M^r Butler observing that we were put to difficulties at every step by the uncertainty whether an equality or a ratio of representation w^d prevail finally in the 2^d branch, moved to postpone the 4^{th} Resol: & to proceed to the Resol: on that point. M^r Madison seconded him. On the question Mass^{ts} no. Con^t no. N. Y. ay. N. J. no. P^a no. Del. no. M{d.} no. V^a ay. N. C. no. S. C. ay. Geo. ay. On a question to postpone the 4 and take up the 7 Resol: ays, Mary^d V^a N. C. S. C. Geo;--Noes, Mass. C^t N. Y. N. J. P^a Del: On the question to agree "that the members of the 2^d branch be chosen by the indiv^l Legislatures" Mass^{ts} ay. Con^t ay. N. Y. ay. N. J. ay. P^a no. Del. ay. M^d ay. V^a no. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.[108] [108] Madison's Note: It must be kept in view that the largest States particularly Pennsylvania & Virginia always considered the choice of the 2^d Branch by the State Legislatures as opposed to a proportional representation to which they were attached as a fundamental principle of just Government. The smaller States who had opposite views, were reinforced by the members from the large States most anxious to secure the importance of the State Governments. On a question on the clause requiring the age of 30 years at least,--it was agreed to unanimously: On a question to strike out the words, "sufficient to ensure their independency" after the word "term" it was agreed to. That the 2^d branch hold their offices for a term of seven years, considered. M^r Ghorum suggests a term of "4 years," 1/4 to be elected every year. M^r Randolph, supported the idea of rotation, as favorable to the wisdom & stability of the Corps, which might possibly be always sitting, and aiding the Executive. And moves after "7 years," to add, "to go out in fixt proportion" which was agreed to. M^r Williamson suggests "6 years," as more convenient for Rotation than 7 years. M^r Sherman seconds him. M^r Reed proposed that they s^d hold their offices "during good behaviour." Mr. R. Morris seconds him. Gen^l Pinkney, proposed "4 years." A longer term w^d fix them at the seat of Gov^t. They w^d acquire an interest there, perhaps transfer their property & lose sight of the States they represent. Under these circumstances the distant States w^d labour under great disadvantages.[109] [109] According to Yates, Madison followed Pinckney: "Mr. Madison. We are proceeding in the same manner that was done when the Confederation was first formed. Its original draft was excellent, but in its progress and completion it became so insufficient as to give rise to the present Convention. By the vote already taken, will not the temper of the state legislatures transfuse itself into the Senate? Do we create a free government?"--Yates, _Secret Proceedings_, etc., 168.