Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

The question has been frequently asked why so little preparation is making to greet, with the usual demonstrations of joy, the birth day of our Independence. Another year has rolled away, and we have reason to bless God, that the rude hands of aspiring ambition have not prostrated the last pillar of the temple of liberty. Its close finds us at peace. We no longer tremble at conscriptions, nor shudder at the rapid approach of military despotism.

Why, then, do we not rejoice? Why not devote the day to festivity? The time has been, when the poorest mechanic or labourer could easily spare from his pocket a few shillings to make his heart glad on this joyous anniversary; but our glorious war has brought with it a crop of taxes and double duties, which compel not only the poor, but rich, to study the most rigid economy.

Mr. Madison's collectors now thrust their long arms into our pockets, and filch away that portion of the hard earnings of industry which we would gladly spend in drinking to the memory of Washington and the revolutionary heroes, who achieved our independence.--Spy