Mr Sherman, in explanation of his idea read an enumeration of powers, including the power of levying taxes on trade, but not the power of direct taxation.
Mr Govr Morris remarked the omission, and inferred that for the deficiencies of taxes on consumption, it must have been the meaning of Mr. Sherman, that the Genl Govt should recur to quotas & requisitions, which are subversive of the idea of Govt.
Mr Sherman acknowledged that his enumeration did not include direct taxation. Some provision he supposed must be made for supplying the deficiency of other taxation, but he had not formed any.
On Question on Mr Sherman's motion it passed in the negative
Mas. no. Cont ay. N. J. no. Pa no. Del. no. Md ay. Va no. N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. no.
Mr Bedford moved that the 2d member of Resolution 6. be so altered as to read, "and moreover to legislate in all cases for the general interests of the Union, and also in those to which the States are severally incompetent, or in which the harmony of the U. States may be interrupted by the exercise of individual Legislation."
Mr Govr Morris 2ds the motion.
Mr Randolph. This is a formidable idea indeed. It involves the power of violating all the laws and constitutions of the States, and of intermeddling with their police. The last member of the sentence is also superfluous, being included in the first.
Mr Bedford. It is not more extensive or formidable than the clause as it stands: no State being separately competent to legislate for the general interest of the Union.
On question for agreeing to Mr Bedford's motion it passed in the affirmative.