COMMENTARIES, 19 DECEMBER 1787

of words procures the confused, unthinking head of the author. A mon-
key has more unexceptionable claims to reason, than the Examiner to
elegance or satire.
The presumption of the imitator of Swift, in supposing his capability
of refuting Cato, I consider one of the most remarkable instances of
self-conceit, to be met with in the history of mankind; as well might a
parrot attempt to correct the language of an able rhetorician.
The Examiner asserts, that Cato has promised much more than he
is able to perform; this is the judgment of a partial, and I may say,
injudicious writer. Every man of penetration would, independently of
any other consideration, conclude that Cato wrote with great force and
ability: and why?-because he is attacked by a whole swarm of dunces.
Our American Swift further observes, that Cato's pieces contain noth-
ing but bare assertions, and that he has neglected to quote the most
approved writers on government, excepting one or two thread bare
quotations from Montesquieu, which have appeared before, in several
recent publications; one would, from these remarks, be led to suppose,
that he had never read any of Cato's productions-we must either be-
lieve this or something worse. Let him point out those recent publi-
cations which, he insinuates, are copied by Cato; with what propriety
can he censure assertions, when his performance is composed of noth-
ing but assertions; but Cato acts directly the reverse; when he gives his
opinions, he at the same time, gives the reasons upon which they are
founded.
The Examiner, however inconsistent with common sense, acts per-
fectly consistent with the practices of his party; a party, chiefly made
up of aristocratics, who, unable to answer the cogent reasonings of their
adversaries, have recourse, as their dernier resort, to scurrility and wil-
ful misrepresentation; who solace themselves, for the weakness of their
argumentation, by the plaudits and huzzas of mercenaries and igno-
ramuses; who circulate falshoods, which, without any hyperbole, would
fill volumes; and, who calumniate their antagonists, with all the viru-
lence of malignity. I advise the Examiner to reflect, that the palpability
of his malice will defeat its intended effect; and that, like a wounded
viper, he only darts his venom into himself.
As a person, who wishes well to every individual, I would advise the
Examiner to desist: As a republican, I say-proceed, sir! -Nothing can
be better calculated to bring your party into contempt, than such con-
temptible productions.
December 16th, 1787.
1. "A Friend to Common Sense," responds to "Examiner" II, New York Journal, 14
December (above).

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