RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION 449 Wedne.rday MADISON ./l ugust ?9 not consequently restrain the States from retrospective laws in civil cases, and that some further provision for this pur- pose would be requisite. Art. VII Sect. 6 by ye. Committee (of eleven) reported to be struck out s (see the z 4 instant) being now taken up, Mr. Pinkney moved to postpone the Report in favor of the following proposition--"That no act of the Legislature for the purpose of regulating the commerce of the U--S. with foreign powers, or among the several States, shall be passed without the assent of two thirds of the members of each House--"--He remarked that there were five distinct com- mercial interests-- I. the fisheries & W. India trade, which belonged to the N. England States. z. the interest of N. York lay in a free trade. 3. Wheat & flour the Staples of the two Middle States, (N.J. & Penna.)-- 4 Tobo. the staple of Maryd. & Virginia (& partly of N. Carolina.) s 5. Rice & Indigo, the staples of S. Carolina & Georgia. These different interests would be a source of oppressive regulations if no check to a bare majority should be provided. States pur- sue their interests with less scruple than individuals. The power of regulating commerce was a pure concession on the part of the S. States. They did not need. the protection of the N. States at present. Mr. Martin 2ded. the motion Genl. Pinkhey said it was the true interest of the S. States to have no regulation of commerce; but considering the loss brought on the commerce of the Eastern States by the revolu- tion, their liberal conduct towards the views* of South Carolina, and the interest the weak Southn. States had in being united with the strong Eastern States, he thought it proper that no
- He meant the permission to import slaves. An understanding on the two
subjects of ?a?igatioa and slavtr?, had taken place between those parts of the Union, which explains the vote on the Motion depending, as well as the language o/Genl. Pinkhey & others. a Requiring two-thirds of both houses to pass navigation acts. On this question see August 2z and Appendix A, CXV, CXXXII, CLV, CXCIII, CCXVI, CCXVII, CCCXXXVI. As this subject was a matter of compromise in connection with the slave-trade, see references under August ?5, note 7. 6 Probably but not certainly a later insertion.
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