Tuesday, December 22.
Importation of Slaves.
Mr. Marion presented the petition of sundry merchants and others, in Charleston, South Carolina, stating that many vessels had cleared out from thence for the purpose of importing slaves, before the law was passed by Congress prohibiting the importation of slaves, and some had cleared out immediately after the passing of the law, and had been detained by accidents beyond the time limited by law; and praying that a law may be passed affording them relief.
The question being put on a motion made by Mr. Marion for a reference of this petition to the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures—
Mr. Masters said if there was any subject in favor of which a petition should not be referred, it was the slave trade. These petitioners knew when the prohibitory law would go into operation, and they were not entitled to relief by the laws of God or man.
The motion for reference was negatived—yeas 37, nays 39.