Stamp Act: Rules and Order Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Section.Paragraph)

Quote #1

An act for granting and applying certain stamp duties, and other duties, in the British colonies and plantations in America, towards further defraying the expences [sic] of defending, protecting, and securing the same; and for amending such parts of the several acts of parliament relating to the trade and revenues of the said colonies and plantations, as direct the manner of determining and recovering the penalties and forfeitures therein mentioned. (1.1)

The opening gives the logic behind the imposition of the new rule. Essentially, it's a rule for enforcing order. As the colonies just participated in what was then the bloodiest war in their history, that was needed.

Quote #2

Provided always, That this act shall not extend to charge any bill of exchange, accompts, bills of parcels, bills of fees, or any bills or notes not sealed for payment of money at sight, or upon demand, or at the end of certain days of payment. (6.1)

You can't spell borders without order. The rules have to have limits, and this is one of them. Try to govern too much and you'll just make chaos.

Quote #3

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the said several duties shall be under the management of the commissioners, for the time being, of the duties charged on stamped vellum, parchment, and paper, in Great Britain: and the same commissioners are hereby impowered and required to employ such officers under them, for that purpose, as they shall think proper; and to use such stamps and marks, to denote the stamp duties hereby charged, as they shall think fit; and to repair, renew, or alter the same, from time to time, as there shall be occasion; and to do all other acts, matters, and things, necessary to be done, for putting this act in execution with relation to the duties hereby charged. (12.1)

Rules need enforcers. Mostly because if no one enforces a rule, the chances of it being followed kind of go into the toilet. This section provides for the people doing it.