The house was unanimous in voting, that thanks should be returned to the duke of _Grafton_ and other noblemen, to Mr. _Pitt_ and other gentlemen, who had been active and aiding in the repeal of the stamp act. However, when his majesty’s recommendation to make up the losses of the sufferers in the late unhappy times, came before them from the governor, with these words, “The justice and humanity of this requisition is so forcible that it cannot be controverted; the authority with which it is introduced, should preclude all disputation about complying with it;” they objected to the manner in which it was proposed, as being “derogatory to the honor of the house, and in breach of the privileges thereof,” and unreasonably declined making compensation; whereas their privileges might have been preserved uninjured, by a vote to relieve the sufferers on their own application, out of dutiful respect to the mild representation of his majesty, and out of humanity and generosity to the sufferers. When a compensation was first talked of, it was the general opinion that it ought to be made, but that it was due from Boston only, and not the province in general. This thought probably determined the Boston members to oppose making the compensation even out of the treasury; a way in which it might have been done, had they and their friends joined the friends of government. But had the money been ordered out of the treasury, a subsequent motion might have charged it upon Boston, which as the tax bill was to be past at that time, would have been easily effected. The interest of the town induced its members to employ every circumstance to prevent the compensation’s being voted at present. After a while repeated advices were received, that the honor of parliament was engaged to see the compensation made, and that they would certainly take it in hand, if the provincial assembly refused. It was obvious that the parliament could enforce payment from a sea port. The people of Boston grew uneasy that the money was not paid. A town-meeting was called; the above mentioned expedient was proposed and approved of, and their representatives were directed to use their influence that compensation might be granted upon those principles, and the money be paid out of the treasury. [Sept.] Mr. _Hutchinson_ and the other sufferers petitioned for relief.[93] Their petitions were considered; and on the question being put, “Whether shall compensation be made out of the province treasury?” it passed in the negative. A bill, however, was finally admitted for making compensation, which was to be transmitted to the several towns, for the sentiments of the constituents.