Several particular powers were then proposed. Among others, Robert
Morris proposed to give Congress a power to establish a national bank.
Gouverneur Morris opposed it, observing that it was extremely doubtful
whether the constitution they were framing could ever be passed at all
by the people of America; that to give it its best chance, however, they
should make it as palatable as possible and put nothing into it not
very essential, which might raise up enemies; that his colleague (Robert
Morris) well knew that 'a bank' was, in their State (Pennsylvania)
the very watch-word of party; that a bank had been the great bone of
contention between the two parties of the State, from the establishment
of their constitution, having been erected, put down, and erected again,
as either party preponderated; that therefore, to insert this power,
would instantly enlist against the whole instrument, the whole of the
anti-bank party in Pennsylvania. Whereupon it was rejected, as was every
other special power, except that of giving copyrights to authors, and
patents to inventors; the general power of incorporating being whittled
down to this shred. Wilson agreed to the fact.
Mr. Hunter of South Carolina, who lodges with Rutledge, [* J. Rutledge,
junior] tells me, that Rutledge was explaining to him the plan they
proposed to pursue as to war measures, when Otis came in. Rutledge
addressed Otis. 'Now, Sir,' says he, 'you must come forward with
something liberal for the southern States, fortify their harbors and
build galleys, in order to obtain their concurrence.
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