AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 23

charging them with what should only be considered the clamours of turbulent individuals.

The editors of their public prints were too often guilty of writing that which could only be intended to keep alive the passions of the vulgar and ignorant herd of the people ; and such language as filled the greater portions of the American newspapers, must certainly have disgusted such men as Washington and Franklin. Violent commotions always attend the measures that entirely change the constitution of a country; but the excesses of the American popu- lace resembled, throughout, the uproar of those who, with Oliver Cromwell, subverted the government of England; and the colonists were altogether guiltless of such atrocities as disgraced the French Revolution.

In 1764:, a bill was framed, laying heavy duties, payable into the British treasury, in specie, on all articles imported into the colonies from the French and other islands in the West Indies. Another act followed, restraining the currency of paper money. The injustice and absurdity of these laws excited fresh murmurs.

How could they pay duties in specie, when dei prived of the means of obtaining it ? Then followed the famous Stamp Act, which was the prelude to the most tremendous and destructive quarrel which had befallen Britain in the course of ages. This act was styled, the “ Folly of England, and ruin of America.”

The colonists were now completely roused; but they, at the same time, conducted their measures with great wisdom, perseverance, and resolution. They