The very point that is contended for here today was raised by Wilson. but he did not prevail. When this section In the draft was under discussion. after "three" had been stricken out and "seven" Inserted as to citizenship. Alexander Hamilton moved "that the section be so altered as to require merely citizenship and Inhabitancy." and suggested that "the right of determining the rule of naturalization will then leave a discretion to the legislature on the subject which will answer every purpose" (ibid.. p. 411). So Hamilton contended only for the qualifications of citizenship and inhabitancy. but he did not prevail. Here it is clear that. as Hamilton construed this provision. without this latitude as to naturalization. the legislature had no discretion or power. From the afhrmative language of this provision. then as it stood in the report of the committee Cf detail. and the understanding of the framers of the Constitution. it is clear that it was exclusive. This section was not changed to the negative form by amendment or as the result of any debate.
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