102 
Benjamin Franklin [1766 
tricate themselves; perhaps by generally agreeing to 
proceed in the courts without stamps. 
Q. What do you think a sufficient military force 
to protect the distribution of the stamps in every 
part of America? 
A. A very great force, I can’t say what, if the dis- 
position of America is for a general resistance. 
Q. What is the number of men in America able to 
bear arms, or of disciplined militia? 
A. There are, I suppose, atleast . . . 
[Question objected to. He withdrew. Called in 
again.) 
Q. Is the American Stamp Act an equal tax on 
the country? 
A. 1 think not. 
OQ. Why so? 
A. The greatest part of the money must arise 
from lawsuits for the recovery of debts, and be paid 
by the lower sort of people, who were too poor easily 
to pay their debts. It is, therefore, a heavy tax on 
the poor, and a tax upon them for being poor. 
OQ. But will not this increase of expense be a 
means of lessening the number of lawsuits? 
A. I think not; for as the costs all fall upon the 
debtor, and are to be paid by him, they would be no 
discouragement to the creditor to bring his action. 
Q. Would it not have the effect of excessive 
usury? 
A. Yes; as an oppression of the debtor. 
Q. How many ships are there laden annually in 
North America with flax-seed for Ireland? 
A. 1 cannot speak to the number of ships; but I