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embarraſſment muſt be ſuch as, with a man even of the firmeſt mind, would hang heavy on its powers, and divide, if not weaken thoſe exertions, which the public weal ſhould engroſs.
In expenditure from the public purſe, there is a diſtinction ſufFiciently obvious between penſions and rewards apparently of private favor; and ſums expreſsly devoted to public purpoſes. The firſt ought ſcrupulouſly to be inveſtigated, at leaſt as far as the examination may be made without endangering the dignity of enquiry: and we admit, moſt unequivocally, that the latter ought to be carefully and anxiouſly watched. We are aware that the general axiom, that wealth is power, is peculiarly applicable to our preſent ſtate; and that the huſbanding our reſources is neceſſary for the continuance of that power which is to provide for our own ſafety. It muſt not be deemed invidious, however, if, while we urge a fair and adequate remuneration for public ſervices, we diſtinctly and plainly ſtate our opinion of the propriety of preventing, by every poſſible means, all ſecret emoluments. The public loſes much more than the money by allowing any part of its income to be converted or employed to the. uſe or emolument of
