M^r Ghorum preferred two to three members for the blank. A small number was most convenient for deciding on peace & war &c. which he expected would be vested in the 2^d branch. The number of States will also increase. Kentucky, Vermont, the Province of Mayne & Franklin will probably soon be added to the present number. He presumed also that some of the largest States would be divided. The strength of the General Gov^t will lie not in the largeness, but in the smallness of the States. Col. Mason thought 3 from each State including new States would make the 2^d branch too numerous. Besides other objections, the additional expence ought always to form one, where it was not absolutely necessary. M^r Williamson. If the number be too great, the distant States will not be on an equal footing with the nearer States. The latter can more easily send & support their ablest Citizens. He approved of the voting per capita. On the question for filling the blank with "_three_" N. H. no. Mass. no. Con^t no. P^a ay. Del. no. V^a no. N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. no. On question for filling it with "two." Agreed to nem. con. M^r L Martin was opposed to voting per Capita, as departing from the idea of the _States_ being represented in the 2^d branch. M^r Carroll,[7] was not struck with any particular objection ag^{st} the mode; but he did not wish so hastily to make so material an innovation. [7] "Mr. Carrol is a Man of large fortune, and influence in his State. He possesses plain good sense, and is in the full confidence of his Countrymen. This Gentleman is about [blank] years of age."--Pierce's Notes, _Am. Hist. Rev._, iii., 330. On the question on the whole motion viz. the 2^d b. to consist of 2 members from each State and to vote per Capita, N. H. ay. Mass. ay. C^t ay. P^a ay. Del. ay. M^d no. V^a ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay. M^r Houston[8] & M^r Spaight moved "that the appointment of the Executive by Electors chosen by the Legislatures of the States, be reconsidered." M^r Houston urged the extreme inconveniency & the considerable expence, of drawing together men from all the States for the single purpose of electing the Chief Magistrate. [8] "Mr. Houston is an Attorney at Law, and has been Member of Congress for the State of Georgia. He is a Gentleman of Family, and was educated in England. As to his legal or political knowledge he has very little to boast of. Nature seems to have done more for his corporeal than mental powers. His Person is striking, but his mind very little improved with useful or elegant knowledge. He has none of the talents requisite for the Orator, but in public debate is confused and irregular. Mr. Houston is about 30 years of age of an amiable and sweet temper, and of good and honorable principles."--Pierce's Notes, _Am. Hist. Rev._, iii., 334.