except it might be such articles as ought not to be exported. The complexity of the business in America would render an equal tax or exports impracticable. The oppression of the uncommercial states was guarded against by the power to regulate trade between the states. As to compelling foreigners, that might be done by regulating trade in general. The government would not be trusted with such a power. Objections are most likely to be excited by considerations relating to taxes and money. A power to tax exports would shipwreck the whole.
Mr. CARROLL was surprised that any objection should be made to an exception of exports from the power of taxation.
It was finally agreed, that the question concerning exports should lie over for the place in which the exception stood in the report,—Maryland alone voting against it.211
Article 7, sect. 1, clause first, was then agreed to,—Mr. Gerry alone answering, no.
The clause for regulating commerce with foreign nations, &c., was agreed to, nem. con.
The several clauses—for coining money—for regulating foreign coin—for fixing the standard of weights and measures—were agreed to, nem. con.
On the clause, "To establish post-offices,"—
Mr. GERRY moved to add, "and post-roads."
Mr. MERCER seconded; and, on the question,—
Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, ay, 6; New Hampshire, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, no, 5.
Mr. GOUVERNEUR MORRIS moved to strike out "and emit bills on the credit of the United States." If the United States had credit, such bills would be unnecessary; if they had not, unjust and useless.
Mr. BUTLER seconds the motion.
Mr. MADISON. Will it not be sufficient to prohibit the making them a tender? This will remove the temptation to emit them with unjust views; and promissory notes, in that shape, may in some emergencies be best.
Mr. GOUVERNEUR MORRIS. Striking out the words will leave room still for notes of a responsible minister, which will do all the good without the mischief. The moneyed interest will oppose the plan of government, if paper emissions be not prohibited.
Mr. GORHAM was for striking out without inserting any prohibition. If the words stand, they may suggest and lead to the measure.
Mr. MASON had doubts on the subject. Congress, he thought, would not have the power, unless it were expressed. Though he had a mortal hatred to paper money, yet, as he could not foresee all emergencies, he was unwilling to tie the hands of the legislature. He observed that the late war could not have been carried on, had such a prohibition existed.
