The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

The appointment of the Earl of Hillsborough to the post of first Lord of Trade, is an event much to the satisfaction of those concerned in our colonies, as well as to the mother country in general; being universally acknowledged a judicious choice in the ministry, as that amiable Nobleman's character and abilities will add lustre to their administration: especially as there are two schemes in contemplation, which will be offered for consideration on the meeting of an august assembly, particularly framed on purpose to remove those frequent jealousies and heart-burnings between our colonies and the mother country.

The following, we are informed are the outlines thereof--In the first, it is proposed by government "to grant free liberty for North Americans to open and work their mines (which it is well known that fertile country abounds with) on the same plan and conditions of those in Great Britain. No mines shall be deemed royal: To permit a coinage among themselves, instead of the present destructive paper currency. To repeal those acts of parliament which more immediately affect their trade and interest. In lieu of such repeal, the North Americans agree to raise a sum of money, equal to the present duties now paid, by a mode to be adopted by each separate province after their own manner, and applied towards maintaining a sufficient number of the military, for garrisons, &c. the overplus placed in the nature of a sinking fund, for defraying the debts and incumbrances contracted by government, for their support in the last war--Secondly, if the former should be deemed impracticable, it is proposed as an equivalent for the taxes now paid Great Britain (which appear to be ill calculated, and very impolitic) to take in kind such raw materials as each different province produces; as indigo, green myrtle wax, rosin, pitch, tar, tobacco; timber of all kinds, such as fit for the navy; hemp, flax, iron, black lead, salt petre (which is found in North America) gums, hides, furs, fish or train oil, whalebone, spermaceti; together with silver, copper and lead ores, reduced into a regulus only (from the mines work'd in the present manner) all those various articles taken at the European market price, fixed on by proper persons appointed for such purpose, by government, at a small stipend annually, allowing freight &c. in the usual manner.--This plan will greatly encourage the culture of raw materials in those parts, prevent very considerable sums being sent to Russia, Norway, &c. and augment our marine greatly, by finding employ for shipping, &c. The revenue of this department to be applied as the former."