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
[122] According to Yates, after Baldwin spoke: "Mr. Madison.
I would always exclude inconsistent principles in framing a
system of government. The difficulty of getting its defects
amended are great and sometimes insurmountable. The Virginia
state government was the first which was made, and though
its defects are evident to every person, we cannot get it
amended. The Dutch have made four several attempts to amend
their system without success. The few alterations made in it
were by tumult and faction, and for the worse. If there was
real danger, I would give the smaller states the defensive
weapons--But there is none from that quarter. The great
danger to our general government is the great southern and
northern interests of the continent, being opposed to each
other. Look to the votes in congress, and most of them stand
divided by the geography of the country, not according to
the size of the states.
"Suppose the first branch granted money, may not the second
branch, from state views, counteract the first? In congress,
the single state of Delaware prevented an embargo, at the
time that all the other states thought it absolutely
necessary for the support of the army. Other powers, and
those very essential, besides the legislative, will be given
to the second branch--such as the negativing all state laws.
I would compromise on this question, if I could do it on
correct principles, but otherwise not--if the old fabric of
the confederation must be the groundwork of the new, we must
fall."--Yates, _Secret Proceedings_, etc., 189.
SATURDAY JUNE 30. 1787. IN CONVENTION
M^r Brearly moved that the Presid^t write to the Executive of N.
Hampshire, informing it that the business depending before the
Convention was of such a nature as to require the immediate attendance
of the deputies of that State. In support of his motion he observed that
the difficulties of the subject and the diversity of opinions called for
all the assistance we could possibly obtain, (it was well understood
that the object was to add N. Hampshire to the n^o of States opposed to
the doctrine of proportional representation, which it was presumed from
her relative size she must be adverse to).
M^r Patterson seconded the motion.
M^r Rutlidge could see neither the necessity nor propriety of such a
measure. They are not unapprized of the meeting, and can attend if they
choose. Rho. Island might as well be urged to appoint & send deputies.
Are we to suspend the business until the deputies arrive? if we proceed
he hoped all the great points would be adjusted before the letter could
produce its effect.
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