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imports, internal taxes, and other sources of revenue within the District of Columbia, specifying the amount in each year, since the assumption of the jurisdiction by congress in 1801. v.

8888

its means, a general system of education. Besides | A statement of the net amount of duties arising from the difficulty of procuring an education at all, there are various evils of most pernicious tendency exist. ing in the manner of educating youth at present in Pennslyvania. The incompetency of teachers is among the first. This proceeds from two causes. From the want of a board of inquiry to ascertain and pass upon the qualifications of applicants for employment in every county, and from the inability in many parts of the state from the scattered condition of the population to afford a competent salary. From these causes persons totally unqualifi ed, assume the task of teaching, from which the profession is injured in its reputation, and persons who are capable, become unwilling to be associated in the same employment The profession of teaching would be restored to a respectable standing by appointing a test for the committee of teachers, and by offering some pecuniary inducements under proper regulations out of the state funds. The committee submit the following plan.

Dolls 2,085,400 03 141,511 58 202,273 93 29,997 60 2,459,183 14

1. That the respective courts of common pleas in the several counties in this commonwealth, at their first term in every year, or at any subsequent term when occasion may require, shall appoint five competent persons as a board of trustees, who shall have authority to examine any teacher who may propose to take the superintendance of any school in any such county, for the instructing of youth in reading, writing, arithmetick and grammar, in English or German; and if the said trustees; or a majority of them, upon such examination shall ap. prove of such applicant, they shall certify that such person is competent to discharge the duties of a - teacher. 2. If any such teacher shall produce a certificate from a majority of his subscribers to said board of trustees, of having diligently taught a school con. 1817, sisting of at least pupils for months in any term of twelve, the said trustees or a majority of them shall draw their warrant in his favor on the state treasurer for dollars.

3. That cities, towns and counties embracing one hundred families within a mile square, shall not be embraced within the above provisions. But in all schools under approved teachers there shall be admitted any number of poor children not exceeding

in any one, to be paid on warrants drawn as above provided.

Therefore, Resolved, That a committee be appointed to bring in a bill embracing the above principles.

District of Columbia.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 27th December, 1817. SIR-In obedience to the resolution of the house of representatives of the 19th inst. directing the secretary of the the treasury to lay before the house a statement of the amount of receipts into the trea sury, from imports, internal taxes, and other sour ces of revenue within the district of Columbia, spe cifying the sum received in each year, since the assumption of the jurisdiction by congress in 1801; also a statement of the amount of registered tonnage employed in the carriage of goods, wares and merchandise, in the foreign and coasting trade of the district, I bave the honor to submit two statements from the register of the treasury, which contain the information required.

I have the honor to be, your most obedient ser.

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Tonnage.
YEARS. Imports and

letters, &c. Postage of Internal duties.

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94,674 89

11,487 96

:

106,162 85

133,333 50

9,969 39

:

1803

143,430 29

8 287 89

151,718 18
143,302 89

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NOTE.

88

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The internal duties for two quarters of

amounted to $52,985 11.

JOSEPH NOURSE, Register. Treasury Department, Register's office, 27th December, 1817. Statement of the registered, enrolled and licensed ton. nage of the District of Columbia, on the 31st Dec. of each year, from 1801

1816

to 1816, inclusive.

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7,743

9410,907

01

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5,017 02(a)12,066 68 4,383 00

4,998 12 4,918 87

12,796
13,431
14,298 43

73

19

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9,727 51

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(a)Stated by estimate.

TONS 95th TONS 95th

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JOSEPH NOURSE, Register.

Treasury Department,

Register's office, December 27, 1817.

Legislature of Virginia. reward so dear to honorable and virtuous minds, Thursday, Dec. 18.-The speaker laid before the which you have received for the part you bore in house the following communication from the go-important station which you fill. them, in the suffrages which elevated you to the

vernor:

Council chamber, Dec. 16, 1817. Sin-I have the honor of communicating through you to the house of delegates the enclosed answer fron James Madison, late president of the United States, that it may appear that I have complied with the resolution, passed on the 22d of last February, by the general assembly.

Be pleased to accept assurances of my esteem
and cordial respect,
JAMES MADISON.
Governor Preston.

Washington, March 1st, 1817.

TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA.

I have received, fellow citizens, from governor Preston, your address of the 22d ultimo. The sea

I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,timents which it conveys, are particularly endeared

JAMES P. PRESTON.

