After some further conversation, the clause passed. The third resolution in the report was then read; which was, that if an American citizen chose to expatriate himself, he should not be allowed to enter into the list of citizens again without a special act of Congress, and of the State from which he had gone.
Mr. Madison did not think that Congress, by the constitution, had any authority to readmit American citizens at all. It was only granted to them to admit aliens.
Mr. Sedgwick was very willing, for his part, that citizens who had once expatriated themselves should never be readmitted again.
The committee, on two successive motions to that effect, from Mr. Madison and Mr. Giles, rose. The Chairman reported progress, and asked leave to sit again, which was granted.
Wednesday, December 31.
Lemuel Benton, from South Carolina, appeared, and took his seat in the House.
Thursday, January 1, 1795.
Naturalization Bill.
The House proceeded to consider the amendments reported yesterday from the Committee of the whole House, to the bill to amend the act entitled, "An act to establish a uniform rule of naturalization."
The House went through the report of the committee, and agreed to the amendments.