Gazette Of The United States

Extract from a speculation signed Candidus in the Farmer's Journal of May 27.

Why is so much attention paid to trifling memorials? They are not matters of general concern. And why should we support men at Congress to trifle away their time upon them? The answer to questions of this kind is obvious. Justice is uniform. It is the same when administered to an individual, a state, or a nation: If all contribute to the establishment and support of government in order that their persons and properties may be protected: Have not all a demand on government for that protection? The reciprocal rights and duties of the people, and the supreme power of a nation constitute substantial justice. There is a mutual dependence between the supreme power and the people. And since the whole government is composed of individuals, does it appear inconsistent that individuals should be heard in the public councils? Much depends on public opinion in matters relating to government. Some deference therefore should be paid to it. In order to gain the confidence of the people they must be fully convinced that their memorials and petitions will be duly attended to when they are not directly repugnant to the interest and welfare of the community. And better would it be for government, to expend 100 dollars in an attempt to do justice to a man, or body of men, than for them to defraud either of them of 10 dollars by a direct refusal of justice.