But which on account of the ineffectual organization of the internal duties and direct tax may not yield, in 1814, that amount by a sum of

Leaving the net amount estimated for

1813

$650,000

9. Resolved, That duties be laid on carriages used for the conveyance of persons, at the following rates, viz:

1st. On every coach, charriot or post chaise, $25. 2d. On every phaton, and on every coachee, having pannel work in the upper division thereof, $6,575,000 15 dollars. And for this purpose the committee recommend to the house the adoption of the following resolutions, viz.

3d. On every other four-wheeled carriage hanging on steel springs, $10.

4th. On every four wheeled carriage hanging up1. Resolved, That an addition of 100 per cent. on iron or wooden springs, and on every two-wheel be made to the several rates of permanent duties carriage, with a top, or hanging on steel or iron now imposed by law on all goods, wares and mer-springs, $5. chandise, imported into the United States.

5th. On every other four or two-wheel carriage,

2. Resolved, That 25 per cent. be retained on all 3 dollars. the drawback allowed by law on the exportation of 10. Resolved, that stamp duties be laid on the goods, wares and merchandise, exported from the following instruments of writing, viz: United States.

3. Resolved, That additional tonnage duties be laid at the following rates, viz.

Ist. On all vessels licensed for the coasting trade or fisheries, 20 cents per ton a-year.

2d. On all other vessels owned by citizens of the United States, 25 cents per ton on the entry of the vessel..

3d. On all foreign vessels, 1 dollar 25 cents per ton on the entry of the vessel.

4. Resolved, That a duty of 20 cents per bushel be laid upon all salt imported into the United States. 5. Resolved, That duties be laid on licences to distil spirits at the following rates, viz

Ist. On stills employed in distilling spirits from foreign materials, at the rate of 75 cents per gallon on the capacity of such stills.

1st On all notes payable to bearer or order issued by any bank or bankers, at rates on an average of one dollar for every hundred dollars, with an option to pay, in lieu thereof, 2 1-2 per centum on their dividends.

2d. On all notes of hand, above 50 dollars, payable to bearer or order, having one or more endorsers,and on all bills of exchange above 50 doilars, having one or more endorsers, at rates on an average of five cents for every hundred dollars.

11. Resolved, That three millions of dollars be raised by a direct tax to be apportioned among the several states agreeably to the rule prescribed by

the constitution.

12. Resolved, That each state be authorised to pay the amount of its quota to the United States with a deduction of 15 per cent. if paid before the assessment is commenced, and of 7 1-2 per cent. if paid before the tax becomes due.

24. On stills solely employed in distilling spirits from domestic materials, at any distillery at which there are one or more stills of more capacity togeth- 13. Resolved, That all the duties above enumeraer than 150 gallons, at the rate of 50 cents per gal-ted and the tax aforesaid shall be laid and become lon on the capacity of such stills. payable only after the United States shall have be3d. On other stills solely employed in distilling come engaged in a war with a foreign European spirits from fruit, at the rate of five dollars on each nation, or shall have authorised the issuing letters still a year. of marque and reprisal against the subjects of such nation.

4th. On other stills solely employed in distilling spirits from any domestic materials, at the rate of $15 on each still a year.

6. Resolved, That duties be laid on licences to retailers of wine, spirits, and foreign merchandise, including tavern keepers, at the following

rates, viz:

If in cities, towns or villages, containing more than 100 families,

1st. On retailers of foreign merchandise, including wines and spirits, $25.

24. On retailers of wines alone, $20. 3d. On retailers of spirits alone, $20. 4th. On retailers of domestic spirits alone, $15. 5th. On retailers of foreign merchandise other than wines or spirits, $15.

If in any other places than cities, towns or villages, containing more than 100 families,

1st. On retailers of foreign merchandise, including wines and spirits, $15.

2d. On retailers of wines and spirits, $15. 3d. On retailers of domestic spirits alone, $10. 4th. On retailers of foreign merchandise other than wines and spirits, $10.

