The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-07-14


footing that could be obtained. A compromise
likewise took place in regard to the importa-
ton of slaves II is probable that all the mem
bers reprobated this inhuman traffic, but those
of South Carolina and Georgia would not con-
sent to an immediate prohibition of it one
reason of which was, that during the last war
they lost q vast number Of negroes, which loss
they wish to supply. In the mean time it is
left TO the States to admit or prohibit the i'm.
portation, and Congress may impose limited
duty upon it-Pdge 1853.
Debates in the Pennsylvania State Convention,
called 10 rdtJy the Constitution.
Mr.. Wilson. Much fault has been found
with the mode of expression used in the first
clause of the ninth section Of the first article.
believe can assign a reason why that mode
of expression was used, and why the term slave
was not admitted in this Constitution. And
as to the manner Of laying taxes, this is not
the first time that the subject has come into
the view of the United States and Of the Legs
lures of the several States The gentleman
[Mr Findleyl will recollect that in the present
Congress the quota of the Federal debt ana
general expenses was TO be in proportion to the
value of land. and other enumerated property,
within the States After trying this tor mum
Der of years, it was found, on all hands, to be
a mode that could not be carried into execu-
ton. Congress was satisfied Of this and in the
wear 1888 recommended, in conformity with
the powers they possessed under the articles OF
Confederation, that the quota should be accord
ing to the number of free people, including
those bound to servitude, and excluding Indians
not taxed These were the expressions used in
1888. and the fate of this recommendation was
similar TO all their other resolutions IL was
not carried into effect, but it was adopted by
no fewer than eleven out OF thirteen States J;
and it cannot be but matter of surprise to hear
gentlemen who agreed to this very mode OF
expression at that time, come forward and
state it as an objection on the present occasion
1t was natural, sir, for the late Convention to
adopt the mode after it had been agreed to by
eleven States, and to use the expression which
they found had been received as unexception-
able before With respect to the clause re-
strcting Congress from prohibiting the migra-
ton or importation of such persons as any OF
tn States now existing shall think proper to
admit prior TO the year 1903, the honorable
gentleman says that this clause is not only
dark, but intended to grant to Congress- for
that time, the power to admit the importation
of slaves. No such thing was intended but
will tell you what was done-and it gives me
high pleasure that 80 much was done. Under
the present Confederation, the States may ad-
nit the importation of slaves as long as they
please; but by this article, after the year 1908
the Congress will have power to prohibit such
importation, notwithstanding the disposition OF
any State 10 the contrary. | consider this as
laying the foundation for banishing Slavery out
OF this country; and though the period Is more
distant than | could wish, yet it will produce
the same kind, gradual change which was pur-
sued in Pennsylvania. IL is with much salts
faction | view this power in the General Gov
eminent, whereby they may lay an interdic-
ton on this reproachful trade; but an immedi-
ate advantage is also obtained, for tax or
duty may be imposed on such importation, not
exceeding ten dollars for each person. And
this, sir, operates as partial prohibition. 1t
was all that could be obtained-l am sorry it
was no more but from this | think there is
reason to hope that yet few years, and it will
be prohibited altogether; and in the mean time
the new States which are to be formed will be
under the control Of Congress in this particu-
lar, and slaves will never be introduced amongst
them. The gentleman says that it is untortu-
nate in another point of yiew--it means to
prohibit the introduction of white people from
Europe, as this tax may deter them from COM
ing amongst us. A little impartiality and at
tention will discover the care that the Conven-
ton took in selecting their language The
words are The migration or importation of
such persons Sc, shall not be prohibited by
Congress prior to the year 1903, but tax or
duty may be imposed On such importation. 1t
is observable here, that the term migration If
dropped when tax or duty is mentioned, so
that Congress have power to impose the tax
only on those imported-Pages $50, 25l.
Debates in The South Carolina State Convention,
called 10 ratyy the Constitution.
General Pinckney. The numbers in the diff
ferent States, according to the most accurate
accounts we could obtain, were
In New Hampshire, l02 900; Massachusetts,,
100000 Rhode Island. $4,000 Connecticut,
2O2, 900 New York, 23S,OOO; New Jersey,
$4,000; Pennsylvania, 100000; Delaware,
$4,000; Maryland, Including three-fiths of
10000 negroes) 2l8000; Virginia, Including
three tifths of $50 900 negroes) 2O,000 North
Caroline, Including three-ffths of 60 600 ne
groes) 100000; South Carolina, Including
three ftths of 10000 negroes,) 100000; Geor-
gia, Including three ffths OF 10000 negroes,
10000
The first House of Representatives will con-
sist of sixty five members; South Carolina will |
send five Of them. Each State has the same
representation in the Senate that she has at
present; 30 that South Carolina will have, I'M
der the new Constitution a thirtieth share in
the Government, which is the proportion she
has under the old Confederation and when it
is considered that the Eastern States are full
of men, aud that we must necessarily increase
rapidly 10 the southwark and southwestward,
he did not think that the Southern States will
have an inadequate share in the representation.
The honorable gentleman alleges that the
Southern States are weak, | sincerely agree
with him we are so weak that, Dy our
selves, we could not form union strong
enough for the purpose Of efsctually protecting
each other. Without union with the other
States, South Carolina must soon TALL. Is tnere
any one among us 30 much Quixote as 70
suppose that this State could long MAINTAIN
her independence if she stood alone, or was only
connected with the Southern States! l scarce
ly believe there is Let an invading ROVER
send naval force into the Chesapeake, to keel
Virginia in alarm, and attack South Carolinf
with such naval and military force as Sll
Henry Clinton brought here in 1880, and
though they might not soon conquer US, the,
would certainly do US an Infinite deal OF mis-
chief; and if they considerably increased thei
numbers, we should probably fall. As, from tn
nature Of our climate and the fewness of oul
inhabitants we are undoubtedly weak, shoulC
we not cndeavor to form a close union with thu
Eastern States who are strong! And ough
We not to endeavor to increase that species o
strength which will render them Of most ser
vice to us both in peace and war ! NEAR
their navy. We certainly ought and by doinl
this, we render it their peculiar interest to at
ford us every assistance in their power a.
every wound that we receive will eventually
affect them. Reflect, for moment on the sit
uation of the Eastern States-thor country full
Of inhabitants, and 80 impracticable to an in
vading enemy by their numberless stone walls
and variety of other circumstances, that they