John Dickinson

“ We feel too sensibly, that any ministerial measures [1] relating to these colonies, are soon carried successfully through the parliament. Certain prejudices operate there so strongly against us, that it may be justly questioned, whether all the provinces united, will ever be able effectually to call to an account before the parliament, any minister who shall abuse the power by the late act given to the crown in America. He may divide the spoils torn from us in what manner he pleases, and we shall have no way of making him responsible. ”

“ It makes no difference to his Majesty, whether supplies are raised in Great-Britain, or America; but it makes some difference to the commons of that kingdom.
To speak plainly, as becomes an honest man on such important occasions, all our misfortunes are owing to a lust of power in men of abilities and influence. This prompts them to seek popularity by expedients profitable to themselves, though ever so destructive to their country. ”

“ We may perceive, by the example of Ireland, how eager ministers are to seize upon any settled revenue, and apply it in supporting their own power. Happy are the men, and happy the people who grow wise by the misfortunes of others. ”

“ A conduct more dangerous to freedom, as before has been observed, can never be adopted. Nothing is wanted at home but a [8] precedent, the force of which shall be established, by the tacit submission of the colonies. With what zeal was the statute erecting the post-office, and another relating to the recovery of debts in America, urged and tortured, as precedents in support of the Stamp-Act, tho’ wholly inapplicable. If the parliament succeeds in this attempt, other statutes will impose other duties. ”

“ Besides the burden of pensions in Ireland, which have enormously encreased within these few years, almost all the offices in that poor kingdom, have been, since the commencement of the present century, and now are bestowed upon strangers. For tho’ the merit of persons born there, justly raises them to places of high trust when they go abroad, as all Europe can witness, yet he is an uncommonly lucky Irishman, who can get a good post in his native country. ”

“ In the same manner shall we unquestionably be treated, as soon as the late taxes laid upon us, shall make posts in the “government,” and the “administration of justice” here, worth the attention of persons of influence in Great-Britain. We know enough already to satisfy us of this truth. ”

“ If any pensions have been obtained on that establishment, to serve the corrupt purposes of ambitious men.----If his Majesty’s revenues of Ireland have been employed in pensions, to debauch his Majesty’s subjects of both kingdoms.----If the treasure of Ireland has been expended in pensions, for corrupting men of that kingdom to betray their country; and men of the neighbouring kingdom, to betray both.---If Irish pensions have been procured, to support gamesters and gaming-houses ”

“ This does not amount, at the most, to Fifteen Thousand Pounds a year, probably not to Seven, and is the only revenue, that can be legally charged with pensions.
If ministers were accustomed to regard the rights or happiness of the people, the pensions in Ireland would not exceed the sum just mentioned: But long since have they exceeded that limit; and in December 1765, a motion was made in the house of commons in that kingdom, to address his Majesty on the great increase of pensions on the Irish establishment, amounting to the sum of 158,685 l.----in the last two years. ”

“ Attempts have been made to gloss over these gross encroachments, by this specious argument----“That expending a competent part of the public revenue in pensions, from a principle of charity or generosity, adds to the dignity of the crown ”