es, and then they had recourse to the same
mischievous potion; thus consuming their health, and ruining their
families, in hideous receptacles of the most filthy vice, resounding
with riot, execration, and blasphemy. Such beastly practices too plainly
denoted a total want of all policy and civil regulations, and would
have reflected disgrace upon the most barbarous community. In order
to restrain this evil, which was become intolerable, the legislature
enacted that law which we have already mentioned. But the populace soon
broke through all restraint. Though no license was obtained, and no duty
paid, the liquor continued to be sold in all corners of the streets,
informers were intimidated by the threats of the people, and the
justices of the peace, either from indolence or corruption, neglected to
put the law in execution. The new ministers foresaw that a great revenue
would accrue to the crown from a repeal of this act; and this measure
they thought they might the more decently take, as the law had
proved ineffectual; for it appeared that the consumption of gin had
considerably increased every year since those heavy duties were imposed.
They therefore pretended, that should the price of the liquor be
moderately raised, and licenses granted at twenty shillings each to the
retailers, the lowest class of people would be debarred the use of it to
excess; their morals would of consequence be mended; and a considerable
sum of money might be raised for the support of the war, by mortgaging
the revenue arising from the duty and the licenses. Upon these maxims
the new bill was founded, and passed through the lower house without
opposition; but among the peers it produced the most obstinate dispute
which had happened since the beginning of this parliament. The first
assault it sustained was from lord Hervey, who had been divested of
his post of privy-seal, which was bestowed on lord Gower, and these two
noblemen exchanged principles from that instant. The first was hardened
into a sturdy patriot, the other suppled into an obsequious courtier.
Lord Hervey, on this occasion, made a florid harangue upon the
pernicious effects of that destructive spirit they were about to let
loose upon their fellow-creatures. Several prelates expatiated on the
same topics; but the earl of Chesterfield attacked the bill with
the united powers of reason, wit, and ridicule. Lord Carteret, lord
Bathurst, and the earl of Bath, were numbered among its advo