EXCISE.
With hundred rows of teeth the shark exceeds,
And on all trades, like Cassowar, she feeds.—Marvel.
Can hire large houses and oppress the poor
By farmed Excise.—Dryden, Juvenal, Sat. 3.
The author’s definition being observed by the Commissioners of Excise, they desire the favor of your opinion:
Qu.—Whether it will not be considered as a libel; and, if so, whether it is not proper to proceed against the author, printers, and publishers thereof, or any and which of them, by information or how otherwise?
Opinion.
I am of opinion that it is a libel; but, under all the circumstances, I should think it better to give him an opportunity of altering his definition; and, in case he don’t, threaten him with an information.
W. Murray.
29th Nov. 1755.