they tend to depress talents, skill, and industry; judges of the supreme judicial courts, should hold they expose individuals to odious investigations their offices, during good behavior, with salaries ade and comparisons, and serve to expel capital from quate to their independent support, and that they should never be permitted to exercise the functions the state. It is an obvious policy of this state, to limit, by of legislators. all reasonable means, those emigrations which The experience of every age has demonstrated, menace our resources. Fortunately for the people, that no science can be improved and perfected, unthis object can be attained by the alluring influ- less its interests are confided to the protection of a ences of interest and affection only. These may particular profession. The science of law, as it be manifested by exonerating industry and skill comprehends a knowledge of the human character, from partial burdens, and by encouraging the free and the rights and duties of individuals, in every sicirculation of capital and credit. In proportion to tuation, and under every modification of society, the improvements in the arts, and the progress of ought to be cherished with peculiar attention.civilization, the interests of the community become Though no controversies have ever existed respectinvolved. Our state of society has already acquired ing the general principles of moral and social obligasuch a degree of maturity, that agriculture, com- tion, yet the regulations of every free and civiliz merce and the mechanic arts, have become mutual ed state, must be numerous, complicated, and artisupports and dependencies, which must flourish or ficial, and the knowledge and proper application of decay together. Each of these interests are equally them, must require faculties of the mind which are affected by those laws by which contracts are form- rarely combined. Whenever the laws become fluced and adjusted, and to all, an exact adherence to tuating and arbitrary, they cease to be rules proper justice, as the only basis of a firm credit, are equally for the direction of free citizens; and whenever their essential. Owing to the subdivisions of real pro expositors are influenced in their decisions by the perty, the farmers, hitherto the most independent veering gales of party politics, the lives, liberties, class of citizens, cannot pursue their business to and property of the people are rendered insecure. advantage, without a pecuniary capital, or an oc Moreover, history informs us, that disorders in the casional resort to credit. Some estates are best administration of justice, are, of all political evils, adapted to tillage; others for pasture; and in a third, the least susceptible of redress. winter forage is most abundant. Hence arises the Prior to the close of the revolutionary war, the necessity for mutual credits, or the use of capital judges of the supreme court were generally, if not which may be fairly purchased but which will retire invariable, designated from among themembers of from the influence of legal coercion. the council. In May, 1784, a law was enacted by The mechanic arts have sometimes been repre- which the office of a judge of the superior court was sented as unfavorable to public morals. If instances declared to be incompatible with a seat in the legiscan be adduced where artizans have become a de- lature, or in congress, It was, however, at the same graded class of men, the causes of their depression time provided that the judges should thereafter hold are to be discovered in political regulations which their offices, during the pleasure of the general ashave restrained their liberty and reduced them to sembly. The separation of the judicial and legislapoverty. The nature of their employments mani-tive functions has remained complete; yet as the festly tends to a different result. It is in the work commissions of the judges have been limited to a shop, that habits of order and attention to the ef single year, the security, and, perhaps, dignity of fects of intelligent design are necessarily cultivated; their stations have been somewhat impaired. and that fidelity, economy, and mutual co-operation, It is conceded that the legislature of this state, are discovered to be duties of indispensable obliga has hitherto recognized the principles which aption. pear as fundamental articles in most of the Ameri The freedom with which I have thought it my du- can constitutions, by admitting in practice, that the ty to disclose my sentiments respecting the opera-judges are, in equity, entitled to re-appointments tion of the existing system of taxation, upon the in- during good behaivour, or the continuance of their terests of a great proportion of our constituents, ability to discharge the duties of their respective might, if my motives were unexplained, expose me trusts. Still there is a manifest distinction between to the effects of impressions, which self-respect re- the tenure of an office during the pleasure of the quires me to obviate. It is now more than twenty general assembly, and a tenure for a single year. In years, since I presented a report to the house of re the one case, the office is defeasible by a majority presentatives of the U. States, in which the exhaust- of one branch of the legislature, while in the other, ing effects of unequal systems of taxation in several the concurrence of both branches is necessary to of the states, especially in New England, were dis- effect a removal. tinctly described. The opinions then expressed were As the principles of the act of 