When was it published?

May 2, 1814 in Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

Domestic News May 2, 1814

Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

Q: What keywords are associated?

Pennsylvania Legislature, Wage Increase, Whiskey Prices, Metzger Speech

Portland, Cumberland County, Maine

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What is this article about?

During Pennsylvania's legislative session, Mr. Metzger advocated raising members' wages due to doubled alcohol prices since their October election, claiming it affected service willingness. The measure passed 53-33.

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OCR Quality

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Full Text

A Whiskey speech.—During the present Session of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, in a debate on the propriety of raising the wages of the members, a Mr. Metzger, of the assembly, said—'That when they were elected in October, they did not anticipate that the price of Whiskey and Jamaica would be raised 100 per cent or Wine from one to two dollars a bottle. For his part, if he had foreseen it, he did not know whether he would have consented to serve; and indeed, he thought the people themselves would have instructed them to raise their wages.' Mr. M's argument, it seems, was irresistible. The wages were raised; ayes 53 nays 33. Whiskey controls all things in Pennsylvania.

Ver. Mirror.

What sub-type of article is it?

Politics Economic

What keywords are associated?

Pennsylvania Legislature Wage Increase Whiskey Prices Metzger Speech

What entities or persons were involved?

Mr. Metzger

Where did it happen?

Pennsylvania

Domestic News Details

Primary Location

Pennsylvania

Event Date

During The Present Session Of The Legislature Of Pennsylvania, Elected In October

Key Persons

Mr. Metzger

Outcome

wages were raised; ayes 53 nays 33

Event Details

In a debate on raising members' wages, Mr. Metzger argued that unanticipated 100% increases in whiskey and Jamaica prices, and wine from one to two dollars a bottle, justified the raise, as they might not have served otherwise and the people would instruct accordingly. The argument succeeded.