26, 1803.] Meanwhile the lower house had resolved on December 8, in committee of the whole, "that the laws prohibiting the importation of negroes and other persons of colour in this state can be so amended as to prevent their introduction amongst us," and had recommended that a select committee be appointed to draft a bill accordingly.[16] Within the following week, however, the sentiment of the House was swung to the policy of repeal, and the Senate bill was passed.

On the test vote the ayes were 55 and the noes 46.[17] The act continued the exclusion of West Indian negroes, and provided that slaves brought in from sister states of the Union must have official certificates of good character; but as to the African trade it removed all restrictions.

In 1805 a bill to prohibit imports again was introduced into the legislature, but after debate it was defeated.[18] [Footnote 16: _Ibid_., Dec.

20, 1803.] [Footnote 17: Charleston _City Gazette_, Dec.

22, 1803.] [Footnote 18: "Diary of Edward Hooker" in the American Historical Association _Report_ for 1896, p.