to the land became confused. Those who settled under the Dutch claimed large tracts, the boundaries to which were vague and uncertain. This was true also of the Swedes. When the English took charge there was a disposition to interfere with these claims. As years passed, and the land was sold to different parties, endless and bitter disputes arose as to ownership. At last the proprietors in despair sold out their rights to the government, which succeeded finally in quieting titles.

107. New Jersey.-The colonial history of New Jersey is very commonplace. No great patriotic or religious sentiment was manifest in its settlement. There were no uprisings of the people in behalf of liberty as against tyrannical governors; no horrible Indian atrocities; no rebellions; no witchcraft. This was due to environment, and to the fact that the dominant elements in the settlement of the colony, Quakers and Presbyterians, were more staid and peace-loving than some other classes. But the plant of liberty grew as sturdily in New Jersey as in New England.

The Revolution found no more loyal and enthusiastic supporters when once the die had been cast.

PENNSYLVANIA

PHILADELPHIA, 1682

108. The Quakers.-Of the many sects born of the religious unrest in the seventeenth century, none has left a deeper impress on the cause of liberty and popular government than the Quakers. George Fox was founder of this sect and William Penn its greatest apostle. The practices and belief of the Quakers

QUAKERS

were diametrically opposed to the state religion. They eschewed all forms, believed in the direct guidance of God,

or the "inner light" received from God-thus making an enlightened conscience their guide in their daily life. In the belief that it was disloyalty to the Supreme Ruler, they refused to show respect to many of the customs of society and the requirements of government. They remained covered in the presence of royalty; they refused to take oath in court; they would not go to war, nor would they pay taxes for the prosecution of war. They believed in the abolition of all titles, in straightforward language, in sober deportment and dress. These departures necessarily brought persecution, but they early showed such a contempt for the various methods of persecution employed-even gladly suffering if it were for the sake of their belief-that they were frequently allowed to remain in quiet. These qualities, together with a most persistent missionary spirit, soon spread their doctrines and they became a power for good in the land. They were ideal material out of which to build a state, for Quakerism "cherished the essence of democracy, because one of its necessary beliefs was that each man was the equal of every other.'

109. William Penn and His "Holy Experiment."-William Penn was the son of Admiral Penn of the English navy. With all the advantages of wealth and position, he chose to forsake all for conscience sake. While a student at Oxford he came under the influence of a Quaker minister and at once became an enthusiastic convert. Thinking to wean him from his belief the father sent him to Paris, and the gaieties of that city seemed to have the desired effect. But later he again came under the teachings of this sect, and this time gave up his life to the spread of its peculiar doctrines. His social position was of little avail in warding off persecution, for he was repeatedly thrown into prison, and made to suffer the contempt and disdain of his former friends. He was several times cast off by his father, but as often taken back and at his death inherited a considerable fortune. This gave him the opportunity to carry out a plan

for the establishment of a haven for his persecuted brethren. The king had become indebted to his father in the sum of sixteen thousand pounds. This debt was cancelled in consideration of the gift of forty thousand square miles in America, part of the Duke of York's grant, and which the king named Penn's Woods, or Pennsylvania, in honor of the father. Penn at once began preparations on a large scale for the colonization of this tract. He advertised it thoroughly, sending agents throughout the various countries of Europe. In 1681 the first colony was sent over, and the following year he himself came with others. Although he did not remain long in America, he visited it several times, and spent the remainder of his life in promoting the welfare of the colony he had established.

110. Philadelphia Founded.-Selecting a suitable site between the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers, Penn in 1682 laid out the city of Philadelphia, the name signifying "brotherly love." The success of

the venture was flattering from the first. During the first year one hundred houses were built. In two years the city contained two thousand inhabitants and at the end of the century was the second city in America. Penn himself had a handsome home built there, though he occupied it but a short time. Not only in its increase in population did this colony surpass other colonies, but also in the varied occupations of its people. A study of the

geography of the colony indicates many natural products and resources. The industrial life very early found expression in manufacturing, mining, and farming.

111. Penn's Indian Policy.-The essence of the famous Indian policy of William Penn is contained in a single sentence of a letter to a friend concerning their treatment— "Justice gains and awes them." He applied the Golden Rule. They responded in kind. Although he was rightful owner of the land according to the custom of the time, he immediately proceeded to buy the tract of those who were morally entitled to it. Under a stately elm, which stood the storms of over a century after the scene was enacted, he made solemn covenant with them. "We are one flesh and blood," said he. And they replied, "While the river runs and the sun shines, we will live in peace with the children · of William Penn." Until the breaking out of the French and Indian War the borders of Pennsylvania were free from the atrocities visited on the other colonies.

112. Boundary Lines.-Like all other colonies, Pennsylvania had much trouble concerning her boundaries. On the north, New York and Connecticut objected to the liberal Penn grant and for years much ill feeling was engendered. On the south, the claims of Lord Baltimore had to be considered. These disputes were not finally disposed of until 1766, when the famous "Mason and Dixon" line was run by two English surveyors from whom the line was named.

As an instance of the manner in which boundaries were located in that early day, it is related of Penn that his agreement with the Indians for a certain tract of land calling for so much as could be "walked over in three days," was strictly adhered to. Penn and the Indians gathered on a certain day and walked leisurely into the forest. The next day they walked till noon, when the junket was adjourned. The distance covered was some thirty miles, with still a day and a half to walk. Some fifty years after, the remaining portion was

walked. This time famous "sprinters" were hired, they covering eighty-six miles in thirty-six hours.

circumstances

113. Charter and Government.-Certain combined to make the charter granted to Penn a very liberal one, though Charles II. at that time was bent on enforcing a very narrow policy in the colonies. The friendship which had existed between the king and old Admiral Penn softened him toward the son; the close friendship existing between William Penn and the king's brother, the Duke of York, made the king kindly disposed; the fact of the Quakers being persecuted by the Puritans whom the king disliked caused Charles to be especially kind to the Quakers. The charter granted Penn full power to govern as he thought best,-reserving to the people the right of appeal to the king, aud requiring that all acts passed by the legislative body should be ratified by him.

"Liberty without obedience is confusion, and obedience without liberty is slavery," was a principle stated by Penn, and he followed it strictly. In the "Frame of Government" issued by him he required strict obedience to the laws, but made few of them and those very liberal. A Council and Assembly were granted-members to be elected by freemen, having "faith in Christ." Penn governed by deputies during his lifetime, and his heirs followed the same plan.

DELAWARE

WILMINGTON, 1638

114. The Three Lower Counties.-The entire tract of Penn's grant lay west of the Delaware. This shut him off from the ocean, and in order to secure an outlet he bought of the Duke of York his remaining interest, known thenceforth as “the three lower counties on the Delaware, or the "Territories." These were settled by much the same class of people as were found in Penn's own colony, and until 1703 were under the same government. At their request, Penn granted them a separate Assembly, his deputy adminis