Mar. 1—An act ordering a census to be taken was passed.
” 24—A naturalization law was originated.
Apr. 15—A patent law was constructed.
” 30—Treason was defined and the penalty determined on.
May 29—The Constitution ratified by Rhode Island; making up the whole number of thirteen States.
” 31—“An act to encourage learning” secured copyrights to authors.
July 16—Three very exciting debates that had occupied much of the time of Congress, had a bearing on the location of the National Capital, which was this day permanently settled. The President was authorized to determine the site on the Potomac, and have the buildings erected so as to be ready for occupation in 1800. Agreeably to this act Maryland and Virginia ceded the District of Columbia to the United States.
Gen. Putnam, a brave Revolutionary soldier, Benjamin Franklin, of Pa., Wm. Hooper, of N. C., and Francis Hopkinson, of N. J., all except Putnam signers of the Declaration of Independence, died this year.
The Territory South of the Ohio was organized this year. The financial system of the country was established, the slavery question debated and settled in accordance with the compromise of the Constitution, and the State debts transferred to the United States.
Aug. 12—Congress adjourned to meet next in Philadelphia and thereafter until 1800.