The Kentucky Gazette

FELLOW CITIZENS.

I am persuaded that it must be the want of information, that causeth the United States unanimously to condemn the proceedings of the President and Senate, for confirming the late treaty with Great Britain: they have only heard what may be said on one side of the question, and perhaps they have never yet heard the real reasons for confirming this treaty, and therefore, have immaturely gave judgment against their superiors. In general, I must observe that the nature of our constitution seems to be very much mistaken by those who are violently against the late treaty. It is certain, that ours is a mixt government, and the perfection of our constitution consists in this: that the monarchical (without the name of a King) and the aristocratical and democratical forms of government, are mixt and interwoven in ours, so as to give all the advantages of each, without subjecting us to the danger and inconveniencies of either. Whereas the French constitution is altogether democratical; and consequently exceeding dangerous to the peace and happiness of mankind, there was, therefore, great danger in having any connexion with France, lest our people should be corrupted by them, to the great danger of our glorious constitution; therefore, it was our interest to be shy with France, and to keep them at a distance as we have done.

But when we beheld the unparalleled success of the French arms, from year to year, ever since the commencement of the war, and the rapid progress that French liberty was making king in the world, we found that something more must be done. At length, upon self-defence, it appeared necessary for us to do every thing in our power against them; if we had declared ourselves in favour of the combined powers, and proclaimed war against France; as they are at a great distance from us, the chief that we could do was to supply the one in provision, and withhold it from the other; and this we have done in the late treaty (we hope) in such a manner, as will not involve us in a war with France.

And is there any thing in all this, that should occasion such a general outcry and tumult throughout the United States? You by your own voluntary consents, constitutionally vested the President and Senate with this power, and will you now unanimously rise up against them, because they have endeavoured to prevent your being forever ruined by extreme enthusiastical French democracy. Mind your farming business, and never perplex yourselves about those things; doth not the President and Senate know better what is for your benefit than you do. Cease, I say, from disturbing the peace and happiness of the Commonwealth.

A LOVER OF POWER.