Antifederalist Paper 15 – RHODE ISLAND IS RIGHT!

Normally we port in a slideshare version of the particular paper.  Today we have posted the entire paper here as it was a short one.  We have the usual version on our slideshare  site and it can be ported onto other sites or downloaded as usual.

Anti Federalist Papers No. 15

Rhode Island Is Right!

This essay appeared in The Massachusetts Gazette, December 7, 1787, as reprinted From The Freeman’s Journal; (Or, The North-American Intelligencer?)

The abuse which has been thrown upon the state of Rhode Island seems to be greatly unmerited. Popular favor is variable, and those who are now despised and insulted may soon change situations with the present idols of the people. Rhode Island has out done even Pennsylvania in the glorious work of freeing the Negroes in this country, without which the patriotism of some states appears ridiculous. The General Assembly of the state of Rhode Island has prevented the further importation of Negroes, and have made a law by which all blacks born in that state after March, 1784, are absolutely and at once free.

They have fully complied with the recommendations of Congress in regard to the late treaty of peace with Great Britain, and have passed an act declaring it to be the law of the land. They have never refused their quota of taxes demanded by Congress, excepting the five per cent impost, which they considered as a dangerous tax, and for which at present there is perhaps no great necessity, as the western territory, of which a part has very lately been sold at a considerable price, may soon produce an immense revenue; and, in the interim, Congress may raise in the old manner the taxes which shall be found necessary for the support of the government.

The state of Rhode Island refused to send delegates to the Federal Convention, and the event has manifested that their refusal was a happy one as the new constitution, which the Convention has proposed to us, is an elective monarchy, which is proverbially the worst government. This new government would have been supported at a vast expense, by which our taxes-the right of which is solely vested in Congress, (a circumstance which manifests that the various states of the union will be merely corporations) — would be doubled or trebled. The liberty of the press is not stipulated for, and therefore may be invaded at pleasure. The supreme continental court is to have, almost in every case, “appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact,” which signifies, if there is any meaning in words, the setting aside the trial by jury. Congress will have the power of guaranteeing to every state a right to import Negroes for twenty one years, by which some of the states, who have now declined that iniquitous traffic, may re-enter into it-for the private laws of every state are to submit to the superior jurisdiction of Congress. A standing army is to be kept on foot, by which the vicious, the sycophantick, and the time- serving will be exalted, and the brave, the patriotic, and the virtuous will be depressed.

The writer, therefore, thinks it the part of wisdom to abide, like the state of Rhode Island, by the old articles of confederation, which, if re-examined with attention, we shall find worthy of great regard; that we should give high praise to the manly and public spirited sixteen members, who lately seceded from our house of Assembly [in Pennsylvania]; and that we should all impress with great care, this truth on our minds-That it is very easy to change a free government into an arbitrary one, but that it is very difficult to convert tyranny into freedom.

For all the latest news, please click on the Home button towards the top of this site.

Have a news story? Submit it above.

Some of Gloucester's most incredible history is found on this site in detail.

Gloucester, VA Links and News – A GVLN Website.

We cover what no one else will.

Like us on Facebook, Tweet us, Plus One us,

Follow us through email,

follow us on Twitter.

Become a member of this site.

Stay up to date on all the latest.

Related articles

• Anti Federalist Papers No. 14 Extent of Territory Under Consolidated Government Too Large to Preserve Liberty or Protect Property
• Anti Federalist Papers No. 11 - Unrestricted Power Over Commerce Should Not Be Given The National Government
• Anti Federalist Papers No 12 - How WIll The New Government Raise Money?
• Gloucester, VA Government Employees Happy Meal, Literally
• Anti Federalist Papers No 10, On The Preservation of Parties, Public Liberty Depends
• Anti Federalist Papers No 8 Suppressing Insurrections

Anti Federalist Papers No. 14 Extent of Territory Under Consolidated Government Too Large to Preserve Liberty or Protect Property

. . . The recital, or premises on which the new form of government is erected, declares a consolidation or union of all the thirteen parts, or states, into one great whole, under the form of the United States, for all the various and important purposes therein set forth. But whoever seriously considers the immense extent of territory comprehended within the limits of the United States, together with the variety of its climates, productions, and commerce, the difference of extent, and number of inhabitants in all; the dissimilitude of interest, morals, and politics, in almost every one, will receive it as an intuitive truth, that a consolidated republican form of government therein, can never form a perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to you and your posterity, for to these objects it must be directed. This unkindred legislature therefore, composed of interests opposite and dissimilar in their nature, will in its exercise, emphatically be like a house divided against itself.

