|
|
L. H. J.
|
we always hitherto have done, so we will embrace all proper opper-
tunities of demonstrating.
Your Excellency's urging us in such strong Terms, to make a
provision for Arms and Ammunition, is, no doubt, the Consequence
of your Zeal for his Majesty's Service, and good wishes for the wel-
fare and Quiet of this Province: But why the particular manner of
making that provision, should be pressed in the like Terms, and
coupled with the same Consequences, we acknowledge our selves at
a loss to know. The late act for that purpose, which expired some
years ago, had that in it, which proved the occasion of some of the
misunderstandings, and the Stopping of Public Business, which hap-
pened before your Excellency's Arrival; and it is for avoiding the
like ill Consequencies for the future, that we resolve to frame such
Bills in a different manner; altho at the same time we must say, it
was no good Cause for such procedure: and we flatter ourselves,
your Excellency never intended to act the same part, during your
administration.
We have always thought, the ways, the means, and manner of
laying Taxes, were the peculiar privilege of this House; and as the
End for making that provision is his Majesty's Service, and Defence
of the Province, we cannot see how either can be affected by the
manner of raising the Tax; provided such manner shall answer the
intended purpose, equally with any other. We can only therefore say
to that part of your Excellency's Speech, that altho his Lordship,
the Lord Proprietary, has for some years past, under Colour of Law,
taken, and still continues to take, to his own use, from the Inhabi-
tants of this province, a Considerable sum of Money, a part of which,
when heretofore legally raised, was applied for purchasing Arms and
Ammunition; yet, in regard to the present Exigences of affairs, we
will Speedily and heartily set about a Bill for that purpose, and
shall form it in such a manner, as shall appear to us the most effectual
for the End designed, and at the same time attended with the least
and fewest Inconveniencies to the people.
We are determined, at all Times, to Exert our Zeal and unanimity
for the Protection and happiness of the Province, which happiness
cannot, we conceive, be effected by a defence from fforeign Enemies
alone, the only thing your Excellency has been pleased to recom-
mend to us; unless accompanied with wholesome Laws amongst
ourselves: And therefore we hope, that no misunderstanding, or
stop of public business, will now happen amongst us, but that we
shall have your Excellency's Concurrence in making such Laws, at
this Time, as the necessities of the people seem loudly to call for, at
our Hands.
Was brought in, Read and assented to, and signed, by order of the
House, by the Honourable Speaker.
|
|