1784, in effect, apnot dissimilar from those now submitted to your proximate to those declared in the constitutions of consideration. As the principles of that report Massachusetts and several of the other states; as the were approved by congress, and as the benefits of sanctuary of justice cannot be rendered too secure the consequent system, in equalizing the public and especially as our bench is, at this time, adorned contributions, have since been demonstrated by ex- with judges distinguished for learning, talents, and perience, I consider that I may fairly claim to be ex- purity of character, I presume that no period more empted from any suspicion of motives arising from unexceptionable than the present, can be expected my present situation if I earnestly recommend a rule to occur, for the restoration of provisions of the highof taxation which has received the sanction of the est importance to the present generation and to posUnited States, to which I would add a few objects terity. of assessment, connected with our local circumstan- There are no subjects respecting which the sences as being best adapted to promote the interests sibility of freemen is more liable to be excited to of the public impatience, than in regard to the rights of con There are I believe, no principles in which the science, and the freedom of suffrage. So highly friends of civil liberty have more generally concur-do the people prize these privileges, that they red, and in respect to which their opinions have have sometimes ascribed to unfriendly motives, tobeen more emphatically pronounced, than that wards particular sects and denominations, such re govern us, the principles which must It is the policy of every wise state; to consider gulations as were sincerely intended to secure an equality of rights to every portion of the communi- well its situation and resources, and by systematical Whenever the public mind appears to be con-arrangements, to acquire and maintain, some honoraSiderably agitated on these subjects, prudence re-ble distinction among its neighbors, founded on a quires that the legislature should review its mea-principle the least exposed to depression. In whatsure, and by reasonable explanations or modifica- ever relates to education, or the means of unfolduons of the laws, restore public confidence and ing and directing the human faculties, to objects connected with the great interests of society, pretranquility. sent and future, this state has nothing to apprehend Happily for all deliberations on these subjects, are neither ab from external competitions and rivalships. It canstruse nor uncertain. It is the right and duty of not be a question whether all our existing instituevery man, publicly and privately, to worship and tions ought to be maintained, but in what degree adore the supreme creator and preserver of the uni- and in what manner they can best be invigorated, verse, in the manner most agreeable to the dictates extended, and directed to new objects of public of his own conscience: and no man or body of men utility. It is certain that no fame can be so durahave, or ca acquire, by acts of licentiousness, im- ble, as that which would arise from the possession piety or usurpations, any right to disturb the public of institutions, for the cultivation of the human peace, or control others in the exercise of their re- intellect of acknowledged pre-eminence; and in ligious opinions or worship. proportion to our success in obtaining this distincThough the gospel of Christ, like the ark of God, tion, will be the extension of an influence more does not require the support of human strength, brilliant and useful, than under any which can be yet it is conducive to good order, piety, and mo- derived from accumulations of wealth or territorial rality, that public teachers of religion should be dominion, A general view of the circumstances of the state, designated, and that laws providing efficient remedies for enforcing the voluntary contracts of the presents subjects for consideration which require people for their support, should be instituted and grave, united, and patriotic councils, founded on a just estimate of our situation. In the salubrity of constantly maintained, In respect to the most suitable mode of support our climate; in the fertility of our soil; in our ing the ministers of religion, there has existed facilities for external and interual commerce; in the some diversity of opinion among different denomina-extent and variety of our industry and skill; and in tions of Christians. That by fixed salaries, has been the intellectual endowments and energies of the and probably will continue to be, most generally people, we may securely confide; but we cannot approved. In whatever mode the support is afford conceal the evidences every where present, that ed, the history of the church proves, that such has our wealth has diminished; that commerce has been the attachment of the people to their pastors, declined; that agriculture languishes; and that the arising from the veneration for their virtues, grati factories, and mechanic arts, from which a great tude for the consolations they afford, and the utili- proportion of the people derive their support, ty of their influence, when employed in promoting oppressed by the stagnation of markets and the peace and concord in society, that governments have deficiency of more frequently found it expedient to restrain, than to stimulate the public munificence. It may also be observed, that the great body of clergy, have always enjoyed the highest degrees of esteem, libe