Studies

This oration is one of the finest examples of close and sustained logical argument that the English language offers us and it should be carefully studied. First with the idea of mastering its thought: Read it through from beginning to end rapidly, and with the idea of gaining a comprehensive knowledge of it in its entirety. Then go over it again it again more carefully, satisfying yourself that you have mastered the meaning of each sentence and that the chief points of the argument are fixed in your mind. Examine carefully the notes whenever you need their assistance, remembering that the dictionary is an indispensable adjunct to your work in literature. notes are meant to assist you in finding what is not readily accessible to the ordinary reader.

The

To assist in the second reading, or in a third if it is necessary to read again, consult frequently the following outline, which will help to clarify the trend of thought. Introduction. Opens the subject and clears the

way by stating the two leading questions which the orator thinks should be decided:

1. Ought concessions to be made? 2. What should the concessions be? Argument. This presents

1. The condition of the colonists.

1. The number of the colonists.
(a) Present, very large.
(b) Growing rapidly.

2. Their commerce.

(a) Extensive.

(b) Phenomenal growth.

3. Their agriculture-The New World feeds the Old.

4. Fisheries-Their vessels are everywhere.

(Possibly more closely connected with a succeeding portion of the argument is the next section which offers to the use of force the objections that it is but temporary in its action, it is uncertain in its effect, it impairs the object sought, and experience has not justified it.)

II. The character of the colonists: A love of

freedom is the predominating feature which marks and distinguishes them. Causes :

1. Birth-descendants of Englishmen and so especially sensitive to taxation.

2. Form of government— in a certain sense

representative.

3. Religion in northern colonies

tant.

Protes

4. Customs in the southern colonies - where slaves are held those who are free are

especially proud and jealous of their freedom.

5. Education-Particularly the study of

law.

6. Distance from the mother country - In large bodies the circulation must be less vigorous in the extremities.

III. Question: What shall be done?

(Here follows further explanation with allusions to pernicious experiments that have been made.) There are three ways of proceeding:

1. To change the spirit by removing the cause. Plans that have been proposed

and their difficulties:

(a) Make no further grants of land. This is neither prudent nor practicable because

(1) There are plenty of unsettled lands in private hands.

(2) People would occupy lands without grants.

(b) Impoverish the colonies-especially arrest their marine enterprises. But

(1) Discontent will increase with misery.

(2) They cannot falsify their pedi

gree.