Question on M^r Houston's motion that the Executive be app^d by the Na^l Legislature. N. H. ay. Mass. ay. C^t no. N. J. ay. P^a no. Del. ay. M^d no. V^a no. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay. M^r L. Martin & M^r Gerry moved to re-instate the ineligibility of the Executive a 2^d time. M^r Elseworth. With many this appears a natural consequence of his being elected by the Legislature. It was not the case with him. The Executive he thought should be reelected if his conduct proved him worthy of it. And he will be more likely to render himself, worthy of it if he be rewardable with it. The most eminent characters also, will be more willing to accept the trust under this condition, than if they foresee a necessary degradation at a fixt period. M^r Gerry. That the Executive sh^d be independent of the Legislature is a clear point. The longer the duration of his appointment the more will his dependence be diminished. It will be better then for him to continue 10. 15. or even 20. years and be ineligible afterwards. M^r King was for making him re-eligible. This is too great an advantage to be given up for the small effect it will have on his dependence, if impeachments are to lie. He considered these as rendering the tenure during pleasure. M^r L. Martin, suspending his motion as to the ineligibility, moved "that the appointm^t of the Executive shall continue for Eleven years. M^r Gerry suggested fifteen years. M^r King twenty years. This is the medium life of princes.[9] [9] This might possibly be meant as a carricature of the previous motions in order to defeat the object of them.--Madison's Note. M^r Davie eight years.