[82] This letter bears no date. It was written possibly about the time that governor Pownall was engaged in publishing his book on the _administration of the colonies_. B. V.
_On the back of the foregoing letter of Governor Pownall, are the following minutes, by Dr. Franklin._
This _objection_ goes upon the supposition, that whatever the colonies gain, Britain must lose; and that if the _colonies_ can be kept from gaining an advantage, _Britain will gain it_:--
If the colonies are fitter for a particular trade than Britain, they should have it, and Britain apply to what it is more fit for. The whole empire is a gainer. And if Britain is not so fit or so well situated for a particular advantage, _other_ countries will get it, _if the colonies do not_. Thus Ireland was forbid the woollen manufacture and remains poor: but this has given to the French the trade and wealth Ireland might have gained for the British empire.
The government cannot _long_ be retained without the union. Which is best (supposing your case) to have a total separation, or a change of the seat of government?--It by no means follows, that promoting and advancing the landed interest in America will depress that of Britain: the contrary has always been the fact. Advantageous situations and circumstances will always secure and fix manufactures: Sheffield against all Europe for these 300 years past.--
_The Examination of Dr. Benjamin Franklin before the English House of Commons, in February, 1766, relative to the Repeal of the American Stamp Act._[83]
_Q._ What is your name, and place of abode?
_Q._ Do the Americans pay any considerable taxes among themselves?
_A._ Certainly many, and very heavy taxes.
_Q._ What are the present taxes in Pensylvania, laid by the laws of the colony?
_A._ There are taxes on all estates real and personal; a poll tax; a tax on all offices, professions, trades and businesses, according to their profits; an excise on all wine, rum, and other spirits; and a duty of ten pounds per head on all negroes imported, with some other duties.
_Q._ For what purposes are those taxes laid?
_A._ For the support of the civil and military establishments of the country, and to discharge the heavy debt contracted in the last war.