The Colony of Massachusetts and the Home Government, 1690-1708 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1922 edition. Excerpt: ...the Building of Ships, which seemed to lay unnecessary charge on the builder, 44 and tended to the obstruction and restraint of shipbuilding. Some three hundred Acts of the Province of Massachusetts Bay were confirmed during the years 1692-1708. Never was a revenue act of any sort disallowed though there were many of them levying taxes of various kinds, and usually limited to one year. The charter had given to the General Court the control of revenue. Militia acts, likewise, were always confirmed without question. It was the expectation of the King and of the Board of Trade that the colonists should provide for their own local defence. Organic acts dealing with townships, 42 Mass. Acts and Resolves. I, pp. 143-144. 43 I'bid., 1. pp. 34-35. officers, highways, bridges, ferries, and building were all confirmed. Except where the crime was piracy (which is taken up in another place) the Provincial Acts for the punishment of crime, if oarefully worded, were allowed, while acts against Piracy and Robbery upon the Sea and against Receiving stolen Goods were also allowed. Acts of general welfare, such as marriage laws, prison laws, poor laws, labor laws, support of ministers and schoolmasters, registry of births and deaths, and care of idiots were allowed. These last were usually perpetual rather than with any time limit. All acts of Indian policy were confirmed whether for war or trade though the Board did recommend laws for the Just treatment of Indians. Trade Acts regulating the size of casks, various products, and the export or prohibition of export of commodities were allowed except in two instances, viz., raw hides might be prohibited from export 45 except to England, and bullion under the same restrictions. Of the acts relating to the...