[A] The constitutional power of Congress to prohibit the importation took effect and was exercised in 1808.
[B] The great diminution in the rates of increase during this period is probably due to the removal of slaves into Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.
[232] Art. VII. § 1 of the first draft of the Constitution. Elliot, V. 378.
[233] August 18. Elliot, V. 440.
[234] A committee of one member from each State.
[235] Elliot, V. 441. To the same grand committee was afterwards referred the subject of the militia. See infra.
[236] August 21. Elliot, V. 451.
[237] August 22. Ibid. 462.
[238] See the proceedings which took place, August 22, 24, and 25. Elliot, V. 462, 463, 464, 471, 475-477.
[239] Elliot, V. 476, 477. Mr. Madison says, "This proposition, as being unnecessary, was disagreed to"; that is, unnecessary as a security of the old debts of the United States.