14. Resolved, That the said duties and tax shall continue until one year after the conclusion of peace with such foreign nation and no longer,

The report being read, was ordered to be printed and made the order of the day for Monday next.

Mr. Bacon then introduced a bill to authorise a loan for any sum not exceeding millions of dollars, which was twice read and committed.

Mr. Porter, gave notice that he would to-morrow bring in a bill to raise a provisional military force of 20,000 men.

The speaker asked and obtained leave of absence, after to-day, for Mr. D. R. Williams, for the remainder of the session.

The house assumed the consideration of the bill for arming the militia of the United States; when Mr. M. Clay's motion to reconsider the amendment which had been agreed to, putting it in the power of the respective states to distribute the arms as they thought proper, came under discussion. It was supported by Messrs. Macon, Smilie, Stow, Fisk and Little; and opposed by Messrs. Roberts, Tallmadge, Widgery, Rhea and McCoy.

7. Resolved, That duties be laid on sales at auc- It was argued, in favor of a reconsideration, that tion of foreign merchandise, for every hundred this amendment might defeat the object of the bill, dollars of the purchase money 2 dollars,--and on which was to put arms into the hands of every young sales at auction of ships or vessels, for every hun-man when he attained the age of 18; that this dred dollars of the purchase money 25 cents.

8. Resolved, That a duty of 4 cents per pound be laid on all sugars refined in the United States, allowing a drawback on the exportation of the same,

amendment placed it in the power of the state legislatures to lay up the arms in an armory, or to put them into the hands of a favored party; in ad of arming the nation, the arms might be locked up

frem the people-it would be arming the govern-involve the nation in a war, because they were out ment against the people, and not placing the people of danger. He said, he was from the interior; but in a situation to defend themselves against any op- he and his constituents would be as much exposed pression with which they might be menaced from in a war with Great Britain, they would have to whatever quarter it might come. Allusions were make as great sacrifices in such a war, es any part made to the period when M-Pherson's Blues threat-of the nation. His house and property were on the ened the peace of the city of Philadelphia, and to British lines; he had many friends in Canada, with the Embargo times, in order to shew that the arms whom he had been in habits of intimacy for a long would be safer in the hands of the people, than laid time. He had not therefore lightly made up his mind to exchange the present, in many respects, up in armories by the states. Against the reconsideration, it was contended that happy and prosperous situation of the country, for Having the respective state legislatures might safely be trust the uncertainties and calamities of war. ed with the power of distributing these arms; that deliberately decided upon his course, he should not they never could be supposed to become the op- shrink from it. He should despise himself, if he pressors of the people, since they were annually could be influenced to swerve from it by any consielected by the people; that the probability was they derations of exposure of his property or personal would distribute the arms amongst the citizens in danger. His Canadian friends were sensible of his such a manner as each state would deem best calcu situation and the motives which governed him. lated to render the militia efficient. As to the instances of improper conduct in a small number of individuals, alluded to, no danger could ever be ap prehended from such momentary delusions. The question for re consideration was negatived

62 to 52.

Mr. Williams moved to amend the bill, by adding a proviso to the amendment above alluded to "Provided such directions shall not contravene the provisions contained in the first section of this act" Which directs that every citizen arriving at the age of 18 shall be put in possession of a stand of arms.] This motion was negatived 55 to 54.

Mr. Hall moved another amendment: "Provided that no regulation shall be adopted by any state which shall extend further than to cause the arms to be properly taken care of."

