Means of raifng an additional Tax for the Current Service . 339 
Work : but fuppofing he did fufier for a time, it will be made 
up to him afterwards ; and fhall we negledt the means of pre- 
venting the whole nation being involved in diftrefs, for the fake 
of a few filverfmiths ? 
We may temporize, and ufe expedients which seem more 
gentle, and more agreeable to the humor of the people ; but 
I queftion much if we fhall really find any remedy fo little 
burthensome, or fo efficacious. The coining plate may 
appear to individuals as no real acquifition of wealth to them ; 
yet with regard to the fupport of a war, on which the welfare of 
individuals may depend, it is to all intents and purpofes as much 
a frefh supply, as if the emperor of china was to return us Co 
many millions in filver as we have, for fome years paft, sent 
into his country for the purchafe of the leaves of his shrubs. 
If you alk me “ what imprefiions will be received by the fo- 
vereigns of other kingdoms, whofe opinion of our wealth may 
be the meafure of their friendlhip?” I mull obferve, that the 
richer we appear, the higher will be the demands made on us 
for whatever afiiftance they give, and the more will they think 
of dividing the fpoils of your country; and therefore inftead of 
appearing richer, it is fometimes the policy of ftates not to ap- 
pear fo rich as they are : well-caft iron, or tempered fteel, will 
beft anfwer our purpofe for the prefent. Coining our plate 
will certainly be one means to open our eyes, and of leading us 
gently into a lefs extravagant method of living. 
What could fuch coinage prove more than this, that we 
had converted a vaft quantity of filver into utensils, and 
X x 2 now 
