The time has been, when the colonies would have esteemed it a great advantage, as well as honour to them, to be permitted to send members to parliament; and would have asked for that privilege, if they could have had the least hopes of obtaining it.
Franklin reflects on the changing attitudes of the colonies towards representation in Parliament, noting a shift from desire to indifference.
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But let us take a cool view of the general state of our affairs, and perhaps the prospect will appear less gloomy than has been imagined.
And as Canada is chiefly supported by that trade, if it could be drawn into the hands of the English (as it might be if the Indians were supplied on moderate terms, and by honest traders appointed by and acting for the public) that alone…
Believing therefore, that it is my duty, I shall honestly speak my mind in the following paper.
We are restrained in our trade with foreign nations; and where we could be supplied with any manufacture cheaper from them, but must buy the same dearer from Britain, the difference of price is a clear tax to Britain.
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