They knew that he was guided by the same love for his country and regard for its rights, by which they were animated in relation to their country and its rights. The only hope of his constituents, in the event of an invasion of Canada, was in the prompi tude, vigor and effect with which it should be undertaken and prosecuted: their hope was in the celerity with which it should be subjugated: their safety depended upon this. The only question was then with respect to the best kind of force which could be most speedily brought into action to effect the contemplated object. From personal observation, and from the knowledge of the British provinces which he had derived from other sources, he urdertook to state that Canada possessed only a force of 6000 regulars, stationed at Quebec, and about 20,000 militia, not well organized, armed or disciplined. He was willing to admit, in the abstract, that a regular army, enlisted for a long period, was generally the most efficient force to carry on war; but it would be a long time before such Mr. Porter, agreeably to notice offered to the an army could be raised. If we meant to invade Canada with a prospect of success, it ought to be house the following resolution: done before the British could throw reinforcements Resolved, That a committee be appointed to pre-into it. The ice in the St. Lawrence would break pare and report a bill authorising the president of up by the last of May: reinforcements could be the United States to engage, commission and or thrown into the upper country by the last of June. ganize a provisional military force of twenty thou- His idea was, that a provisional force, to consist of sand men, in addition to the force already authoriz-15 or 20,000 northern volunteers, already disciplined ed by law. and armed for actual service, should be immediately authorised, and marched into Canada before the

Before a question was taken on this amendment, the house adjourned.

Tuesday, February 18.-Some private petitions being disposed of—

The house agreed to consider the motion. Mr. Porter spoke at some length in support of last of May. They could have taken Canada while his motion; [the following sketch of his speech we have been talking about it. They would be was reported for the American] he presented the rea-enabled to subjugate Canada in a few weeks, with sons which had induced him to offer this resolution. the exception of Quebec. They should then fall He explained the nature of the provisional force pro- down at some eligible position below Montreal, posed to be raised. It was a volunteer force, which, establish a fort, the officers exercise and make when commissioned by the president, would become themselves acquainted with the practical use and regulars, to serve for twelve months. He said, duties of artillery, and proceed at their leisure that an army enlisted for a short period could be to the seige and reduction of Quebec. A part considered in the light of volunteers; and volun- of them could return to New-England, and, with teers, raised and commissioned by the president other forces, proceed thence into the eastern proaccording to the principles contemplated by the vinces and to Halifax for the purpose of taking resolution, were an army on short enlistments. If possession of them. The military maxim, advanced gentiemen were serious in their declarations re- the other day by his honorable fiiend from Georgia specting an invasion of Canada, a provisional force (colonel Troup) that an unsubdued enemy garrison of this description were absolutely necessary to en-should not be left in the rear of an invading army, sure a prompt success. It could be organized in a did not apply to the case of proceeding to take few weeks, and prepared to act with vigor. He Halifax previous to the reduction of Quebec. The declared the sincerity with which he had determined distance between Quebec and Halifax was so great, to go to war; and if the proper means to secure the country so rugged, that the best plan would be success were not adopted, it should not be im puted to him. He had heard, with no small degree of surprise and regret, gentlemen from the interior accused of being particularly anxious to

to proceed to Halifax, not from Quebec, but from the northern section of our own country. Besides, it would be imprudent and impossible, without the greatest hazard, for any part of the British forces

1

The question on the resolution was taken by yeas and nays without further debate, and negatived, as follows, yeas 49; nays 57:

ton, Ormsby, Pickens, Piper, Pleasants, Pond,
Porter, Richardson, Rhea, Sage, Sammons,
Sevier, Seybert, Shaw, G. Smith, Stow, Tracy,
Turner, Whitehill-49.

