1787: "The Public Curiosity Will Soon Be Gratified"
Excerpts from the August 1, 1787, edition of the The Freeman's Journal or The North-American Intelligencer offered commentary of government and a mention of the proceedings of the Federal Convention (Constitutional Convention). Since the discussions and work of the convention was secret at the time, there was limited news to report until the U.S. Constitution was completed and actually shared with the public.
It is fashionable in the European prints to describe the United States as convulsed with intestine tumults, and borne down with private calamities; but when we review the present state of the old established empires, we shall be able to retort the charges that are alleged against our infant sovereignty; and to draw some consolations from considering our temporary embarrassment as an evil common to all governments, and not as an indication of the singular weakness of our own. France, notwithstanding the energy of despotic rule, has been poisoned by the malversation of public ministers; and the innumerable bankruptcies that have lately occurred in that kingdom, threaten destruction to the national credit. Russia and the Porte are agitated with the apprehensions of war. Great Britain, amusing herself with the parade of an impeachment, or the quarrels of her monarch and his son, totters beneath the enormity of her debt, and the increasing corruption of her offspring; while Holland (the republican, phlegmatic Holland) burns with the flames of civil war. Which, then, of these nations can boast superiror happiness? Let the citizens of America recollect the past, and the will rather wonder that they are so well, than lament that they are not better; — but then anticipate the future, and they will find that their prosperity and honor depend on themselves.
A very bold attempt has been made in England to counterfeit the present paper emissions of the United States, particularly those of North and South Carolina. The principal in this forgery is one Muir, who was apprehended at Portsmouth, and a bill has been found against him by the grand jury. The government, and the magistrates both in London and Portsmouth have conducted themselves on this occasion with great propriety.
The Federal Convention having resolved upon the measures necessary to discharge their important trust, adjourned till Monday week, in order to give a committee, appointed for the purpose, time to arrange and systemize the materials which that honorable body have collected. The public curiosity will soon be gratified; and it is hoped, from the universal confidence reposed in this delegation, that the minds of the people throughout the United States are prepared to receive with respect, and to try with fortitude and perseverance, the plan which will be offered to them by men distinguished for their wisdom and patriotism.
Source:
The Freeman's Journal or The North-American Intelligencer, August 1, 1787. Page 3. Accessed through Newspapers.com
