National Gazette

Philad. July 15th.

For the NATIONAL GAZETTE.

OCCURRENCES sometimes very trifling in their nature have a tendency to show, in a very striking and expressive manner, the opinions of mankind.

Having been one of the crowd of spectators who attended Mr. Ricketts's performance on Saturday, I could not but observe what must have been obvious to all, that when "The man of the people" was toasted in the presence of the person to whom it was intended to apply, those warm emotions were not excited in the breasts of the many citizens who were present, that the same circumstance would have produced some time ago.

But a few years past, involuntary shouts, and bursts of applause would have succeeded the mention of this toast, as naturally as an effect does its cause; but on this occasion the vain and unsuccessful attempt of a few to raise a huzza, only served to indicate more clearly the change that has taken place in the sentiments of the people, with respect to the person whom they have placed at the head of their government.

The enlightened and republican citizens of America will not continue their eulogies longer than they are merited: They will not favour any one with the title of the man of the people (the most honourable and glorious one ever annexed to the name of Washington) who attempts to impose the impossible task upon freemen, of observing a conduct "equally impartial and friendly" towards the daring enemies of liberty, and her sincerest friends.

While their gratitude for his eminent services in their late cause, veils the smaller faults of his administration, they will not continue insensible to flagrant violations of their rights: They will withdraw their esteem and confidence from any one of their public servants, whose efforts are exerted to strengthen collaterally the arm of despotism, by weakening that of liberty; the loyal addresses that were received are only indicative of the sentiments of a few interested individuals; the great mass of the people are the enemies of slavery, and its abettors, and however they may wish to preserve the blessings of peace, will never deign the nod of approbation to a proclamation, a strict and implicit observance of which, might eventually prostrate the glorious tree of liberty which they formerly nourished with a portion of the same blood that continues to animate them. May our long esteemed Washington speedily disentangle himself from the counsels of the aristocratic friends who surround him, become the active friend of our generous allies, and command the universal regard of his countrymen.

PHILOGENET.

July 15th 1793.