The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

PORTSMOUTH, Dec. 26.

It said by Milton, (says a correspondent) the trappings of a monarchy would support a republick; but it might be said the trappings of our American Republicks would support a monarchy. There are upwards of 2000 men employed in the legislative part of our thirteen governments only, and ten times that number in the executive part of them, all of whom are maintained by the publick. Besides the expense of this little army of rulers, their wisdom decreases in proportion as their numbers increase--hence the folly of some of our constitutions and most of our laws--for in 2000 people there will always, in a country so young as ours, be a greater proportion of ignorant men than in 100 or 50. It is to be doubted, whether the most populous kingdom in Europe could furnish 2000 men sufficiently enlightened to make legislators. These facts should prepare us to adopt the simple frugal and wise federal government which is now prepared for us. It will lessen all the expenses of our political house keeping, and at the same time, give us much more rank and consequence with our neighbours, with whom we are obliged to keep company. It will enable us to support government, and pay our debts by imposts and excise, without unequal and oppressive land taxes, which are so injurious to agriculture;--and lastly, it will extinguish state parties, which are so detrimental to social happiness.

Some timid, or perhaps INTERESTED politicians, have expressed apprehensions, that the federal government will not be adopted by the states or the people. Such persons do not know, or recollect, the good sense of the Americans, who, under less pressing circumstances, in the year 1775 adopted the resolutions of Congress, and in the year 1776 the declaration of Independence. For neither of these were the citizens of America half so well prepared, as they are now for a vigorous federal government. It is probable some of the states will object to it, and certain factions, composed of salary and perquisite men, may object to it in all the states: But, as was the case with the resolutions of Congress and the declaration of Independence, truth and the publick safety will finally prevail over self interest and faction, and America will be the delight of her friends and citizens, and the envy, admiration and example of the whole world.

Until we manufacture more, it is absurd to celebrate the fourth of July as the birth day of our Independence. We are still a dependent people, and, what is worse, after all the blood and treasure we have expended, we are actually taxed by Great-Britain. Our imports help to fill her revenue, and to pay the interest of a debt contracted in an attempt to enslave us.