There is one thing, however, which I might mention, as a reason why the opposition junto dread the clause aforementioned—they may suppose, that Congress, when the people are assembled for the choice of their rulers, in the place they have appointed, will send their terrible standing army (which I shall speak of in its place) and, Cesar Borgia like, massacre the whole, in order to render themselves absolute. This is so similar to many of the apprehensions they have expressed, that I could not pass it by unnoticed. Indeed the chief of their productions abound with improbabilities and absurdities of the like kind; for having nothing reasonable to alledge against a government founded on the principles of staunch republicanism, and which, if well supported, will establish the glory and happiness of our country. They resort to things the most strange and fallacious, in order to blind the eyes of the unsuspecting and misinformed. CASSIUS. (_To be continued._) Cassius, IX. The Massachusetts Gazette, (Number 392) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1787. For the Massachusetts Gazette. TO THE INHABITANTS OF THIS STATE. (_Continued from our last._) Section 5, of the new constitution, says, Each house shall be a judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members—a majority shall constitute a quorum, and be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner and under such penalties as the law may provide. Each house shall determine the rules of its proceedings—punish its members for disorderly behaviour—and with the consent of two-thirds, expel a member. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, &c. No one, who professes to be governed by reason, will dispute the propriety of any assembly’s being the judge of the qualifications requisite to constitute a member of their own body. That part of the fifth section which says a majority shall constitute a quorum, has been an object against which many anti-federal shafts have been levelled. It has been asserted by some, that this clause empowers a majority of members present, to transact any business relating to the affairs of the United States, and that eight or ten members of the house of representatives, and an equal number of the senate, might pass a law which would benefit themselves, and injure the community at large. The fallacy of such assertions is sufficiently conspicuous to render them ridiculous and contemptible in the eyes of every unprejudiced mind—for the section further expresses, That a smaller number than a quorum may adjourn from day to day, and be authorised to compel attendance of absent members. This is all the power that is vested in a smaller number than the majority. It is therefore evident, that when it says a majority shall constitute a quorum to do business, it means a majority of the whole number of members that belong to either house.