Legislation: Capital Relocation Act of 1791 (Passed)

[Donerail]

Mr. Speaker,

I agree broadly with the idea that Philadelphia should be considered a temporary capital only, particularly given its ongoing status as the seat of state government, and agree that a new site ought to be sought for the construction of a permanent seat of government. I would, however, suggest a different location than the one suggested by the sponsor.

I believe a district that borders both northern and southern states would present an ideal solution to regional disputes by ensuring no faction can possibly gain undue influence over the capital, and propose the land around the mouth of the Susquehanna in Maryland as such a location — located within a slave state, this district would also border the free state of Pennsylvania, and would be located an equal distance between the second-largest city in the North, Philadelphia, and the second-largest city in the South, Baltimore.

I yield.

[Donerail]

Mr. Speaker,

I do not believe the objections about the cost of construction to be particularly influential — such costs will be similar, whether creating a new federal district in an established city, or establishing a new city. The same number of government offices, same development of supporting infrastructure, and so on will have to occur, regardless of the choice — our present situation, in which we share space with a state legislature, is not viable except as a temporary situation. Indeed, a new federal district may be the less expensive option, as it will spur the growth of private industry in the new city, rather than driving such revenues to existing merchants.

I would request that the gentleman from New Hampshire offer his better choices, as yet unstated. He acknowledges that Philadelphia is untenable, yet doubtlessly New York or Boston would be even more unacceptable to our Southern delegation, and Charleston offensive in the same manner to our northern deputies. Baltimore remains as the only option, and may make a fine provisional capital, but would require significant additional construction on land that is significantly more costly to purchase than the land at the mouth of the Susquehanna.

I yield.

[Donerail]

Mr. Speaker, I propose an amendment to strike the text of the legislation and insert the following:

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[Donerail]

Mr. Speaker,

The amendment to the amendment is friendly.

I yield.