With other colonial agents, holds interview February 2 with First Minister George Grenville to protest laying of stamp duties in America. Grenville introduces annual budget in Parliament containing proposal for Stamp Act. Franklin and Thomas Pownall, former colonial governor who favored stronger ties between colonies and Great Britain, meet Grenville February 12 and offer an alternative proposal to raise revenue in America by issuing paper money at interest, but are ignored. Stamp Act passes House of Commons February 27, receives royal assent March 22, and is scheduled to take effect November 1. At Grenville’s request, Franklin nominates his friend John Hughes as Pennsylvania stamp distributor, leading to rumors that Franklin actually supports the Stamp Act. Franklin and Pownall succeed in April in getting Quartering Bill amended to eliminate forcible quartering of British troops in private dwellings in America; amended act passes May 3. Burlesques foolish news reports about America in English newspapers by publishing tall tales, May 3, concluding, "The Grand Leap of the Whale in that Chace up the Fall of Niagara is esteemed by all who have seen it, as one of the finest Spectacles in Nature!" Stamp Act protests spread throughout colonies during summer; in Philadelphia, mobs attack stamp distributors, and Franklin's house is threatened, September 16-17; Deborah arms herself, refusing to flee. Mob is dissuaded by readiness of 8oo Franklin supporters to combat them. November 1, Stamp Act fails to go into effect as courts refuse to convene and administration of government in colonies breaks down. Franklin presents Privy Council with Pennsylvania petition for change to royal government, but consideration is postponed. Winter, writes newspaper articles defending the colonies and agitating for repeal of Stamp Act.