What Laws Did the Colonists Have to Follow
Man`s natural freedom is to be free from any higher power on earth and not to be under man`s will or legislative authority, but only to have the natural law for his reign. The controversy prompted the city of Boston to appoint a committee of correspondence to produce a comprehensive settlement bill of rights. The resulting document, written primarily by Adams, helps to underscore the importance of the ideas of John Locke (1632-1704) to American revolutionaries, who justified the Glorious English Revolution (1688-1689) by arguing that the overthrown King James II emphasized the government`s obligation to protect the fundamental rights of individuals to life, liberty, and property. did not comply. This Bill of Rights to which the settlers believed they were entitled was written 4 years before the Declaration of Independence. American settlers were angered by the Stamp Act and acted quickly to resist it. Because of the distance of the colonies from London, the epicenter of British politics, a direct appeal to Parliament was almost impossible. Instead, the settlers clearly expressed their resistance by simply refusing to pay the tax. These are some of the first principles of natural law and justice, and the great barriers of all free states, and of the British Constitution in particular. It is entirely inconsistent with these principles and with many other fundamental maxims of common law, common sense and reason that a British House of Commons should have the right to give and grant the property of settlers at will. The inhabitants of this country will, in all probability, in a few years outnumber those of Great Britain and Ireland combined; but it is absurdly expected that the supporters of the present measures will be easy for all generations with their offspring, while their property should be alienated by a House of Commons three thousand miles from them; and of whom they cannot be expected to care in the least about their real interest; who not only have no natural concern for their interests, but in fact must be bribed against it, since every burden they impose on the settlers is so much saved or earned for themselves. Until now, many settlers had been freed from rent; [12] But if the breath of a British House of Commons can trigger an act to take all our money, our country will then go or be cracked by haughty and relentless landowners who will ride relaxed while we are trampled in the mud.
The settlers were branded with vile names of traitors and rebels simply because they complained about their grievances. The Dutch, Danes and French took advantage of this opportunity, which was offered to them by our recklessness, and began to smuggle their teas into the plantation. At first, it was something difficult; But eventually, since all businesses are improved by practice, it became easy. Fifteen miles of coastline could not be guarded in all parts, not even by the whole navy of England; Especially when their power to restrict was considered unconstitutional by all residents, smuggling was naturally considered patriotism. Even the destitute wretches, who were trusted with low wages to guard the ports day and night, in all weathers, found it easier and more profitable not only to wink [425] but to sleep in their beds; The merchant`s pay was more generous than the king`s. Other Indian goods, which in themselves would not have made a smuggling trip profitable enough, also accompanied tea to profits; and it is feared that cheap French silk, which was formerly rejected because it did not suit the tastes of the colonies, may have found its way with the goods of India, and may now have established itself in popular usage and opinion. Accommodation Act. The British further angered the American colonists with the Quartering Act, which required the colonies to provide barracks and supplies to British troops. The Act of Declaration was passed on March 18, 1766 at the same time as the repeal of the Stamp Act of 1765. The law was used as a justification for repealing the stamp law and as a face-saving measure. The Declaratory Act of 1766 established that the colonies were subordinate and dependent on the Imperial Crown and the British Parliament, and that Parliament had the power to make laws. These are some of the first principles of natural law and justice, and the great barriers of all free states, and of the British Constitution in particular.
It is totally inconsistent with these principles and with many other fundamental maxims of common law, common sense and reason that a British House of Commons should have the right to give and grant the property of settlers. (The fact that settlers are entitled to all the essential rights, freedoms, and privileges of British-born men and free men is evident not only from colonial charters in general, but also from the Acts of the British Parliament.) The law of 13 Geo. 2, C. 7, also naturalizes foreigners after seven years of residence.