Mr. WICKLIFFE:—I like the amendment proposed better than the original, but I wish to suggest an amendment to it myself.
We are aware that certain countries which are much exercised over the criminality of slavery and the slave-trade, have recently adopted a system, the horrors of which are not surpassed by those of the middle passage. I refer to the importation of coolies and other persons from China and the East. In my judgment, this is the slave-trade in one of its worst forms. I think if we prevent the importation of slaves at all, the provision ought to be made to cover such a case. I therefore move to amend the proposition of Mr. Morehead, by inserting after the words "importation of slaves," the words "or coolies, or persons held to service or labor."
Mr. MOREHEAD:—I accept the amendment of Mr. Wickliffe, and should have inserted it myself had it occurred to me. My proposition as it now stands, covers both the points here made; it declares the entire prohibition of the slave-trade, and it makes it also the duty of Congress to pass laws effectually to prevent it.
The amendment offered by Mr. Morehead was agreed to by the following vote:
Ayes.—Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois—11.
Noes.—Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, and Kansas—8.
Mr. Hoppin, of Rhode Island, Messrs. Orth and Ellis, of Indiana, and Mr. Stockton, of New Jersey, dissented from the votes of their respective States.
Mr. CROWNINSHIELD:—I move to strike out the whole section. I had rather have no section at all, and no provision upon the subject, than such a one as we have now adopted. The requisition upon Congress making it their duty to enact laws, will be considered as a necessary one; the consequence which must result is, that until Congress legislates, there is no law against the importation of slaves.
The motion of Mr. Crowninshield was rejected by the following vote:
Ayes.—Massachusetts, Virginia, and Tennessee—3.