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.
This statement reflects Franklin's critique of trade restrictions that force colonies to buy more expensive British goods, effectively taxing them.
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Public spirit really exists there, and has great effects.
I have seen generations born, flourish, and expire.
By our greatly encreasing the demand and consumption of British manufactures, their price is considerably raised of late years; the advantage is clear profit to Britain, and enables its people better to pay great taxes; and much of it…
But such, it seems, is the unhappiness of human nature, that our passions, when violent, often are too hard for the united force of reason, duty, and religion.
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