Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

PENNSYLVANIA POLITICKS.
The following extract of an address, will give our readers some idea of the state of political parties in that state.

ADDRESS
Of the Society of Constitutional Republicans, to the Friends of the Constitution and M' Kean, in the city and county of Philadelphia.

"FELLOW-CITIZENS,
Engaged in a common and deeply interesting struggle, harmony should give energy to our measures. In principle we are agreed: and we trust we have a cause, which our own consciences and the approbation of all good men will justify. To preserve the constitution from the mysterious attacks of strange and obtrusive hands, and to perpetuate its blessings; to rescue the character of Thomas M'Kean, its venerable champion, from unmerited imputation; to shew, by continuing him on the high ground of publick confidence, that we justly appreciate, and entirely approve his firm, disinterested, and patriotick exertions in defence of our best and dearest possessions; to convince the world that our republican institutions, and respect of the people, are not to be blown away by the breath of every factious and restless malcontent; and to save the state from the impending horrours of convulsion and tumult; these are our views, and, we solemnly declare, are our only views.

On subjects of such high importance, which concerns every citizen, every citizen has a right to be heard. We have never assumed to ourselves the absurd, but specious and imposing title of "Friends of the People," for we are a part of the people. We have not arrogated to ourselves the right, as their friends, to dictate to the people what conduct they should pursue; for we hold it to be their unquestionable privilege, under our present constitution to judge and to act for themselves. We have not attempted, by denunciation, proscription, and terrour, to force the publick opinion to an accordance with our views, or to stifle the voice of discussion. But, conscious of the purity of our motives, we have fully, honestly, and temperately, displayed to our brethren of Pennsylvania the ground upon which we stand, and invited all who agree with us in principle, with us to take their stand upon the same ground.

The approach of the day of election calls upon us to designate persons to fill the elective offices for the city and county of Philadelphia. The existence of our government, perhaps, depends upon the selection of proper candidates. The times emphatically require, that these posts should be filled by honest and considerate men, attached to the constitution and to the peace and order of society; by men, who, when they have sworn to support the constitution, will do their duty under the constitution, and within the limits which it prescribes, without violating their oaths, exceeding their legitimate authority, or usurping the rights which the people have reserved to themselves, by men, who, instead of abusing their legislative character by intrigues to make one of themselves governour, and wasting their time in perpetual solicitations for offices for themselves and their friends, will faithfully endeavour to remove those grievances which their predecessors have suffered to accumulate. For such men, fellow-citizens, we confidently expect your support on the day of election; and with such men in the legislative department, we as confidently anticipate the triumph of our present constitution in a display of its capacity, without any alteration whatever, completely to secure our liberty and happiness."