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promote the general welfare. The raising a revenue thereby was never intended. Thus the King, by his judges in his courts of justice, imposes fines, which all together amount to a very considerable sum, and contribute to the support of government: But this is merely a consequence arising from restrictions, that only meant to keep peace, and prevent confusion; and surely a man would argue very loosely, who should conclude from hence, that the King has a right to levy money in general upon his subjects. Never did the British parliament, till the period above mentioned, think of imposing duties in America, for the purpose of raising a revenue. Mr. Greenville first introduced this language, in the preamble to the 4th of Geo. III. Chap. 15, which has these words---“And whereas it is just and necessary that a revenue be raised in your Majesty’s said dominions in America, for defraying the expences of defending, protecting, and securing the same: We your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the commons of Great-Britain, in parliament assembled, being desirous to make some provision in this present session of parliament, towards raising the said revenue in America, have resolved to give and grant unto your Majesty the several rates and duties herein after mentioned,” &c.
A few months after came the Stamp-Act, which reciting this, proceeds in the same strange mode of expression, thus-----“And whereas it is just and necessary, that provision be made for raising a further revenue within your Majesty’s dominions in America, towards defraying the said expences, we your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the commons of Great-Britain, &c. give and grant,” &c. as before.
The last act, granting duties upon paper, &c. carefully pursues these modern precedents. The preamble is, “Whereas it is expedient that a revenue should be raised in your Majesty’s dominions in America, for making a more certain and adequate provision for defraying the charge of the administration of justice, and the support of civil government in such provinces, where it shall be found necessary; and towards the further defraying the expences of defending, protecting and securing the said dominions, we your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the commons of Great-Britain, &c. give and grant,” &c. as before.
Here we may observe an authority expresly claimed and exerted to impose duties on these colonies; not for the regulation of trade;
medy whereof, and for the good and welfare of your Majesty’s subjects,” &c.
The 29th Geo. II. Chap. 26, and the 1st Geo. III. Chap. 9, which continue the 6th Geo. II. Chap. 13, declare, that the said act hath, by experience, been found useful and beneficial, &c. These are all the most considerable statutes relating to the commerce of the colonies; and it is thought to be utterly unnecessary to add any observations to these extracts, to prove that they were all intended solely as regulations of trade.
