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II. DEBATE OVER CONSTITUTION
Squibs from the Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 October
[The following are examples of the hundreds of often reprinted
items known as "squibs."]
By a late calculation, it appears that the reduction of the expenses
of the government of Pennsylvania, by the adoption of the new Federal
Constitution, will amount to 35,000 £,a year. A sum that will nearly
pay the interest of our whole proportion of the debt of the United
States.'
* * * *
A minister of the Gospel, through the medium of our paper, begs
leave to ask, whether men can be serious in regard to the Christian
religion, who object to a government that is calculated to promote
the glory of GOD, by establishing peace, order and justice in our
country?-and whether it would not be better for such men to re-
nounce the Christian name, and to enter into society with the
Shawanese or Mohawk Indians, than to attempt to retain the blessings
of religion and civilization, with their licentious ideas of government.2
* * * *
It is to be hoped (says a correspondent) that the city and counties
will avoid choosing such persons as are in Council or in the Assembly
to represent the state in the ensuing CONVENTION. Their oaths
will interfere with their duty in considering the new government,
and the session of the Convention will by those means be greatly pro-
longed. Besides, how disgraceful will it be to a country to appear
so barren of sensible and federal citizens as to heap two appointments
upon the same persons.3
* * * *
We hear that the uniform of the Federalists in this city is to consist
of-cloth covered buttons, leather pockets, and plain shirts.4
1. By 13 November this item was reprinted four times in Pennsylvania and
twenty-two times from New Hampshire to Georgia.
2. Outside Pennsylvania this item was reprinted ten times from New Hampshire
to Maryland by 13 November. For another item about the clergy's support of
the Constitution, see Mfm:Pa. 177.
3. This item was reprinted once in Pennsylvania and five times from Massachu-
setts to Maryland by 31 October. For a similar item, see Mfm:Pa. 183.
4. By 8 November this item was reprinted once in Pennsylvania and fifteen times
from New Hampshire to Georgia.
One of the People, Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 October'
At this important period, on which the existence of America as
a- people depends, one of the people begs leave to lay before them,
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