be admitted,
even by the most inconsiderate negligence, or the most contemptuous
stupidity; nor am I at all inclined to believe, that the commons will
impute the rejection of this bill to our disregard of virtue, or think
that we have defeated any endeavours for the suppression of
wickedness.

It has been affirmed, that though by the bill the sale is permitted,
it is permitted only because it cannot be hindered; and that the price
is raised so high, that, though the lawful venders may be multiplied,
the number of the purchasers must be diminished. But even this
argument, like all others that have yet been advanced, is confuted by
the bill itself, from which the tax now proposed appears to be such
as, when subdivided by the small measures in which retailers sell
these liquors, will scarcely be perceived, and which, though it may
enrich the government, will not impoverish the people, except by
destroying their health, and enervating their limbs.

The tax, my lords, even supposing it paid without any method of
evasion, is so low, that in a quarter of a pint, the quantity which
the lower people usually demand at once, it does not amount to any
denomination of money; and so small an addition will be easily
overbalanced by the sale of a larger quantity than formerly; for it
cannot be doubted but the practice which prevailed in opposition to
the law, will grow yet more predominant by its encouragement; and
that, therefore, the advantage of a large and quick sale, will lessen
the price more than so slight a tax can possibly increase it.

The noble duke has endeavoured to reduce us to difficulties, by
urging, that since the corruption of the people cannot be greater, we
ought willingly to agree to any law, of which the title declares that
it is intended to produce a reformation, because the worst that can be
feared is, that it may be without effect.

But, my lords, such is the enormous absurdity of this bill, that no
plea can be offered for it with the least appearance of reason; and
the greatest abilities, when they are exerted in its defence, are able
only to show, by fruitless efforts, that it cannot be vindicated. If
the state of the nation be really such as has been supposed, if the
most detestable and odious vice has overspread the kingdom to its
utmost limits, if the people are universally abandoned to drunkenness,
sloth, and villany, what can be more absurd than to trifle with
doubtful experiments, and to make laws