The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 3 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and PrivateJefferson, Thomas
History
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 3 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private
Jefferson, Thomas
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783; United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1865
A motion has been made in the Senate to remove the Federal Government to
Philadelphia. There was a trial of strength on a question for a week's
postponement. On that it was found there would be eleven for the removal,
and thirteen against it. The motion was therefore withdrawn and made in
the other house, where it is still depending, and of very uncertain event.
The question of the assumption is again brought on. The parties were so
nearly equal on the former trial that it is very possible, that with some
modifications, it may yet prevail. The tonnage bill will probably pass,
and must, I believe, produce salutary effects. It is a mark of energy
in our government, in a case, I believe, where it cannot be parried. The
French revolution still goes on well, though the danger of a suspension
of payments is very imminent. Their appeal to the inhabitants of their
colonies to say on what footing they wish to be placed, will end, I hope,
in our free admissions into their islands with our produce. This precedent
must have consequences. It is impossible the world should continue long
insensible to so evident a truth as that the right to have commerce and
intercourse with our neighbors, is a natural right. To suppress this
neighborly intercourse is an exercise of force, which we shall have a
just right to remove when the superior force. Dear Sir, your affectionate
friend.
TO WILLIAM SHORT.
New York, June 6, 1790.
Dear Sir,--Having written to you so lately as the 27th of May, by M. de
Crevecoeur, I have little new to communicate. My headache still continues
in a slight degree, but I am able to do business. To-morrow I go on a
sailing party of three or four days with the President. I am in hopes
of being relieved entirely by the sickness I shall probably encounter.
The President is perfectly re-established, and looks better than before
his illness. The question of removal to Philadelphia was carried in the
House of Representatives by 38, against 22. It is thought the Senate
will be equally divided, and consequently that the decision will rest on
the Vice-President, who will be himself divided between his own decided
inclinations to stay here, and the unpopularity of being the sole obstacle
to what appears the wish of so great a majority of the people expressed
by proportional representation. Rhode Island has at length acceded to the
Union by a majority of two voices only, in their convention. Her Senators
will be here in about ten days or a fortnight. The opposers of removal
in the Senate try to draw out time till their arrival. Therefore, they
have connected the resolution of the lower House with a bill originated
with them to fix a permanent residence, and have referred both to the
same committee. Deaths are, Colonel Bland at this place, and old Colonel
Corbin in Virginia. The naming a minister for Paris, awaits the progress
of a bill before the legislature. They will probably adjourn to the 1st of
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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