Page:Letters of Junius, volume 1 (Woodfall, 1772).djvu/153

Rh be ripened to that maturity of corruption, at which the worst examples cease to be contagious. JUNIUS.

 

19. July, 1769. SIR,

GREAT deal of useless argument might have been saved, in the political contest, which has arisen from the expulsion of Mr. Wilkes, and the subsequent appointment of Mr. Luttrell, if the question had been once stated with precision, to the satisfaction of each party, and clearly understood by them both. But in this, as in almost every other dispute, it usually happens that much time is lost in referring to a multitude of cases and precedents, which prove nothing to the purpose, or in maintaining propositions, which are either not disputed, or, whether they be admitted or denied, are entirely indifferent as to the matter in debate;