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Editorial
February 3, 1786
Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
A series of satirical 'public opinions' critiquing societal moral decay, economic hardship, political opposition, high taxes, luxury consumption, and calls for mercy toward refugees, warning of national ruin if conditions persist.
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OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
PUBLIC OPINIONS.
That hot-headed partisans on either side the question, and zealous bigots, do more hurt to society than thieves, or pick-pockets, "the law's delay, and insolence of office."
That an unprincipled opposition in our Legislature, at this time, will be peculiarly pernicious.
That money was never scarcer than at the present time—and if times do not suddenly alter, we shall all go to pot.
That business was never duller than it is now, and if times do not alter we shall all go to pot.
That Luxury and Effeminacy were never more prevalent, than at this day—and if times do not alter we shall all go to pot.
That men who live beyond the limits of their income, will most assuredly FAIL.
That when publick finances are distressed the Great Officers should serve their country gratis.
That the doings of government put people in mind of Penelope's web.
That taxes are high—that duties are numerous, and that the Lord only knows what becomes of the money.
That justice, honour and publick faith on the question on the admission of the refugees, is opposed by prejudice, selfish views, and national dishonour, and that every true christian will say with Shakespeare,
-Alas! Alas!
Why, all the souls that are, were forfeit once,
And he, that might th' advantage best have took,
Found out the remedy. How would you be,
If he, which is the top of judgment, should
But judge you as you are? Oh! think on that,
And mercy then will breathe within your lips
Like man new made."
That Tailors, Shoemakers, in fact all mechanics dressing in silk stockings and lace ruffles will ruin the country.
That the women by wearing balloon gauzes, balloon ribbons, and balloon hoops, will ruin the country.
That merchants, Shop-keepers, &c. displaying in their dress the wealth of the Indies—and figuring in carriages, equipages and entertainments, will ruin the country.
That in fact, the country will be ruin'd, ruin'd in spite of fate!
That Old batchelors and dogs, ought to be heavily taxed, with snarling peevish curs of every description.
That one grain of honesty is worth all the knowledge and excellency of the world without it.
That hot-headed partisans on either side the question, and zealous bigots, do more hurt to society than thieves, or pick-pockets, "the law's delay, and insolence of office."
That an unprincipled opposition in our Legislature, at this time, will be peculiarly pernicious.
That money was never scarcer than at the present time—and if times do not suddenly alter, we shall all go to pot.
That business was never duller than it is now, and if times do not alter we shall all go to pot.
That Luxury and Effeminacy were never more prevalent, than at this day—and if times do not alter we shall all go to pot.
That men who live beyond the limits of their income, will most assuredly FAIL.
That when publick finances are distressed the Great Officers should serve their country gratis.
That the doings of government put people in mind of Penelope's web.
That taxes are high—that duties are numerous, and that the Lord only knows what becomes of the money.
That justice, honour and publick faith on the question on the admission of the refugees, is opposed by prejudice, selfish views, and national dishonour, and that every true christian will say with Shakespeare,
-Alas! Alas!
Why, all the souls that are, were forfeit once,
And he, that might th' advantage best have took,
Found out the remedy. How would you be,
If he, which is the top of judgment, should
But judge you as you are? Oh! think on that,
And mercy then will breathe within your lips
Like man new made."
That Tailors, Shoemakers, in fact all mechanics dressing in silk stockings and lace ruffles will ruin the country.
That the women by wearing balloon gauzes, balloon ribbons, and balloon hoops, will ruin the country.
That merchants, Shop-keepers, &c. displaying in their dress the wealth of the Indies—and figuring in carriages, equipages and entertainments, will ruin the country.
That in fact, the country will be ruin'd, ruin'd in spite of fate!
That Old batchelors and dogs, ought to be heavily taxed, with snarling peevish curs of every description.
That one grain of honesty is worth all the knowledge and excellency of the world without it.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
Moral Or Religious
Economic Policy
What keywords are associated?
Public Opinions
Economic Hardship
Moral Decay
Luxury
Taxes
Political Opposition
Refugees
Satire
What entities or persons were involved?
Legislature
Government
Refugees
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Satirical Critique Of Societal And Economic Decline
Stance / Tone
Pessimistic And Satirical Warnings Of Ruin
Key Figures
Legislature
Government
Refugees
Key Arguments
Hot Headed Partisans And Bigots Harm Society More Than Criminals.
Unprincipled Legislative Opposition Is Pernicious.
Money Is Scarce And Business Dull, Leading To Ruin.
Luxury And Effeminacy Are Prevalent, Causing Decline.
Living Beyond Means Leads To Failure.
Officers Should Serve Gratis In Financial Distress.
Government Actions Resemble Penelope's Web.
Taxes Are High With Unclear Use Of Funds.
Prejudice Opposes Admitting Refugees; Mercy Is Urged Via Shakespeare.
Extravagant Dress And Lifestyles By All Classes Will Ruin The Country.
Old Bachelors And Dogs Should Be Taxed.
Honesty Outweighs All Knowledge Without It.