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
To bring the matter nearer home, have we not seen, the great and
most important of our offices, that of General of our armies
executed for eight years together without the smallest salary,
by a Patriot whom I will not now offend by any other praise; and
this through fatigues and distresses in common with the other
brave men his military friends & companions, and the constant
anxieties peculiar to his station? And shall we doubt finding
three or four men in all the U. States, with public spirit
enough to bear sitting in peaceful Council for perhaps an equal
term, merely to preside over our civil concerns, and see that
our laws are duly executed. Sir, I have a better opinion of our
Country. I think we shall never be without a sufficient number
of wise and good men to undertake and execute well and
faithfully the office in question.
Sir. The saving of the salaries that may at first be proposed is
not an object with me. The subsequent mischiefs of proposing
them are what I apprehend. And therefore it is, that I move the
amendment. If it is not seconded or accepted I must be contented
with the satisfaction of having delivered my opinion frankly and
done my duty.
The motion was seconded by Col. Hamilton, with the view he said merely
of bringing so respectable a proposition before the Committee, and
which was besides enforced by arguments that had a certain degree of
weight. No debate ensued, and the proposition was postponed for the
consideration of the members. It was treated with great respect, but
rather for the author of it, than from any apparent conviction of its
expediency or practicability.
M^r Dickinson moved,[58] "that the Executive be made removable by the
National Legislature on the request of a majority of the Legislatures of
individual States." It was necessary he said to place the power of
removing somewhere. He did not like the plan of impeaching the Great
officers of State. He did not know how provision could be made for
removal of them in a better mode than that which he had proposed. He had
no idea of abolishing the State Governments as some gentlemen seemed
inclined to do. The happiness of this Country in his opinion required
considerable powers to be left in the hands of the States.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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