The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-12-01

away from Great Britain. The State early
found his worth and made him member
Of the Council OF State in III and dele
gate in the Continental Congress in 17ls
He served there for three years during a
most trying period.
When he returned home he spent some
time reading law. Though never ad-
mitted 10 the bar. he became deeply
versed in the law and had been appoint
ed as early as 177s member OF a COM
mittee TO codify the laws OF Virginia
From his retirement he was called in I7s4
to become a member OF the House Of
Delegates. He was much interested In the
preservation OF the States honor by Sc
curing the payment of debts owed 10
British subjects and paid much attention
TO improved communication with the
West
II IL be true that a desire to have q
Federal regulation OF commerce and a
Federal power TO tax were the causes OF
the constitution II is also true that bet
ter communication with inc West ana
the navigation OF the Potomac River
were the occasions OF that document be-
ing prepared at the time IT came into
being. The stream, flowing between
Maryland and Virginia, belonged 10 the
former State. but as there were points
OF entry On the southern bank IL was
necessary for both States 20 join In any
satisfactory commercial regulations of
river traffic. The mutual appointment OF
commissioners to discuss these points
was urged by Madison, and was made BY
both State Legislatures. on March .,
17s5 the commissioners, by Washingtor's
invitation, met at Mount Vernon and
agreed on a report 10 be referred 10 their
States. They also suggested that there
be uniform legislation by Maryland and
Virginia with reference 10 duties on i'm
ports and regulation Of commerce and
OF the currency. II was also suggested
that commissioners be appoirted aEnu-
ally TO meet and discuss such points.
Maryland acted first and recommended
that Pennsylvania and Delaware be in
vited TO attend a second conference. as
their commercial interests were so closely
allied TO those OF the two comforting
States. Here was Madison's chance tie
had already contended in the Virginia
Legislature that the only redress for the
unsatisfactory condition Of commercial
affairs was a uniform system OF com
mercial regulations pervading all the
States, enacted by a common authority.
and now determined 10 endeavor TO Sc
cure a convention OF commissioners from
all the States 10 consider a uniform COM
mercial system and to endeavor 10 add ia
the articles or confederation an article
which would secure the power OF estab-
fishing such a system 10 the Federal
Government. Fearing that his own known
nationalist sympathies would arouse or
position. ne secured the introduction OF
his resolution by Mr.. Tyler. delegate
who was not thought TO be a strong Fed
eral sympathiZer. The measure passed.
The Virginia commissioners were ap-
pointed and selected Annapolis as the
place and September. T7ss. as the time
for the meeting.
So few States sent delegates 10 Annap-
oils that nothing could be done. but Ham
ilton seized on the clause In New Jer-
sey's instructions 10 her delegates 10
consider "other important matters" in
addition 10 commercial ones and secured
the passage Of resolution by the CON-
vention calling for the assembling OF an
other general convention 10 meet at Phil
adelphia In May l7S7, 10 discuss all need
ed amendments TO the articles OF confed-
Grafton. Madison. who was at Annaro-
lis. heartily concurred in this. as he felt
the existing confederation was noth,t 2
more than a treaty Of amity. commerce
and alliance between independent and
sovereign States.
Virginia was the first State 10 appoint
delegates to this Philadelphia convention.
Washington was the first one named. and
Madison was rightfully included in the