Omitting the immense increase of people in the
northern colonies by natural population, and the emigration from every
part of Europe, I am convinced the whole commercial system may be
altered to advantage." ...

"Upon the whole, I will beg leave to tell the House what is really my
opinion. It is that the Stamp Act be repealed absolutely, totally, and
immediately; that the reason for the repeal be assigned, because it was
founded on an erroneous principle. At the same time, let the sovereign
authority of this country over the colonies be asserted in as strong
terms as can be devised, and be made to extend to every point of
legislation, that we may bind their trade, confine their manufactures,
and exercise every power whatsoever except that of taking their money
out of their pockets without their consent.

"Let us be content with the advantage which Providence has bestowed upon
us. We have attained the highest glory and greatness. Let us strive long
to preserve them for our own happiness and that of our posterity."[280]

The effect of Pitt's speech was prodigious, combining cogency of
argument with fervour of feeling, splendour of eloquence, and matchless
oratorical power. The very next day the Duke of Grafton advised the King
to send for Pitt; but the King declined, though in a state of "extreme
agitation." Nevertheless, the Duke of Grafton himself sought an
interview with Pitt, who showed every disposition to unite with certain
members and friends of the liberal Rockingham Administration to promote
the repeal of the Stamp Act and the pacification of America; but it was
found that many of the friends and advocates of America did not agree
with Pitt in denying the right of Parliament to tax America, though they
deemed it inexpedient and unjust. Pitt could not therefore accept
office. Mr. Bancroft remarks: "The principle of giving up all taxation
over the colonies, on which the union was to have rested, had implacable
opponents in the family of Hardwicke, and in the person of Rockingham's
own private secretary (Edmund Burke). 'If ever one man lived more
zealous than another for the supremacy of Parliament, and the rights of
the imperial crown, it was Edmund Burke.' He was the advocate of 'an
unlimited legislative power over the colonies.' 'He saw not how the
power of taxation could be given up, without giving up the rest.' 'If
Pitt was able to see it, Pitt saw further than he could.' His wishes
were very earnest 'to kee