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MANSFIELD

ON THE RIGHT TO TAX AMERICA[1]

(1766)

Born in 1705, died in 1793; Solicitor-General in 1742–1754; Attorney-General in 1754–1756; Chief Justice of the King's Bench in 1756–1788; prominent in the Cabinet after 1756.

I shall speak to the question strictly as a matter of right, for it is a proposition in its nature so perfectly distinct from the expediency of the tax, that it must necessarily be taken separate, if there is any true logic in the world; but of the expediency or inexpediency I will say nothing. It will be time enough to speak upon that subject when it comes to be a question.

I shall also speak to the distinctions which have been taken, without any real difference, as to the nature of the tax; and I shall point out, lastly, the necessity there will be of exerting the force of the superior authority of government, if opposed by the subordinate part of it.

I am extremely sorry that the question has ever become necessary to be agitated, and that there should be a decision upon it. No one in this House will live long enough to see an end

  1. ↑ Delivered in the British House of Lords in reply to Lord Camden. Feb. 3, 1766, or two weeks after Chatham had spoken on the same subject.

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