Taxes

.—These are imposts laid on the common bounties of nature, and on the blessings of Provi­dence, in order, as is pretended, to defray the ne­cessary expences of a state, but, in fact, to assist despots in carrying on bloody and internecine wars against human life, human liberty, and human happiness. In this country our unrelenting tax-masters and task-masters, as if studying a refine­ment of cruelty, inflict upon the mute and patient people, the worst of all punishments, disease, by taxing the light of haven, that grand essential to health. This tax alone is the remote cause of the premature mrtality of nearly one hundredth part of the nation. To superficial observers this may appear incredible; but to the enquiring and scru­tinizing philosopher, it is a sad and melancholy truth. Oh! People, People; when will ye open your eyes?