The governments of Europe have taken their limits and form from adventitious circumstances, and nothing can be argued on the motive of agreement from them; but these adventitious political principles have nevertheless produced effects that have attracted the attention of philosophy, which have established axioms in the science of politics therefrom, as irrefragable as any in Euclid. It is natural, says Montesquieu, to a republic to have only a small territory, otherwise it cannot long subsist: in a large one, there are men of large fortunes, and consequently of less moderation; there are too great deposits to trust in the hands of a single subject, an ambitious person soon becomes sensible that he may be happy, great, and glorious by oppressing his fellow citizens, and that he might raise himself to grandeur, on the ruins of his country.

 In large republics, the public good is sacrificed to a thousand views, in a small one, the interest of the public is easily perceived, better understood, and more within the reach of every citizen; abuses have a less extent, and of course are less protected. He also shows you, that the duration of the republic of Sparta was owing to its having continued with the same extent of territory after all its wars; and that the ambition of Athens and Lacedemon to command and direct the union, lost them their liberties, and gave them a monarchy.

Read the rest below.

Anti Federalist Papers No 14 Territory to Large to Preserve Liberty from Chuck Thompson


Visit our Podcast Old Time radio page above and you can listen to each of the Anti Federalist or Federalist Papers in audio format.  We have the entire series of both.  Liberty Education Series.

For all the latest news, please click on the Home button towards the top of this site.

Have a news story? Submit it above.

Some of Gloucester's most incredible history is found on this site in detail.

Gloucester, VA Links and News – A GVLN Website.

We cover what no one else will.

Like us on Facebook, Tweet us, Plus One us,

Follow us through email,

follow us on Twitter.

Become a member of this site.

Stay up to date on all the latest.

Related articles

• The Federalist Papers No 14, Objections to the Proposed Constitution From Extent of Territory Answer
• Anti Federalist Papers No 13 - The Expense of the New Government
• Anti Federalist Papers No 12 - How WIll The New Government Raise Money?
• Anti Federalist Papers No. 11 - Unrestricted Power Over Commerce Should Not Be Given The National Government
• Anti Federalist Papers No 10, On The Preservation of Parties, Public Liberty Depends
• Anti Federalist Papers No. 9 A Consolidated Government Is A Tyranny

Anti Federalist Papers No 13 - The Expense of the New Government

 . . . . Great complaint has been made, that Congress [under the Articles] has been too liberal in their grants of salaries to individuals, and I think not without just cause. For if I am rightly informed, there have been men whose salaries have been fifteen hundred dollars per year, and some of them did not do business at any rate, that the sum they negotiated would amount to their yearly salary. And some men [are] now in office, at twenty five hundred dollars per year, who I think would have been glad to have set down at one hundred pounds a year before the war, and would have done as much or more business. The truth is, when you carry a man’s salary beyond what decency requires, he immediately becomes a man of consequence, and does little or no business at all. Let us cast our eyes around us, in the other departments-the judges of the superior court have but about one hundred pounds salary a year. The judges of the courts of common pleas, on an average, not more than sixty dollars per year. The ministers of the gospel-a very valuable set of men, who have done honor to themselves, and rendered great service to their country, in completing the revolution-have salaries but from sixty to an hundred pounds a year in general. The contrast is striking. I heartily wish that all ranks of men among us, ministers of the gospel as well as others, would turn their attention toward the Constitution they may be more concerned in the event than they at present think of.

Read the rest below.  

Anti Federalist Papers No 13 - The Expense of the New Government from Chuck Thompson

Related articles

• Anti Federalist Papers No 12 - How WIll The New Government Raise Money?
• Anti Federalist Papers No. 11 - Unrestricted Power Over Commerce Should Not Be Given The National Government
• Anti Federalist Papers No 10, On The Preservation of Parties, Public Liberty Depends
• Anti Federalist Papers No. 9 A Consolidated Government Is A Tyranny
• Anti Federalist Papers No 8 Suppressing Insurrections
• Anti Federalist Papers No. 6 Anarchy

Anti Federalist Papers No. 11 - Unrestricted Power Over Commerce Should Not Be Given The National Government

It has been proved, by indisputable evidence, that power is not the grand principle of union among the parts of a very extensive empire; and that when this principle is pushed beyond the degree necessary for rendering justice between man and man, it debases the character of individuals, and renders them less secure in their persons and property. Civil liberty consists in the consciousness of that security, and is best guarded by political liberty, which is the share that every citizen has in the government. Accordingly all our accounts agree, that in those empires which are commonly called despotic, and which comprehend by far the greatest part of the world, the government is most fluctuating, and property least secure. In those countries insults are borne by the sovereign, which, if offered to one of our governors, would fill us with horror, and we should think the government dissolving.

