University of Virginia Library

SEPTEMBER 28. LOCATION OF THE CAPITAL.

Mr. Madison contended that the amendment proposed by
the Senate was a departure from every principle adopted by
the House; but he would not trouble them with a recapitulation
of arguments, which he feared would be unavailing; he
wished, however, that the House would provide against one
inconvenience, which was, to prevent the district in Pennsylvania,
chosen by Congress, from being deprived for a time of

the benefit of the laws. This, he apprehended, would be the
case, unless Congress made provision for the operation of the
laws of Pennsylvania, in the act by which they accepted of
the cession of that State; for the State relinquished the right
of legislation from the moment that Congress accepted of the
district. The propriety of this proposition was so apparent,
that he had not a doubt but the House would consent to it.
He then moved the following proviso: "And provided, that
nothing herein contained shall be construed to affect the
operation of the laws of Pennsylvania, within the district
ceded and accepted, until Congress shall otherwise provide by
law."[127]