Page:An answer to a pamphlet, intitled, "Thoughts on the causes and consequences of the present high price of provisions" in a letter, addressed to the supposed author of that pamphlet.djvu/14

( 12 ) wealth of Sme Jns, Esq; and of every placeman and pensioner; but does it, for that reason, increase the wealth of a Yorkshire ploughman, or a Norwich manufacturer? I would not have you, Sir, to tell them so to their face, lest, after finding themselves deprived, by the greatness of the taxes, of the produce of their labour, they should not patiently bear such an insult offered to their understanding.

The truth is, the national debt is a very ‘convenient engine for extracting the bread out of the mouths of the industrious poor to feed the dogs and horses of our great men. In sober sadness, Sir, we have too many great men; and some of these great men are by far too great. I am, I assure you, no leveller: I know there must be different ranks and orders in society for the preservation of peace and good government; and I know too, that the greater the state, the greater