The Duke of Wellington said he was "sure the measure would...

The Duke of Wellington said he was "sure the measure would be attended with the most beneficial consequences to the lower orders." The Chancellor of the Exchequer (treasurer) declared that the measure would produce "a more wholesome beverage, and would improve the morals." When the bill was passed, the Duke of Wellington proclaimed it "a greater achievement than any of his military victories." After these optimistic and sincere efforts, what was the outcome when the beer bill went into effect?

Disappointing is a mild word for the results of the measure. A gospel minister who had favoured the bill, the Reverend Sydney Smith, said : "The new Beer Bill has begun its operations. Everybody is drank. Those who are not singing are sprawling. The sovereign people are in a beastly state." One writer…