The common conclusion from this reasoning is an exceedingly unfair one, that we must then separate, and form distinct confederacies. This would be true if there was no principle to substitute in the room of power. Fortunately there is one. This is commerce. All the states have local advantages, and in a considerable degree separate interests. They are, therefore, in a situation to supply each other’s wants. Carolina, for instance, is inhabited by planters, while Massachusetts is more engaged in commerce and manufactures. Congress has the power of deciding their differences. The most friendly intercourse may therefore be established between them. A diversity of produce, wants and interests, produces commerce; and commerce, where there is a common, equal and moderate authority to preside, produces friendship.

Read the rest below.

Anti Federalist Papers No 11 - Unrestricted Power from Chuck Thompson

To open the above into full screen mode, please left click the icon on the far bottom right hand side of the container.  To exit full screen mode, just hit escape on your keyboard.  Liberty Education Series here on Gloucester, Virginia Links and News website.  We now have the entire Anti Federalist Papers in audio format on our Podcast page.  Check it out.

Related articles

• Anti Federalist Papers No 10, On The Preservation of Parties, Public Liberty Depends
• Anti Federalist Papers No. 9 A Consolidated Government Is A Tyranny
• Anti Federalist Papers No 8 Suppressing Insurrections
• Federalist Papers No. 11, Commercial Interests
• Federalist Papers Nu. 4 Concerning Dangers From Foreign Force and Influence
• Anti Federalist Papers Number 3 - A Farmer

Federalist Papers No. 11, Commercial Interests

Oil on canvas portrait of Alexander Hamilton by John Trumbull (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

To the People of the State of New York:

THE importance of the Union, in a commercial light, is one of those points about which there is least room to entertain a difference of opinion, and which has, in fact, commanded the most general assent of men who have any acquaintance with the subject. This applies as well to our intercourse with foreign countries as with each other.

There are appearances to authorize a supposition that the adventurous spirit, which distinguishes the commercial character of America, has already excited uneasy sensations in several of the maritime powers of Europe. They seem to be apprehensive of our too great interference in that carrying trade, which is the support of their navigation and the foundation of their naval strength.

 Those of them which have colonies in America look forward to what this country is capable of becoming, with painful solicitude. They foresee the dangers that may threaten their American dominions from the neighborhood of States, which have all the dispositions, and would possess all the means, requisite to the creation of a powerful marine. Impressions of this kind will naturally indicate the policy of fostering divisions among us, and of depriving us, as far as possible, of an ACTIVE COMMERCE in our own bottoms.

 This would answer the threefold purpose of preventing our interference in their navigation, of monopolizing the profits of our trade, and of clipping the wings by which we might soar to a dangerous greatness. Did not prudence forbid the detail, it would not be difficult to trace, by facts, the workings of this policy to the cabinets of ministers.

Read the rest below.

Federalist Papers No. 11 - Commercial Relations from Chuck Thompson

The Federalist Papers number 11, The Utility of the Union In Respect To Commercial Relations and the Navy.  To read the above in full screen mode, click the icon at the far bottom right hand side of the slideshare container.  To exit full screen mode, hit the escape key on your keyboard.

Related articles

• Federalist Papers No. 10 The Union as a Safeguard Against Faction and Insurrection
• Federalist Papers Nu. 4 Concerning Dangers From Foreign Force and Influence
• Anti Federalist Papers Number 3 - A Farmer
• Anti Federalist Papers No 10, On The Preservation of Parties, Public Liberty Depends
• Anti Federalist Paper No. 5 - Scotland and England - A Case In Point
• Anti Federalist Papers No. 9 A Consolidated Government Is A Tyranny

Anti Federalist Papers No 10, On The Preservation of Parties, Public Liberty Depends

The opposite qualities of the first confederation were rather caused by than the cause of two parties, which from its first existence began and have continued their operations, I believe, unknown to their country and almost unknown to themselves-as really but few men have the capacity or resolution to develop the secret causes which influence their daily conduct.

The old Congress was a national government and an union of States, both brought into one political body, as these opposite powers-I do not mean parties were so exactly blended and very nearly balanced, like every artificial, operative machine where action is equal to reaction. It stood perfectly still. It would not move at all. Those who were merely confederal in their views, were for dividing the public debt. Those who were for national government, were for increasing of it.

 Those who thought any national government would be destructive to the liberties of America . . . assisted those who thought it our only safety-to put everything as wrong as possible. Requisitions were made, which every body knew it was impossible to comply with. Either in 82 or 83, ten millions of hard dollars, if not thirteen, were called into the continental treasury, when there could not be half that sum in the whole tract of territory between Nova-Scotia and Florida. The States neglected them in despair. The public honor was tarnished, and our governments abused by their servants and best friends.

