On the record
A country, fully inhabited by any nation, is no proper possession for another of different languages, manners, and religion.
Source
gutenberg.orgBenjamin Franklin: “A country, fully inhabited by any nation, is no proper possession for another of different languages, manners, and…”
Editor's note · Context
Franklin discusses the complexities of colonization and the implications of cultural differences.
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They have ever been applied with prudent frugality to the honour and advantage of the public, and the king's immediate service, to the general approbation of the people: the credit of the government has been preserved, and the debts of the…
No part of these monies was ever paid by the proprietaries, or ever raised on their estates; and therefore they can have no pretence of right to a voice in the disposition of them.
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.
Taxes paid in Britain by the landholder or artificer must enter into and increase the price of the produce of land and manufactures made of it; and great part of this is paid by consumers in the colonies, who thereby pay a considerable…
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