Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/383

 RECORDS OF THE FEDEILkL CONVENTION 377 Fednesda3 MADISON .4gsz  and the first clause containing th words "The Legislature of the U.S. shall have power to fulfil the engagements which have been entered into by Congress" being under considera- tion, 6 Mr. Elsworth argued that they were unnecessary. The U-- S-- heretofore entered into Engagements by Congs who were their Agents. They will hereafter be bound to fulfil them by their new agents. Mr Randolph thought such a provision necessary; for though the U. States will be bound, the new Govt will have no authority in the case unless it be given to them. Mr. Madison thought it necessary to give the authority in order to prevent misconstruction. He mentioned the attempts made by the Debtors to British subjects to shew that con- tracts under the old Government, were dissolved by the Revo- lution which destroyed the political identity of the Society. Mr Gerry thought it essential that some explicit provision should be made on this subject, so that no pretext might remain for getting rid of the public engagements. Mr. Govt. Morris moved by way of amendment to substi- tute-"The Legislature shall discharge the debts & fulfil the engagements (of the U. States)". It was moved to vary the amendment by striking out "dis- charge the debts" & to insert "liquidate the claims", which being negatived, The amendment moved by Mr. Govt. Morris was agreed to all the States being in the affirmative. It was moved & 2ded. to strike the following words- out of the 2d. clause of the report "and the authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by the U m S." (Before a question was taken) 7 The House adjourned 8  See further, August 8 (with references under note 6), August t, August zY-4, and August 25 (with references under note 5). 7 Taken from Journal. s See further, Appendix A, XCI-XClII.

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