Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

Extract of a letter from an American at Paris, dated Oct. 29.

"On the news of the peace with the Emperor, I expected universal rejoicings: but, either I am not capable of observing, or the people here do not discover that joy, which I expected to see visibly depicted in every countenance; notwithstanding there is great cause to rejoice. To account for this is not easy unless we suppose that the variety of changes the people have undergone has produced a kind of apathy; or that, seeing the war likely to be continued with England (notwithstanding the peace with Austria) by which their expenses and their sufferings are still likely to be prolonged, they find that all those hopes and prospects of a return to tranquility, which have been held out to them from time to time by the government to be vain and illusory.

A proclamation of the Directory, the 28th October, acquaints the nation with the intention of invading England; and calls upon them to go there and make the peace. If it is seriously their intention, and I believe it is to go there, I am fully persuaded that neither the expense nor the immense sacrifice of lives which it will occasion, will deter them from the attempt. The number of 100,000 troops is confidently spoken of, as destined to this attempt, and some magnify it to 200,000, and further, that every vessel in France, to whatever power belonging, will be put in requisition. Thus you may, look for a general embargo; and should you not hear from me, account for it on this score.

The Directory hold out, that their invasion is set on foot merely to destroy the actual government of England, and not to destroy the manufactures or injure individuals. How the destruction of the one can be effected without involving the other, I cannot conceive. The government cannot fall without involving the great mass of people in the same common ruin Though I can conceive that the whole body of the people may suffer from an invasion, and yet the hands of the government be strengthened.

The changes Europe has undergone within the last few years, and the further changes that are likely to take place, should be regarded with attention by us. If any thing is wrong in our constitution, it has within itself the power of amendment; no violence is necessary; and happily, between the time of proposing an alteration, and an amendment taking place, there is full time for reflection Mankind appear to me too fond of change, from whence, perhaps, there is more ill than good to be received. Do not think that I advocate the far sanctioning of ancient prejudices, that oppress the people; no, far from it; neither would I wish to see changes for the sake of trying experiments. The constitution of the United States is but of a few years standing, yet it is highly respected abroad; it would be a shame to us, to be less so at home, considering the happiness it has produced—our situation, in every point of view. Compare it with the actual situation of other countries. then ask yourself if, under any other government, the people are more free or more happy: if under any government the laws are more faithfully executed, or justice better administered; view our laws and compare them with those of other countries.—I think you will find them more mild, more just, and better defined. Regard the taxes and impositions of other countries, and compare ours with them; heavy as they may appear, we shall find them light, and less burdensome on the lower order of people, than in any other country. Let us then be cautious how we find fault, or attempt innovations; at this moment less than any other should we think of them: on the contrary, we should support our constitution by a joint effort, and give countenance to every officer elected by the people; and by our strengthening the hands of government, it will have more power to protect the person and property of every individual citizen."