Among the most effective of the instrumentalities which were employed in the overthrow of the royal authority within the Thirteen United Colonies of America was The Public Press; and in the proceedings which led subsequently to the establishment of "The Constitution for the United States" between the several States which assented thereto, the same powerful agent was again brought into action, both by the supporters and by the opponents of that instrument.
In the latter memorable contest, quite as much as in the former, the Public Newspaper Press, in all parts of the Union, teemed with anonymous political papers of great merit, in the preparation of which some of the finest intellects in America had found employment; and at no other period, not even in the memorable days of "The Whig Club," had the judgment of the People been instructed with more profound ability, or its action directed with greater wisdom.
Among the manifold productions of the Press, on the occasion referred to, none were received with more general respect, and none have been preserved and referred to with more satisfaction, than those over the signature of "Publius," which found their way into the periodical Press of the city of New York in the fall of 1787 and during the following winter and spring.
At that time, and on the question of approving and assenting to the proposed "Constitution for the United States," the State of New York occupied a peculiar posi-
