281From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 17 November 1791 (Madison Papers)
My last informed you of the articles procured & forwardd. in consequence of my several commissions. I now send the key of the trunk in which some of the articles are contained. I forgot to mention that the Tea in the Dressing boxes belongs to my brother Ambrose. You will see by the inclosed papers that the number of future representatives in Congress has been a subject of discussion, and is...
282From James Madison to John Stadler, 18 November 1791 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 22d. of October last. On examining its contents I find that of the three grounds of complaint stated, two have no relation to matters within the sphere of Congress. They can be addressed with propriety only to the authority of the State of Virginia. With respect to the third, viz. the deficiency of the continental allowance for your services under a...
283Notes on Emigration, [ante 19 November] 1791 (Madison Papers)
Emigration Both in the vegetable and animal Kingdoms every species derives from nature a reproductive faculty beyond the demand for merely keeping up its stock. The seed of a single plant is sufficient to multiply it an hundred fold. The animal offspring is never limited to the number of the parents. This ordinance of nature is calculated in both instances for a twofold purpose. In both it...
284For the National Gazette, 19 November 1791 (Madison Papers)
Population and Emigration. Both in the vegetable and animal kingdoms, every species derives from nature, a reproductive faculty beyond the demand for merely keeping up its stock: the seed of a single plant is sufficient to multiply it one hundred or a thousand fold. The animal offspring is never limited to the number of its parents. The multiplying power in some instances, animal as well as...
285Proportional Representation, [22 November] 1791 (Madison Papers)
The Constitution limited the apportionment ratio to no more than one representative to every 30,000 persons. With the 1790 census completed, reapportionment became necessary. On 15 November 1791, following a debate in which such lower ratios as 1:34,000 and 1:40,000 were proposed, JM voted with the majority in the House for a 1:30,000 ratio. On 22 November the Committee of the Whole debated...
286From James Madison to George Nicholas, 24 November 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 November 1791. Acknowledged in Nicholas to JM, 1 Feb. 1792 . Apparently concerns pending legislation in Congress, including the excise bill and duties on spirits.
287Notes on the Influence of Extent of Territory on Government, [ca. December] 1791 (Madison Papers)
In estimating the tendency of Governme⟨n⟩ts to the increase or the relaxation of their powers particular causes distinct from their respective structures, but of powerful influence on their operation, seem to have been overlooked or little heeded by the great oracles of political wisdom. In the discussions produced by the establishment of and revisions of the new forms of Govt. in the U. S....
288Appropriation for Operating the Federal Government, [2 December] 1791 (Madison Papers)
In Committee of the Whole, Parker of the Virginia delegation requested an examination of the increased expenses, as the proposed appropriation was nearly double that of the previous year. A general debate followed. Mr. Madison considered the present a good opportunity to determine how far the House could go into an examination of the accounts of public officers. It was true that the...
289From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 3 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
The last letter I recd. from you was of Novr. 12. I had previously informed you that your certificates had been funded by Messr. Ashton & Wister. They are now in my hands, with interest due on them from Jany. last, which cannot be drawn without a power of attorney to me for the purpose. My brother William can procure you blank powers at Richmond. It will be proper in filling up the blank to...
290For the National Gazette, 3 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
Much has been said, and not without reason, against a consolidation of the States into one government. Omitting lesser objections, two consequences would probably flow from such a change in our political system, which justify the cautions used against it. First , it would be impossible to avoid the dilemma, of either relinquishing the present energy and responsibility of a single executive...