Rhode Island Republican

From the NATIONAL EGIS.

We exhibited in our last a statement and misappropriations of public money, under the present administration, which had been industriously circulated through the Federal papers, for the purpose of influencing the elections. We promised, at the same time, to exhibit a counterpart of this statement, which should present to the view of the People, some of the misappropriations and unconstitutional expenditures of public money under the late administration; with the salutary and prudent retrenchments, in the annual expenses of the Government, by the innovations of the last session of Congress, upon the former wasteful and profligate system.

In discharge of this engagement, we now file in our account, in favor of the People, against the firm of John Adams and Co. for "money laid out and expended," against the letter and spirit of the Constitution, and without the least colour of legal appropriation. In the language of the statement from the "Trenton Federalist," we say to the People of New England, Read This! Read This!

To expense incurred by the officers and clerks, in removing themselves and families from Philadelphia (beyond the sum of 15,293.20. appropriated for that purpose, including loss on the sale of unfashionable furniture, expense of packing and unpacking, and payment for every chair, table, looking-glass, tea-cup and saucer, which was broken, 32,872.34

To misappropriation, by Mr. Pickering, of money drawn from the Treasury, under pretence of "defraying the expense of intercourse with foreign Nations:" but which was squandered for different uses, and for which there was no legal appropriation, 78,588.11

To the expense of erecting a Laboratory, (or Tower of Babel) on the banks of the Schuylkill, for which no authority was given by law : which is yet unfinished, and can be intended for no other purpose, than to perpetuate the daring profligacy of the late administration, 152,608.05

To the purchase of Six Navy Yards by Mr. Stoddert, without any pretence of an authority by law ; for no other purpose than to give great bargains to the owners, and to create influence by scattering the public money, 135,846.92

To cash paid Mr. Senator Tracy, (of exterminating memory) for running away from his creditors & constituents, under pretence of visiting the military post ; at 8 dollars per day, besides expenses including barbers bills, pill boxes, calomel, and corrosive sublimate. 1985.05

To cash paid Mrs. French for rent of a house leased to James McHenry, Esq. which was never occupied by him ; the term not commencing till one month after his resignation, 208.95

To loss on Mr. Adams' State coach, and baggage waggon, purchased as a part of his household. worn out in his service, and then returned upon the government, at the first cost, 2000.00

To secret service money (more or less) expended to buy friends, and influence elections, of which the sum of 500 dollars, paid to Messrs. Ross and Lewis of Pennsylvania, just before an election in that State, affords an honorable Specimen, 50,000.00

To the above particulars (all of which, but part of the last. are vouched by official documents) may with propriety be added one general item, comprehending the worse than useless expenditures, during the last year of Mr. Adams Administration, in supporting an idle and licentious army, in the interior of our country. and extending the naval Establishment beyond the necessary purposes of defence ; by preparations for building Six Seventy-fours, including commissions to purchasers, loss on the materials, &c. -The whole may be fairly estimated (on the lowest calculation) at 1,500,000.00

Total, 1,951,109.42

The account contains only some of the most prominent charges, and such as have already passed the inspection of auditors. We shall, perhaps on some future occasion lay before the public a codicil to this account.--The People will then say, in the language of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon- Behold! The one half had not been told thee!

As a reverse of this disgusting picture of prodigality, we now hold up to view a statement of annual savings, in the expenses of the government, resulting from the various acts of the last Session of Congress. In the triumphant language of republicans, we again call upon the people to READ THIS!

In the fortification of harbours, and the defence protection of the frontiers, being less than the appropriation for the preceding year, 139,500.

In support of the Army, less than the appropriation or the preceding year, -554,000.

In the Navy, the difference of the appropriation for the peace establishment, including a diminution of the appropriation for the relief of Seamen, 215,000.

In the Repeal of the Judiciary act, by which is saved the salaries of Sixteen useless and supernumerary Judges, appointed for life, 45,000.

In discontinuing commissioners of Revenue, and superintendent of Stamps, 12,033.

In reducing the appropriation for Foreign intercourse, 21,000.

Ditto-for prosecuting claims for captured property, 35,000.

In disbanding an army of Four hundred and sixty-seven excise officers ; average compensation at 500 Dollars each, 233,500.

Total, 1,255,033.

This statement exhibits, only, the more important arrangements of the government, in which there has been a retrenchment of former expenses. To pursue it in detail, would carry us beyond the limits assigned to this discussion. A more minute examination would display the same system of frugality in the more minute appropriations of the public money. Enough has been said to excite attention and enquiry. The people possess the faculty of examining, comparing, and contrasting for themselves. Let them exercise this faculty, and they cannot be much longer deceived. They know the difference between oeconomy and profusion. They know the former is necessary to the preservation of a Republic. They know the inevitable tendency of the latter, to the subversion of a free government. The time is at hand, when they will look back with horror, upon the perils they have escaped, while they remember, with grateful emotions, the faithful services of those who have rescued their country from destruction!