rality, and influence, under governments of a po pular form, and where the greatest equality of condition has subsisted among the people. an uniform medium of exchange. are Some of these embarrassments are not peculiar to this state, and are owing to the calamitous and impoverished condition of other countries. The redress of others, has, very properly been confided to our national councils, and from the operation of their measures, relief is gradually extending among the people. Still much remains to be accomplished by In regard to the manner in which the right of our collective and individual exertions, and much suffrage ought to be exercised, it may be remarked, may be hoped from those sanative principles inherent that not only the purity, but the freedom of the in free governments, which serve to apply the deficielective franchise, according to the dictates of pri- encies, or correct the errors of legislation. vate judgment appear to have been cautiously secur- An investigation of the causes which produce the ed by our ancient institutions. As every freeman numerous emigrations of our industrious and euteris bound by a solemn oath, that he will give his prizing young men, is by far the most important votes and suffrages as in his conscience he judges subject which can engage our attention. We canwill conduce to the best good of the state, without not justly repine at any improvement of their conrespect of persons or favor of any man; as motives dition. They are our relations and friends, who, in of friendship, personal favor and even private in- the honorable pursuit of comfort and independence. terest, are by this obligation, excluded from con- encounter voluntary toils and privations, and the sideration, it was inferred to be but reasonable, that success of their efforts, affords a most exhilirating the freemen, in forming their decisions with refer- subject for contemplation. Still it is certain that ence to the persons most suitable to fill offices of the ardour for emigration may be excessive, and honor_or profit, should be exempted from those perhaps the time has arrived, when it will be wise conflicts of feeling, which personal solicitations, in those who meditate removals to compare the vas the influence of office, or colissions of opinion, lue of what they must relinquish, with what they have a tendency to excite It must have been upon can expect to acquire; and to reflect, that schools, these principles, that the law has declared it to be churches, roads, and many other establishments a penal offence, merely to offer to a freeman a necessary to the comfort, preservation and dignity written vote without being previously solicited. of society, are appendages of real property in old The legislature will, in their wisdom, discern whe- states; and that in a comparative estimate, the exther any well founded complaints of the violation pences of forming these establishments anew, ought of these principles have arisen, in consequence of to be added to the first cost and other charges incithe present mode of exercising the right of suf dent to new settlements. frage, and in that case, will doubtless apply the proper remedy, ورد. On our part it is important to consider whether every thing has been done, which is practicable, to render the people contented, industrious, and fru- pressed-a country growing in wealth, population gal; and if causes are operating to reduce any class and virtue, respected abroad and admired at home of citizens to a situation, which leaves them no al- -at peace with all nations, and having entangling ternative but poverty or emigration, in that case to alliances with none-possessing a character for wisafford the most speedy relief. dom, valor and justice-our public burthens daily of na I hope to be excused, if I express a decided con- lessening, and our empire peaceably extending, viction, that the success of the manufacturing esta, with a rapidity unparalleled in the history blishments of this country, is connected with our tions. most essential interests. A state which is depen- Such, fellow-citizens, is the situation of our comdent on another, for clothing, arms, provisions, or mon country, at the time we are entrusted with the the instruments by which they must be procured, political destinies of Rhode Island. Be it our care cannot be tranquil, and must be insecure. I have to preserve her rights in the participation of those no doubt that our advantages and resources for en- blessings. pendence. suring the complete success of these establish- Although the clangor of arms during the late ments, are superior to those of any other people; conflict with Great Britain has not been heard at and I firmly believe that the embarrassments un- our immediate fire-sides, yet the citizens of this der which they labor, are temporary; and that they state have not been exempt from a share of the will diminish under the protection afforded them public burthens; they have, however, contributed by the national government, and the operation of their portion to the public wants, with a promptness powerful causes, which are developing in their fa- becoming freemen, determined to maintain invio. vor. Still, owing to the stagnation of commerce late the principles declared by the sages of 1776. and exchange, the present is an interesting crisis; Though demagogues may have attempted to make and they now need all the patronage which can be a stalking-horse of the necessities of the times, the afforded them, by government, and public opinion. people have remained true to themselves and their All which I