The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

For the NEW HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE.

Messieurs PRINTERS.

Writer in the Boston Independent Chronicle, under the signature of An honest Republican, in a course of letters to an Hon. gentleman at Philadelphia, gives some most excellent reasons, why Congress should not be entrusted with the proposed revenue by impost, and proves that a 2 and half per cent duty, instead of 5 per cent. would raise the proposed revenue that Congress recommended, besides reckoning many imported articles not dutiable: he writes like an honest man for the good of his country, and with a firmness truly manly, not being afraid to write freely, while he wishes not to offend; obsta principiis in new republics, is a maxim absolutely necessary for their safety and good government; and if this gentleman's observations are attended to with circumspection, we may yet be safe. The collected wisdom of the states is not always in Congress; they are but men, and frequently not the greatest of men: and if they should prove dishonest with the revenue proposed to be under their disposal: they may make a dangerous use of it: it was not long since a gentleman petitioned them to augment his salary to 5000 dollars per annum, what man ever deserved that sum? would it not engage as good men as him? and if Congress has the power of increasing their dependents, and giving them such salaries, may we not fear the proposed revenue may in time be converted to that use, where are the unaccounted millions of dollars raised by the states? what has become of the states lottery, that second South sea bubble? the public has a right to know; they will know before they trust further :--The state of Rhode Island have laid an impost on all goods imported into that state, by land or by water, but they have wisely appointed their own collector, and have determined to pay the interest of their public debts; in short they choose to be their own executors :--I am not for cipherizing Congress, but would wish to see them support the dignity of the states, that foreigners may see we respect their recommendations, which was their original constitution: but when they make ordinances carrying the force of laws, and annex penalties thereto, I do not acknowledge them; I am subject only to the code of laws of that state wherein I live, and them I will support with my life and property. I revolted from the British government, because I would not be subjected to two codes of laws; Congress as the patres conscripti of the American states, the grand Council of America; and whatever they recommend should be adopted by the states, reserving the disposal of their property, but when Congress are empowered to grant pensions and salaries, and multiply their dependents, the Government of America becomes an Aristocracy, and the people lose their majesty.

INDEPENDENS.