There came an order from England, allowing the king's
officers to search the houses of Americans at any time on mere suspicion of
the concealment of smuggled goods. Otis resigned his office and took the
side of the colonists, attacking the constitutionality of a law that
allowed the right of unlimited search and that was really designed to
curtail the trade of the colonies. He had the advantage of many modern
orators in having something to say on his subject, in feeling deeply
interested in it, and in talking to people who were also interested in the
same thing. Without these three essentials, there cannot be oratory of the
highest kind. We can imagine the voice of Otis trembling with feeling as he
said in 1761:--
[Illustration: JAMES OTIS]
"Now one of the most essential branches of English liberty is the freedom
of one's house. A man's house is his castle; and whilst he is quiet, he
is as well guarded as a prince in his castle. This writ, if it should be
declared legal, would totally annihilate this privilege. Custom-house
officers may enter our houses, when they please; we are commanded to
permit their entry. Their menial servants may enter, may break locks,
bars, and everything in their way; and whether they break through malice
or revenge, no man, no court, can inquire.
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