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 importance,
 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 consuming
 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 Parliament,
 in laying duties on goods to be paid on their
importation; now, is there any kind of difference

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