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Joel Moody. Junius Unmasked
Junius Unmasked
Table of Contents
PREFACE
PART I
INTRODUCTION
METHOD
MYSTERY
STATEMENT
LETTER
COMMENTS ON THE DOCTOR'S NOTES
ESTIMATE OF JUNIUS, BY MR. BURKE.[A]
SOCIAL POSITION
JUNIUS NOT A PARTISAN
A REVOLUTIONIST
REVIEW OF JUNIUS
COMMON SENSE
STYLE
MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
REVIEW
PART II
AN EXAMINATION OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
"THOUGHTS ON THE PRESENT STATE OF THE AMERICAN AFFAIRS
ORIGINAL DECLARATION.[B]
ANALYSIS
ARGUMENT
STYLE
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note A
Note B
GRAND OUTLINES OF THOMAS PAINE'S LIFE
CONCLUSION
APPENDIX
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Joel Moody
Or, Thomas Paine the author of the Letters of Junius and the Declaration of Independence
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The finances of a nation, sinking under its debts and expenses, are committed to a young nobleman already ruined by play.[E] Introduced to act under the auspices of Lord Chatham, and left at the head of affairs by that nobleman's retreat, he became a minister by accident; but, deserting the principles and professions which gave him a moment's popularity, we see him, from every honorable engagement to the public, an apostate by design. As for business, the world yet knows nothing of his talents or resolution, unless a wavering, wayward inconsistency be a mark of genius, and caprice a demonstration of spirit. It may be said, perhaps, that it is his Grace's province, as surely as it is his passion, rather to distribute than to save the public money, and that while Lord North is Chancellor of the Exchequer, the first Lord of the Treasury may be as thoughtless and extravagant as he pleases. I hope, however, he will not rely too much on the fertility of Lord North's genius for finance. His Lordship is yet to give us the first proof of his abilities.
It may be candid to suppose that he has hitherto voluntarily concealed his talents; intending, perhaps, to astonish the world, when we least expect it, with a knowledge of trade, a choice of expedients, and a depth of resources equal to the necessities, and far beyond the hopes of his country. He must now exert the whole power of his capacity, if he would wish us to forget that, since he has been in office, no plan has been formed, no system adhered to, nor any one important measure adopted for the relief of public credit. If his plan for the service of the current year be not irrevocably fixed on, let me warn him to think seriously of consequences before he ventures to increase the public debt. Outraged and oppressed as we are, this nation will not bear, after a six years' peace, to see new millions borrowed, without any eventual diminution of debt or reduction of interest. The attempt might rouse a spirit of resentment, which might reach beyond the sacrifice of a minister. As to the debt upon the civil list, the people of England expect that it will not be paid without a strict inquiry how it was incurred.[F] If it must be paid by Parliament, let me advise the Chancellor of the Exchequer to think of some better expedient than a lottery. To support an expensive war, or in circumstances of absolute necessity, a lottery may perhaps be allowable; but, besides that it is at all times the very worst way of raising money upon the people, I think it ill becomes the royal dignity to have the debts of a prince provided for, like the repairs of a country bridge or a decayed hospital. The management of the king's affairs in the House of Commons can not be more disgraced than it has been. A leading minister repeatedly called down for absolute ignorance—ridiculous motions ridiculously withdrawn—deliberate plans disconcerted, and a week's preparation of graceful oratory lost in a moment, give us some, though not an adequate idea of Lord North's parliamentary abilities and influence.[G] Yet, before he had the misfortune of being Chancellor of the Exchequer, he was neither an object of derision to his enemies, nor of melancholy pity to his friends.
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