A very fair statement of both views may be found in Macvane's Political
Economy.
SECTION IX.—PROHIBITIONS ON CONGRESS.
Clause 1.—The Slave Trade.
The migration or importation of such persons[1] as any of the states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may he imposed on such importation,[2] not exceeding ten dollars for each person.[1]
[1] The framers of the constitution disliked to tarnish the instrument by using the word slave, and adopted this euphemism.
At that time there was a general desire, not ripened into a purpose however, that slavery might soon cease to exist in the United States.
This clause, which permitted the continuance for a time of the slave trade, was a concession to North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The other states had already prohibited the slave trade, and it was hoped by all that before the time specified the abolition of slavery would be gradually accomplished.
[2] No such tax was imposed.
This provision is now obsolete, and is of interest only historically. (For further discussion of slavery, see page 343.)
Clause 2.—The Writ of Habeas Corpus.