Mr Rutlidge. If nothing else, this alone would damn and ought to damn the Constitution. Will any State ever agree to be bound hand & foot in this manner. It is worse than making mere corporations of them whose bye laws would not be subject to this shackle.
Mr Elseworth observed that the power contended for wd require either that all laws of the State Legislatures should previously to their taking effect be transmitted to the Genl Legislature, or be repealable by the Latter; or that the State Executives should be appointed by the Genl Government, and have a controul over the State laws. If the last was meditated let it be declared.
Mr Pinkney declared that he thought the State Executives ought to be so appointed with such a controul, & that it would be so provided if another Convention should take place.
Mr Governr Morris did not see the utility or practicability of the proposition of Mr Pinkney, but wished it to be referred to the consideration of a Committee.
Mr Langdon was in favor of the proposition. He considered it as resolvable into the question whether the extent of the National Constitution was to be judged of by the Genl or the State Governments.
On the question for commitment, it passed in the negative.
N. H. ay. Massts no. Cont no. N. J. no. Pa ay. Del. ay. Md ay. Va ay. N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. no.
Mr Pinkney then withdrew his proposition.
The 1st sect. of Art: VII being so amended as to read "The Legislature shall fulfil the engagements and discharge the debts of the U. S. & shall have the power to lay & collect taxes duties imposts & excises," was agreed to.
Mr Butler expressed his dissatisfaction lest it should compel payment as well to the Blood-suckers who had speculated on the distresses of others, as to those who had fought & bled for their country. He would be ready he said to-morrow to vote for a discrimination between those classes of people, and gave notice that he should move for a reconsideration.