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Literary
January 13, 1776
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
A prose fragment critiquing favoritism as an odious and ruinous basis for political power, citing historical examples from France, Spain, and Denmark, and warning of its dangers to princes and states, concluding with a quote from Guthrie on its unpopularity in England.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
FAVOURITISM: A FRAGMENT.
FAVOURITISM is, in itself, an insuperable objection to the power of which it is the basis, being the most odious title any person can have to be a Minister in any country; witness the late disgraced favourites of France, Spain, and Denmark. So far is it from making up for other precautions, that it would alone destroy the best. It will not, for any length of time, be submitted to in a free country, and has never failed to be the ruin of the favourite himself, at the same time that it is one of the most dangerous rocks a Prince can touch. It tends to convulse a state, and the firmest governments have been shaken by its dreadful consequences. As it attaches the Sovereign's regard to one man, it of course cools, and may alienate, the affection of other subjects. It engrosses the royal confidence, and consequently deprives the Crown of the assistance of able and faithful counsellors, none being suffered to continue in any post which may entitle them to consult or advise but such as are ready to echo the sentiments of the favourite. To conclude, in the words of Guthrie, "The title of favourite, let him be ever so deserving, has always been odious in England."
FAVOURITISM is, in itself, an insuperable objection to the power of which it is the basis, being the most odious title any person can have to be a Minister in any country; witness the late disgraced favourites of France, Spain, and Denmark. So far is it from making up for other precautions, that it would alone destroy the best. It will not, for any length of time, be submitted to in a free country, and has never failed to be the ruin of the favourite himself, at the same time that it is one of the most dangerous rocks a Prince can touch. It tends to convulse a state, and the firmest governments have been shaken by its dreadful consequences. As it attaches the Sovereign's regard to one man, it of course cools, and may alienate, the affection of other subjects. It engrosses the royal confidence, and consequently deprives the Crown of the assistance of able and faithful counsellors, none being suffered to continue in any post which may entitle them to consult or advise but such as are ready to echo the sentiments of the favourite. To conclude, in the words of Guthrie, "The title of favourite, let him be ever so deserving, has always been odious in England."
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Political
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Favoritism
Political Power
Minister
Prince
Royal Confidence
Guthrie Quote
Literary Details
Title
Favouritism: A Fragment.
Key Lines
Favouritism Is, In Itself, An Insuperable Objection To The Power Of Which It Is The Basis, Being The Most Odious Title Any Person Can Have To Be A Minister In Any Country; Witness The Late Disgraced Favourites Of France, Spain, And Denmark.
It Will Not, For Any Length Of Time, Be Submitted To In A Free Country, And Has Never Failed To Be The Ruin Of The Favourite Himself, At The Same Time That It Is One Of The Most Dangerous Rocks A Prince Can Touch.
To Conclude, In The Words Of Guthrie, "The Title Of Favourite, Let Him Be Ever So Deserving, Has Always Been Odious In England."