In proposing amendments to the Constitution, it seems to me improper that we should attempt to bind any but our own citizens. The adoption of the section in this form would seem to imply that we undertook to prohibit the slave-trade in other countries and among citizens of other countries. I desire to see it prohibited, but wish to have the constitutional provision expressed in appropriate terms.
Mr. CROWNINSHIELD:—I object to this amendment. It would nullify the operation of the section entirely. There are in the United States thousands of persons who are not citizens, but who, under such a provision of the Constitution, would revive the slave-trade and infuse into it a vigor which it never before possessed. It would be better to have no section at all than to permit such an amendment as this. The amendment can bear but one construction. It is intended to prohibit the slave-trade by our own citizens, and expressly to permit it by those who are not citizens.
Mr. COALTER:—I am in favor of the amendment.
Mr. BRADFORD:—I do not desire to embarrass the action of the Conference, and I will withdraw the amendment.
Mr. JAMES:—I move to amend this section by striking out the following words: "from places beyond the limits thereof."
The object of this amendment is apparent, and does not need explanation.
The amendment of Mr. James was agreed to by the following vote:
Ayes.—Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Kansas—17.
Noes.—Virginia, North Carolina, and Missouri—3.
Mr. MOREHEAD, of North Carolina:—I move that the vote just passed striking out the words "from places beyond the present limits thereof," be rescinded.