The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

To the PRINTER.

SIR,

In the late Bishop of Cloyne's inquiry concerning the virtues of tar-water. I find the following observation, which as a friend to the public, I hope you will insert in your paper.

"The public virtue and spirit of the British legislature, never shewed itself more conspicuous in any act, than in that for suppressing the immoderate use of spirituous liquors among the people, whose Strength and numbers constitute the true wealth of a nation ; though evasive arts will, it is feared, prevail so long as distilled spirits of any kind are allowed, the character of Englishmen in general, being that of Brutus. Quicquid vult, valde vult ; but why should such a canker be tolerated in the vitals of a state. under any pretence, or in any shape whatsoever ? better by far the whole present set of distillers were pensioners of the public, and their trade accomplished by law ; since all the benefit thereof put together would not balance the hundredth parts of its mischief. The ruined. health and morals, and the beggary of such numbers, evidently shew. that we need no other enemy to compleat our destruction, than this cheap luxury at the lower end of the state, and that a nation lighted up at both ends, must soon be consumed."