174 THE DEEPER SIGNIFICANCE 
tion, but its repeal was the occasion of a debate that 
lasted nearly all winter. For the first time the consti- 
tutional relations of the colonies to the imperial gov- 
ernment were thoroughly discussed, and three distinct 
views found expression: 1. The Tories held that 
the Stamp Act was all right and ought to be enforced. 
2. The New Whigs, represented by William Pitt, 
accepted the American doctrine of no taxation with- 
out representation, and urged that the Stamp Act 
should be repealed expressly as founded upon an erro- 
neous principle. 3. The Old Whigs, represented by 
Fox and Burke, refrained from committing themselves 
to such a doctrine, but considered it bad statesmanship 
to insist upon a measure which public opinion in 
America unanimously condemned. This third view 
prevailed, and the Stamp Act was repealed, while a 
Declaratory Resolve asserted the constitutional right 
of Parliament to legislate for the colonies in any way 
it might see fit. 
This result was rightly regarded as a practical vic- 
tory for the Americans, but it gave general satisfaction 
in England, for it seemed to remove a source of dispute 
that had most suddenly and unexpectedly loomed up 
in alarming proportions. The rejoicings in London 
were no less hearty than in New York. The affair 
had been creditably conducted. The dangerous ques- 
tion had been argued on broad, statesmanlike grounds, 
and the undue claims of Parliament had been virtually 
relinquished. It is true, the difficulty in America as 
to how that continental revenue was to be raised was- 
left untouched. But friendly discussion might at length 
find a cure, or the question might be allowed to drop 
until some more favourable moment. 
