Perplexed by the storm they had raised, the ministers summoned to the bar of the House of Commons, Benjamin Franklin, the agent for Pennsylvania, who was in London.  “Do you think it right,” asked Grenville, “that America should be protected by this country and pay no part of the expenses?” The answer was brief:  “That is not the case; the colonies raised, clothed, and paid during the last war twenty-five thousand men and spent many millions.”  Then came an inquiry whether the colonists would accept a modified stamp act.  “No, never,” replied Franklin, “never!  They will never submit to it!” It was next suggested that military force might compel obedience to law.  Franklin had a ready answer.  “They cannot force a man to take stamps....  They may not find a rebellion; they may, indeed, make one.”

The repeal of the Stamp Act was moved in the House of Commons a few days later.  The sponsor for the repeal spoke of commerce interrupted, debts due British merchants placed in jeopardy, Manchester industries closed, workingmen unemployed, oppression instituted, and the loss of the colonies threatened.  Pitt and Edmund Burke, the former near the close of his career, the latter just beginning his, argued cogently in favor of retracing the steps taken the year before.  Grenville refused.  “America must learn,” he wailed, “that prayers are not to be brought to Caesar through riot and sedition.”  His protests were idle.  The Commons agreed to the repeal on February 22, 1766, amid the cheers of the victorious majority.  It was carried through the Lords in the face of strong opposition and, on March 18, reluctantly signed by the king, now restored to his right mind.

In rescinding the Stamp Act, Parliament did not admit the contention of the Americans that it was without power to tax them.  On the contrary, it accompanied the repeal with a Declaratory Act.  It announced that the colonies were subordinate to the crown and Parliament of Great Britain; that the king and Parliament therefore had undoubted authority to make laws binding the colonies in all cases whatsoever; and that the resolutions and proceedings of the colonists denying such authority were null and void.

The repeal was greeted by the colonists with great popular demonstrations.  Bells were rung; toasts to the king were drunk; and trade resumed its normal course.  The Declaratory Act, as a mere paper resolution, did not disturb the good humor of those who again cheered the name of King George.  Their confidence was soon strengthened by the news that even the Sugar Act had been repealed, thus practically restoring the condition of affairs before Grenville and Townshend inaugurated their policy of “thoroughness.”

RESUMPTION OF BRITISH REVENUE AND COMMERCIAL POLICIES