Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1820-09-05


But in their successful periods, the
private virtues had also their share, and
parsimony, as usual, produced wealth
and industry. In conversation at Rot
terdam, this subject was discussed and
as the parties mostly imputed the decline
OF their republic to political causes, an
|opulent merchant said, that il the compa-
ny would dine with him on such day, he
would convince them that there were
other causes more in their power
" The invitation was accepted, and 1t
was hoped that the merchant would ex-
plain bis sentiments, by which they might
improve their speculations in commerce
over glass of wine. after an elegant re-
past as he was accustomed to give. But
what was their surprise to find nothing on
The table but sailed behring's and table
beer ! They ate, however, morsel in
silence and dissatisfaction, which the mas
ter seemed not to observe, praying them
repeatedly 10 eat aud push the glass. Al,
length, when they began to look al their
watches, the master ordered in the dinner
AT this word they frightened up, when il
came leg of mutton boiled with turnips,
and a pot or two of strong beer. This
dish was little more satisfactory than the
other, as they expected very different
fare 10 such magnificent house. There
was, however, great sacrifice of con
science and veracity 10 praisiig the NUT
ton and the beer. But some yawned, and
half The gigot remained even among nu.
merous company, when the master, seeing
their distress, nodded unnoticed TO an old
hoary- headed domestic, who alone had APP
peared along With the mutton, and who
stood respectfully at the sideboard to
serve the bread or the beer. He went out,
and the company was left TO langnid
conversation their eyes saying more
than their tongues.
g Cha sudden the folding tasaoss opened
and train OF twelve servants entered,
beating on massy plate the choicest fish,
flesh, fowl--al the deiicacies of the sea-
son. Two without livery took their pla-
ces behind the master the others, in splen-
did uniform, behind ahe guests. The num-
Der Of wines presented was computed at
fifteen, and even the richest guests were
a. the sp!enAor and variety Of
the festival. When an equal dessert was
served and the wine began TO circulate,
prudent and wary guest thought it was
time TO request our opulent merchant to.
explain his sentiments, as he had promised.
All was fixed in mute attention, when he
made this memorable answer: g Gentle
men, my sentiments are already explain
ed; the lesson is already given When
our ancestors we're gradually rising to
wealth under the yoke Of Burgundy, Aus
tria, Spain, their frugality was contented
with our first dish. and they even blessed
the inventor. In their second period, when
the noble Honse of Grange, when Maui
rice of Nassau was establishing our power
in the East and West Indies. and COM
mercial wealth began to overflow all our
ports and canals, still habits and prudence
occasioned econemy, aud our rich sena-
tors dined on plain mutton, and drank
wholesome beer. The dinner / have had
the honour to give you is very moderate
specimen of our present existence. Add
the luxury and pomp Of houses, furniture,
equipages, aud judge. as you we'll can, Of
the difference of expense--a difference
which | would venture TO say, would have
even for one year, been regarded as for
tune by our bearded ancestors.
Pat In cx,eton1 IF arop1r,xv xvnnk a
this tale would recommend, to borrow
with some variation the language Of anoth.
er, objections will be urged. Some well
meaning persons will argue that a return
to those frugal habits which formed the
wealth Of other times, will produce meal
culable distress. The ministers of luxury
must be thrown out of employ--those
branches Of our commerce which are con-
nected with their labours must suffer, aud
the public revenue would in consequence
decline. These arc certainly serious
considerations but we think it would be
no difficult task TO prove. beyond all
doubts, that the evil apprehended would
be greatly compensated by The good pro-
duced. 1t is well remarked by Hume,
that "there is no abuse so great 10 civil
society as not to be attended with variety
Of beneficial consequences. He supports
this assertion by shelving that even the
suppression Of the Mouasteries, ia the time
Of the eighth Henry, was subject Of Sc
rious complaint, though that the measure
was most desirable, will not be denied
So in the present day, il men we're sud-
denly to become wise and honest, what
extensive calamity would be the conse-
quences A general peace would be moth
ing to it If we take into our considera-
tion the immense crowd Of judges, advo-
Gates, students, attornies, conveyancers,
clerks. jailers, turkeys, sheriffs, police
officers &c Re ,hat xuould at oure he