was imposed on the importation of molasses, sugar, and rum. This was called the " sugar act."

In 1750, the English Government enacted a law prohibiting the manufacture of iron and steel in the colonies.

After the French war, Lord Chatham declared that "the British colonies of North America had no right to manufacture even a nail for a horseshoe." The policy of England was in opposition to the political views of a majority of the colonists.

In the reign of George III. an oppressive system of taxation was inaugurated by the ministry, and persisted in until the colonies were driven to an open resistance which developed into the American Revolution.

DECLARATIVE RESOLVES.

In the House of Commons the celebrated Declarative Resolves were presented in 1764. These resolutions announced the intention of the English government to raise a revenue in the colonies by a stamp tax. The subject was left open for consideration almost a year, during which time "the colonists watched with anxiety the growth of this new germ of oppression," and gave the proposed measure their almost universal opposition.

THE STAMP ACT.

The wishes of the colonies were set at naught by Parliament, and in the spring of 1765 there was passed the famous Stamp Act, which provided that all writings were null and void, unless executed on paper bearing a stamp, the cost of which was from three pence to four pounds. The intelligence of this act produced intense indignation in America, and the wicked scheme was vehemently denounced by the press, the pulpit, and the people. Associations of Sons of Liberty in all the colonies put forth their energies in defense of American freedom. Stamps were seized on their arrival and con

cealed or destroyed. Under the lead of the fearless Henry, resolutions denying the right of England to tax the colonies without their consent, were immediately introduced in the Virginia House of Burgesses and triumphantly passed. In October, 1765, all the colonies, except New Hampshire, met by delegates in convention at New York to consult on measures of relief. A declaration of rights and grievances was prepared, asserting that the colonists were entitled to all the rights of natural born subjects within the kingdom of England; that taxes could not be imposed upon Englishmen without their consent; that the right of trial by jury was a right of the colonists; that the Stamp Act, and all other acts extending the jurisdiction of the Court of Admiralty beyond its ancient limits, were subversive of the rights and liberties of the colonies; and that it was the province of the colonists to petition the king on all grievances whatsoever.

The action of the convention was disregarded by the crown, and the Stamp Act went into effect on the first of November, 1765; but stamp distributors had been insulted and despised, and no officials were found with sufficient courage to enforce the law. Merchants entered into agreements that they would import no goods from England while the odious act remained in force. From all classes in America a respectful, but firm, protest went to the cars of the British ministry. The determination of the people could not be mistaken. It was apparent that the law could not be enforced, save by an appeal to arms, and to "this extremity the British government was not prepared to go." While the events of opposition were in progress, a change occurred in the ministry, and the Stamp Act was repealed.

THE DECLARATORY ACT.

William Pitt, doubting the advisability of repealing the Stamp Act without some concessions, had appended to it an

act which declared that Parliament possessed the power "to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever." This forced the colonists to accept a position inferior to that of regular British subjects, or to stand out in opposition to the unequivocal declaration of Parliament.

DECLARATION AND RESOLVES OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 14, 1774.

The boldness of the American people in exhibiting their indignation served to irritate their oppressors. Coercive measures towards the Americans were formed by many of the commons, the whole bench of bishops, and a large portion of the House of Lords. These, not doubting the power of Parliament to legislate for the colonies, urged the ministry to adopt new schemes for replenishing the English treasury from the resources of the colonies, and to employ arms for their enforcement, if such should be necessary. Oppressive legislation and coercive measures soon followed, and were continued from year to year, growing more unbearable as each new feature appeared, and meeting with a resistance that could not be appeased. The spirit of opposition grew in strength, spreading its flames throughout the colonies. The colonial legislatures approved and reflected the spirit of the people. Bold men led the way, "while the timid followed, though sometimes with hesitating steps." The more daring called for a congress of representatives of all the colonies to decide upon the measures most suitable for the occasion. The delegates, having been chosen in June, July, and August, assembled in Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia, on the 5th of September, 1774. This body was called the First Continental Congress, to distinguish it from the two colonial congresses already held, one in Albany, 1754, the other in New York, 1765.

This congress continued in session until the 26th of October. Its proceedings exerted a most important influence upon

the public mind, and did much to produce the great events which followed. It recommended that the colonies should not import from England, or purchase merchandise coming thence, or export thither their colonial productions. This constituted a practical non-intercourse between the provinces and the parent country, which was to a great extent carried into effect. This congress on the 14th of October, 1774, passed a declaration and resolves, which are of but little less importance than the Declaration of Independence, and form much of the basis upon which the latter rests. This highly important document is given in full at the close of this chapter. The instrument shows the swelling germs of the Declaration of Independence, and the temper of those active, fearless, and high-toned men who led the way to permanent separation from the parent country. In addition to the Bill of Rights, this congress, ably setting forth their rights and grievances, prepared a petition to the King, an address to the people of Great Britain, another to the several Anglo-American colonies, and another to the inhabitants of Quebec. Measures for future action were matured, and met with the general approbation of the American people. The signal ability and wisdom of Congress drew these words from the Earl of Chatham in the House of Lords: “I must declare and avow, that for solidity of reasoning, force of sagacity, and wisdom of conclusion, under such a complication of circumstances, no nation or body of men can stand in preference to the general congress at Philadelphia.”

The proceedings of this congress manifested decorum, firmness, moderation, and loyalty, the delegates hoping that their action would secure the desired redress of grievances; but preparing for emergencies, they resolved to adjourn and meet at the same place on the 10th of May, 1775.

BEGINNING OF HOSTILITIES.

Soon after Congress adjourned, Parliament assembled and,

spurning all overtures for adjustment of difficulties, gave evidence that the colonies could have but faint hopes of reconciliation. The Americans, preparing for the last resort, began the manufacture of arms and ammunition, and collected implements of war and stored them for use. In attempting to destroy these supplies, the British sent a detachment to Lexington in April, 1775, which, coming in contact with the local militia, killed eight of them, and destroyed a portion of the stores at that place. The English force continued their march, and, after destroying supplies at Concord, retreated to Boston, having reached the place with extreme difficulty. This city was immediately besieged by the Americans, and the issue between them and England was fairly made. "There was no retreat for the colonies but in submission and servitude.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.

Before the time arrived for the second meeting of the Continental Congress, blood had been shed at Lexington, and the colonies had arisen in arms to resist the unlawful proceedings of the British government. Congress, firm in resisting oppression, passed bold and fearless resolves, which were reiterated in every city and village in the colonies. This legislative assembly commenced to prepare for resisting British power at every hazard. Master literary productions rang their clarion notes in favor of liberty and independence, spurring on the bold and arousing the indifferent. A work entitled "Common Sense" was said to have severed the last link of the chain that bound the colonies to the mother country. Congress provided for raising and equipping armies and preparing them for active operations. Washington was appointed commander-in-chief, and a treasury department was established. A fund was provided by the issue of bills of credit. All legislation of Congress tended at first only to a redress