Legislation: Cumberland Statehood Act of 1791 (Passed)

[Donerail]

Mr. Speaker,

I offer an amendment to address the concerns of my colleague from New Hampshire:

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[Donerail]

Mr. Speaker,

I do not wish to aggrieve the people of North Carolina, but I see little possible objection to the democratic decision of the people of this territory. If, once attaining the population specified, this territory does desire to join the State of Cumberland, it would set a dangerous precedent to allow the State of North Carolina to veto their decision. Should North Carolina wish this territory to instead become another separate state, I would urge the state to make its case before the people of the territory at the time of that referendum, and win the support of the people through persuasion and reasoned argument, rather than by the hand of this Assembly.

I yield.