Revenue Flag

instituted by act of Congre , March 9, 1799, to consist of ‘* sixteen perpendicular stripes, alternate red and white, the Union of the ensign bearing the arms of the United States in derk blue on a white field.”’ Revenue Scheme, a scheme proposed by the Continental Congre , in order to enable it to meet its money obligations. Requisitions upon the States, the only mode allowed to Congre by the Articles of Confederation, had proved a failure. In 1781 Congre proposed an amendment to the Articles, whereby it would be empowered to levy a five per cent. duty on imports, to pay the Revolutionary debt. Rhode Island refused her a ent. In 1783 Congre asked for this power for only twenty-five years. After many delays, New York refused in 1787, making impo ible that unanimous consent which was nece ary in order to validate an amendment to the Articles. Then the only plan was that of a Constitutional Convention.