Page View
Jensen, Merrill; Kaminski, John P.; Saladino, Gaspare J. (ed.) / Ratification of the Constitution by the states: Pennsylvania
2 (1976)
C. Public and private commentaries on the Constitution, 10 October-10 November 1787, pp. 180-223
Page 186
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, 186
Copyright 1976 Wisconsin Historical Society Press.| For information on re-use see: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/Copyright