The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 1Madison, James
History
The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 1
Madison, James
Constitutional law -- United States; Constitutions -- United States; United States. Constitution
It was then moved by M^r Rutlidge, 2^{ded} by M^r Butler to add to the
words "equitable ratio of representation" at the end of the motion just
agreed to, the words "according to the quotas of contribution." On
motion of M^r Wilson seconded by M^r Pinkney, this was postponed; in
order to add, after the words "equitable ratio of representation" the
words following: "in proportion to the whole number of white & other
free Citizens & inhabitants of every age sex & condition including those
bound to servitude for a term of years and three fifths of all other
persons not comprehended in the foregoing description, except Indians
not paying taxes, in each State," this being the rule in the Act of
Congress agreed to by eleven States, for apportioning quotas of revenue
on the States, and requiring a Census only every 5, 7, or 10 years.
M^r Gerry thought property not the rule of representation. Why then
sh^d the blacks, who were property in the South, be in the rule of
representation more than the Cattle & horses of the North.[75]
[75] After Gerry spoke, according to Yates, "Mr. Madison was of
opinion at present, to fix the standard of representation,
and let the detail be the business of a
sub-committee."--_Secret Proceedings_, p. 116.
On the question,--Mass: Con: N. Y. Pen: Mary^d Virg^a N. C. S. C. &
Geo: were in the affirmative: N. J. & Del: in the negative.
M^r Sherman moved that a question be taken whether each State shall have
one vote in the 2^d branch. Every thing he said depended on this. The
smaller States would never agree to the plan on any other principle than
an equality of suffrage in this branch. M^r Elsworth[76] seconded the
motion.
[76] "M^r Elsworth is a Judge of the Supreme Court in
Connecticut;--he is Gentleman of a clear, deep, and copius
understanding; eloquent, and connected in public debate; and
always attentive to his duty. He is very happy in a reply,
and choice in selecting such parts of his adversary's
arguments as he finds make the strongest impressions,--in
order to take off the force of them, so as to admit the
power of his own. M^r Elsworth is about 37 years of age, a
Man much respected for his integrity, and venerated for his
abilities."--Pierce's Notes, _Am. Hist. Rev._, iii., 326.
On the question for allowing each State one vote in the 2^d branch,
Mass^{ts} no. Con^t ay. N. Y. ay. N. J. ay. P^a no. Del. ay.
M^d ay. V^a no. N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. no.
M^r Wilson & M^r Hamilton moved that the right of suffrage in the 2^d
branch ought to be according to the same rule as in the 1^{st} branch.
On this question for making the ratio of representation the same in the
2^d as in the 1^{st} branch it passed in the affirmative;
Mass^{ts} ay. Con^t no. N. Y. no. N. J. no. P^a ay. Del. no.
M^d no. V^a ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.
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