HISTORY OF VERMONT. 257 



A course of events at length occurred, which 

 rendered the views of New York, more favora- 

 ble towards Vtririont, Disputes relative to the 

 permanent seat of the federal governnient, ran 

 high in Congress. After repeated trials, the 

 v-decision sometimes fell in favor of remaining at 

 New York, and sometimes in favor of removing 

 to Philadelphia ; and it was finally carried in 

 favor of Philadelphia, by a very small majority. 

 Kentucky, it was foreseen, would soon be ad- 

 mitted into the federal union : And Virginia, 

 to whose territory it belonged, with great dig- 

 nity and honor, instead of opposing, was aiming 

 to promote that event. The representation frorti 

 the eastern states, was diminished of its just 

 proportion, by the exclusion of Vermont ; and 

 this had already proved to the disadvantage of 

 New York. If their old controversy could be 

 setded, it was apparent that the interests and 

 influence of these states, would in almost every* 

 instance coincide. The public sentiment cal- 

 led loudly, for the same measure. To what 

 purpose, it was said, is Vermont kept out of 

 the union F Is it not in the full and complete 

 possession of independence ; and as well regu- 

 lated and governed as the other states ? And 

 shall the federal union throughout the whole 

 territory, be obstructed, and rendered incom- 

 plete, by the ancient and endless controversy j, 

 between New York and Vermont ? 

 • New York wished with the rest of Ameri- 

 thy to have. the federal union completed : And 

 nvithout calling to viev/ ihe former occasions of 

 contention, passed an act, July 15, 1789, ap- 

 pointing commissioners with full powers to 

 XOL. II H 2 



