INTRODUCTION. 
49 
quence; nothing being more known, than the aptness of such bodies to assume 
to themselves many privileges which prove destructive to, or very often disturb 
the peace of the government, where they are allowed; neither do I see any use 
for them. Things that need redress may be sure to find it at the quarter sessions, 
or by appeals to myself.” The discontent of the colonists was not allayed by this 
answer. The governor proceeded to England for instructions, and returned with 
the information that the proprietor had condescended to limit to a term of three 
years the existing arbitrary imposts; a concession, which only served to excite 
universal disgust. The influence of William Penn, however, prevailed upon the 
Duke of York, and he granted, in 1G83, what was called a “charter of liberties.” 
It declared that supreme legislative power should forever reside in the governor, 
a council, and the people; and gave to freeholders and freemen the privilege of 
voting for representatives. The assembly consisted of seventeen members, a 
number which was gradually increased to twenty-seven before the commencement 
of the revolution; and the charter declared that no tax should be assessed on 
any pretence whatever, without consent of the assembly. But the governor was 
appointed by the proprietor, and the council were appointed by the governor, 
and both the governor and proprietor retained the right to negative all bills, and 
to prorogue and dissolve the assembly. No sooner had the duke ascended the 
throne of Enorland, than he sought to overturn the constitution which had thus 
been founded. He decreed a direct tax upon the colony, by ordinance, and 
instructed the governor to reorganize the council, and to make laws, levy taxes, and 
control the militia, with the consent of the council alone ; and added to these 
instructions an injunction to suffer no printing press to be established in the colony. 
The revolution of 1G88 was hailed throughout the colony as the harbinger of 
liberty. The general assembly was again reorganized, and the government 
assumed forms somewhat conducive to the maintenance of law and order; but 
still denying to the people rights enjoyed by their fellow subjects in England, 
and maintaining a policy injurious to the growth and prosperity of the colony. 
The governor was directed by queen Anne to take especial care that the Al- 
Intr. 7 
