326 RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION Saturday MADISON ?lugust x8 the Committee prepare a clause or clauses for restraining the Legislature of the U.S. from establishing a perpetual revenue" "To secure the payment of the public debt" "To secure all creditors under the New Constitution from a violation of the public faith when pledged b 7 the authority of the Legislature" "To grant letters of mark and reprisal" "To regulate Stages on the post roads") Mr Mason introduced the subject of regulating the militia. s He thought such a power necessary to be given to the Genl. Government. He hoped there would be no standing army in time of peace, unless it might be for a few garrisons. The Militia ought therefore to be the more effectually prepared for the public defence. Thirteen States will never concur in any one system, if the displining of the Militia be left in their hands. If they will not give up the power over the whole, they probably will over a part as a select militia. He moved as an addition to the propositions just referred to the Com- mittee of detail, & to be referred in like manner? "a power to regulate the militia" Mr. Gerry remarked that some provision ought to be made in favor of public Securities, � something inserted concern- ing letters of marque, which he thought not included in the power of war. He proposed that these subjects should also go to a Committee. Mr. Rutlidge moved to refer a clause "that funds appro- priated to public creditors should not be diverted to other purposes." Mr. Mason was much attached to the principle, but was afraid such a fetter might be dangerous in time of war. He suggested the necessity of preventing the danger of perpetual revenue which must of necessity subvert the liberty of any Country. If it be objected to on the principal of Mr. Rut- ? Upon this subject see August ?x, August o.z, and August 23 (with references under note 4.) 8 Charges as to Gerry's motives in making this proposal, and Gerry's defense, will be found in Appendix A, CLVII, CLXII, CLXXV, CLXXXIX, CXCIX, see al?o August ?5- On the subject of the indebtedness of the Confederation, see below August zx-?4, and August z5 (wlth references under note 5.)
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