The Political Beginnings of Kentucky (Volume 6); A Narrative of Public Events Bearing on the History of That State Up to the Time of Its Admission Int

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1889. Excerpt: ... and enjoy the abolition by Spain of her prohibition against navigation and the ruinous custom charges at New Orleans. Discussion and Adoption of the Federal Constitution. While these important local considerations of trade and access to the outer world occupied the minds of the people of Kentucky, and the prospect of their establishment as one of the family of States seemed assured, another measure of overshadowing magnitude had been launched. The Convention of Delegates, presided over by Washington, and intrusted with that gravest of all political duties, had, in September, 1787, promulgated a draft of the Constitution, under which the States of the feeble confederation were to be welded into the more perfect union of the Republic. The promulgation of the New Plan, as it was termed by American statesmen as well as by the agents of foreign courts, excited debate throughout the land. The division of sentiment was as grave as the subject was momentous. The struggle of opinion lasted in Virginia until nine States had already given in their adhesion. In her convention specially the Commonwealth. Duties were payable on rum, brandy, and other distilled spirits, as also on sugar and coffee at specific rates. On all other importations the tariff was ad valorem. (II Hening, Statutes at Lare, 121, 122.) Many papeis concerning such importations from Spanish territory, through the naval office at the Kails of the Ohio, are still preserved. assembled to consider the Federal Constitution, the District of Kentucky was represented by fourteen delegates--two from each of the then seven counties of Jefferson, Lincoln, Fayette, Nelson, Mercer, Madison, and Bourbon. Of these, three voted for adoption of the instrument, nine against it, and two did not vote.' It is beyond ...