The hon. the speaker of the house of delegates.

Council chamber, Feb. 28, 1817.

SIR-By a resolution of the general assembly of Virginia, it becomes the duty of the govern or to transmit to you the enclosed valedictory address.

to me, as being those of a state with which I am connected by the ties of my birth, and of my home, and by the recollections of its confidence and partiality, commencing at an early stage of my life, and continued under different public manifestations, to the moment of my final return to a station of a private citizen. The language of the address derives state of Virginia has justly acquired by its uniform a further value from the high character which the devotion to free government, and by a constancy and zeal in maintaining the national rights, which no sufferings or sacrifices could impair. Nor can I sion of kindness and approbation, comes at the close be insensible to the consideration, that this expresof my public career, through a period of uncommon difficulties and embarrassments.

A candid review of the entire period, of which that made a part, will always do justice to the course of policy, which, under peculiar circum. national voice, and pursued by the national counstances not likely to recur, was sanctioned by the cils. The review will show that the obstinate

In the discharge of this duty it is natural for me to reflect on the astonishing contrast which this moment presents, compared with the eventful period of your administration. For a time our commerce was annihilated, our sacred rights abused, invaded and destroyed, our citizens impressed, and held in bleeding bondage, and even our national sovereign ty insulted and despised. Now we are remunerat. ed by an overwhelming commerce, our rights inviolate, our citizens free and happy, respected at home and abroad, and our national character gloriously exalted. That you should have occupied the highest station, and presided over the union during this wonderful march of national prosperity and glory, can never cease to afford you the highest rivalship of powerful nations in trampling on our gratification. There is not a citizen, or soldier, or dearest rights and dearest interests, left no option Sailor, who by his devotion to his country has con- but between resistance and degradation; that a love tributed in the smallest degree to this happy era, of peace and a hope of justice, selected every mode who will not hereafter repose upon the retrospect of resistance short of war, in preference to war; with joy and delight. In this renewed evidence of approbation from the that although the appeals made to the commercial general assembly of Virginia in behalf of the good interests and the mutual jealousies of the contendpeople of your native state, at the close of your pub-ing parties was, at length,not without effect in prolic labors, which so happily terminates an adminis-ducing a relinquishment of the aggressive system, tration that was environed with all the difficulties even by the power against which war was declar of an untried government, a want of unanimity in the ed, and before the declaration; yet the relinquishment was at too late a day to prevent the war; public councils, embarrassed finances, and a war that it is strictly true, therefore, that this last rewith a powerful people, who disregarded the maxims of civilized nations-under all these circum-sort was not made, until the last hope had been extinguished, that a prostration of the national stances, this testimony of approbation, next to an character and of the national rights, could be approving conscience, must be to a public servant the best reward and highest consolation: and that otherwise avoided. It is on record also, that not a you may long live to enjoy it uninterruptedly is the moment was lost after the sword was drawn in opening the way to reconciliation; nor an opportunity sincere wish of your obedient, humble servant, permitted, by self respect, untried, till it was at JAMES P. PRESTON. length restored to the scabbard where it now happily remains.

His excellency James Madison,

President of the United States.

On the prosperous condition of our country, which has succeeded a conflict, rendered peculiarly seWashington, March 1st, 1817. vere, and peculiarly glorious, by contingent events DEAR SIR-Having received through you, the ad as flattering to our adversaries, as they were undress of the generrl assembly of Virginia, of Fe- looked for by either party, I cordially unite in your bruary 10th, I have to request that you will take congratulations; as well in the hope that all the charge of the enclosed answer to it. I must ten-lessons afforded by the past, may contribute to the der you my acknowledgements at the same time, future security and increase of the blessings we for the friendly and flattering manner, in which now enjoy. you have fulfilled the resolution of the general assembly.

I should express my feelings very imperfectly, if in recurring to the events which led to the present enviable condition of our country, I did not avow my admiration and profound gratitude for that series of brilliant achievements which distinguish the American arms; and offer my congratulations on the

Through the remaining days of a life hitherto employed, with little intermission, in the public service, which you so much over value, my heart will cherish the affectionate sentiments which the representatives of my native state have addressed me; and will offer its fervent prayers for the public prosperity and individual happiness of its citi zens. JAMES MADISON..

