THAT'S what Madison had in mind?
One of the things that Madison more than probably had in mind was "to make regular" the commerce between one state and another, i.e. follow similar customs and procedures, prevent one state from putting a tarrif on another state's goods, etc. It's been said over and over again on these FR Drug War threads that in the 18th century, the verb "to regulate" also meant "to make regular," as in "regulate the militia," i.e., to make sure the militia used similar equipment throughout the several states. This makes perfect sense after fighting a global war relying, largely, on irregular forces wich often had basic supply and logistic problems because of differing command structures and equipment . . . basic things like the caliber of weapons.
Original intent is a tricky thing, no?
That's why I love FR -- you learn something every day.
So, to regulate commerce with foreign nations meant "to make regular"? Certainly not to impose tariffs or a ban or anything like that, right?
Original intent is a tricky thing, no?
As you demonstrated in your post it is no more tricky than understanding the norms, tradition and or status quo of the time in question. And whether the intent was to uphold one or more of those or to change them.
No doubt. Did you ever produce the rest of the "definition" and the dictionary cited?
Webster's 1828 Dictionary:Maybe the Illuminati forced Webster to change the definition, huh?REG'ULATE, v.t.
1. To adjust by rule, method or established mode; as, to regulate weights and measures; to regulate the assize of bread; to regulate our moral conduct by the laws of God and of society; to regulate our manners by the customary forms.
2. To put in good order; as, to regulate the disordered state of a nation or its finances.
3. To subject to rules or restrictions; as, to regulate trade; to regulate diet.