Elliot’s Debates: June 7, Journal of the Federal Convention
Elliot’s Debates: Volume 1
June 7, Journal of the Federal Convention
Thursday, June 7, 1787.
The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the American Union. Mr. President left the chair.
In Committee of the whole House.
Mr. Gorham in the chair.
The following resolution was submitted by Mr. Dickinson, seconded by Mr. Sherman, namely:
“Resolved, That the members of the second branch of the national legislature ought to be chosen by the individual legislatures.”
It was moved and seconded to postpone the last resolution, in order to introduce the following, submitted by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Morris, namely:
“Resolved, That the members of the second branch of the national legislature be elected by the people in districts, to be formed for that purpose.”
And on the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.
Yea: Pennsylvania, 1. Nays: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, 10.
A question was then taken on the resolution submitted by Mr. Dickinson, namely:
“Resolved, That the members of the second branch of the national legislature ought to be chosen by the individual legislatures.”
And on the question to agree to the same, it passed unanimously in the affirmative.
Mr. Gerry gave notice that he would to-morrow move for the reconsideration of the resolution, which respects the appointment of the national executive,when he should offer to substitute the following mode of appointing the national executive, namely: “by the executives of the several states.”
The committee then rose.
In the House.
Mr. President resumed the chair.
Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a further progress in the matter to them referred, and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.
“Resolved, That this house will to-morrow again resolve itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the America Union.”
And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 10 o’clock, A. M.
