power to restrain the importation of slaves, since in proportion as
the number of slaves were increased in any State, in the same
proportion the State is weakened and exposed to foreign invasion,
or domestic insurrection, and by so much the less will it be able to
protect itself against either; and therefore will by so much the
more, want aid from, and be a burthen to, the union. It was further
said, that as in this system we were giving the general government
a power under the idea of national character, or national interest, to
regulate even our weights and measures, and have prohibited all
possibility of emitting paper money, and passing instalment laws,
etc. It must appear still more extraordinary, that we should prohibit
the government from interfering with the slave trade, than which
nothing could so materially affect both our national honour and
interest. - These reasons influenced me both on the committee and
in convention, most decidedly to propose and vote against the
clause, as it now makes a part of the system.31

Despite Martin's pleas, the state of Maryland swiftly ratified the new Constitution.
Slavery did not appear to be a significant issue in that process. Despite the condemnation of the
compromise on banning the importation of slavery, Martin did not even suggest the slightest
objection to the fugitive slave clause in his lengthy tract against ratification. The schism was
apparent - capture and enslavement was a moral evil, yet rights of property must be respected.
The Constitution was a compromise that seemed better than living under the old Articles of
Confederation which provided neither protection for the slaveowner nor hope for outlawing the
slave trade.

Meanwhile Maryland's neighbor to the north, Pennsylvania, had adopted a plan for
gradual abolition in 1780. No existing slaves were freed by the Pennsylvania law, but children of
slaves bom after its effective date were to be considered indentured servants to the age of 28.32
One impact of the law was to make female slaves less valuable within the state. This
encouraged Pennsylvania masters to sell the slaves further south in states where slavery
continued and thus the price for female slaves was higher. Not wishing to break up families,
children and fathers might well be sold south in a unit. As a result, Pennsylvania satisfied its
moral desire to eliminate slavery and the less noble purpose of diminishing its black population.
Economic hardship on slave owners was minimal because they could obtain labor well into the
future or realize the capital value of slaves by sale to lower south states.33

The policy of gradual abolition had adherents in Maryland as well. Petitions for abolition
were presented from the eastern shore counties in 1785 and rejected by a vote of S2-22.34 New
petitions were submitted, sponsored by Samuel Chase among others, in 1787 and rejected
30-17.35 In 1789 the Maryland Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and the Relief of
Poor Negroes unlawfully held in Bondage was formed in Baltimore.36 That same year Charles
Carroll, Nicholas Hammond and John Hull introduced a bill paralleling the Pennsylvania law

41