(What little hard money was left after years of war and a depressed economy, was leaving the US. Much of it was spent on luxury and manufactured goods from England.)
William Samuel Johnson seconded, and the motion was agreed to unanimously. Committee members were Mr. Mason, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Dickinson, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Livingston George Mason renewed his proposition of yesterday on the subject of inspection laws, with an additional clause giving to Congress a control over them in case of abuse.
"Provided that no State shall be restrained from imposing the usual duties on produce exported from such State, for the sole purpose of defraying the charges of inspecting, packing, storing, and indemnifying the losses on such produce, while in the custody of public officers: but all such regulations shall in case of abuse, be subject to the revision and control of Congress."
The resolution passed 7-3.
The Convention then compared the amended resolutions submitted to the Committee with the Report of the Committee. Governor Randolph motioned to replace “servitude” with “service” to differentiate the indentured from slaves. It passed unanimously.
John Dickinson and James Wilson motioned to remove “direct taxes” from Article II Section 1 which read, “Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several states which may be included within this Union, according to their respective numbers . . . “
The motion to remove “direct taxes” failed 8-3.
James Madison motioned a clarification of the clause dealing with the pocket veto. It was defeated 8-3.
William Samuel Johnson reported further from the Committee of Style its recommendation as to forwarding of the Constitution to the States and implementation of the new government.
Adjourned.
In an odd twist, Mr. Mason, the principal author of the Virginia Bill of Rights, who yesterday moved for a Bill of Rights in our Constitution, motioned for sumptuary law authority to restrict personal purchases.
On August 20th, his motion to permit sumptuary regulations was defeated decisively by an 8-3 vote.
Why was his idea sent to committee today without opposition?
He recently made known over several days, his apprehension to certain parts of the Constitution. It appears the delegates at this late stage sought to placate an influential man whose support would be most welcomed at the VA Ratifying Convention.
The tactic, along with sumptuary laws failed. George Mason became second only to Patrick Henry in opposition to the Constitution.