Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
The Patowmac Guardian, And Berkeley Advertiser
Martinsburg, Shepherdstown, Berkeley County, Jefferson County, West Virginia
What is this article about?
In England, Thomas Paine evaded arrest for debt thanks to friends but now faces severe libel charges for his reformist writings, risking pillory and mutilation. Prominent figures advocate for freer elections and better parliamentary representation to address constitutional issues.
Clipping
OCR Quality
Full Text
PHILADELPHIA, July 21.
The enemies of reformation in England cannot brook the boldness of Paine's writings on the affairs of the government. Lately they discovered a creditor of his, to whom he owed a considerable sum; and had influence enough to get him arrested for the debt. His friends however, by giving him timely notice, rescued him from this dilemma, and rendered the attempt to confine him fruitless. He has now a more serious trouble on his hands; a criminal process having been instituted against him as a libeller. The prosecution is followed up with rigor, and the friends of the Philosopher are not a little afraid that he will be condemned to the pillory, and to lose his ears. Such a cruel procedure would not be the first of the kind in England against those they call Reformers, that is, those who wish for a wiser and more equitable form of government than exists at present. A long list of some of the most respectable names in the British nation appear in their papers to countenance the two following constitutional objects, which if pursued, they make no doubt will furnish the power and means of correcting the abuses which have arisen from a neglect of the acknowledged principles of their constitution. First. To restore the freedom of election, and a more equal representation of the people in Parliament. Secondly. To secure to the people a more frequent exercise of their right of electing their Representatives.
What sub-type of article is it?
What keywords are associated?
What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
England
Key Persons
Outcome
attempted arrest for debt failed due to friends' intervention; ongoing criminal libel prosecution with fears of pillory and loss of ears.
Event Details
Enemies of reformation in England targeted Paine for his bold writings on government by discovering a creditor and influencing his arrest for a considerable debt, but his friends rescued him. Now facing a rigorous criminal process as a libeller, with concerns he may be condemned to the pillory and lose his ears. Such actions against reformers seeking wiser government are not unprecedented. A list of respectable British names supports restoring election freedom, equal representation in Parliament, and more frequent elections to correct constitutional abuses.