participated equally in the political process.
However, as we pointed out in the last chapter, the English did not
enjoy leadership roles in the community.[9] Whether this was by accident
or by design is difficult to ascertain. Perhaps it was just a further
demonstration of the absolute rule of the majority with the Scotch-Irish
and the Germans combining to form that majority.

The nature of community implies shared interests and the prevailing
interest in this frontier community was survival. Necessity undoubtedly
caused the English minority to accept the Scotch-Irish and German
leadership, because forbearance meant survival. Conversely, the
Scotch-Irish and Germans could, and did, support the English in
positions of responsibility on the basis of their mutual needs and their
desire to maintain the community.[10] Not only physical survival but
also economic survival were mutually desirable to Fair Play community
members, and the decisions of the court were rendered on the basis of
equal justice.[11]

As long as minority feelings are given free expression in an atmosphere
of mutual concern, there is little danger of misinterpretation by the
majority. Such a climate prevailed in the meetings of the Fair Play
settlers and the sessions of the Fair Play men; at least, there is no
available evidence to the contrary.

The nature and role of consensus in the Fair Play territory hinged upon
what was best for the community. Fundamental agreement was reached,
based upon mutual need apparent from open discussion. In the event of
conflict, forbearance, which was in the best interest of the community,
could be expected.[12] An examination of the appearance dockets of the
county courts for Northumberland and Lycoming counties suggests,
however, that this consensus did not extend to questions of land titles.
Nevertheless, the all-inclusiveness of signatures on petitions to the
Supreme Executive Council for protection from the Indians and for the
recognition of the right of pre-emption, and the general response of the
Fair Play settlers to calls for troops for the Continental Army indicate
to some degree the nature and extent of that consensus.[13]

Democracy, that is self-determination, did exist among the Fair Play
settlers of this Pennsylvania frontier. There was no outside authority
which legislated the affairs of the pioneers of the West Branch. They
selected their own representatives, the Fair Play men, and maintained
their