NEW SERIES. No. 24-VOL. I]

BALTIMORE, FEB. 7, 1818. [No. 24-VOL. XIII. WHOLF NO. 336.

THE PAST-THE PRESENT-FOR THE FUTURE.

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY H. WILES, AT $5 PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.

The great quantity of matter that was in type it was agreed that Mr. Page's refusal to anafter the last number was issued, has compelled us swer the question proposed by the cominittee, to fill a portion of the present sheet with deferred was not a contempt of the house; and, by anoarticles; but not, on that account, less needful to ther resolution, the committee was discharged

be inserted.The REGISTER, at times, does not

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contain half as much as our wishes would press into from a further consideration of the subject its pages which are, that every thing that can that had been referred to it. interest an enquiring public should be inserted in

of New-York-and many documents.

A third affair of "contempt" has happened

it. The messages of the governors of several states in Maryland. The house of delegates took it are yet lying over, as well as the speech of gov.up with closed doors, but, the injunction of Clinton on opening the session of the legislature of secrecy being removed, it appeared that a We have also just received a copy of a letter resolution had been carried directing the from the secretary of the navy, transmitting to the sergeant at arms to take a certain George house of representatives the proceedings of the Keatinge into his custody, for having publishcourt martials that were held in the Mediterranean ed in his paper, issued at Westminster, in for the trial of com. Perry, and capt. Heath, of the Frederick county, called the "Observer," an marine corps-whose differences, as well as the pro-article directed to the "hon. James Nabb, a ceedings thereon, have much excited the public feeling. delegate to the general assembly from Talbot," BANKS AND NEWSPAPERS.-Our progress in col- said to be of a "malicious and scandalous nalecting lists of these, is slow. The Hartford ture," &c. The resolution was assented to "Times" has furnished neat accounts of each of by yeas and nays-yeas 27, nays 26. But on them in Connecticut, and we have the official list the following day, to wit, Saturday last, it was of the banks in Pennsylvania, of which, however, the nominal capitals are not stated. We should be obliged to any friend at Harrisburg for giving us the capitals of those banks, as authorized by law.

"Contempt of the House."

agreed that as the said George Keatinge lived at too great a distance from the seat of government to be brought to trial during the present session, ordered, that the resolution respecting him be rescinded-ayes 34, nays 26!

The repeated agitation of the doctrine of The late famous case of John Anderson is "contempts" requires some specific provisions known to every body. The decision upon it respecting it. The liberty of the citizen is does not appear to have pleased any body; and, not to be sported with at the whim, passion, or had he resisted the arrest and claimed a re-caprice of a legislative body-he has a right to lease by habeas corpus, a very unpleasant co- know the law; and, then, if he violates it, he lision night have taken place between the le- ought to be punished. The legislative body gislative and judicial authorities. should be protected from insult, but it seems An affair of "contempt" has also occurred that they ought not to be judges in their own in Virginia. The legislature raised a commit-case; and it is better to have a licentious press tee for the purpose of enquiring into certain than one subjected to any other regulation thank reports of mal-practices in the management of that which is imposed by public opinion. Truth the funds of the Farmers bank of Virginia; it is not a libel in Maryland; but an editor con→ being insinuated that those funds were used by victed of a "inalicious and scandalous" false certain directors for what is technically call-hood, may be punished by law-not by privi ed “shaving," or usury. A Mr. Carter B. lege. We have not seen the article that gave Page, being brought before the committee, re- rise to the proceedings in our legislature-but fused to answer the question, "do you know venture to say that those proceedings have that any director of the Farmers bank has, given it a degree of importance that it was not within the last year, been guilty of usury or entitled to---as is generally the case of sucit shaving?" saying, he was advised that he was wise interferences. not bound to answer any questions which called upon him to disclose information touching any transaction in which he himselfbore a part, and To insure an honest payment of the duties which may be held to violate any part of the law upon foreign goods imported, is one of the of the land, &c. The committee reported the most important subjects that at present offers case to the house-were the proceedings of the fitself to the public consideration. We are not legislature to be arrested by an individual? A interested by it as a source of revenue only; resolution was offered to put Mr. Page in the but because the violations or evasions of the custody of the sergeant at arms; this produced law, seriously effect the most useful and most a long and very interesting debate, which was productive classes of society in the United! esumed and continued several days. Finally,States.

VOL. XIII.-26.

Duties on Imports.

