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Letter to Editor
April 20, 1793
Gazette Of The United States
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
Extract from a British letter dated November 3, 1792, arguing that licentiousness disguised as liberty threatens societal stability in both Britain and America, with America at greater risk due to insufficient legislative barriers. The writer claims impartiality in critiquing parties.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Extract of a letter from Britain, dated Nov. 3, 1792.
"Liberty is the object of veneration by every upright mind—but nothing is such an enemy to that, as the licentiousness that weakness and folly have dignified with that sacred name of late—And we here, are at present in such a high tide of prosperity, as to engender an infinity of chimerical notions on that subject, which are highly dangerous. You are in the same train—though you have not yet advanced so far—but neither have your legislators provided such barriers to guard against its effects as we have, so that I think it is a moot-point to say which is in greatest danger of soon suffering by it. I rather am inclined to think it is yourselves. You will perceive that I am no advocate for any party—and therefore I blame and approve, with perfect freedom, whatever I think right or wrong, without respect to persons."
"Liberty is the object of veneration by every upright mind—but nothing is such an enemy to that, as the licentiousness that weakness and folly have dignified with that sacred name of late—And we here, are at present in such a high tide of prosperity, as to engender an infinity of chimerical notions on that subject, which are highly dangerous. You are in the same train—though you have not yet advanced so far—but neither have your legislators provided such barriers to guard against its effects as we have, so that I think it is a moot-point to say which is in greatest danger of soon suffering by it. I rather am inclined to think it is yourselves. You will perceive that I am no advocate for any party—and therefore I blame and approve, with perfect freedom, whatever I think right or wrong, without respect to persons."
What sub-type of article is it?
Philosophical
Reflective
Political
What themes does it cover?
Constitutional Rights
Politics
What keywords are associated?
Liberty
Licentiousness
Britain
America
Prosperity
Legislators
Impartiality
Letter to Editor Details
Main Argument
licentiousness mislabeled as liberty endangers true liberty in prosperous societies; britain and america both risk it, but america more so without adequate legislative protections. the writer remains impartial to parties.
Notable Details
Dated Nov. 3, 1792
From Britain
Addresses 'You' Implying American Recipient
Claims No Party Advocacy