NAYS-Messrs. Alston, Baker, Bassett, Bibb,

stationed for the defence of Quebec, to leave that taken in connection with the proposition to the regarrison for the purpose of attacking the American port of the committee of ways and means, of yesarmy sent against Halifax, or for the purpose of re-terday, to raise money through the medium of the taking any part of Canada occupied by the Ameri-states, instead of raising it by taxes imposed by cans. The army authorised to be raised and enlisted Congress. He pledged his reputation that the for five years could, in the mean time, be organized president would not march the 50,000 volunteers and disciplined to reinforce the troops contemplat already authorised out of the country. Gentlemen ed to act in the first operations of the war. It was had asked the committee of foreign relations for impracticable, he said, to raise this army in due their ulterior measures. Where the committee of time. The people of the northern states were wil-foreign relations madmen or fools? Would you ling to serve in the war; they were willing to in- have them to lay a declaration of war on your table vade Canada; but they must do it as volunteers.-at this time, when the president has not a single They were not willing to become military slaves man to carry on the war? You have given him arfor five years. He presumed it was not necessary mies and volunteers on paper, not actual efficient to argue in favor of the efficacy of volunteers in troops. this house, whatever might be the opinion in the other branch of the legislature. Mr. P. then endeavored to demonstrate that the volunteers already provided for, would be inadequate to affect the ob YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Archer, Bard, Bartject for which they were authorised. He contend. lett, Blackledge, Burwell, M. Clay, Cochran, ed that they were militia, commissioned by the Condit, Crawford, Davis, Dinsmore, Earle, Findstates, and could not be marched out of the limits ley, Fisk, Gholson, B. Hall, Hawes, Kent, King, of the union. He examined, with precision and Lacock, Lefever, Little, Lyle, Moore, McCoy, perspicuity, the constitutional doctrines heretofore M Kee, M Kim, Metcalf Morrow, Nelson, Newadvanced in relation to this subject. He said, the militia belonged to the states, except for the spe cific purposes of executing the laws of the union, suppressing insurrection, and repelling invasion. They were designed to enable the states to resist the encroachments of the federal government, if it should ever become necessary. As to the right of Bigelow, Bleecker, Boyd, Breckenride, Brigham, this government to use the physical force of the Butler, Champion, Cheves, Chittenden, Davennation for the purposes of war, derived from its port, Desha, Ely, Emott, Fitch, Franklin, Gold, power for such purposes, that right could only be Gray, Green, Grundy, O. Hall, Hufty, Jackson, exercised according to the mode pointed out by the Law, Lewis, Livingston, Lowndes, Macon, Maxconstitution. Congress had an unquestionable well, M'Bryde, Milnor, Morgan, Moseley, New, right to the physical force of the nation; but it Newbold, Pearson, Pitkin, Potter, Quincy, Ridg could not use the militia in foreign military operaley, Roane, Roberts, Rodman, Smilie, J. Smith, tions. The moment a militia man engaged in the Stanford, Stewart, Sturges, Taggart, Tallmadge, service of the United States for foreign war, he Troup, White, Widgery, Wilson, Wright-58. ceased to be such; he became a regular soldier.- On motion of Mr. Newton, the house resolved He reprobated the doctrine, that the militia could itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Stanford be drafted and sent on a foreign military expedition. in the chair, on the bill authorising the secretary He said, of all the tyrannical arts of Bonaparte of the treasury, under the direction of the presi none were more detestable than his conscriptions dent of the United States, to purchase of Winslow to enable him to prosecute the wars of his ambition. Lewis, his patent-right for a new mode of lighting The king of England himself had no power over a light-houses; which being amended, and an approsingle man in the kingdom for foreign war, except priation of 60,000 dollars made, the bill was reportby the voluntary engagement of such man. And ed to the house, agreed to, and ordered to be enwould any man contend, that in this country of grossed for a third reacing. liberty, of republican liberty, the militia could be ARMING THE MILITIA. The house resumed compelled to go on a foreign service? But, say the consideration of the bill for arming the militia ; gentlemen, although the militia cannot be forced when Mr. B. Hall's amendment being under conto march out of our limits, they may do so by their sideration, for limiting the operation of the amendown voluntary consent, He admitted this; but ment which gives to the respective legislatures the they must become federal troops: they must become power of disposing of the arms as they may direct, regulars to a certain extent; they must be com-to the mode of taking care of the arms: missioned by the U. States; they must volunteer ac- The question being taken on Mr Hall's amendcording to the constitution, not according to their ment, it was negatived 55 to 51.

own will and pleasure.

