country, as he was when he obtained a title as the reward of ft, and
always to have more respect for; honour than fortune, Certainly
these principles cannot he with justice attacked, and though some
individuals who possess,tides bring censure Oh themselves by their
behaviour, the order of itself can never be affected by their
conduct.
As the present government of the United States is entirely demo-
cratical, hereditary titles are not given to any Of its inhabitants, and
it is proper for those of rank who settle here not to infringe those
laws respecting themselves; but when nations have been suffering
by different factions, or by civil wars, and think it bést to establish
an hereditary government, they likewise will establish an hereditary
nobility, as a solid support of that government; men who will distinguish
themselves by a zealous attachment to their monarch and
coun try. It is therefore to be expected that the order of nobility
will exist as long as kingdoms exist, that is, until the end of the
worlds
Other political debates amongst the inhabitants of the United
States arise from the misunderstanding that prevails at present with
their country and the principal European maritime powers; but
upon this a stranger ought not to discourse. However, speaking in
general with regard to the disputes that are here in company, they
are like the hurricanes, violent, but soon passed over, and the rest
of the day is spent very agreeably, and some very interesting conversation
often takes place.
I have heard many declare, that the extensive commerce which
the United States at present enjoy, arising from the particular circumstances
of events in. Europe, was greatly injurious to the progress
of agriculture, which is in fact the most solid source from
whence the prosperity of a, nation proceeds; . and that those who
would labour iu the fields are now persuaded by sea-faring people
to prefer navigation. The proprietors of estates hire the labourers
for the season, from among nthe white inhabitants'; or they makS
agreements with thosp who own many negroes, for a certain sum, to
cultivate their ground through,the season by those slaves. But I have
asked, that as tkereweire so many emancipated negroes in theUnited
States* whyutKey were not hired just as. well:as white people ? Tb this»
J have always- been,, answered, that -they -were so> negligent >in their
labdiir,; that even the expences of their keeping aikd wages were not
paid1 by it.; j Thisimerits pairtioulhr attfention* particularly ffrbm those
who are endeavouring ;&>, bring on the emancipation of the .negroes
all at once.f If I have
endeavoured to obtain some further knowledge on this subject.
Another great. complaintT have heard, is in regard to the manufacturers
and-mechanics. It is said, that as they know there are*, so*
few in this, country, they work with indifference; and while the
most part of those who are .in the mercantile lino live moderately,-
and: spend, their leisnrp time with their .families at: home, the me*
chanicshave their, clubs,, where, they meet almost regularly early in
the:.evening and. $tay. till.latei spending a great deal of money; to
inaintaimwhich course they raise the price of the articles they make.
It is further said, that if the expected embargo should talce place,
and consequentlytno artieJ.es; of, foreign manufactory qome to this
country,,it would make things in this respeot;Still worse, as the manufacturers
. then will take advantage, from a knowledge* that
every, one. is in need of,their productions. It is therefore expected
that the American; manufactories! will?fipt arrive to any consequence,
for adength. of time, and not until, by their increase, industry only
ckli secure the mechanics a suitable living; in which case their
manufactories may ultimately rise to equal perfection with those of
Europe..
As the great speculation of accumulating,'.wealth occupies so
much attention, and the employment of so many of the inhabitants
of this part of America, .they find little time, for other instruction.
E f