The Freeman 1972 - The Ludwig von Mises Institute

1972 THE FIRST AMERICAN CRISIS: 1763-1766 121a corresponding committee to consolidatethe opposition of theNorthern merchants to the SugarAct and to 'promote a. union andcoalition' of their councils.' "12 TheNew York legislature denied thejustice of duties placed on thetrade of New Yorkers, and declaredthat it was their right to befree of involuntary taxes. 13But it was resistance to theStamp Act that drew the coloniestogether in a unity of opposition.Opposition was shaping up evenbefore the act was passed. Norwas Parliament wanting in opponentsof the taxing idea. VVhenCharles Townshend asked: "VVillthese Americans, children plantedby our care, nourished up by ourindulgence ... ,will they grudgeto contribute their mite ...?" Hewas answered in resounding termsin a speech by Sir Isaac Barre:They planted by your care? No!Your oppressions planted 'em inAmerica. They fled from your oppression....They nourished by your indulgence?They grew up by your neglectof 'em. As soon as you began to careabout 'em, that care was exercised insending persons to rule over 'em....They protected by your .arms?They have nobly taken up. arms inyour defence. . . .1412 Miller, Ope cit., p. 10l.13 Jensen, Ope cit., pp. 94-95.14 Ibid., pp. 63-64.This was the famous "Sons of Liberty"speech, for Barre used thephrase in describing the Americans,and it came· to be used as thebasis of organizations in America.Befort the Stamp Act was passed,several colonial legislatures wenton record as opposing it. All thiswas to no avail, the die had beencast in 1764, and Parliament proceededto the enactment of a directtax.American Sentiment MisreadNot only was Parliament misinformedas to the probable receptionof the act in America, buteven colonial agents representingcolonies in England had misjudgedAmerican sentiment·and determination.Several agents acceptedcommissions as stamp agents, actionswhich they were to regret.Even the usually prudent BenjaminFranklin caused friends to beappointed stamp agents and expressedhimself of the opinion thatthe wise course would be to abideby the law. 15Whether it would have beenwise to do so or not, obedience wasnot the course followed in America.On the contrary, Americansmoved from opposition to resistanceto outright defiance. Coloniallegislatures adopted resolu-15 See Lawrence H. Gipson, The Comingof the Revolution (New York: HarperTorchbooks, 1962),p.83.