Mr Sherman withdrew his motion to make way for one of Mr Williamson to add to Sect. 3. "By this rule the several quotas of the States shall be determined in settling the expences of the late war."
Mr Carrol brought into view the difficulty that might arise on this subject from the establishment of the Constitution as intended without the unanimous consent of the States.
Mr Williamson's motion was postponed nem. con.
Art: VI Sect. 12. which had been postponed of Aug: 15. was now called for by Col. Mason, who wished to know how the proposed amendment as to money bills would be decided, before he agreed to any further points.
Mr Gerry's motion of yesterday that previous to a census, direct taxation be proportioned on the States according to the number of Representatives, was taken up. He observed that the principal acts of Government would probably take place within that period, and it was but reasonable that the States should pay in proportion to their share in them.
Mr Elseworth thought such a rule unjust. There was a great difference between the number of Represents and the number of inhabitants as a rule in this case. Even if the former were proportioned as nearly as possible to the latter, it would be a very inaccurate rule. A State might have one Representative only that had inhabitants enough for 1-1/2 or more, if fractions could be applied, &c.—. He proposed to amend the motion by adding the words, "subject to a final liquidation by the foregoing rule when a census shall have been taken."
Mr Madison. The last appointment of Congs on which the number of Representatives was founded, was conjectural and meant only as a temporary rule till a Census should be established.
Mr Read. The requisitions of Congs had been accommodated to the impoverishment produced by the war; and to other local and temporary circumstances.
Mr Williamson opposed Mr Gerry's motion.
Mr Langdon was not here when N. H. was allowed three members. If it was more than her share; he did not wish for them.