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Editorial
January 10, 1752
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
London editorial satirically argues for paying representatives to attend duties due to rare disinterestedness, estimating 200,000 l. cost to save a million yearly, but hindered by poor districts' inability to contribute.
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OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
LONDON, Oct. 24.
As Disinterestedness is not a Virtue very common in this Age, and counterfeit Attainment is too frequently rewarded with Preferment, some are of Opinion, that there is an absolute Necessity of recurring to the old Method of paying our R---s for their Attendance, in Order to have Business well done, since so few are in a Humour to do any Thing for nothing. The Advice seems very good in Theory, but it quite alters in Practice, on account of the many beggarly D---s always ready to take, but on such an Occasion would neither be willing nor able to give; so that unless every C---y would make a common P---e to defray this Charge, no Relief is to be had. About 200,000 l. might answer this End, and be the Means of saving about a Million yearly.
As Disinterestedness is not a Virtue very common in this Age, and counterfeit Attainment is too frequently rewarded with Preferment, some are of Opinion, that there is an absolute Necessity of recurring to the old Method of paying our R---s for their Attendance, in Order to have Business well done, since so few are in a Humour to do any Thing for nothing. The Advice seems very good in Theory, but it quite alters in Practice, on account of the many beggarly D---s always ready to take, but on such an Occasion would neither be willing nor able to give; so that unless every C---y would make a common P---e to defray this Charge, no Relief is to be had. About 200,000 l. might answer this End, and be the Means of saving about a Million yearly.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
Partisan Politics
Economic Policy
What keywords are associated?
Disinterestedness
Public Service Payment
Attendance Fees
Fiscal Savings
Political Reform
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Proposal To Pay Officials For Attendance To Ensure Efficient Public Business
Stance / Tone
Satirical Critique Of Disinterestedness In Public Service
Key Arguments
Disinterestedness Is Uncommon In The Age
Counterfeit Merit Often Rewarded With Preferment
Payment For Attendance Needed To Ensure Business Well Done
Few Willing To Work For Nothing
Poor Districts Unable Or Unwilling To Contribute
Common Purse From Every County Required
200,000 L. Could Cover Costs And Save A Million Yearly