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Editorial
September 11, 1788
The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Editorial condemns spirituous liquors as ruinous to Americans' bodies, souls, estates, and the nation, citing $12 million spent on West Indian imports in 1785-1787, plus likely similar on domestic spirits, resulting in no profit but diseases, idleness, poverty, and debt.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Spirituous liquors have been lately proved to be ruinous to the bodies, souls and estates of the citizens of America. But there is a fact lately come to light, which proves that they are equally ruinous to our country.
It appears from pretty accurate calculations that in the course of the years 1785, 1786 and 1787, TWELVE MILLION OF DOLLARS have been expended by the United States, in purchasing West-India spirituous liquors. How much more has been spent in home distilled spirits, we cannot pretend to determine, probably near one half that sum.
What profit has the United States derived from the expenditure of this immense treasure? None at all--On the contrary, it has entailed diseases, idleness, poverty, and debt upon them.
It appears from pretty accurate calculations that in the course of the years 1785, 1786 and 1787, TWELVE MILLION OF DOLLARS have been expended by the United States, in purchasing West-India spirituous liquors. How much more has been spent in home distilled spirits, we cannot pretend to determine, probably near one half that sum.
What profit has the United States derived from the expenditure of this immense treasure? None at all--On the contrary, it has entailed diseases, idleness, poverty, and debt upon them.
What sub-type of article is it?
Temperance
Economic Policy
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
Spirituous Liquors
Temperance
Economic Waste
Alcohol Imports
West India Rum
National Ruin
What entities or persons were involved?
United States
West India
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Ruinous Effects Of Spirituous Liquors On America
Stance / Tone
Strongly Condemnatory Of Alcohol Consumption
Key Figures
United States
West India
Key Arguments
Spirituous Liquors Ruin Bodies, Souls, And Estates Of Citizens
Equally Ruinous To The Country
$12 Million Expended On West India Spirituous Liquors In 1785 1787
Additional Spending On Home Distilled Spirits Likely Near Half That Amount
No Profit Derived From Expenditure
Entails Diseases, Idleness, Poverty, And Debt