Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/577

 IECOP. DS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION 57 I COMMITTEE OF STYLE All4 debts contracted and engagements entered into, by or under the authority of Congress shall be as valid against the United States under this constitution as under the confedera- tion. Sect. 2. Treason against the United States shall consist only in' levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. The Legislature shall have power to declare the punishment of treason. No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court. No attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, nor forfeiture, except during the life of the person attainted. The Legislature shall pass no bill of attainder nor any ex post facto laws. Sect. 3. The proportions of direct taxation 8hall be regulated by the whole number of free citizens and inhabitants, of every age, sex, and condition, including those bound to servitude for a term of years, and three fifths of all other persons not comprehended in the foregoing description, (except Indians not paying taxes) which number shall, within three years after the first meeting of the Legislature, and within the term of every ten years afterwards, be taken in such manner as the said Legislature shall direct. Sect. 4. No tax or duty shall be laid by the Legislature on articles exported from any State. The migration or impor- tation of such persons as the several States now existing shall think proper to admit shall not be prohibited by the Legislature prior to the year 8o8 -- but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation not exceeding ten dollars for each person. Nor shall any regu}ation of commerce or revenue give preference to the ports of one State over those of another, or oblige Vessels bound to or from any State to enter, clear, or pay duties in another. And all duties, imposts, and excises, laid by the Legisla- ture shall be uniform throughout the United States. 4 The correct location of this clause is uncertain. It was considered and adopted in connection with the "powers of Congress", and so is inserted here.

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