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Letter to Editor
February 6, 1790
Gazette Of The United States
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
Extract of a letter from Baltimore dated Jan. 31, discussing positive initial impressions of the Secretary's Report on public debt. The writer expresses confidence in the government's integrity, citing constitutional protections, sound policy of honesty, and the character of Congress, contrasting with Rhode Island's past dishonesty.
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Full Text
Extract of a letter from Baltimore, dated Jan. 31.
" I received your letter in which you request information in what light the Secretary's Report is viewed here : It has not yet been so fully examined as to produce a decided opinion on the merits of the different propositions ; but it has thus far made very favorable impressions—and I am confident it will be approved of in proportion as it is examined. The truths it contains are great and interesting, and will bear the test of the strictest scrutiny, while truth and justice are applauded by men.
" There are many considerations which give my mind perfect confidence and satisfaction on the subject of the public debt —some of them I will mention.
" 1st. The security of property is one of the first objects for which government is instituted—and it would be a most flagrant infraction of the Constitution of the United States should Congress injure the property of a very numerous and respectable class of the citizens by a violation of public contracts.
" 2d. It is sound policy in government to be honest—They cannot otherwise be respected and it would be in vain for them to pass laws to secure good morals and make subjects and citizens honest, should they themselves set an example of public injustice and fraud.
" 3d. Those who know the characters which compose the Legislature of the Union are satisfied that they never will be influenced by the maxims and principles which have stamped infamy on the name of Rhode Island. Could no dependence be placed on the personal characters of the Gentlemen in Congress, the scorn, reproach, and misery, which Rhode Island has suffered by her dishonest policy would sufficiently warn them against the consequences of a violation of public faith.
" We rest assured that no law respecting the debt will pass both Houses, and have the sanction of the President, which is not founded in that righteousness which exalteth a nation. The Constitution—the characters which compose Congress —the resolution which was passed last session—the President's speech—and the answers to it—and the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, authorize the most perfect confidence in the measures of government."
" I received your letter in which you request information in what light the Secretary's Report is viewed here : It has not yet been so fully examined as to produce a decided opinion on the merits of the different propositions ; but it has thus far made very favorable impressions—and I am confident it will be approved of in proportion as it is examined. The truths it contains are great and interesting, and will bear the test of the strictest scrutiny, while truth and justice are applauded by men.
" There are many considerations which give my mind perfect confidence and satisfaction on the subject of the public debt —some of them I will mention.
" 1st. The security of property is one of the first objects for which government is instituted—and it would be a most flagrant infraction of the Constitution of the United States should Congress injure the property of a very numerous and respectable class of the citizens by a violation of public contracts.
" 2d. It is sound policy in government to be honest—They cannot otherwise be respected and it would be in vain for them to pass laws to secure good morals and make subjects and citizens honest, should they themselves set an example of public injustice and fraud.
" 3d. Those who know the characters which compose the Legislature of the Union are satisfied that they never will be influenced by the maxims and principles which have stamped infamy on the name of Rhode Island. Could no dependence be placed on the personal characters of the Gentlemen in Congress, the scorn, reproach, and misery, which Rhode Island has suffered by her dishonest policy would sufficiently warn them against the consequences of a violation of public faith.
" We rest assured that no law respecting the debt will pass both Houses, and have the sanction of the President, which is not founded in that righteousness which exalteth a nation. The Constitution—the characters which compose Congress —the resolution which was passed last session—the President's speech—and the answers to it—and the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, authorize the most perfect confidence in the measures of government."
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Informative
Ethical Moral
What themes does it cover?
Economic Policy
Politics
Morality
What keywords are associated?
Public Debt
Secretary Report
Government Honesty
Constitution
Rhode Island
Congress Integrity
Letter to Editor Details
Main Argument
the secretary's report on public debt is viewed favorably and will gain approval upon examination; confidence in government stems from constitutional safeguards, the policy of honesty, and the integrity of congress, ensuring no unjust laws on the debt will pass.
Notable Details
References Rhode Island's Infamy For Dishonest Policy
Cites Constitution Of The United States
Mentions President's Speech And Answers
Resolution Passed Last Session
Report Of The Secretary Of The Treasury