The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 2

by United States. Constitutional Convention; James Madison

M^r Sherman. It means neither more nor less than the confederation as it relates to this subject.

M^r Elseworth moved that the Report delivered in by Gov^r Livingston should lie on the table.–Agreed to nem. con.

Art: VII. Sect. 3 resumed.–M^r Dickinson moved to postpone this in order to reconsider Art: IV. Sect. 4. and to limit the number of representatives to be allowed to the large States. Unless this were done the small States would be reduced to entire insignificancy, and encouragement given to the importation of slaves.

M^r Sherman would agree to such a reconsideration, but did not see the necessity of postponing the section before the House.–M^r Dickenson withdrew his motion.

Art: VII. Sect 3. then agreed to 10 ays, Delaware alone being no.

M^r Sherman moved to add to Sect 3. the following clause "And all accounts of supplies furnished, services performed, and monies advanced by the several States to the U. States, or by the U. S. to the several States shall be adjusted by the same rule."

M^r Govern^r Morris 2^ds the motion.

M^r Ghorum, thought it wrong to insert this in the Constitution. The Legislature will no doubt do what is right. The present Congress have such a power and are now exercising it.

M^r Sherman unless some rule be expressly given none will exist under the new system.

M^r Elseworth. Though The contracts of Congress will be binding, there will be no rule for executing them on the States; and one ought to be provided.