We have two interesting articles on this before and since the French revolution. --But matter-both communicated; one of them from the French authorities, though they would not a distant place, the other by a merchant of tell what became of the missing million, seem Baltimore, which it is intended to publish in to have denied any connection or knowledge the next REGISTER. These article agree in abo- of the mercantile transactions of BeaumarJishing the ad valorem duties, as now payable chais with the United States, saying that that on foreign invoices, altogether; and instead of million was appropriated to secret political it propose that the importer shall give in at purposes: nor would they explain for what purthe custom-house any valuation of his goods pose the million of livres were given to Beauthat he pleases, for the calculation of duties-marchais.

that an examination shall be had to ascertain An opinion is very easily entertained that that the quantities stated are correct-but the (to cover the intrigues of the French court at officers of the customs, on behalf of the Unit- such an interesting period, when its future ed States and of themselves, as may be defined policy would have been determined by future by law, or any other person in case that they do not act in it, shall be allowed to take any lot of goods so invoiced, on paying to the owner 10 per cent. advance on his own valuation.

Beaumarchais Claim.

The following brief abstract. of apparent facts respecting the oft demanded claim of the heirs of Mr. de Beaumarchais, may interest such as will not take the trouble, to wade through, or those who cannot obtain, the docu

events) the million granted to Beaumarchais was really the missing million of the grant of the king, intended as part pay for the supplies that he had furnished, which it was prudent to be considered as ignorant of, though furnished from the king's stores-for which, perhaps, Beaumarchais really paid the persons having charge of those stores at the time, that their receipts might be produced in justification of the count of Versailles, if our revolution had been abortive. But the proof of this seems to rest with us; and the plea of discount is not considered as tenable, by Messrs. Rodney 1. It seems admitted that a balance equal and Pinkney, former attorney generals of the to a million of "livres tournois" was due to United States. Yet it was the opinion of the Mr. de Beaumarchais, on account of supplies late Governeur Morris, (who, as minister of of arms, ammunition and clothing furnished the United States in France, investigated the the United States, in the early part of the re- subject) that the claim had no foundation. The amount of the claim and interest upon it, is considerable. The livre tournois is equal

ments.

volutiona y war.

2. But the United States claim a discount

equal to that sum, on the presumption that it was paid immediately to Beaumarchais by Louis XVI. through his minister De Vergen

nes.

to about 183 cents.

Bank Anecdotes.

shaving that I cannot pay it at present.

Time---Jan. 9, 1818. A part of the stores furnished by Mr. de SCENE MARYLAND. Cashier. Sir, your note for 1400, some odd Beaumarchais was supplied from the king's ware-houses in 1776, a considerable time be- dollars, is due to-day, and payment is exfore any treaty or public understanding exist-pected. Citizen. The note is due, I acknowledge-ed between the United States and France---but sometime previous to such treaty, say at the but I have so much of my money employed in point of time when B. was furnishing, or about to furnish, arms, &c. to the United states, it is acknowledged that the king made a free gift to them of three millions of livres, Two of those millions have been accounted for. What became of the third million is uncertain. But the following receipt has been found among the papers of the French govern

ment

"I have received from Monsieur du Vergier, agreeably to the order transmitted to him of Monsieur the count of Vergennes, dated the 5th current, the sum of one million, for which I will account to the said sieur count de Vergennes. "At Paris, this 10th day of June, 1776. (Signed) CARON DE BEAUMARCHAIS.

"Good for one million of livres tournois."

The United States presume that this was the missing million of the king's grant of three inillions, and considerable efforts have been fcquently made to ascertain the fact, both

Cashier. Well---when can you pay, and how will you pay it? We are disposed to accommodate you.

Citizen. I will give my check, payable on the 9th day of March next, for the amount, if you will give up the note.

Cashier. We are so willing to oblige you, that we agree to the proposal. The interest for cents; add that 60 days will be $14 and to the sum and make a check for the whole. Citizen. I will not pay any interest. ashier. As you receive interest and refuse to pay it---pay the note.

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Citizen. I won't. It is my will to accommo that induces me to to pay agree you debt in sixty days, by a check. Cashier. Then, sir, pardon me, but I mus: confess my belief that you are the most imp dent man I ever met with.

