This well-crafted address was presented as a series of suggestions for a way to conciliate the American colonists and avoid a revolt. The common-sense points that Burke makes and the ways that he goes about implementing them are eminently logical and clearly stated. Although the proposed concessions are specific to the American colonies, they can also be read as a lesson in shrewd diplomacy for resolving any sort of disagreement between two sides. He first analyzes the situation and states the point of view of the Americans, then presents a series of concessions that should satisfy all the colonists' demands. He maintains that it is better to obtain a people's good will by working with them and being willing to compromise rather than by exercising arbitrary authority. Coercion will not work with people who have had a taste of liberty and independence, but an appeal to their common descent with the bRitish and their ties to the Mother country together with a sincere attempt at compromise could have avoided years of bloodshed and turmoil. Needless to say, Burke's wise tract was disregarded by the British and his resolution was defeated 270 to 78 in the House of Commons. It is intriguing that there were 78 men who were willing to go against the wishes of the king and vote for conciliation.