venture to recommend at present is, that country, and have kept in view its honor and indeuntil our system of revenue can be revised and equalized, that they may be exempted from assessments, The philanthropist will regret the frequent capitation taxes, and services in the militia; and recurrence of wars, which tend to impoverish and that as doubts have been excited, whether manu- demoralize society; but we should recollect they facturing establishments are consistent with the always spring from the degeneracy of man; and general policy of this state, that this question may that a defensive war is not only just but even nebe settled by ar resolution, expressing the sense of cessary. The names of Greene, of Perry, of Allen, the legislature. and other heroes, by offering themselves in the Notwithstanding every embarrassment incident front of battle, in defence of their country's rights, to the present period, the rise, progress, and ac- have been seen covered with glory, and will ever be tual condition of this state, in connexion with the remembered by their grateful countrymen. American republic, affords just cause for patriotic It is true that peculiar occurrences have caused exultation. In particular, I desire to thank God, temporary embarrassment to some of our citizens; that my existence in this life has been allotted, dur. but is confidently hoped that the approaching seaing a period, distinguished by remarkable events, son will dispel them, and a plentiful harvest crown that I have constantly witnessed his protecting care their labors. of our beloved country; that I have seen the tree of According to the ancient usages of this state, the liberty, the emblem of our independence and union, present session of the legislature will be limited to while it was a recumbent plant, fostered by vigi- the election of officers for the ensuing year. In lance, defended by toil, and not unfrequently water- performing this part of our duty, I trust we shall ed with tears; and that by his favor, I now behold divest ourselves of all party animosities, and careit in the vigor of youthful maturity, standing pro- fully investigate and decide on the merits of the tected from violation, by the sound heads, glowing candidates by this criterion only-"Are they honest, hearts, and strong arms of a new generation, elevating its majestic trunk towards heaven; striking its strong roots in every direction through our soil; and expanding its luxuriant branches, over a powerful, united and prosperous nation. OLIVER WOLCOTT General Assembly, May session, 1817. Legislature of Rhode-Island. GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. The honorable senate and house of capable, and faithful to the constitution." On this occasion I cannot omit calling your particular attention to the judiciary department of this state. Is the system perfect in all its parts? Does every man, according to our bill of rights, obtain justice, freely, completely, promptly and without delay? If on a review of this subject, amendments are deemed expedient, I would suggest for your consideration, whether the present time does not afford an opportunity. It is a fact, established by experience, that an enlightened and upright judiciary, constitutes a main pillar in the edifice of freedom. What avails the name of liberty, if our persons and property are unprotected either from violence, the law's delay, or an uncertainty of judicial opinions? representatives of the state of Rhode Island. It is the boast and pride of the citizens of the United States of America, that they alone of all the nations of the earth, are privileged in choosing whom they will, to watch over their affairs and to direct in their public councils. This inheritance was bequeathed us by our fathers, and we are at all times I will endeavor faithfully to adminisbound to transmit the blessing, unimpaired, to ter the executive functions vested in me, and will posterity. In reviewing the political events of nations, we have much reason to be thankful to the supreme ruler of the universe, for casting our lot in this "New World" for here alone rational liberty is enjoyed. Here we behold the asylum of the op. On this first occasion of my addressing you, it may not be amis to give this public assurance, that cheerfully contribute my aid to any measure that Foreign Articles. ENGLAND, &C. English and French dates to April 21. American stocks at London, April 10-6 per cents. 102-103; 3 per cents. 61-614. The following is a copy of a circular letter from the secretary for the home department to the lords lieutenants of counties: "Whitehall, March 27, 1817. "MY LORD-AS it is of the greatest importance to It is now said that lord Cochrane will proceed in prevent, as far as is possible, the circulation of a frigate, fully armed and manned, to South-Ame- blasphemous and seditious pamphlets and writings, of which, for a considerable time past, great numrica-every thing fitted in the first stile. It is also bers have been distributed about the country, I reported that the Spanish minister at the court of London has remonstrated against it, but it is stated have thought it my duty to consult the law officers of the crown, whether an individual, found selling, the British government are glad to get rid of him, or in any way publishing, such pamphlets or writ and have waved the application. is expressly said that he means to join his force to that of the patriots; and we are really glad that they are about to receive such a powerful auxiliary. ings, might be brought immediately before a justice of the peace, under