 In fine, it became a cant word things are not yet bad enough to mend. However, as [a] great part of the important objects of society were entrusted to this mongrel species of general government, the sentiment of pushing it forward became general throughout America, and the late Convention met at Philadelphia under the uniform impression, that such was the desire of their constituents. But even then the advantages and disadvantages of national government operated so strongly, although silently, on each individual, that the conflict was nearly equal. A third or middle opinion, which always arises in such cases, broke off and took the lead-the national party [thus] assisted, pursued steadily their object- the federal party dropped off, one by one, and finally, when the middle party came to view the offspring which they had given birth to, and in a great measure reared, several of them immediately disowned the child.

 Such has been hitherto the progress of party; or rather of the human mind dispassionately contemplating our separate and relative situation, and aiming at that perfect completion of social happiness and grandeur, which perhaps can be combined only in ideas. Every description of men entertain the same wishes (excepting perhaps a few very bad men of each)-they forever will differ about the mode of accomplishment-and some must be permitted to doubt the practicability.

Read the rest below.

Anti Federalist Papers No 10, Preservation of Parties from Chuck Thompson

To open the document into full screen mode, left click the icon on the far right bottom of the slideshare container.  To exit full screen mode, hit the escape key on your keyboard.  Liberty Education Series here on Gloucester, Virginia Links and News website.  

Related articles

• Anti Federalist Papers No. 9 A Consolidated Government Is A Tyranny
• Federalist Papers No. 10 The Union as a Safeguard Against Faction and Insurrection
• Anti Federalist Papers No 8 Suppressing Insurrections
• Federalist Papers Nu. 4 Concerning Dangers From Foreign Force and Influence
• The Anti Federalist Papers Number 2 - Building A New Nation
• Anti Federalist Papers No 7 - Adoption of the Constitution Will Lead to Civil War

Federalist Papers No. 10 The Union as a Safeguard Against Faction and Insurrection

To the People of the State of New York:

AMONG the numerous advantages promised by a well constructed Union, none deserves to be more accurately developed than its tendency to break and control the violence of faction. The friend of popular governments never finds himself so much alarmed for their character and fate, as when he contemplates their propensity to this dangerous vice. He will not fail, therefore, to set a due value on any plan which, without violating the principles to which he is attached, provides a proper cure for it. 

The instability, injustice, and confusion introduced into the public councils, have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have everywhere perished; as they continue to be the favorite and fruitful topics from which the adversaries to liberty derive their most specious declamations. The valuable improvements made by the American constitutions on the popular models, both ancient and modern, cannot certainly be too much admired; but it would be an unwarrantable partiality, to contend that they have as effectually obviated the danger on this side, as was wished and expected. Complaints are everywhere heard from our most considerate and virtuous citizens, equally the friends of public and private faith, and of public and personal liberty, that our governments are too unstable, that the public good is disregarded in the conflicts of rival parties, and that measures are too often decided, not according to the rules of justice and the rights of the minor party, but by the superior force of an interested and overbearing majority.

 However anxiously we may wish that these complaints had no foundation, the evidence, of known facts will not permit us to deny that they are in some degree true. It will be found, indeed, on a candid review of our situation, that some of the distresses under which we labor have been erroneously charged on the operation of our governments; but it will be found, at the same time, that other causes will not alone account for many of our heaviest misfortunes; and, particularly, for that prevailing and increasing distrust of public engagements, and alarm for private rights, which are echoed from one end of the continent to the other. These must be chiefly, if not wholly, effects of the unsteadiness and injustice with which a factious spirit has tainted our public administrations.

James Madison Enters the arguments.

Read the rest in the document below.

Federalist Papers No 10 Union as a Safeguard Against Domestic Insurrection from Chuck Thompson

To read the above document in full screen view, left click the icon at the far bottom right hand side of the Slideshare container.  To exit full screen mode, hit the escape key on your keyboard.

Liberty Education Series here on Gloucester, Virginia Links and News website.

Related articles

• Anti Federalist Papers No. 9 A Consolidated Government Is A Tyranny
• Anti Federalist Papers No 8 Suppressing Insurrections
• Federalist Papers No 8, The Consequences of Hostilities Between The States
• Federalist Papers No. 9 The Union As A Safeguard Against Faction And Insurrection
• Anti Federalist Papers No 7 - Adoption of the Constitution Will Lead to Civil War
• Federalist Papers No 7 - Dangers From Dissensions Between The States