Gazette Of The United States, & Daily Advertiser

COMMUNICATION.

A correspondent observes, that pride, and the indolence of party spirit, does more injury to the cause of Federalism than most people are aware of, as being the great cause of the want of union and energy; while the anti federalists are united as one man from New Hampshire to Georgia. Let us endeavour to make this thing somewhat intelligible. The former are in possession of the government and resources of the country. The latter have been long endeavouring to get possession; and it is always an easy matter to support an opposition to good laws, because they are a restraint on the licentious. This ought to excite vigilance in the possessors; but they trust to one another, act with supineness, and appear, at least a great proportion of them, to feel as secure as people in a garrison in time of peace.

Men of talents will not employ their pens, and individuals are above advising but with a select few, and some of whom may perhaps be badly chosen. There is not that intercourse and freedom of communication, which is absolutely necessary for a right understanding of the federal interests.

It is proper that men in public stations should be correctly informed respecting the operation of the laws and measures of government; but in order to obtain that information with more certainty, they should avoid all unnecessary reserve.

It is true, General Washington did not appear to mix much with the world, but he always had people about him, both when in military and civil life, who were capable of giving the best opinions, and on whom he could rely; and his sound judgment enabled him to compare and draw just conclusions.

It was remarked of Colonel Hamilton when in public office, that he took uncommon pains to obtain the opinions of men of information on certain measures before he adopted them: and to collect the public sentiment. He knew mankind, and it must be supposed that his long acquaintance with, and intimate knowledge of a Washington was no disadvantage to him.