p the whole body of this authority perfect and
entire.' He was jealous of it; he was honestly of that opinion; and
Rockingham, after proceeding so far, and finding in Pitt all the
encouragement that he expected, let the negotiation drop. Conway and
Grafton were compelled to disregard their own avowals on the question of
the right of taxation; the Ministry conformed to the opinion, which was
that of Charles Yorke, the Attorney-General, and still more of Edmund
Burke."[281]

While the repeal of the Stamp Act was under discussion in the Commons,
Dr. Franklin--then Deputy Postmaster-General for America--was summoned
to give evidence at the bar of the House. His examination was long and
minute. His thorough knowledge of all the subjects, his independence and
candour made a deep impression, but he was dismissed from office the day
after giving his evidence. Some of the questions and answers are as
follows:

Question.--What is your name and place of abode?

Answer.--Franklin, of Philadelphia.

Q.--Do the Americans pay any considerable taxes among themselves?

A.--Certainly; many and very heavy taxes.

Q.--What are the present taxes in Pennsylvania levied by the laws
of the colony?

A.--There are taxes on all estates, real and personal; a poll-tax;
a tax on all offices, professions, trades, and businesses,
according to their profits; an excise on all wine, rum, and other
spirits; and a duty of L10 per head on all negroes imported; with
some other duties.

Q.--For what purpose are those taxes levied?

A.--For the support of the civil and military establishment of the
country, and to discharge the heavy debt contracted in the last
war.

Q.--Are not you concerned in the management of the post-office in
America?

A.--Yes. I am Deputy Postmaster-General of North America.

Q.--Don't you think the distribution of stamps, by post, to all the
inhabitants, very practicable, if there was no opposition?

A.--The posts only go along the sea coasts; they do not, except in
a few instances, go back into the country; and if they did, sending
for stamps by post would occasion an expense of postage amounting,
in many cases, to much more than that of the stamps themselves.

Q.--Are not the colonies, from their circumstances, very able to
pay the stamp duty?

A.--In my opinion, there is not gold a