parties. 61 



news — the oracle of the place mounted on his 

 tripod, and pronouncing ins opinions with solemn 

 gravity. OS if I had been recognized as a tra- 

 veller from the eastern world — a keen observer 

 of human nature— and a recorder of what I saw, 

 I humbly hope that much nonsense would have 

 been spared, and many improper exhibitions pre- 

 vented ; but then I would have seen man at a 

 masquerade. 1 now derive light from my ob- 

 scurity, and observe this world as it is. My plain 

 dress, my moderate expenditures, my unobtrusive 

 behaviour, avert particular remark. It is only in 

 the society of such men as I meet with in this 

 place, that I am considered as of the least impor- 

 tance. The prevalent conversations all over this 

 federal republic, are on the subjects of political 

 excitement. After some sage remarks on the 

 weather, which compose the exordium of all con- 

 versations, the man of America, like the man of 

 Athens, asks, What news ? It is needless to say, 

 that I have steered entirely clear of political and 

 theological strife. I hardly understand the no- 

 menclature of parties. They are all republicans, 

 and yet a portion of the people assume the title of 

 republican, as an exclusive right, or patent mono- 

 poly. They are all federalists, that is, in favor 

 of a general government — and yet a part arrogate 

 to themselves this appellation to the disparage 



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