Alexandria gazette, commercial and political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1812-1817, 1813-07-14

view TO ask a decision on any ques-
| ton involved in its scope during the
present session bnt in order that at
the commencement Of the next ses
sion, it would be taken up. and if
sanctioned by Congress be present
ed TO the state Legislatures in time
to be acted on at their winter SEES
sion so that the nation might pos
sess the benefits it contemplated as
soon as practicable. In the mean.
time. the members of Congress and
the states can deliberate on the sub
jeef, and be prepared then to pro-
n0unce their decision.
The first amendment. said Mr.. j..
proposes TO authorize Congress TO lay
tax on exports--a power he con-
ceived indispensable TO eesnteract
the measures of foreign nations who
fax their exports to this country.
and collect from that source a large
revenue annually, which falls upon
the consumer. and consequently is
tax on the q. s. Mr.. j. said he
considered them a legitimate object
Of taxation, and the truest policy
dictated the imposition OF the tax,
provided the inhibition were repeal
ed Which he proposed. He repeat
ed, he would not now 60 into an ex-
animation of the general policy Of
the measure. or an enquiry into the
the reasons which induces the pro-
hibition, hut he would say that he
believed that if the power existed
there would be no necessity to re-
sort to system Of internal taxes
"a power which might be 50 guard
ed and exercised as to prevent any
possible abuses which might be APP
pretended.
The other three amendments
might be consolidated in one ( MIR.
J. said) were it not that he was un-
willing to hazard either by an IN.
necessary connection of it with the
others and if either was agreed to,
it would he gaining something which
he desired, even if all were not as
scented TO. They propose au'horis-
ing Congress to make roads and ca
nails, and to establish national
bank-the first Of which were TAXED
with the internal prosperity of the
country, and the last almost indis-
pensable to a due administration OF
the fiscal concerns Of the nation
/ am aware (said Mr.. j. that many
persons in the nation believe that
Congress are already clothed with
these powers but it is equally true
that great portion also, deny the
authority whilst almost all. /! be-
Iieve, agree that it i, proper and ne
cessary TO possess it. 1t /, therefore
the dictate OF sound reason to recon-
cile these opinions 10y the express
grant, in preference to resor,ing to
construction aud Implication. which
are always dangerous and may be
rendered wholly unnecessary. l
shall for the prescat content myself
with submitting the resolution for
consideration. in order that it. may
be laid on the table and printed
and at an early day Of the next ses-
sion it is my design to call for its
adoption.
Mr.. J. then read the following re-
solution.
RESOLVED, BY the Senate and House
of Representative of the United States
OF America III Congress assembled. two
thirds of both Houses concurrng, that
the following articles be proposed as a.
mendments to the Constitution oil the u.
States, each of which, when ratified by
three fourths of the said Legislatures,
shall be valid to all intents and purposes,
as part of the said Constitution.
|. Congress shall have power to lay
tax or duty on articles exported from
| any state.
2. Congress shall have power to make
Roads in any state, with the consent Of
the state within which the same shall he
made.
8. Congress shall have power to make
canals in any state, with the con sent of
the state within which the same shall be
| made.
4. Congress shall have power to esta-
blish national bank, with branches
thereof in any state or territory Of the
United States"
Mr.. j. said it was his intention to
limit the power of taxing exports to
an ad valorsm duty on the articles
exported. but he thought it best to
present the simple proposition with
out details which NAV be supplied