Gazette Of The United States And Daily Evening Advertiser

From the Pittsburgh Gazette.

June 23d, 1794.

Mr. Scull,

PERUSING this morning a bundle of newspapers sent me by a friend, my attention was principally attracted by the resolutions of the different Democratic Societies—having leisure on my hands, I entered into a consideration of their proceedings, and as resolves are now in fashion, I send you mine on that subject, not doubting but the sentiments of honesty and candour from an individual will be as well received as the inflammatory sophistry of those intriguing juntos.

Resolved, That the constitution of the United States is a great and wise regulation well calculated to ensure equal liberty and political happiness; that it is the admiration and envy of the most enlightened and civilized nations who are looking up and flying to it as a refuge from tyranny and oppression.

Resolved, That the government of the United States has hitherto been in the hands of a virtuous and wise executive (whose integrity hath been rendered only more visible by the attacks of party) under whose direction and management we have grown into consequence and credit; from anarchy and poverty into respectability and a situation to be just.

Resolved, That any attempt to create causeless jealousy or mistrust, or to inflame the minds of the less informed in a government under the above circumstances, is inimical to its true interests and real happiness, and that the patriotism of such, although arrogating the titles of Democrats, Friends to Liberty, &c. ought to be as much doubted as the friendship of the savage, who at the time he salutes you brother, applies either the knife or hatchet.

Resolved, That the members of those different societies, wherever they have appeared, have had in view their private interest and popularity and not the public's welfare, that in times of real danger few of them were seen in the field ready to encounter it; that they are national bullies breathing war and confusion, at the same time they have neither bravery nor patience to support themselves under its trials and hardships.

Resolved, That it is perfectly compatible with the dignity and wisdom of any government to do themselves justice by spirited remonstrance, and that war should be the ultima ratio, and dernier resort.

Resolved, That democracy which formerly meant that form of government in which the sovereign power is lodged with the body of the people, now means quite a different matter—it now means supineness, lethargy, and sometimes a little toryism in the time of real and necessary danger; and violent threats, defiances, meetings, mobs, tar and feathers in times of peace—it now means abuse of the federal government formed by collective wisdom, and found expedient on lengthy trial; it now means scurrility against the President (that best of men) and accusations against the superiors of officers, without supporting a single charge &c. In short it now means a thousand things of which Johnson never dreamt, nor did it enter into the mind of Sheridan to conceive of.