James Wilson, a former Delegate, from Pennsylvania, to the Constitutional Convention, delivers his “Statehouse Yard Speech” in Philadelphia, advocating ratification of the proposed Constitution for the united States, arguing that the federal government will rely primarily upon excise taxes for revenue:
The power of direct taxation has likewise been treated as an improper delegation to the federal government. … I will venture to predict, that the great revenue of the United States must, and always will be raised by impost, for, being at once less obnoxious, and more productive, the interest of the government will be best promoted by the accommodation of the people. Still however, the objects of direct taxation should be within reach in all cases of emergency. …
[restored 7/18/2026]
Subsequent Events:
Authority:
Articles of Confederation, Article XIII
ccc-2point0.com/Articles-of-Confederation
References:
“James Wilson’s Speech at a Public Meeting,” from The Debate on the Constitution, two volumes, Bernard Bailyn, ed., (New York: Library of America, 1992), 1:63-69.
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