NORTHAMPTON, May 2.
A hint has, in the southern papers, been suggested to the Deputies of the Federal
Convention, on the propriety of recemmending a dissolution of the Confederation
and a division of the states into four republics---The first to contain the
states of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island and Connecticut, to which
Vermont might be added. The second to contain New-York, New-Jersey, Delaware,
Pennsylvania and Maryland. The third, Virginia, the two Carolinas, and Georgia.
The fourth to contain the state of Franklin, Kentucky and the lands lying on
the Ohio. This division seems to be pointed out by climate, whose effect no
positive law can surpass---The religion, manners, customs, exports, imports,
and general interest of each, being in them the same, no opposition, arising
difference in these (as at present) would any longer divide their councils---unanimity
would render us secure at home, and respectable abroad, and promote agriculture,
manufactures and commerce. |