(article 12,) the words, "nor lay embargoes." He urged that such acts by the states would be unnecessary, impolitic, and unjust.
Mr. SHERMAN thought the states ought to retain this power, in order to prevent suffering and injury to their poor.
Col. MASON thought the amendment would be not only improper but dangerous, as the general legislature would not sit constantly, and therefore could not interpose at the necessary moments. He enforced his objection by appealing to the necessity of sudden embargoes, during the war, to prevent exports—particularly in the case of a blockade.
Mr. GOUVERNEUR MORRIS considered the provision as unnecessary; the power of regulating trade between state and state, already vested in the general legislature, being sufficient.
On the question,—
Massachusetts, Delaware, South Carolina, ay, 3; New Hampshire, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, no, 8.
Mr. MADISON moved, that the words, "nor lay imposts or duties on imports," be transferred from article 13, where the consent of the general legislature may license the act, into article 12, which will make the prohibition on the states absolute. He observed, that as the states interested in this power, by which they could tax the imports of their neighbors passing through their markets, were a majority, they could give the consent of the legislature, to the injury of New Jersey, North Carolina, &c.
Mr. WILLIAMSON seconded the motion.
Mr. SHERMAN thought the power might safely be left to the legislature of the United States.
Col. MASON observed, that particular states might wish to encourage, by impost duties, certain manufactures, for which they enjoyed natural advantages, as Virginia the manufacture of hemp, &c.
Mr. MADISON. The encouragement of manufactures in that mode requires duties, not only on imports directly from foreign countries, but from the other states in the Union, which would revive all the mischiefs experienced from the want of a general government over commerce.
On the question,—
New Hampshire, New Jersey, Delaware, North Carolina, ay, 4; Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, no, 7.
Article 12, as amended, was then agreed to, nem. con.
Article 13, was then taken up.
Mr. KING moved to insert, after the word "imports," the words, "or exports;" so as to prohibit the states from taxing either; and on this question, it passed in the affirmative.
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, North Carolina, ay, 6; Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, no, 5.
Mr. SHERMAN moved to add, after the word "exports," the words, "nor with such consent, but for the use of the United States;"
