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Editorial
February 24, 1775
The Virginia Gazette
Williamsburg, Virginia
What is this article about?
The editorial satirically compares contemporary society and government to the declining Roman Empire, highlighting similarities in luxury, dissipation, suicide rates, and contempt for authority, exemplified by appointing unworthy senators while preserving only the form of government.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Those who have turned the least part of their attention to history will find a strong similitude between us at present, and the Romans on their declension. The latter were at that period more luxurious, dissipated, and fanciful in dress, equipage, arts, &c. than at any other time; So are we. Suicide more peculiarly marked that era, so it does ours. Their Emperors held the dignity of government in such open contempt, that they frequently made their horses Consuls. Our ---, in this last point, goes beyond them, by making asses Senators; yet, with all this, the form of government was supported. Alas! ours at present is nothing but form!
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
Moral Or Religious
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
Roman Decline
Luxury
Suicide
Government Contempt
Satire
Senators
What entities or persons were involved?
Romans
Roman Emperors
Senators
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Comparison To Declining Roman Empire
Stance / Tone
Satirical Critique Of Societal And Governmental Decline
Key Figures
Romans
Roman Emperors
Senators
Key Arguments
Strong Similitude Between Current Society And Declining Romans In Luxury, Dissipation, And Fanciful Dress
Suicide Peculiarly Marks Both Eras
Roman Emperors Showed Contempt By Making Horses Consuls
Current Leaders Exceed This By Making Asses Senators
Form Of Government Supported In Rome Despite Issues
Current Government Is Nothing But Form