began to be paid to the culture of cotton, in the southern States, about the year 1783, and it soon became a staple of that part of the country. About the same time, agricultural societies began to be formed in the country. Sec. 5. ARTS AND MANUFACTURES. The excessive importation of merchandize from Great Britain, during this period -much of which was sold at low prices--checked the progress of manufactures in the United States, which had been extensively begun, during the war of the revolution. Iron works, however, for the construction of axes, ironing of carriages, and the making of machinery, &c. &c. were still kept up in all parts of the United States. Some coarse woollen and linen cloths, cabinet furniture, and the more bulky and simple utensils for domestick use, &c. &c. were manufactured, in New-England. Sec. 6. POPULATION. The population of the United States, at the close of this period, was nearly four millions. Sec. 7. EDUCATION. Several colleges were established, during this period--one in Maryland, at Annapolis, called St. John's college; a second, in 1785, at Abington, in the same state, by the Methodists, called Cokesbury college; a third, in the city of New-York; and a fourth, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1787-The former, by the name of Columbia college, and the latter, by that of Franklin college. The North Carolina university was incorporated in 1789. The subject of education, during this period, seems to have attracted publick attention throughout the United States, and permanent institutions, for the instruction of youth, were either planned, or established, in every section of the country. REFLECTIONS. The history of the world furnishes no parallel to the history of the United States, during this short period. At the commencement of it, they had but just emerged from a long and distressing war, which had nearly exhausted the country, and imposed an accumulated debt upon the nation. They were united by a confederation inadequate to the purposes of government; they had just disbanded an army which was unpaid, and dissatisfied, and more than all, they were untried in the art of self-government. In circumstances like these, it would not have been strange had the people fallen into dissensions and anarchy, or had some bold, ambitious spirit arisen, and fastened the yoke of monarchy upon them. But a happier destiny awaited them. In this hour of peril, the same Providence, that had guided them thus far, still watched over them, and, as victory was granted them in the hour of battle, so wisdom was now vouchsafed in a day of peace. Those master spirits of the revolution, some of whom had recently retired from the camp to the enjoyment of civil life, were now called to devise the means of securing the independence which they had won. Perhaps they exhibited to the world a no less striking spectacle as the framers of our excellent constitution, than as victors over the arms of Britain. UNITED STATES. PERIOD VII., DISTINGUISHED BY WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION, Extending from the inauguration of President Washington, 1789, to the inauguration of John Adams, as president of the United States, 1797. Sec. 1. On the 30th of April, 1789, Gen. Washington, in the presence of the first congress, under the Federal Constitution, and before an immense concourse of spectators, was inducted into the office of President of the United States, by taking the oath prescribed by the constitution. § Intelligence of his election was communicated to Washington, while on his farm in Virginia. On his way to New York, to enter upon the duties of his station, he received, in almost every place through which he passed, the highest expressions of affection and respect, that a grateful people could pay. Soon after his arrival in New-York, a day was assigned for his taking the oath of office. On the morning of that day, publick prayers were offered in all the churches. At noon, a procession was formed, which escorted Washington, dressed on the occasion wholly in American manufactures, to Federal Hall. Here the oath prescribed by the constitution was administered to him, by the chancellour of the State of New-York. The ceremonies of the inauguration being concluded, Washington entered the senate chamber, and delivered his first speech. In this, after expressing the reluctance with which he obeyed the call of his countrymen, from repose and retirement, so ardently coveted, after a series of military toils, and the diffidence with which he entered upon an office, so full of responsibility, he proceeded thus: "It will be peculiarly improper to omit, in this first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being, who rules over the universe; who presides in the councils |