It appears to me to be prudence to look out for measures that may
apply under any circumstances that may approach. There is, at this
moment, a crisis in the affairs of Europe that requires it.
Preparation now is wisdom. If taxation be once let loose, it will be
difficult to re-instate it; neither would the relief be so
effectual, as if it proceeded by some certain and gradual reduction.
The fraud, hypocrisy, and imposition of governments, are now
beginning to be too well understood to promise them any long career.
The farce of monarchy and aristocracy, in all countries, is
following that of chivalry, and Mr. Burke is dressing aristocracy,
in all countries, is following that of chivalry, and Mr. Burke is
dressing for the funeral. Let it then pass quietly to the tomb of
all other follies, and the mourners be comforted.
The time is not very distant when England will laugh at itself for
sending to Holland, Hanover, Zell, or Brunswick for men, at the
expense of a million a year, who understood neither her laws, her
language, nor her interest, and whose capacities would scarcely have
fitted them for the office of a parish constable. If government
could be trusted to such hands, it must be some easy and simple
thing indeed, and materials fit for all the purposes may be found in
every town and village in England.
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