Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

From the Augusta Chronicle.

Mr. SMITH,

I HEAR Mr. Somebody has given you the trouble of publishing a sneer against the proposition for a convention, &c. &c. And I have heard, that his flippancy has given such offence to some of your subscribers, that they threaten to withdraw their names. But is not this too precipitate? Such withdrawing is a declaration for laying under restraint the press, which should be free. And if a people take the trouble of forging their own chains, do they not invade the province of Imprudence? Whenever a people commit this trespass, they are sure to pay smart-money, one day or other.

This is not meant in excuse for this Somebody's attempt. Of that, reports are not very much in its favor.

The proposition was thought to be very inoffensive. Neither was it founded on absurdities. The impossibility of persuading all men to think alike, was not attempted. The principal object was, by frequent collision, to wear off that roughness, which has often wounded, where no wound should be given: And to change into the friendly warmth of brotherly love, that coldness which often freezes up the milk of human kindness, so honorable in man, and so essential in a Christian.

Whether endeavors to promote such dispositions; or attempts, like that of Somebody, to prevent them, be most worthy of public approbation, the public will easily determine.

Although a free press should be preferred; yet there is a great difference between free and licentious. Every master of a press is supposed to possess the powers of a Roman tribune. When pieces are calculated to create discord; to bear false witness against a neighbor; to corrupt youth, and the unwary, or tend, generally, to loosen moral obligations.-in all such cases the master's veto may be happily applied.

But, at any rate, they would do well to consider that the publication of such a piece, may and probably will, do an injury, for which no recompense can ever be made.

This, though, is thrown out only as a hint; and not obtruded as advice.

I am an old man, tottering over the grave. But until I fall into it, I wish for quietness and peace. A. I wish all men well, I sometimes offer a bit of advice. If folly pass it by, unregarded; I am sorry for their mistake.--It may be fatal. But if the wise in their own conceit, endeavor to torture it on the rack of their ridicule, I breathe a parting sigh, and wish for that time, when a mischief to communities shall not be found among the children of

MEN.