M^r Rutlidge urged & moved, that a residence of 7 years sh^d be required in the State Wherein the Member sh^d be elected. An emigrant from N. England to S. C. or Georgia would know little of its affairs and could not be supposed to acquire a thorough knowledge in less time. M^r Read reminded him that we were now forming a _Nat^l_ Gov^t and such a regulation would correspond little with the idea that we were one people. M^r Wilson. enforced the same consideration. M^r Madison suggested the case of new States in the West, which could have perhaps no representation on that plan. M^r Mercer. Such a regulation would present a greater alienship among the States than existed under the old federal system. It would interweave local prejudices & State distinctions in the very Constitution which is meant to cure them. He mentioned instances of violent disputes raised in Maryland concerning the term "residence." M^r Elseworth thought seven years of residence was by far too long a term: but that some fixt term of previous residence would be proper. He thought one year would be sufficient, but seemed to have no objection to three years. M^r Dickinson proposed that it should read "inhabitant actually resident for ---- years." This would render the meaning less indeterminate. M^r Wilson. If a short term should be inserted in the blank, so strict an expression might be construed to exclude the members of the Legislature, who could not be said to be actual residents in their States whilst at the Seat of the Gen^l Government. M^r Mercer. It would certainly exclude men, who had once been inhabitants, and returning from residence elsewhere to resettle in their original State; although a want of the necessary knowledge could not in such cases be presumed. M^r Mason thought 7 years too long, but would never agree to part with the principle. It is a valuable principle. He thought it a defect in the plan that the Representatives would be too few to bring with them all the local knowledge necessary. If residence be not required, Rich men of neighbouring States, may employ with success the means of corruption in some particular district and thereby get into the public Councils after having failed in their own State. This is the practice in the boroughs of England. On the question for postponing in order to consider M^r Dickinsons motion N. H. no. Mass. no. C^t no. N. J. no. P^a no. Del. no. M^d ay. V^a no. N. C. no. S. C. ay. Geo. ay. On the question for inserting "inhabitant" in place of "resident"--ag^d to nem. con. M^r Elseworth & Col. Mason move to insert "one year" for previous inhabitancy. M^r Williamson liked the Report as it stood. He thought "resident" a good eno' term. He was ag^{st} requiring any period of previous residence. New residents if elected will be most zealous to conform to the will of their constituents, as their conduct will be watched with a more jealous eye.