Mr. Sherman was against the second part ["but a tax or duty may be imposed on such migration or importation at a rate not exceeding the average of the duties laid on imports">[, as acknowledging men to be property by taxing them as such under the character of slaves.
Mr. Madison thought it wrong to admit in the Constitution the like idea that there could be property in men. The reason of duties did not hold, as slaves are not, like merchandise, consumed.
It was finally agreed, nem. con., to make the clause read—
"But a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each PERSON."—Madison Papers, Aug. 25, 1787.
—Compare this noble passage and that at page 18, with the twaddle of Mr. Orr (note 30), and the slang of Mr. Douglas (note 37).