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Editorial
December 7, 1812
Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political
Alexandria, Virginia
What is this article about?
This editorial satirizes 'news mongers,' a class of idle people who indulge in frivolous speculation about European politics, military affairs, and future events, pretending vast knowledge while offering no real value to society.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
COMMUNICATION.
UPON NEWS MONGERS
There is a certain class of people called News mongers, whose idleness is constantly at work. Though quite useless to the country, they have a high opinion of themselves, because they fill their brains with magnificent projects, and talk on subjects of high importance: Their conversation is indebted for its value to a frivolous and a ridiculous curiosity. There is no secret in any cabinet of Europe they do not pretend to penetrate, nor can they consent to be ignorant of any thing. Scarcely have they explored the events of the present, than they lay hold on those to come, & starting before Providence, anticipate the actions of men.
They lead a general by the hand, and after having condemned him for faults of which he has not been guilty, prepare a thousand others for him which he will never commit. Their armies fly like storks, and their walls fall like ninepins. They have bridges over all rivers, secret roads through all mountains, and immense magazines in all quarters. They kill thousands with one breath, create kingdoms, divide empires, and change the destinies of the world.
UPON NEWS MONGERS
There is a certain class of people called News mongers, whose idleness is constantly at work. Though quite useless to the country, they have a high opinion of themselves, because they fill their brains with magnificent projects, and talk on subjects of high importance: Their conversation is indebted for its value to a frivolous and a ridiculous curiosity. There is no secret in any cabinet of Europe they do not pretend to penetrate, nor can they consent to be ignorant of any thing. Scarcely have they explored the events of the present, than they lay hold on those to come, & starting before Providence, anticipate the actions of men.
They lead a general by the hand, and after having condemned him for faults of which he has not been guilty, prepare a thousand others for him which he will never commit. Their armies fly like storks, and their walls fall like ninepins. They have bridges over all rivers, secret roads through all mountains, and immense magazines in all quarters. They kill thousands with one breath, create kingdoms, divide empires, and change the destinies of the world.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
What keywords are associated?
News Mongers
Idle Speculation
Frivolous Curiosity
Political Gossip
Satirical Critique
Military Fantasy
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Critique Of News Mongers
Stance / Tone
Satirical Mockery
Key Arguments
News Mongers Are Idle And Useless To The Country
They Overestimate Themselves By Discussing Grand Projects
Their Talk Stems From Frivolous Curiosity
They Pretend To Know All European Secrets And Future Events
They Falsely Judge Generals And Predict Impossible Military Outcomes
They Imagine Exaggerated Scenarios Of War And Empire