Anecdotes of the Life of the Right Hon. William Pitt, Earl of Chatham: And of the Principal Events of His Time, Volume 1

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L. B. Seeley, 1797

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Page 444 - It is my opinion that this kingdom has no right to lay a tax upon the colonies. At the same time, I assert the authority of this kingdom over the colonies to be sovereign and supreme, in every circumstance of government and legislation whatsoever.
Page 446 - The commons of America, represented in their several assemblies, have ever been in possession of the exercise of this, their constitutional right, of giving and granting their own money. They would have been slaves if they had not enjoyed it.
Page 454 - I am content, if it be your pleasure, to be silent. [Here he paused. The House resounding with Go on ! go on ! he proceeded :] Gentlemen, sir. have been charged with giving birth to sedition in America. They have spoken their sentiments with freedom against this unhappy act, and that freedom has become their crime. Sorry I am to hear the liberty of speech in this House imputed as a crime. But the imputation shall not discourage me. It is a liberty I mean to exercise. No gentleman ought to be afraid...
Page 445 - ... proprietors virtually represent the rest of the inhabitants. When, therefore, in this house we give and grant, we give and grant what is our own.
Page 455 - Wales, that never was taxed by Parliament till it was incorporated. I would not debate a particular point of law with the gentleman. I know his abilities. I have been obliged to his diligent researches: but, for the defence of liberty, upon a general principle, upon a Constitutional principle, it is a ground on which I stand firm; on which I dare meet any man.
Page 450 - When I proposed to tax America, I asked the House, if any gentleman would object to the right; I repeatedly asked it, and no man would attempt to deny it. Protection and obedience are reciprocal. Great Britain protects America; America is bound to yield obedience. If not, tell me when the Americans were emancipated?
Page 440 - One word only he could not approve of; an early is a word that does not belong to the notice the Ministry have given to Parliament of the troubles in America. In a matter of such importance the communication ought to have been immediate; I speak not with respect to parties; I stand up in this place single and unconnected.
Page 463 - Rather let prudence and temper come first from this side. I will undertake for America that she will follow the example.
Page 442 - ... of your enemies, and had gone nigh to have overturned the state in the war before the last. These men, in the last war, were brought to combat on your side. They served with fidelity, as they fought with valour, and conquered for you in every part of the world.
Page 459 - Improper restraints have been laid on the continent in favour of the islands. You have but two nations to trade with in America. Would you had twenty ! Let Acts of Parliament in consequence of treaties remain ; but let not an English minister become a customhouse officer for Spain, or for any foreign power. Much is wrong ! Much may be amended for the general good of the whole ! Does the gentleman complain he has been misrepresented in the public prints?

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