| Citation |
BG.747.028
17 Nov 1747:11,12 (1339)
To the publisher of the Boston Gazette. As the publick
debts are exceeding large and continually encreasing, it is
of the utmost importance, that all effectual methods should
be used, not only that honest industry may be encouraged and
promoted, but also that luxury may (if possible) be
restrained and subdued. . . [4 paras]
Are not our taverns which were originally set up and
allowed only for the entertainment of strangers, and for
transacting the publick affairs of the town, too many of
them become nurseries of vice and debauchery, being open to
every idle person, who is disposed to spend his time and
substance, and too much frequented by some of our gentlemen,
who would do well to spare those unnecessary expences, that
they may be the better able to contribute to the relief of
their unhappy country, already singing under her load of
debts. . . [next para. re. evils of tea drinking]. . .
[Beginning of next para. re. lower classes's vanities re.
dress: 11 lines] Nor are extravagancies in dress confin'd
to the poor: Let a foreigner be present at one of our
public concerts, at a ball or assembly-- the pretty
amusements of the politer sort, and the soft raiment, the
sumptuous apparel, would make him fancy he had been
introduced into a King's court. . .
[2 more paras., signed:] Philopatriae.
|