CHAPTER XXV. THE HISTORY OF THE UNION BEFORE THE CONSTI TUTION. THE brief sketch which we have given of the early history of the thirteen English colonies in America has shown the great diversity Tendencies to that existed, not only in origin, but in the character of the people. This diversity was the cause of mutual jealousies. Local prejudices abounded; and frequently disputes about territory and boundaries brought open hostilities. Though the people were all British subjects, yet only common dangers led them very gradually to see that, as Americans, they had common interests. Colonial union was not accomplished by any one act or succession of acts. It developed, under the pressure of circumstances, as a sentiment in the minds of the people, before it existed as a fact in their history. It was foreshadowed in the New England confederacy, and promoted by the constant aggressions of the French. As early as 1690, the General Court of Massachusetts, by letters addressed to the other New Early Colonial England colonies and New York, invited Conferences. them to unite in a meeting of commissioners to consult and determine for their common safety. In this conference four colonies were represented, Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New York. They agreed upon measures for raising a joint army, and devised the various plans which were carried into execution. during what is known as King William's war. It was a common occurrence for commissioners from several of the colonies to meet to treat with the Indian tribes; and there was frequent official correspondence between them relating to the common defence. two Parties. The idea of a permanent union was advocated about Union favored by this time, and various plans were suggested; one by William Penn. Union was favored by two opposite classes. One party desired to promote the interests of the colonies, and strengthen them in their free organization. The other, friends of royalty, wished to check the spirit of freedom by subjecting all to the control of one central authority directed by the crown. vention. In 1754, by request of the British Government, a The Albany Con- Convention was held at Albany, consisting of delegates from seven of the colonies. The object of the meeting was twofold: first, to form a treaty of alliance with the chief of the Six Nations; second, to enter into a union, or confederation, with each other for mutual defence. This convention adopted a plan of confederation prepared by Benjamin Franklin. This scheme proposed to leave the government of each colony in its existing form, giving to the local legislatures the power to choose members of a grand council, which should be the legislature of the union. This body was to meet annually, and was to have power to deal in all matters with the Indians, to provide for the common defence, and to levy taxes within the colonies to meet necessary expenses. Its laws were to be submitted to the king, and might be disapproved by him within three years. There was to be a president-general appointed and supported by the crown. He was to nominate military officers, deal in Indian affairs, and execute the laws of the grand council, upon whose acts he was to have a negative. This plan met with little favor from any of the colonies. They were not yet ready for union. Providence intended, that, when they did unite, it should be as independent States, rather than as subject provinces. The Colonial Ten years later, a long step was taken towards union. The passage of the Stamp Act led the leading patriots in the colonies to see the absolute necessity of a union of all the colonies in resisting arbitrary measures of the British Government. Adams, Otis, and the Warrens, of Massachusetts, from this time onward, were unceasing in their efforts to bring about so desirable a result. The first step was taken by Massachusetts, in calling a general congress, representing the assemblies of all the colonies. This first general colonial congress was held in New York, in October, 1765. It consisted of twenty-eight delegates, from nine of the colonies. Virginia, New Hampshire, Georgia, and North Carolina, though sympathizing with the movement, did not send representatives. The congress adopted a declaration of rights and grievances, an address to the king, and one to the House of Lords, and a petition to the House of Commons. These acts were ratified by the colonial assemblies. This congress, like the conventions that had preceded it, was chosen for a temporary purpose, Committees of and, having done its work, dissolved. It Correspondence. . required nine years more of British aggression to bring the masses of the people up to the idea of a permanent union. During these years, the union spirit was fostered by the machinery of committees of correspondence, devised by Samuel Adams, and chosen in most of the towns of Massachusetts, and afterward in the other colonies. By means of these, the people of different sections were kept acquainted with each other's views and plans; and every new measure of the government served to draw them closer together. After the passage of the Boston Port Bill, the desire The Continental became general to form another congress; Congress. and, in response to a call from Massachusetts, on the 5th of September, 1774, fifty-five delegates from twelve colonies met in Philadelphia, and began the sessions of the famed Continental Congress. Georgia did not send delegates at first, but promised to concur with the other colonies. This body prepared a declaration of rights and grievances, an address to the king, one to the people of Great Britain, and another to the people of the northern provinces. The Non-Inter tion. But the most important act was the formation by the delegates, for themselves and the colocourse Associa nies they represented, of an association for the non-importation, non-exportation, and non-consumption of British merchandise. The articles of agreement established rules for the government of the people in matters pertaining to the use of imported goods. This has been called "the first enactment of a general law by America,' ""the commencement of the American Union." The action of this congress was most heartily indorsed by the people throughout the colonies; and either in conventions |