The question was now, "shall the bill be ordered

This was the essence of freedom-to regulate to be engrossed for a third reading?" our actions agreeably to laws freely enacted. He This was opposed by Mr. Brigham and Mr. Pitdenied the sovereignty of the general government kin, principally on account of the fines, &c. confor any purposes. What was sovereignty? It contained in the bill. The latter gentleman denied the sisted in an undefined, unlimited discretionary right of congress to impose any fine on militia-men power. It existed only in heaven; or if political before they came into the service of the United sovereignty resided any where in this country, it Sates; and cited the act of 1792, to shew that no was in the people, not in the government. No so- penalties were inflicted in that law. vereign powers, therefore, except those expressly Mr. Macon replied to them, and said there could and specifically delegated in the constitution, could be no doubt but the power vested in congress by the be exercised by congress. He had been alarmed, constitution, "to provide for organizing, arming and when it had been said that the president was of opi-disciplining the militia," included the power to make nien the militia could be marched out of the union, suitable provisions for preventing the arms from

being made away with. It would be strange to say, said he, not suffer the people at once to furnish the that when congress 'put arms in the hands of the articles wanted, instead of the money to purchase militia, they could not make regulations for their them with? It would, indeed, take the business preservation for the use of the public. The reason out of the hands of contractors; but that would be why nothing of this kind was provided in the law no loss to the nation. It was no more than a proof 1792 was, Congress had not then put arms into position for the consideration of the committee of ways and means. If they deemed the plan impraeticable, they would say so. He hoped, therefore, it would be agreed to.

The bill authorising the secretary of the treasury Wednesday, Feb. 19.—Mr. Wright, from the com-to purchase Winslow Lewis's patent right for a mittee in relation to American seamen, reported a new method of lighting light-houses was read the bill for the protection, recovery, and indemnifica third time and passed. tion of American seamen, which was twice read and committed.

Resolved, That the committee of ways and means be directed to enquire into the expediency of authorising the citizens of the several states and territories to furnish for the seamen, marines and army of the United States, the various necessary articles of clothing-the expences for clothing, &c. to be apportioned amongst the several states and territories in conformity with the constitutional principles of levying a direct tax; and whether, and how far, it may be practicable or expedient, for any and what articles of provisions or supplies for the army and navy, to be furnished by the citizens of the several states and territories, în lieu of duties, excise or taxes."

Some objection being made to the reference of this resolution, Mr. B. Hall said that ten millions of dollars could be more easily paid in this way in! Georgia, than two millions in specie, why then,

humble fabricators of goods on deposits--and,} as profit was not the object of the association, such goods are disposed of on the most generous and liberal terms-calculated merely to defray the

expences.

occasion for that plague of mechanics, a dzy book, and might do eleven-twelfths of his busi ness for cash.

The following are the articles that gave rise to the preceeding remarks :

TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF THE ATHENIAN

SOCIETY.

In the progress and great increase of the sales of the society, we may observe not only an increase of manufactures but a decrease of prejudices, the 'most formidable enemy it has had to encounter. Formerly it was a received opinion (and many, ciety submit the following statement of the business The president and directors of the Athenian Se perhaps hold it yet*) that we could not make cer- and progress of the institution, for the year 1811, ain things as good as they could be made in Eu-since the last exhibit submitted on the 2d of Ferope-but actual experience has put this matter at bruary last.

sales of this institution, it may be satisfactory to
To show the progress and great increase of the
bring into view the sales of the several years
Sales from the 1st Jan, 1809 to?

