Page:Letters from a farmer in Pennsylvania - Dickinson - 1768.djvu/15

[&emsp;9&emsp;] promote the general welfare. The raising a revenue thereby was never intended. Thus the King, by his judges in his courts of justice, imposes fines, which all together amount to a very considerable sum, and contribute to the support of government: But this is merely a consequence arising from restrictions, that only meant to keep peace, and prevent confusion; and surely a man would argue very loosely, who should conclude from hence, that the King has a right to levy money in general upon his subjects. Never did the British parliament, till the period above mentioned, think of imposing duties in America,. Mr. Greenville first introduced this language, in the preamble to the 4th of Geo. III. Chap. 15, which has these words---“And whereas it is just and necessary that, for defraying the expences of defending, protecting, and securing the same: We your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, , in parliament assembled, being desirous to make some provision in this present session of parliament, , have resolved to and  unto your Majesty the several rates and duties herein after mentioned,” &c.

months after came the Stamp-Act, which reciting this, proceeds in the same strange mode of expression, thus-“And whereas it is just and necessary, that provision be made, towards defraying the said expences, we your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the , &c. and ,” &c. as before.

last act, granting duties upon paper, &c. carefully pursues these modern precedents. The preamble is, “Whereas it is expedient, for making a more certain and adequate provision for defraying the charge of the administration of justice, and the support of civil government in such provinces, where it shall be found necessary; and towards the further defraying the expences of defending, protecting and securing the said dominions, we your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the , &c. and ,” &c. as before.

we may observe an authority expresly claimed and exerted to impose duties on these colonies; not for the regulation of trade; not