Carolina Quotes
Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government; when this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved, and tyranny is erected on its ruins. Republics and limited monarchies derive their strength and vigor from a popular examination into the action of the magistrates.

Benjamin Franklin Connected to the Carolinas

Source

"On Freedom of Speech and the Press", Pennsylvania Gazette (17 November 1737)

form
speech
year
1737

Cite this record

“Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government…” Benjamin Franklin. Carolina Quotes, record CQ-D5F60A9703. https://carolinaquotes.com/quote/d5f60a9703

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There is something however in the experiments of points, sending off, or drawing on, the electrical fire, which has not been fully explained, and which I intend to supply... For the doctrine of points is very curious, and the effects of them truly wonderfull; and, from what I have observed on experiments, I am of opinion, that houses, ships, and even towns and churches may be effectually secured from the stroke of lightening by their means; for if, instead of the round balls of wood or metal, which are commonly placed on the tops of the weathercocks, vanes or spindles of churches, spires or masts, there should be put a rod of iron 8 or 10 feet in length, sharpen'd gradually to a point like a needle, and gilt to prevent rusting, or divided into a number of points, which would be better—the electrical fire would, I think, be drawn out of a cloud silently, before it could come near enough to strike...
Letter to Peter Collinson (March 2, 1750)

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