d lead them to relax so much
in the quotas as would render the contribution of the States
proportionate, or if that could not be done, the suffering State would
be induced to carry on its commerce. Thus the end would be defeated,
as indeed it ought; for surely the advantage derived by the mercantile
States, as a mercantile profit, is sufficient without exacting a
revenue in addition to it. Articles imported into the country are
consumed in the country. If each pays a duty, that duty will be paid
by all. The tax will fall equally on all, and therefore ought, in
justice, to be carried to the general account.

I have also heard it suggested, that the public debts ought to be
divided among the several States, and each be called to provide for
its proportion. This measure would be sufficient to destroy the credit
of any country. The creditors trust the Union, and there can be no
right to alter the pledge which they have accepted for any other, even
for a better one, without their free consent. But this is not all;
there is in it a principle of disunion implied, which must be ruinous.
Even at this late period, the States might singly be subjugated. Their
strength is derived from their union. Everything, therefore, which
injures that union, must impair the strength which is dependent upon
it.

I shall not encroach longer upon your Excellency's patience by
adducing farther arguments. Everything for and against the
proposition, has doubtless been considered by the United States in
Congress assembled, with that attention which is due to the
importance of those objects on which they deliberate. I think,
however, it may fairly be concluded, that those who wish to
re-establish the credit and confirm the union of these States, will
comply with this requisition. As I do not doubt that this is the
sentiment of that State over which you preside, I shall believe that
the Legislature at their next session, will pass the proper laws, and
I shall at present only entreat that it may be done as speedily as
possible.

I take the liberty, however, on this occasion, to make an observation,
which applies indeed to many others. Those who have the public weal
very seriously at heart, cannot but lament that the acts passed by
many States on the requisitions of Congress, have been fettered with
restrictions, as to their operation and effect, very inconsistent with
that confidence which is due to the integrity of the United States in
Congress ass