When in 1787 a Federal convention had been held in Philadelphia to formulate a Constitution by which the States could form "a more perfect union" and "promote domestic tranquility," the present Constitution of our country was formulated by the convention for ratification by the several States. In each State controversy and discussion arose over the consideration of the advisability of adopting it as the supreme law of the land. The Confederation had proven unsuited to the needs of the country. So a new plan of government was necessary. On September 17th, the day the Convention had adopted the Constitution, the Pennsylvania members of the Convention at once notified the Assembly of the State, then in session at the Hall of Independence, that they were ready to report to the Assembly. The next morning "the honorable delegates, led by Benjamin Franklin, were ushered into the Hall of the Assembly, made their report and presented the new Constitution." No action was taken by the Assembly. On September 29th, the last day but one of the session, George Clymer proposed to refer the Act of Ratification to a Convention of the State. Pleas for delay were made. Thomas FitzSimons, a Catholic, one of the Representatives at the Constitutional Convention and also a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly, opposed delay in submitting the new Constitution to a convention of the citizens for adoption or rejection. It was resolved to call a State Convention, but no day was fixed for its meeting. Nineteen members had voted against calling it. On their behalf it was asked that the consideration of the time of the meeting of the convention should be postponed until the afternoon. This was granted. When the House again met, the nineteen were absent. The Assembly lacked a quorum. The absentees were sent for, but refused to appear. Mr. Wynkoop declared: "If there is no way of compelling those who deserted from duty to perform it, then God be merciful to us!" There was a way of "compelling" and Captain John Barry led the compellers. The next morning a number of citizens, whose leader was Commodore John Barry, forcibly entered the lodgings of James McCalmont and Jacob Miley, the members from Franklin and Dauphin Counties, dragged them to the State House and thrust them into the chamber where the Assembly was in session without a quorum. With these two there were forty-six representatives present--a quorum. Mr. McCalmont informed the House that he had been forcibly brought into the Assembly-room, contrary to his wishes, by a number of citizens. He begged he might be allowed to retire. Thomas FitzSimons replied that if any member of the House had forced the gentleman from the determination to absent himself, such member's conduct met the disapprobation of the House. But Mr. McCalmont was now here and the business of the State cannot be accomplished if any one is suffered to withdraw.