a warrant issued for the purpose, to answer for his conduct. The officers, having accordingly taken this matter into their con It is almost impossible to take up an English pa- sideration, have notified to me their opinion, that per without seeking an account of a man being a justice of the peace may issue a warrant to aphung, for one crime or another. The frequency prehend a person charged before him, upon oath, of occurrences of this kind brings to recollection a with the publication of libels of the nature in quessaying attributed to the priest stationed at Newgate. When the new drop was made, he, with tion, and compel him to give bail to answer the others, went to examine the accommodations it af- charge. Under these circumstances, I beg leave to call forded. One of the company thought the drop was not large enough-but the priest said he was of your lordship's attention very particularly to this opinion "that six or seven might hang within its space very comfortably." Forty-six persons received sentence of death at the Lancaster assizes. A London paper of April 14 says "from fifteen to fifty capital convictions have taken place in almost every county." "Millions of seditious and blasphemous tracts have been spread among the lower classes." Eight of the "Luddites" received sentence of death, at the late Leicester assizes. A "framebreaker" was sentenced to be transported for life. Those executed left behind them more than thirty children. subject; and I have to request, that if your lordship should not propose to attend in person at the next general quarter sessions of the peace to be holden in and for the county under your lordship's charge, you will make known to the chairman of such sessions the substance of this communication, in order that he may recommend to the several magistrates to act thereupon in all cases where any person should be found offending against the law in the manner. above mentioned. I beg leave to add, that persons vending pamphlets or other publications in the manner alluded to, should be considered as coming under the hawkers' and pedlars" act, and dealt with accordingly, unless they show The following is an extract from a handbill put that they are furnished with a license, as required in circulation at Manchester-possibly by the agents by the said act. of government to frighten the people, and afford I am, sir, &c. pretences for measures that could not be justified "To his majesty's lieutenant but upon some great emergency: "Countrymen, the day of doubt and indecision is past! Treason and rebellion in open war, stand confessed! SIDMQUTH. of the county of Chester." April, on account It is Perhaps before this reaches the public eye, the blood of civil strife, the blood of the innocent and the guilty, the blood of the traitor and the peaceful citizen, have flowed in mingled tor rents down the streets of some of the principal towns in the kingdom of England! Last night the 30th of March, the night of Palm Sunday, fix ed upon a general rising and massacre, in further ance of insurrection and open rebellion!" We noticed in our last, the steady emigration from England to the United States. They who now come to us are chiefly of that class which once was the pride and glory of England-the middle class, the bone and sinew of any country fortunate enough to have it, extensively; the poor, alas! cannot change their residence-they are chained to the soil more tightly than our negro slaves, and the rich can "live any where." ment will be dissolved at the close of the session. It seems determined to lay a tax of 20 per cent. upon the property of absentees. Four divisions, of about 150 men each, marched into Manchester between 1 and 2 o'clock in the night of the 11th April, with military exactness silence. The nature or object these parties is not stated. Castlereagh was sick, at the date of our last accounts. The price of flour had further declined in England. resumed to meet the exigencies of the government. A war establishment, as to taxation, in time of peace. It was expected that the income tax would be The prince regent.-The following is the conclud The suspension of the habeas corpus appears to ing paragraph of an address of "the bishop of the operate much more severely in Scotland than in En- diocese of Winchester; the reverend dean and pregland. Glasgow, Paisley, and other manufactur- bendaries of the cathedral church of Westminster, ing towns, suffer the most "hardly a day passes with the other members of the said church, the without several arrests being made." Those sub- chancellor, and arch deacons of the said diocese, jected to it are dungeoned without examination, together with the clergy of the same," to the prince and excluded from any intercourse with each other regent on the late attack made on him: these reor their friends; who, indeed, do not know where verend folks have well subjected themselves to the they are. This is the far-famed "British liberty, which formerly made the islanders always speak of the French as "slaves:" but that day has past, and John Bull says nothing on that subject. "suspicion of being suspected of treason" by thus making fun of wretched George Guelph. "We daily offer our prayers to God for the long continuance of those blessings, the fair prospect of which is open to us [ourselves] by the exercise of Many arrests are making in Spain. The vile goevery public and domestic virtue which so highly vernment has numerous agents through the country distinguish your royal highness both in your pub- who mix with the people and abuse the king, his