The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Volume 11.: Parlimentary Debates II.Johnson, Samuel
History
The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Volume 11.: Parlimentary Debates II.
Johnson, Samuel
Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons -- History -- 18th century
This is my opinion of the party writers, and this I imagined the
opinion of the rest of mankind, who had the same opportunities of
information with myself: nor should I readily have believed, that any
of their performances could have produced greater effects than those
of inflaming the lowest classes of the people, and inciting drunkards
to insult their superiours, had I not perceived, that the honourable
gentleman who spoke last, owed his opinions of the partiality shown to
the dominions of Hanover, to a late treatise which has, on occasion of
this contract, been very industriously dispersed among the people.
Of this detestable pamphlet, I know not the author, nor think he
deserves that any inquiry should be made after him, except by a
proclamation that may set a price upon his head, and offer the same
reward for discovering him, as is given for the conviction of wretches
less criminal: nor can I think the lenity of the government easily to
be distinguished from supineness and negligence, while libels like
this are dispersed openly in the streets, and sold in shops without
fear and without danger; while sedition is professedly promoted, and
treason, or sentiments very nearly bordering upon treason, propagated
without disguise.
The scribbler of this wicked treatise has endeavoured to corrupt the
principles of his majesty's faithful subjects, not only by vilifying
the memory of the late king, whose justice, humanity, and integrity,
are generally reverenced, but by insinuating, likewise, that our
present most gracious sovereign has adopted the same schemes, and
endeavours to aggrandize Hanover at the expense of Britain; that all
the measures that have been taken with regard to the affairs of the
continent, have been contrived with no other view than that of
advancing the interest, enlarging the bounds, and increasing the
riches of the Hanoverian territories; he declares, that Britain has
been steered by the rudder of Hanover, and that the nation will soon
be divided into two more opposite and irreconcilable parties than ever
yet disturbed the publick peace, Britons and Hanoverians.
That he himself, whoever he be, longs for those times of division and
confusion, may be easily believed, and the number of those who have
the same wishes with himself, is, I fear, too great; but I believe
their hopes will not be encouraged, nor their designs promoted in this
house; and that none of those who are intrusted to represent their
country, will suffer themselves to be misled by such wicked
insinuations.
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