8 PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONVENTION [1774.

ed by the non-importation, would give great satisfaction to the
merchants and people of this province, Resolved unanimously, that
no merchant ought to sell his goods, at wholesale, for more than
112 one-half per cent. —at retail, for cash, for more than 130
per cent. —on credit, for more than 150 per cent, advance on the
prime cost; and that no merchant, or other person, ought to en-
gross any goods, wares, or merchandise whatsoever. And in case
any question should arise, respecting the prime cost of goods,
every merchant or factor possessing or owning such goods, ought
to ascertain the same on oath, if requested to do it by the com-
mittee.

As a further regulation to enforce an observance of the late con-
tinental association, Resolved unanimously. T hat in all cases where
breaches of the continental association, or the resolves of this
convention, shall happen and be declared such by any committee
of a county, no gentleman of the law ought to bring or prosecute
any suit whatever for such offender: And if any factor shall com-
mit any breach of the said association or resolves, that no gentle-
man of the law ought to bring or prosecute any suit for any debt due
to the store of which the said factor has the management, after no-
tice as aforesaid.

Resolved, That it is earnestly recommended by this convention,
to the people of this province, that the determinations of the sev-
eral county committees be observed and acquiesced in: That no
persons, except members of the committees, undertake to meddle
with or determine any question respecting the construction of the
association entered into by the continental congress: And that
the peace and good order be inviolably maintained throughout this
province.

Resolved unanimously, That if the late acts of parliament, relative
to the Massachusetts bay, shall be attempted to be carried into ex-
ecution by force in that colony, or if the assumed power of parlia-
ment to tax the colonies shall be attempted to be carried into exe-
cution by force, in that or any other colony, that, in such case, this
province will support such colony to the utmost of their power,

Resolved unanimously. That a well regulated militia, composed
of the gentlemen, freeholders, and other freemen, is the natural
strength and only stable security of a free government, and that
such militia will relieve our mother country from any expense in
our protection and defence; will obviate the pretence of a neces-
sity for taxing us on that account, and render it unnecessary to
keep any standing army (ever dangerous to liberty, ) in this pro-
fines: And therefore it is recommended to such of the said in-