ably put a stop to the evil. As one ground
for this conjecture, he took notice of the sect of which he said
was a respectable class of people, who carryed their ethics
beyond the mere _equality of men_, extending their humanity to
the claims of the whole animal creation.

Mr. Wilson observed that if S. C. & Georgia were themselves
disposed to get rid of the importation of slaves in a short time
as had been suggested, they would never refuse to unite because
the importation might be prohibited. As the Section now stands
all articles imported are to be taxed. Slaves alone are exempt.
This is in fact a bounty on that article.

Mr. Gerry thought we had nothing to do with the conduct of the
States as to Slaves, but ought to be careful not to give any
sanction to it.

Mr. Dickinson considered it as inadmissible on every principle of
honor & safety that the importation of slaves should be
authorized to the States by the Constitution. The true question
was whether the national happiness would be promoted or impeded
by the importation, and this question ought to be left to the
National Govt. not to the States particularly interested. If
Engd. & France permit slavery, slaves are at the same time
excluded from both those kingdoms. Greece and Rome were made
unhappy by their slaves. He could not believe that the Southn.
States would refuse to confederate on the account apprehended;
especially as the power was not likely to be immediately
exercised by the Genl. Government.

Mr Williamson stated the law of N. Carolina on the subject, to
wit that it did not directly prohibit the importation of slaves.
It imposed a duty of L5. on each slave imported from Africa. L10.
on each from elsewhere, & L50 on each from a State licensing
manumission. He thought the S. States could not be members of the
Union if the clause should be rejected, and that it was wrong to
force any thing down, not absolutely necessary, and which any
State must disagree to.

Mr. King thought the subject should be considered in a political
light only. If two States will not agree to the Constitution as
stated on one side, he could affirm with equal belief on the
other, that great & equal opposition would be experienced from
the other States. He remarked on the exemption of slaves