with the Lighest eudiority,
withdraws t» the retirement of private lile.
How inany unruly pussions subdued does such
un act evince ! Andwhat a dumning refutus
tion does it not menifest to the profligate cal
umnies that traced the aetions, of his adpin
istrotion to sinister motives,
Llid Thomas Jefierson desired to retain
powery there was no competitor, he would
bave been re-clected President by a vast mu
jority. His fubrick of wuthoiity was neither
impuired, or likely 10 be so. He might still
have continwed to exercise the almost com
minding prerogatives ol Lis station, to counler
oflice und dispence power, receiving appluuse
in return. It he had personcl fuvourites, he
might huve gratified them ta the fullest
tent of Lis wishes. But this charge 'ozfi
never have been made, but through the r‘"
luted chanpels of defamation His fuvoulites
huve ever been llmst‘, whote virtues NKI tlb
cuts he called into the publick service,hecuuse:
the good of the nation demuanded them, An‘
this lust splendid act of his pullick life prov.e
principle to have been his polar star, .
The history of menkind shews that the
deudliest foe to liberty hus ever been the orr-'
manent deposit of power in the hands an
individual, and that it clmost invariubly t&
minates in the misery of a nution. Our cone
stitution does not inhabit this investiture ; bE—
authorises its continuunce, provided the peos
ple every four yeurs re«clected the same indis
vidual. T'here are those who think, and we.
profess curselves of the number, that a rotas
tion in the office of chief magistrate ‘would
have been a sufesguard to liberty. The
however, we wdm. is cxtl'en;c{ difficuit
satisfuctory solution, Such is &e insatiabl
thirst of power, that the moumful Liswry o
‘almost every, nation proves i.wttle ull cong,
stitutigns ure aguinst the pverwlelming tom
rent g‘ nmbitigu. It constitutions torcibiy
shut the door upon the retention of the sus
preme power by on incividuul of uscendunt
tulent vnd umb{flon. it is to be feured that
rather thun submit, the whoie system will be
~subverted by him, It wus, perhups, becauss
the years of Buonaparte did not allow bink'to
be a Dircctory that he overturned the repubs
lick, and scized the abrolute power. 4
Be this question, however decided as @
‘may, while poor humun nature retuins .
“wretched alloy, and while the constitution res
‘mains unchunged, the trnly great and 4QO¢
‘man will ouly find, in. these circumstuncely
stronger motives for discovering a reme "fi;"
the dreadful evil which has be'f&h other pas
tions, and having found it, will resolutel xpi
ply it, This has been done by ';\:’b;-&‘_
e '."'.u e LeF I oRy R ke
except for the most subs "“"*
Proud, indecd, must be the pretensions of
Eim, who shull dure to say, my countsy hus,
hus greater need of my scrvicess than it had:
for those of « Washington or Jefferson. - -
It is not pur purpose——we have fe
lithe or roome=to review the adminis
of Mr. Jefferson. The tributary affecti
«nd unshuken confidence of the. great muss.
of the people, even under circumstunces pete’
nious and unprecedented, are its best defenge,,
Nothing.but sterling gold could have _come:
pure out of such b cruciblfe. Who is ‘there
from north to south, [rom east to west, i
the €ight milijons that muke up our popula~
tion, that stands on ground 50 pre-eminent 7
Not one ; and yet we have muny, very mas
ny great and good mon. How{evc\' Dary .ph
malevolent in some breasstyand N 'I;?; oxct
ed in ail, may, in the collisions o? the dey,
have dctmytcd from his merits, the cw&
come, and that shoretlw too, when ,w, m
will allow him to have be‘. a good und 8
man, and when the name of smofion w
he universally associat¢d with those of Wash
ington and Franklin.
There is, fcllo:n-?llm* | g inexy
pressibly tender and solemn in 2& frolicical
departure from among us of our distinguishe’
ed fiicnd and benefuctor. How much hus
he contributed to our happiness ! How vare
iows, complicated, and arduous have been '3
scenes through which he has passed | Fore
ty years have been almost unceasingly g
in your service ! What post of honor “hes
he not filled, what grade of political duty hagt
he not discharged !| How mauny «unxious
moments has he had for your wfin-l How'
great the debty how profound obligation
to such a man ! But vast as the debt is,
let us rejoice that it has been paid -
we have been and stll are for
scrvices we have received. Let .us
just pride in the reflection that the
and esteem of an enlightched nation canchl
all obligation end that thig is bestowed to the .
full om Thomas Jeflerson.” Let us too re-"
member that the day has at length apri 4
when praise canmot be mistaken for fl g
or be ascribed to impure motives. The
leading elements of a nation’s b’“
liberty, knowledge and wealth, m’:
thesc, it is impossible for ‘ &
miserable. During Mr., Jeffet i
istration all these have been m‘
or strengthened. Liberty has 2
no fetters, the arts u:‘ sciences m Ivipce
ed with unpreceden ner- realth
outrun every calculation. If it be an %
utable axiom, that a tree i;rn ity
fi‘.u,miu crbdtv ~cunnot “be
mistaken or unfelt. It is this, that on. ‘dis
day lights “&-M awakens the re.
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