1st. Dec. 1809

1st Dec. 1809 to
31st Dec. 18105
1st Jan, 1811 to
31st Dec. 1811

11 mo. $17,608 9

13

32,137 92

12

51,519 14

rest, and the destructive notion is rapidly passing The total amount of sales from the 1st January away. Again,-nineteen twentieths of the peo to the 31st December, 1811, is $51,519 14. ple still have an impression that American-made goods, no matter of what kind they are, must be sold dearer than the imported; yet this idea, in regard to numerous important articles, is as absurd as the first; without taking into view the generally superior durability and firmness of the home-made stuffs. Those who have opportunities, from their residence in, or vicinity to, Baltimore, ave invited to the Athenian Society's warehouse to learn the fact for themselves, and by a pleasing certainty to banish a painful conjecture. The net profits of the last year are apparently There is plenty of room for two or three other such small, on the amount sold, which arises from the institutions in Baltimore-and an increase of large proportion of sales made on commission, and them in all the towns of the United States would the moderate profits on those sold for account of the greatly promote and facilitate the use of domestic society. It being the avowed object of the institution, manufactures. The editor of one of the daily smallness of profits is the only certain mode of proto facilitate the general use of American manufactures, prints in this city, sometime ago, threw out

a hint which I am astonished has not been im-ducing this desirable object. proved. He said that if some competent taylor linquished, stand to the credit of the premium fund, The amount of dividends heretofore generously rewere so to arrange his business as to sell, or conformably to the act of incorporation, and held make up, nothing but home-made stuffs, and keep a good assortment of them (assortments are they may award, with all additional dividends_now to the order of the premium committee for premiums to be hud) in Baltimore, he would make a rapid declared, that may not be called for, but generously refortune. What would answer in this city will do in any other considerable town; and the taylinquished and given to the premium fund. lor so conducting himself would obtain the very "cream" of customers-he would have but little

the stockholders to the utility of this institution;
it may be unnecessary to call the attention of
the present exhibit is a practical comment more fur-

All which is respectfully submitted, by order of
the board.
ISAAC BURNESTON.
President of the Athenian Society.

Feb. 3, 1812.

* About seven years ago I witnessed a circum-cible than speculation. stance which afforded me a high gratification. I was in a book-store (no matter where) when a person came in and asked for a ream of letter paper. The bookseller shewed some of an excellent quali ty, with which his customer was fully satisfiedbut asking the price, was led to suppose, from its BALTIMORE, FEB. 15, 1812. cheapness, that it was American, and demanded if The "premium commillee,” for the year 1812, it was so? On receiving an answer in the affirma- Appointed by the "Baltimore Athenian society, tive, he said it would not do--he wanted" English." for the encouragement of useful arts and domestic "I have other paper," said the bookseller, " for manufactures," agreeably to the act of incorporawhich I must have such and such a price, will you tion, have agreed to propose the following premilook at it, sir?" The price being high enough, the jums for the present year.

gentleman after much examination and comparison The committee have to regret that the infant state made his purchase, paid his money cheerfully, and of the fund committed to their disposal, does not carried his paper away. The two reams exhibited enable them to offer more liberal rewards to those came from the same mill, and were taken out of patriotic citizens, whose exertions are directed tothe same bundle! [Large quantities of paper are wards the attainment of so great an object of namade in the United States with British water marks tional wealth and independence. The success, bow-and, if not openly offered as British, at least ever, of the institution beyond even the expectainsinuated to be so and sold as such. I can see notions of its friends, affords a well grounded hope harm in it-the quality is as good, and if the people that, in future, more extensive premiums will be of will have prejudices, let them pay for them!] Weffered. The committee, well aware that no mannnay laugh at this story and think

was a fool-bat, verily, many of us, the purchaser factures can ultimately succeed, which will not

not so bear a competition, in quality and price, with any silly as to paper, are as great dunces in other things. others whatever, have not the most distant idea of It is not long since that certain manufacturers o' dry the manufactures of the United States now requir goods to the Eastward were compelled to packing any other encouragement than the fostering aid Their commodities in British cases to insure their of the general and state governments: they, theresale! fore, propose these premiums merely as honorary rewards.

"The Whig."