ad only by giving congress alone the power to
regulate commerce. (Chap. XXXI., Sec.7.) Without the power to regulate
_internal_ commerce, congress could not give effect to the power to
regulate foreign commerce. One state might impose unjust and oppressive
duties upon goods imported or exported through it by another state. But
in the hands of congress, the power to regulate internal as well as
foreign commerce, secures to all the states the benefits of a free and
uninterrupted trade.

Sec.10. In granting to congress the power to regulate commerce "with the
Indian tribes," it was intended to lessen the dangers of war. Murders
and war had been provoked by the improper conduct of some of the states.
It was believed, that, by a uniform policy, difficulties would be more
likely to be prevented; and that if they should occur, they would be
more likely to be amicably settled by the general government than by a
state, which, being an interested party, would be more liable to
misjudge the matter in dispute, and more rigid in demanding satisfaction
for injuries, as well as more severe in redressing them.

Chapter XXXIV.

Powers of Congress in relation to Naturalization; Bankruptcy; Coining
Money; Weights and Measures; Punishment of Counterfeiting.

Sec.1. The next clause grants to congress the power "to establish a uniform
rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies
throughout the United States." We have already noticed some of the
disqualifications of aliens. (Chap. VI, Sec.5.) By the common law of
England and this country, aliens were not only politically disqualified,
but they could not in their own name lawfully hold and sell real estate.
To admit aliens to all the rights and privileges of citizens immediately
on their arrival in this country, and before they shall have acquired a
knowledge of our government and laws, and of the duties of citizens,
would be expedient. Educated under monarchical governments, many of
them, it is to be presumed, have little respect for our republican
institutions, or at most but an imperfect knowledge of them.

Sec.2. But to deny foreigners the rights of citizens after they shall have
acquired a fixed residence here, and a knowledge of their civil and
political duties, would be illiberal and unjust. Provision has therefore
been made for removing their disqualifications, or for _naturalizing_
them; that is, for investing them with the rights and privilege