The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

A Frenchman was apprehended last week in New-York, and committed to the watch-house, on suspicion of setting fire to the Panorama in Broadway. On his entrance, perceiving that the key of the watch-house was on the outer side the door, he took the opportunity of slipping out during the momentary absence of his guard and locked the door, incarcerated about thirty watchmen, and effectually made his escape, vociferating as he went along, all's well.

Governour Harrison left Louisville, (K.) April 4th, for Vincennes--in consequence it is said, of the hostile disposition of the Indians on the frontiers.

Another earthquake was experienced at Richmond, (Vir.) April 22d about four o'clock in the morning; several were roused from their slumbers.

The democrats complain that federalists have not subscribed to the loan, and yet they say their party can furnish four millions in this state. Very well the federalists will not complain if they do it. But they still say the federalists ought to contribute. Must a man lend weapons for his own destruction? It is well known that money is chiefly in the hands of that oppressed and contemptible part of the community the merchants, or owners of real estate in sea-ports, or of other property the value of which depends on commerce. Whether war is intended, or a perseverance in the restrictive system, these men cannot but foresee the destruction of their interest. Should government offer eight or ten per cent. will the trifling gain of interest on their loans, induce men of calculation to contribute towards measures which will sink their whole capital from twenty to fifty per cent? Besides there is no scarcity of money in the country, and it is believed it may readily be obtained at six per cent. with good security. But if government already finds a difficulty in borrowing at this rate, what is the prospect of their success hereafter? Will their credit increase in proportion to the rate of interest they offer? Will not even avaricious men be afraid to lend lest their neighbours should refuse; and the scanty loans not be sufficient for immediate calls of government, which are considerable. Where must they then look for their principal, or even the interest? When commerce is destroyed, doubling the imposts will not replenish the treasury. If we can import nothing from Great-Britain and her dependencies, and the embargo is to be continued to prevent supplies to Bonaparte's enemies, which is the continental system, the revenue from duties will make a small item in our resources. Taxes must then be resorted to for the current expenses of government, and on these must the creditor rely or the surplus funds from which he is to be paid cheerfully, and our publick coffers overflow with contributions from our impoverished farmers. But those, who know the difficulty of collecting money in the country would not calculate on this result.

This appears to be the prospect in case our government should persevere in the restrictive system: and the National Intelligencer has told us we must have this or war. Should it be war, we have not only these evils to apprehend; but when we consider the violence of feeling, the distress and desperation it is likely to produce, and that a majority of the Northern States will feel themselves wantonly sacrificed as victims it is impossible to say that some political convulsion may not take place; and the common bond being broken, however individuals may be disposed to do justice, the difficulty of apportioning might first occasion delay, and be a final reason why publick debts should remain unpaid.