Mr Govr Morris 2ded the motion.
On the Question for striking out "landed"
N. H. ay. Mass. ay. Ct ay. N. J. ay. Pa ay. Del. ay. Md no. Va ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.
On Question on 1st part of Col. Masons proposition as to "qualification of property & citizenship," as so amended
N. H. ay. Masts ay. Ct no. N. J. ay. Pa no. Del. no. Md ay. Va ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.
"The 2d part, for disqualifying debtors, and persons having unsettled accounts," being under consideration
Mr Carrol moved to strike out "having unsettled accounts"
Mr Ghorum seconded the motion; observing that it would put the commercial & manufacturing part of the people on a worse footing than others as they would be most likely to have dealings with the public.
Mr L. Martin, if these words should be struck out, and the remaining words concerning debtors retained, it will be the interest of the latter class to keep their accounts unsettled as long as possible.
Mr Wilson was for striking them out. They put too much power in the hands of the Auditors, who might combine with rivals in delaying settlements in order to prolong the disqualifications of particular men. We should consider that we are providing a Constitution for future generations, and not merely for the peculiar circumstances of the moment. The time has been, and will again be, when the public safety may depend on the voluntary aids of individuals which will necessarily open accts with the public, and when such accts will be a characteristic of patriotism. Besides a partial enumeration of cases will disable the Legislature from disqualifying odious & dangerous characters.