84 Benjamin Franklin [2755
Q. Do youknow any thing of the rate of exchange
in Pennsylvania, and whether it has fallen lately?
A. Itis commonly from one hundred and seventy
to one hundred and seventy-five. I have heard that
it has fallen lately from one hundred and seventy-five
to one hundred and sixty-two and a half; owing, I
suppose, to their lessening their orders for goods; and
when their debts to this country are paid, I think the
exchange will probably be at par.
0. Do you not think the people of America would
submit to pay the stamp duty, if it was moderated?
A. No, never, unless compelled by force of arms.
Q. Are not the taxes in Pennsylvania laid on unequally,
 in order to burden the English trade;
particularly the tax on professions and business?
A. Tt is not more burdensome in proportion than
the tax on lands. It is intended and supposed to
take an equal proportion of profits.
Q. How is the assembly composed? Of what
kinds of people are the members; landholders or
traders?
A. Ttis composed of landholders, merchants, and
artificers.
Q. Are not the majority landholders?
A. 1 believe they are.
0. Do not they, as much as possible, shift the tax
off from the land, to ease that, and lay the burden
heavier on trade?
A. Ihave never understood it so. I never heard
such a thing suggested. And indeed an attempt of
that kind could answer no purpose. The merchant
or trader is always skilled in figures, and ready with

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