Citizen. That is false---I may be as impu-provision for the erection of two additional builddent as you are--for THIS DAY you did the ve-ings for the accommodation of the executive dery same thing in respect to certain of your own partments of the government. notes, and for the precise amount of mine. The documents accompanying the report of the

If any one doubts the truth of the facts stat-that the public offices, at present erected, do not committee to whom this subject was referred, shew ed in the preceding, let him apply at the Mecha- afford the necessary room, though many private nics bank of Baltimore on the 9th day of March, houses or rooms are additionally occupied. It is when a cashier's check for the amount will be pre- essentially important to the public convenience that sented and paid, if the money has been deposited, this evil should be remedied. ANOTHER SCENE-A SPECIE PAYING BANK. 99* Citizen. Please to give me money for this -five dollar note.

Teller. There it is---(counting out five pieces of paper.)

Citizen. I want money---give me specie. Teller. What do you want it for? Citizen. If the bank cannot pay a debt of five dollars to-day, tell me when it will be convenient, and I'll call again.

Teller. (In a pet) There's five dollars. Citizen. Good morning, sir; whenever I want five dollars I shall make it a rule to call upon you, you are so very polite.

Amendment proposed.

The cost of the additional buldings proposed is estimated at $90,380 50 cents, each, complete.They will not only be very large and very safe fireproof buildings, but also have a respectable appear

ance.

The commissioner of the public buildings thus estimates the value of the property of the United States within the city of Washington-preferring, as he says, "to be under rather than over the real estimate." The value of this property is rapidly advancing

5185 building lots, estimated at $180
(the average amount of former
541 acres of ground reserved for the
sales) per lot,
use of the United States, estimated
at the same rate, though deemed of
much greater value, would amount

to

The British "NAVAL CHRONICLE," had for Wharves and water lots in the city, its motto-

"The winds and waves are Britain's wide domain, "And not a sail, but by permission, spreads.”

This motto was used to head the prize lists in the WEEKLY REGISTER during the late war; in which we captured more British vessels than they had lost in twenty years contests with [sometimes] almost all Europe.

933,300 00

740,000 00

and free stone quarries at Aquia,
about

40,000 00 $1,713,300 00

General Kosciusko.

We seem to owe an apology to our readers. Since that war the modest motto, we believe, for having so long delayed the insertion of has been stricken from the "Naval Chronicle." Gen. Harrison's very handsome tribute of If there is an intention to resume it, we would respect to the memory of KOSCIUSKO-a man respectfully propose the following amendment: that possessed in himself more great and estimable qualities than belong to the herd of Bourbons and Guelphs. "It is a very easy thing

Indeed to make a man a king!
But since the race of kings began,

"The winds and seas are Britain's wide domain," But star flagg'd vessels shall their canvas spread Now, this would be friendly; and might save the British people from the rude shocks that they often feel when it is reported, "the Americans have laid the keel of another 74!" How har to make a king a man!"-PET. FINDAR. I do not know whether iny amendment KOSCIUSKO to the late JOHN DICKINSON, will The following extracts of a letter from would make better poetry of the matter, but be read with great satisfaction by those who it will better comport with the facts that must have admired his character: belong to the case. The spirit of the people, (and, by the blessing of PROVIDENCE, there is a growing power to support that spirit) says "WE MEET AT PHILLIPPI," unless

We are grateful to heaven for having lived beyond the AGE OF IMPRESSMENT. us, "it is numbered with the years beyond the flood." The freeman strikes his bosoin, and says, like Paul, the apostle, take heed what ye do--I am an AMERICAN citizen.

November, 1783. "I have been constantly on the wing since I left vou, my mind occupied by objects, and my body tired by the fatigues of travelling. I congratulate you on the British troops having evacuated New York-But now, that you are perfectly quiet, As regards and masters of your own abodes, what will you do? what will be your political views? what will be your domestic conduct? how far will your reciprocal jealousies extend? who will have powers to stop them?-That public spirit, which distinguished you during the course of the revolution, will it last long against the prosperity of commerce, and the luxury that ever attends it, and against the insinuations of enemies that would divide you?-I declare now to you, that I think there does not exist a country that gan vie with you in flourishing prospects. know there is not one where man is more free, or where fortunes are more equal. In travelling thro' the remote parts of your continent, I learn how to

Public Buildings, Property, &c.

AT WASHINGTON CITY.
In our last, page 374, was inserted a bill making

*By "specie-paying bank," we mean a bank that pretends to a willingness, and affects an ability to pay ita debts.

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