The debate then took a different turn. It was observed that if an equal representation . was ever so just the delegates from the several colonies were 'unprepared with materials to settle that equitably. This was an objection that could not be answered. The question was then put and it was resolved that the sense of Congress -- shall be taken by voting in colonies each to have one vote. In the course of this session two committees were appointed, one

~

HON. JAMES DUANE. 1071

to state the rights of the colonies, the several instances in which they have been violated. and infringed, and the means most proper to obtain redress; the other to state and report the several statutes affecting the trade and manufactures of' the colonies. Mr. Duane and Mr. Jay were selected for the first of these important committees and Mr. Law for the second. As these committees withdrew so many members from the Congress, and as the matters referred to them were those which had occasioned the Congress to be called, the President was authorised to adjourn it from day to day and eal] it together when he should think fit. The committee, to state the rights, &c., met forthwith on the adjournment of the Congress and Mr. Duane proposed Mr. Lynch as chairman, but he declined and proposed Mr. Hopkins, who was unanimously chosen, and Charles Thompson, the Secretary of the Congress, was chosen clerk. The committee met daily until the 22d September, when it made a report in part. Mr. Duane and Jay, in conformity with the known wishes of their constituents, were for such measures as should secure the rights of the colonies as then understood, and yet continue them members of the British empire, allowing to the King his acknowledged prerogatives, and to Parliament, by express declaration, her supremacy in matters of external trade and in relation tov foreign connections.