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 un- 
equally, 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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