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Letter to Editor
July 17, 1793
Gazette Of The United States
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
Satirical extract of a letter mocking idlers in a town forming a 'Democratic Club' to influence government, questioning if it will lead to trouble; signed 'A Democrat' seeking advice.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
Extract of a letter from a neighbouring country town.
"Claw me and I'll claw you."
SCOTCH PROVERB.
"A few high mettled idlers of our town finding no other chance by which to distinguish themselves from the multitude, have of late determined to meet together and to confer on each other the title of "MEMBER OF THE DEMOCRATIC CLUB"- under this plausible name they hope the public mind may be led to repose entire confidence in all their doings. Whether they wish to choose from their own society the officers of government, or to alter any law that may not suit the particular situation of any of the members, it is presumed that no one will dare to oppose their measures.
"Should any one be so impertinent as to ask, is not this the minority dictating to the majority? the answer is, it is the voice of the Democratic Club.
"I had determined to enlist myself with this party, but my friend and neighbour has suggested to me that in time the Democratic Order will become Noble, and that it will subject our country to trouble. I should be much obliged to any friend of yours for his opinion on the subject before I am enrolled,
"A DEMOCRAT."
"Claw me and I'll claw you."
SCOTCH PROVERB.
"A few high mettled idlers of our town finding no other chance by which to distinguish themselves from the multitude, have of late determined to meet together and to confer on each other the title of "MEMBER OF THE DEMOCRATIC CLUB"- under this plausible name they hope the public mind may be led to repose entire confidence in all their doings. Whether they wish to choose from their own society the officers of government, or to alter any law that may not suit the particular situation of any of the members, it is presumed that no one will dare to oppose their measures.
"Should any one be so impertinent as to ask, is not this the minority dictating to the majority? the answer is, it is the voice of the Democratic Club.
"I had determined to enlist myself with this party, but my friend and neighbour has suggested to me that in time the Democratic Order will become Noble, and that it will subject our country to trouble. I should be much obliged to any friend of yours for his opinion on the subject before I am enrolled,
"A DEMOCRAT."
What sub-type of article is it?
Satirical
Political
Provocative
What themes does it cover?
Politics
What keywords are associated?
Democratic Club
Political Satire
Minority Rule
Idle Idlers
National Trouble
What entities or persons were involved?
A Democrat.
Letter to Editor Details
Author
A Democrat.
Main Argument
satirizes a group of idle townspeople forming a 'democratic club' to gain undue influence over government and laws, portraying it as minority dictation to the majority; the writer feigns interest in joining but seeks opinion on potential troubles it may cause.
Notable Details
Scotch Proverb 'Claw Me And I'll Claw You.'
Reference To Minority Dictating To Majority
Suggestion That The Club May Become 'Noble' And Subject The Country To Trouble