On the record
She is now acting like a mad shop-keeper, who, by beating those that pass his doors, attempts to make them come in and be his customers.
Source
gutenberg.orgBenjamin Franklin: “She is now acting like a mad shop-keeper, who, by beating those that pass his doors, attempts to make them come in and…”
Editor's note · Context
Franklin uses a metaphor to describe England's aggressive tactics in trade as counterproductive.
Share
More from Benjamin Franklin
It is upon this fact I found the propriety of the measure of settling a barrier colony in those parts of our frontiers, which are not the immediate residence or hunting-grounds of our Indians.
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.
The gaining of the back Indian trade from the French, by the navigation of the lakes, &c. would of itself greatly weaken our enemies:--it being now their principal support, it seems highly probable, that in time they must be subjected to…
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.
Other voices in this conversation