lic and private character, and which hath laid the ministers and priests, to lead others into like exsurest foundation for the future happiness of your pressions, who are then marked, and soon after people, together with your own, and insured to your privately arrested "to be seen of their friends no royal highness that glory and prosperity, which is the more." The minds of the people are represented never failing reward of every good and virtuous king in the love and affection of a grateful people." FRANCE. The Federal Republican significantly calls the king of France "a sovereign in a go-cart." The duke of Wellington was to leave Paris for England 28th of April-as it was said, "to the 28th on 67. attend the feast of St. George." as in a state of desperation, through poverty and despotism. The fellow who informed against the patriot Rechar, at Valencia, was assassinated on the on the anniversary of that offence; his head was cut off and stuck upon a stake in the public square, with this inscription-"Debt I pay to the heroes Rechar and his companions, sacrificed through my trai torous denunciation." ITALY. The Paris papers say that the disputes between the United States and Naples still remained unsettled. The labors of excavation at Pompei have lately been renewed. On the 22d March, a magnificent temple was discovered, in the midst of which were found statues of collossal proportions, one of them from 20 to 22 palms in height. THE POPE'S BRIEF. To the editor of the London Morning Chronicle. the author, who manfully avowed himself, and de- day (April 10th,) a loose translation of an importmanded to be fairly tried by the tribunals, was libe. ant papal document, which will probably be quotrated without even a reprimand This affair has led for generations to come, I send you a more litégiven rise to much discussion in the diplomatic cir-ral version, together with the Latin itself, that you cles, as it is pregnant with important results. Since may compare them, and print the English for the this the pamphlet has disappeared from circulation, information of your readers. I am, &c. &c. and rumor says the copies have been bought up. Paris, April 15.-A telegraphic despatch, dated Calais the 10th of April, announces the arrival in that harbor of several transports with 450 French and Italian prisoners of war, who had been in the service of England, from which they were now discharged. The French will be transmitted to their depart ments. BONAPARTE. In the late debate on lord Holland's motion, earl Bathurst said "It might be a question, whether this person was to be detained at all; but if he was to be detained, the most vigilant measures ought to be adopted to prevent his escape." NETHERLANDS. SCRUTATOR. P. S. I shall publish immediately both the Latin and English at Mr. Hatchard's, with notes and illustrations. Translation of the bull against bible societies, issued June 29th, 1816, by Pope Pius VII. to the arch-bishop of Gnesh, primate of Poland. PIUS P. P. VII. Venerable brother-Health and apostolic benediction. In our last letter to you we promised, very soon, to return an answer to yours; in which you have appealed to this holy see, in the name of the other bishops of Poland, respecting what are called bible societies, and have earnestly inquired of us what you ought to do in this affair. We long since, indeed, wished to comply with your request; but an incredible variety of weighty concerns have so pressed upon us on every side, that, till this day, Fourteen sail of vessels were preparing at Amsterdam to bring out five thousand Swiss and German passengers to the United States. This rapid emigration appears to have alarmed the Swiss and we could not yield to your solicitation. German dealers in men, and many efforts, fair and We have been truly shocked at this most crafty device, foul, are making to check it. Among the latter, by which the very foundations of religion are undermined; "letters from America," (such as British travellers, and having, because of the great importance of the confined to a garret in London, are accustomed to subject, conferred in council with our venerable write about the affairs of our country) are exten- brethren, the cardinals of the holy Roman church, sively published, with a sort of semi-official sanc- we have, with the utmost care and attention, delition. One body of Germans that arrived here some-berated upon the measures proper to be adopted time ago, were certainly cheated and deceived by by our pontifical authority, in order to remedy and the Dutchman who contracted to bring them over abolish this pestilence as far as possible. In the -a man as phlegmatic as the water in the canals of mean time we heartily congratulate you, venerable his country, and some of them suffered much in brother, and we commend you again and again in consequence of it. But several of those who came the name of the Lord, as it is fit we should, upon the in that vessel, we know, are exulting in the change singular zeal you have displayed under circumstanthey have made, even on the unreasonably hard ces so dangerous to christianity, in having denouncterms that were imposed upon them. The Paris ed to the apostolic see, this defilement of the faith so papers attribute these great emigrations to "Dutch imminently dangerous to souls. And although we perspeculations." SPAIN. The treasury of Spain is in the most beggarly condition. A great effort has been made to raise only 500,000 dollars at Cadiz, among the merchantsbut the application, if not treated with contempt, was received with marked indifference |