Word has come from the Crown that a new tax is to be applied to our American Colonies. The Stamp Act, which was reportedly passed without debate in Parliament, requires a direct tax payable on any paper goods – including newspapers, legal documents, playing cards, and so on.
Apparently Prime Minister George Grenville thinks that he can extort the colonists in order to pay for the war with the French that spilled over onto our land. However, it is inexcusable and illegal for Grenville and his Parliament to authorize a tax on the colonists when there is no colonial representation in either house.
Last year’s imposition of the Sugar Act, which does not even require a direct tax, has already caused a considerable amount of opposition and protest. I shudder to think the reaction the Crown will receive due to this new law, especially from those who have created such a stir already – Mr. Samuel Adams and Mr. James Otis of Massachusetts.
Should Parliament take it upon themselves to pass legislation dealing directly with the affairs of the colonies, it is only fair that the colonists themselves campaign for seats in Parliament. We are, by no means, inferior citizens solely because we reside farther away from His Majesty King George than our English brothers.
Several sources have confirmed Mr. Adams is in the process of establishing an organization with the sole purpose of protesting this atrocious act of Parliament. In addition, some local legislatures, including that of the commonwealth of Virginia, have convened to draft articles of objection, and boycotts are currently being organized.
I encourage each and every loyal subject to participate in these displays of disapproval. This remonstration needs to be more effective than that of the Sugar Act – to indirectly tax is one thing, but directly taxing is an entirely different level of tyranny. The colonists should, and will, fight for their right to reprensentaiton.
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