Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

The Aurora, a paper, which is not only free to, but invites, every calumny, against the government of the United States, and whatever else, is calculated, to incite the people to oppose the laws, has recently, (see the Aurora of the 27th instant) enumerated, in its accustomed style, and course of misrepresentation, nineteen cases, in which it is asserted, the American news-papers, (or far the greater part of them) sermons, magazines and pamphlets, have directly attacked or waged war, with the pen, upon republican states.

The first charge is—That the American new-papers, magazines, sermons, and pamphlets, have held republicanism in contempt.

To this it is answered, that the sound American Patriots, or Federalists, are of opinion, the French Directory pay no respect to the Law of Nations, to promises, or treaties; that they despise religion and morality, and hold every act to be lawful, which gives them any advantage, over other states or countries, particularly those which are unfortunately their neighbours, however innocent or unoffending; and that the bulk of the people of France, are too ignorant to understand what is meant by the very term republicanism. In this view it is, that the American Patriot, holds French republicanism in the utmost contempt, and abhorrence, and feels mortified, that there should be any of his countrymen, base enough to advocate such republicanism.

The 2d charge—They have ridiculed Democracy.

It is answered, that sound American patriots, consider pure Democracy, as one of those Plagues which have been suffered, occasionally to afflict mankind. It is every thing that can be dictated, by the most turbulent, wicked and ambitious men, carried into effect, by an inflamed and ignorant multitude. It is a mob-government; a government without branches, where every individual, has a right to oppose, every individual; where laws are made in the same way, and with as little deliberation, as town resolves, in public squares, or State-House yards. We hope it is the prayer of all good men, that the United States, may never be cursed, with such a destroying pestilence.

The existing government of the United States is a well poised, and balanced machine, it is equally distant from a democratic, aristocratic, or monarchical government, while it partakes of the principles of each.

It will be the endeavor of the Federalists, to perpetuate this government, and they will take up arms, to prevent mad Democrats, at the nod of their demagogues, from changing it, for a pure democracy, et modus in rebus.

The 3d charge—They have violently counter-argued, equal liberty.

It is answered, Americans of sound principles have argued against every kind of liberty, which would disturb the social order and violate the long settled maxims, of religion, and politics, which form the only sure, and solid support of states and kingdoms.

The 4th charge—They have roundly condemned resistance, to the unlawful, and unconstitutional acts of power.

Answer. Sound Federalists, have universally and roundly condemned, resistance to the acts of government, and will, it is not doubted, always, not only condemn, but punish those who attempt to resist those acts.

The 5th charge—They have openly advocated, an established church.

Answer. True Federalists, who love, cherish and protect the Constitution, with their pens, and when occasion requires, with their swords; know, that the Constitution declares, "Congress shall make no law, respecting an establishment of religion."

Knowing this barrier to an established church, it is certainly true, that they have never advocated the propriety, utility, or policy of such a measure. They have always however, said and believed, that a people, without religion, can neither be just to each other, nor to their neighbours; and it is their earnest wish, to see the true, or the christian, religion, triumph, and prevail over the principles of the Age of Reason, and French Infidelity.