The New Hampshire Gazette

To the PRINTER.

I live in the country, and therefore, have not the Pleasure of reading your Gazette so soon as those in Town: but at last that of the 25th of December came to hand, and casting my Eye upon it, I observ'd to my great Surprize, that the first Thing which presented it self to view was a Proposal of laying an Excise upon Nonsense, on Impropriety and bad English. But after I had trifled away so much precious Time, as to run over the Arguments used in Favour of the said Proposal, I plainly saw that it was only the Effort of some trifling Scribler, that was willing to lend a Hand in filling up your Paper, and discover to the World his Ability of writing common Sense, whose unfruitful Mind was not capable of furnishing him with a better Subject. It appears by what he says, that this Subject has long revolved in his Mind. It is strange that any rational Mind, should be so jejune, as not (after a long series of Reflection) to produce something of more Importance to the Public; but as strange as it is, it appears to be no more strange than true. Would it not have been more to his Honour, and for the Interest of the Governments, to have proposed some Method for the Encouragement of Learning at least of good English; But this is not agreeable to the Genius and Spirit of the Author: He had rather use Force and Violence, to bring Mankind to the Knowledge of Letters. The Promotion of Learning (I humbly conceive) is not his Design, but only a mean, low liv'd and selfish Design of obtaining a Living by the Use of his Pen: but notwithstanding the said Proposal is so puerile and trifling as not to deserve a Reply, yet since we are taught by him who excell'd in Wisdom to answer a Fool according to his Folly, I would offer a few Queries, which may as well deserve Perusal and employ a few Moments of that Time which lies on hand.

Query I. Was it ever known, in any wise Government, that Legislators took Advantage of the Weakness of the Subject, to defray the publick Charge?

2. Does not the writing Nonsense, Impropriety, bad English or false Spelling arise from Weakness or want of Education?

3. Would not an Act of Government in Favour of the propos'd Excise, be a greater Reproach; than the present Use of bad English, Impropriety and false Spelling?

4. Is it not the Custom of all wise Nations, to lay Excises only on things vendible?

5. Is not the Author of said Proposal guilty of Impropriety, in calling the Penny which he proposes Men should pay for every Use of Nonsense &c. an Excise: for if it is a Crime, ought it not to be styl'd a Fine or Punishment?

6. Is not the Author of the Said Proposal guilty of Impertinence, in recommending his important Proposal, as worthy the Attention of the Legislators?

7. Would not the World be deprived of many fine Thoughts and ingenious Observations was the proposed Excise to take place, since there are Men of the best Sense that have not had the Advantages of an Education?

8. Would it not be more to the Honour of the Author of said Proposal, to leave Politicks to Politicians, and observe that Roman Maxim, Ne Sutor ultra Crepidam.

The above from your humble Servant,
Rusticus.