Benjamin Franklin [1756
That by such charters it be granted that every
actual settler be entitled to a tract of —— acres for
himself, and —— acres for every poll in the family
he carries with him; and that every contributor of
—— guineas be entitled to a quantity of acres, equal
to the share of a single settler, for every such sum of
guineas contributed and paid to the colony treasurer;
a contributor for —— shares to have an additional
share gratis; that settlers may likewise be contribu-
tors, and have right of land in both capacities.
That as many and as great privileges and powers
of government be granted to the contributors and
settlers, as his Majesty in his wisdom shall think
most fit for their benefit and encouragement, consis-
tent with the general good of the British empire; for
extraordinary privileges and liberties, with lands on
easy terms, are strong inducements to people to
hazard their persons and fortunes in settling new
countries. And such powers of government as
(though suitable to their circumstances, and fit to be
trusted with an infant colony) might be judged unfit
when it becomes populous and powerful, these might
be granted for a term only; as the choice of their
own governor for ninety-nine years; the support of
government in the colonies of Connecticut and Rhode
Island (which now enjoy that and other like privi-
leges) being much less expensive than in the colonies
under the immediate government of the crown, and
the constitution more inviting.
That the first contributors to the amount of ——
guineas be empowered to choose a treasurer to re-
ceive the contribution.
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