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and spoke: ‘I not only adopt all that has just been
said, but believe it expresses the sentiments of most, if not all the king's servants, and wish it may be the unanimous opinion of the house.
1 I have been accidentally called to the high employment I bear; I can follow no principles more safe or more enlightened than those of the perfect model before my eyes; and I should always be most happy to act by his advice, and even to serve under his orders.
2 Yet, for myself and my colleagues, I disclaim an overruling influence.
The notice given to parliament of the troubles in
America,’ he added, ‘was not early, because the first accounts were too vague and imperfect to be worth its attention.’
‘The disturbances in
America,’ replied
Grenville, who by this time had gained self-possession,
began in July, and now we are in the middle of January; lately they were only occurrences; they are now grown to tumults and riots; they border on open rebellion; and if the doctrine I have heard this day, be confirmed, nothing can tend more directly to produce a revolution.
The government over them being dissolved, a revolution will take place in America.
External and internal taxes are the same in effect, and only differ in name.
That this kingdom is the sovereign, the supreme legislative power over America, cannot be denied; and taxation is a part of that sovereign power.
It is one branch of the legislation.
It has been, and it is exercised over those who are not, who were never represented.
It is exercised over the India Company, the merchants of London, the proprietors of the stocks, and over many
