Benjamin Franklin [1766 
were governed by this country at the expense only of 
a little pen, ink, and paper; they were led by a 
thread. They had not only a respect, but an affec- 
tion for Great Britain; for its laws, its customs and 
manners, and even a fondness for its fashions, that 
greatly increased the commerce. Natives of Britain 
were always treated with particular regard. To be 
an Old-England man was, of itself, a character of 
some respect, and gave a kind of rank among us. 
Q. And what is their temper now? 
A. O, very much altered. 
Q. Did you ever hear the authority of Parliament 
to make laws for America questioned till lately? 
A. The authority of Parliament was allowed to be 
valid in all laws, except such as should lay internal 
taxes. It was never disputed in laying duties to 
regulate commerce. 
Q. In what proportion hath population increased 
in America? 
A. 1 think the inhabitants of all the provinces 
together, taken at a medium, double in about twenty- 
five years. But their demand for British manufac- 
tures increases much faster, as the consumption is 
not merely in proportion to their numbers, but grows 
with the growing abilities of the same numbers to 
pay for them. In 1723 the whole importation from 
Britain to Pennsylvania was about fifteen thousand 
pounds sterling. It is now near half a million. 
Q. In what light did the people of America use to 
consider the Parliament of Great Britain? 
A. They considered the Parliament as the great 
bulwark and security of their liberties and privileges, 
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