Note 279 — Chapter XI

The passage quoted from Mr. Jefferson, ante, p. 77, also shows that strong doubts were felt in Congress, in 1784, respecting their power to admit new States formed out of unoccupied territory. Indeed, the whole of the proceedings upon Mr. Jefferson's measure of April 23, 1784, show that the powers of Congress over the territory that had been acquired under the cession of Virginia were very variously regarded by the different delegates. See Journals, IX. 138-156. The State of South Carolina voted against the resolve on its final passage, and after it had been modified to meet some of the objections raised.