The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
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THURSDAY APRIL 17. |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
THURSDAY APRIL 17.
Mr. Madison with the permission of the Come. on Revenue reported
the following clause to be added to the 10th. paragraph in
the first report viz
“And to the end that convenient provision may be made for
determining in all such cases how far the expences may have been
reasonable as well with respect to the object thereof as the means
for accomplishing it, thirteen com̃isrs. namely one out of each State
shall be appointed by Congress, any seven of whom (having first
taken an oath for the faithful & impartial execution of their trust)
who shall concur in the same opinion, shall be empowered to determine
finally on the reasonableness of the claims for expences
incurred by particular States as aforesaid; And in order that
such determinations may be expedited as much as possible, the
Com̃isrs. now in appointment for adjusting accts. between the U.
S. and individual States, shall be instructed to examine all such
claims & report to Congs. such of them as shall be supported by
satisfactory proofs, distinguishing in their reports the objects and
measures in which the expences shall have been incurred; provided
that no balances which may be found due under this regulation,
or the Resolutions of the—day of—, shall be
deducted out of the preceding Revenues; but shall be discharged
by separate requisitions to be made on the States for that purpose.”
In support of this proposition it was argued that in a general
provision for public debts and public tranquillity satisfactory
measures ought to be taken on a point Wch. many of the States
had so much at heart, & which they wd. not separate from ye.
other matters proposed by Congress; that the nature of the business
was unfit for the decision of Congs., who brought with them
more time than could be spared for it.
On the opposite side some contended that the Accts. between
the U. S. & particular States Sd. not be made in any manner to
encumber those between the former and private persons. Others
thought that Congs. could not delegate to Comrs. a power of allowing
claims for which the Confedon. reqd. nine States. Others were
unwilling to open so wide a door for claims on the Common
Treasury.
On the question, Masts. divided. Cont.ay. R. Id. no. N. Y.
no. N. J. no. Pa. no. Maryd. no. Va. ay. N. C. no. S. C. no.
| The writings of James Madison, | |