The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 12
History
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 12
United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
5thly. Hence it follows that their plan, (be it what it may) must be
adopted by the States in all its parts, because none of them can have
a right to make amendments.
6thly. The objections heretofore raised against the impost will by
this means be totally done away, because each State may at its option
either comply with the general plan or pay her particular share of the
whole debt.
7thly. If the plan proposed as an alternative be adopted, it will from
the nature of the case be an express national compact between the
United States and each individual State. The revenue will have been
purchased by Congress and they will have a perfect right to insist on
their bargain.
8thly. The plans of Congress will by this means be greatly facilitated
in the States, because the arguments will apply to men's feelings, and
they will at once perceive, that it is better to give a permanent
revenue of six, than make immediate payment of a hundred. Every term
and condition in the plan will then be fair, because if the revenues
be such as in the judgment of the Legislature will fall too heavy on
their constituents, they can adopt others, borrow on their own
account, and pay in their share at the day named. So that the United
States will either receive the whole money, and pay all their debts,
or they will get solid revenues to fund the whole, or they will
receive a part and have such revenues for the remainder.
It also appears to me that our situation requires the utmost despatch,
and therefore I wish much that the days named should be shorter than
those above mentioned. The Act of the 17th of last month has been duly
forwarded to the several States, but there will be no impropriety in
taking a shorter mode of valuation for apportioning the debt, and
leaving the valuation by the Act of the 17th to apply to the yearly
apportionments subsequent to the last year. Various modes of making a
speedy valuation might be suggested; such for instance, as that
Congress should appoint a commissioner for each State, directing them
to meet at this place on the 1st of June and determine, that the
valuation made by the majority of those who do meet should be
conclusive. If such a line of conduct as this be pursued, those
suspicions as to the integrity of Congress, which ill designing men
have endeavored to raise must immediately cease. And if justice be not
done, public indignation will be pointed to the proper persons.
With respect to the alternative which may be proposed, I am sorry to
find that my ideas as to the objects of revenue have not met with the
approbation of Congress. I must be indulged in observing, that let the
revenues be what they may, it is indispensable that all the collectors
be appointed by the authority of the United States, and for the
following reasons.
1st. Experience has shown, that the taxes heretofore laid in the
States have not been collected.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account