The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

Washington, Saturday Evening, Dec. 23.
THE PROSPECT!

It is the settled policy, both of the Executive and Congress, To DO NOTHING. "Nemo Nobody, Esq." would be an excellent hand to manage the "Something" of our national government at the present time. There are to be no embargo laws, no militia Conscriptions, no naval and military preparations, no Declarations of war. One thing indeed must be done, or rather undone, from sheer necessity. The non-intercourse law must and will be repealed, but not in a hurry. A little revenue must be had at all events. The ominous words "EXHAUSTED TREASURY" fell from the lips of Colonel Troup like thunderbolts upon the ears of his co-patriots. Their consternation, as well as their chagrin, is inexpressible.

When we speak of doing nothing, we mean nothing GREAT. As usual, little things are to be done, videlicet, the adoption of Giles's resolutions, et hoc genus omne. But these resolutions have sustained a terrible, because an unexpected attack from that staunch old democrat, but most honest and industrious man, Mr. Macon. He implored his friends, from a due regard to our national character, hitherto so well supported by the style of our publick documents under successive administrations, to commit the resolutions, to amend them, to make the language of them "delicate and polite, such as one gentleman would use to another with whom he had a dispute." This was a home thrust indeed, and we shall see whether the Hero Giles will challenge "Mr. Speaker," as Mr. Randolph always calls him, convinced that he ought to be Speaker though he is not, for "delicately and politely" it has really been done in this manner—"insinuating" that he had used ungentlemanlike language towards the British Minister. Mr. Macon, with his usual taste for antithesis and odd expression, speaks of "red hot democrats and mad federalists." But his appeal to his red hot friends will be in vain. His own sensibility upon the subject, however, does him high honour, especially as he is a plain, self educated planter. But the resolutions will be passed with all their imperfections on their heads. Their advocates, "I apprehend," as Mr. Ross says, have not yet sunk themselves to the lowest possible point of degradation.

Never in the annals of political parties, did such a "contrast" exist—such an one never could have entered into the imagination of the author of the "Studies of Nature" as that which is now exhibited in the American Capitol. Upon one side of the House is arrayed the true spirit of Greece and Rome, and eloquence and argument which would not have dishonoured those celebrated nations; upon the other, weakness indescribable, want of judgment inconceivable by those who do not witness it! Let every wavering minority man in the Union perform a pilgrimage to Washington, and remain here one day only, and he will shudder at the idea of forsaking the proud bark of Federalism, "or any other ism," to attach himself to the crew of the crazy, floundering, foundering, and soon to be abandoned vessel of Napoleonism Democracy!
Freeman's Journal.