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National Gazette
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
A letter from the westward critiques proposed political reforms in England and Scotland under Mr. Pitt as potentially superficial, preferring grassroots change, and comments on the affected use of 'citizen.' English updates to February 10 report no war declaration between France and England.
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"I know not whether the appearance of reform in England and Scotland are to be considered as favourable to liberty. I should have liked better to find Mr. Pitt continue in the pride of his power till the people themselves burst their shackles. I fear if the reform is to come from government it will be like the amendments of the federal constitution—a tub to the whale. It may be otherwise, and will doubtless be a more peaceable way, but it is still building on a bad foundation.
"I like the spirit from which the present fashionable address of citizen proceeds: but, like a new cut in clothes, I cannot help thinking there is a little affectation in it. This feeling a little time will remove, especially as the appellation is of an endearing nature—I should like better to have the name only. As you know fashions take some time to arrive here from the metropolis, I must take a little time to reconcile myself to it; and get others here to keep me in countenance." For this once you will therefore excuse me, and not think me an aristocrat if on the outside I retain the former appellation.
English advices as late as the 10th of February, mention nothing of a declaration of war, either on the part of the French or England.
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
England
Event Date
As Late As The 10th Of February
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Event Details
Letter expresses uncertainty if reforms in England and Scotland favor liberty, prefers people bursting shackles over government reform like US federal amendments described as a tub to the whale. Likes spirit of 'citizen' address but sees affectation, needs time to reconcile. English advices to February 10 mention no declaration of war by French or England.