George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 5, 13th edition.

enter into any disquisition of the policy of this

chap. XVII.} 1765. Sept.

act; I have only to say, it is an act of the parliament of Great Britain; and I trust that the supremacy Sept of that parliament over all the members of their wide and diffused empire, never was, and never will be, denied within these walls.

The right of the parliament of Great Britain to make laws for her American colonies, however it has been controverted in America, remains indisputable at Westminster. If it is yet to be made a question, who shall determine it but the parliament? If the parliament declares, that their right is inherent in them, are they likely to acquiesce in an open and forcible opposition to the exercise of it? Will they not more probably maintain such right, and support their own authority?

The gentlemen who opposed this act in the House of Commons, did not dispute the authority of parliament to make such a law, but argued upon the inexpediency of it at this time.

The power of taxing the colonies may be admitted, and yet the expediency of exercising that power at such a time may be denied; but, if the questions are blended together, so as to admit of but one answer, the affirmative of the right of parliament will conclude for the expediency of this act.

I would not willingly aggravate the dangers which are before you. I do not think it very easy to do it; this province seems to me to be on the brink of a precipice; it depends upon you to prevent its falling. From this time, this arduous business

‘There is a snake in the grass,’ said the wary