The deliberations of calamity are rarely wise. But here was a season
for disposition and providence. It was in a time of profound peace,
then enjoyed for five years, and promising a much longer
continuance, that they had recourse to this desperate trifling. They
were sure to lose more reputation by sporting, in their serious
situation, with these toys and playthings of finance, which have
filled half their journals, than could possibly be compensated by
the poor temporary supply which they afforded. It seemed as if those
who adopted such projects were wholly ignorant of their
circumstances or wholly unequal to their necessities. Whatever
virtue may be in these devices, it is obvious that neither the
patriotic gifts, nor the patriotic contribution, can ever be
resorted to again. The resources of public folly are soon exhausted.
The whole, indeed, of their scheme of revenue is to make, by any
artifice, an appearance of a full reservoir for the hour, whilst at
the same time they cut off the springs and living fountains of
perennial supply. The account not long since furnished by M. Necker
was meant, without question, to be favorable. He gives a flattering
view of the means of getting through the year, but he expresses, as it
is natural he should, some apprehension for that which was to succeed.
On this last prognostic, instead of entering into the grounds of
this apprehension in order, by a proper foresight, to prevent the
prognosticated evil, M.
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