Benjamin Franklin [1766 
should make a merit to itself of giving and granting 
what is not its own, but theirs; and deprive them of 
a right they esteem of the utmost value and impor- 
tance, as it is the security of all their other rights. 
Q. But is not the post-office, which they have 
long received, a tax as well as a regulation? 
A. No; the money paid for the postage of a letter 
is not of the nature of a tax; it is merely a quantum 
meruit for a service done; no person is compellable 
to pay the money if he does not choose to receive 
the service. A man may still, as before the act, send 
his letter by a servant, a special messenger, or a 
friend, if he thinks it cheaper and safer. 
0. But do they not consider the regulations of the 
post-office, by the act of last year, as a tax? 
A. By the regulations of last year the rate of 
postage was generally abated near thirty per cent. 
through all America; they certainly cannot consider 
such abatement as a tax. 
Q. If an excise was laid by Parliament, which 
they might likewise avoid paying, by not consum- 
ing the articles excised, would they then not object 
to 1t? 
A. They would certainly object to it, as an excise 
is unconnected with any service done, and is merely 
an aid, which they think ought to be asked of them, 
and granted by them, if they are to pay it: and can 
be granted to them by no others whatsoever, whom 
they have not empowered for that purpose. 
QO. You say they do not object to the right of Par- 
liament, in laying duties on goods to be paid on their 
importation; now, is there any kind of difference 
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