On the record
That constitution, which they were for ever censuring as defective in a legislative council, defective in government powers, too popular in many of its modes, is it now become so excellent?
Source
gutenberg.orgBenjamin Franklin: “That constitution, which they were for ever censuring as defective in a legislative council, defective in government…”
Editor's note · Context
Franklin critiques the changing perceptions of a constitution that was once deemed defective.
Share
More from Benjamin Franklin
Strong forts on the lakes, the Ohio, &c. may, at the same time they secure our present frontiers, serve to defend new colonies settled under their protection; and such colonies would also mutually defend and support such forts, and better…
That compelling the colonies to pay money without their consent, would be rather like raising contributions in an enemy's country, than taxing of Englishmen for their own public benefit.
Our legal method of compulsion is by imprisonment: the Indians cannot and will not imprison one another; and if we attempt to imprison them, I apprehend it would be generally disliked by the nations, and occasion breaches.
But it seems not of so much importance, whether the fighting be done by John or Thomas, or the tax paid by William or Charles.
Other voices in this conversation
