Elliot’s Debates: Advertisement and Contents
Elliot’s Debates: Volume 5
Advertisement and Contents
DEBATES
ON THE
ADOPTION OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION.
IN THE
CONVENTION HELD AT PHILADELPHIA,
IN
1787;
WITH A DIARY OF THE DEBATES OF
THE CONGRESS OF THE CONFEDERATION;
AS REPORTED
BY JAMES MADISON,
A MEMBER, AND DEPUTY FROM VIRGINIA.
REVISED AND NEWLY ARRANGED
BY JONATHAN ELLIOT.
COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME.
VOL. V.
SUPPLEMENTARY TO ELLIOT’S DEBATES.
PUBLISHED UNDER THE SANCTION OF CONGRESS.
LC
WASHINGTON:
PRINTED FOR THE EDITOR.
1845.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-five,
By JONATHAN ELLIOT,
In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the District of Columbia.
By Transfer
LC
ADVERTISEMENT.
Under the sanction of Congress, this new edition of Madison’s Debates of the Federal Convention, held in 1787 has been prepared, revised, and the matter remodelled agreeably to the consecutive order of the subject. Thus, by a new arrangement of the Debates, greater convenience, more ready reference, with increased utility, have been obtained; and the whole subject of the Confederation, Debates, and Correspondence, (confined to the Constitution on the latter head,) is thus brought together within the compass of a single volume, presented, it will be seen, in a bold and conspicuous type, uniform in the size of the page with the four volumes of the new edition of Elliot’s Debates, which, by the compilation of a fifth (the present volume completes the entire series on our constitutional history.
CONTENTS.
DEBATES IN THE CONGRESS OF THE CONFEDERATION, FROM NOVEMBER 4, 1782, TO JUNE 21, 1783; AND FROM FEBRUARY 19 TO APRIL 25, 1787.
Monday, November 4, 1
Elias Boudinot chosen presidentLetters from Gert. Washington, Mr. Carmichael, at St. Ildefonso, and Mr. Laurens, at Nantz.
Tuesday, November 5, 1
Resolution authorizing Gert. Washington to obtain the exchange of two foreign officers, passed without due consideration, reconsideredRemarks of Mr. Madison.
Thursday, November 7, 2
The resolution referred to above repealed Motion by Mr. Osgood to fill the vacancy in the Court of AppealsOpposed by Mr. Duane on the ground of economyArguments for and against the motionDebate on the report of the committee on the case of Capt. AsgillDebate on the question of making a demand on Gen. Carleton to fulfil his engagement to pursue the authors of Capt. Huddy’s murder.
Friday, November 8, 3
Second vote on the preceding questionMotion by Mr. Rutledge directing retaliation for acts of crueltyReasons for and against itLetter from Gen. Carleton.
Tuesday, November 12, 4
Mr. Jefferson reappointed minister plenipotentiary for negotiating peaceMotion by Mr. Rutledge relative to business in the departments.
Thursday, November 14, 4
Proceedings on the report of the committee relative to Vermont.
Wednesday, November 20, 5
The report on memorials from the legislature of Pennsylvania, to provide for debts to her own citizens considered Motion by Mr. Rutledge for the committee to report the best mode of liquidating the domestic debts, and of obtaining a valuation of land within the several statesCommittee appointed to report a scheme for a valuation.
Thursday, November 21, 5
Report on the salaries of foreign ministersReasons for and against reduction
Motion by Mr. Howell, to defray the expense of temporary corps employed for the United StatesByrne same, relative to the communication of intelligence with foreign ministers.
Friday, November 22, 6
Motion for the ratification of the exchange of Lord Cornwallis for Mr. LaurensReasons for and against it.
Monday, November 25, 7
Letter from the governor of Rhode Island, containing evidence of intrigues of the enemy in VermontMotion for the ratification of the exchange of Lord Cornwallis resumed.
Tuesday, November 26, 7
Report from the superintendent of finance, respecting credits to the states of New Hampshire and MassachusettsMotion by Mr. Osgood on the subjectThe matter debated.
Wednesday, November 27, 8
The letter from the governor of Rhode Island about Vermont considered and debated.
Thursday, November 28, 9
Resignation of Mr. Livingston, secretary for foreign affairsMr. Jefferson and Mr. Jay spoken of.
Monday, December 2, 9
Resignation of the secretary for foreign affairs.
Tuesday, December 3, 9
Resolution relative to Mr. LivingstonReport of the committee in the case of Vermont.
Wednesday, December 4, 10
Motion respecting Paul JonesPromotion by districtsCommittee to confer with a committee of the legislature of Pennsylvania, relative to the memorials from that stateMinutes of the conference.
Thursday, December 5, 11
Election of judges of appealsResolutions respecting Vermont considered.
Friday, December 6, 12
Ordinance extending the franking privilege to the heads of departments discussedMotion relative to statements by a member in a Boston newspaperMotions of Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Rutledge, requiring compliance with the requisitions of Congress, for funds to pay the interest of the domestic debt, and defraying the expenses of the ensuing yearObjectionsDeputation to Rhode Island.
Saturday, December 7, 14
Meeting of the grand committee on the old paper emissionsPlan reported by the sub-committee agreed toDiscussion on the rate of depreciationOpposition to the rates by the southern delegates.
Tuesday, December 10, 14
Motion directing the secretary of war to deliver the resolutions relative to VermontReasons for and againstMotion for determining finally the affair of Vermont.
Wednesday, December 11, 15
Secretary of war authorized to permit the British prisoners to hire themselves outThe transmission of the resolutions concerning Vermont.
Thursday, December 12, 15
Report by the committee touching the publication in the Boston paper.
Friday, December 13, 15
Mr. Howell’s acknowledgment of the authorship of the letter in the Providence Gazette.
Monday, December 16 15
Passage of the answer to the objections by Rhode island as to the impost.
Tuesday, December 17, 15
The affair of Mr. Howell.
Wednesday, December 18, 15
Discussion on the case of Mr. HowellCharacter of his protest, and the indignation excited thereby.
Friday, December 20, 16
Debate on Mr. Hamilton’s motion for revising the requisitions of the preceding and present yearsMode of transmitting to the executive of Rhode Island the several acts of Congress, with a state of foreign loans.
Saturday, December 21, 16
Report of the committee to confer with Mr. Livingston to prevail with him to serve till the spring.
Monday, December 23 16
Letters from Dr Franklin, Mr. Jay, and the Marquis de la FayetteEmbarkation of the French troops for the West Indies.
Tuesday, December 24, 17
Letter of Mr. Jay, with a copy of the intercepted letter from Marbois, laid before CongressRemarks thereonLetter of Mr. Pendleton to Mr. Madison. stating the repeal, by the legislature of Virginia, of her law for the impostThe departure of the deputation to Rhode Island suspended until the further order of CongressMotion by Mr. Rutledge against salvage for recaptures on landPassed by compromise as reported by the committeeReport of the grand committee with respect to the old paper money.
Monday, December 30, 18
Mr. Clark’s motion to exempt ministers from control of France in negotiations for peaceReasons for and againstPostponedLetter of Dr. Franklin on commercial reciprocity referredContract of Gen. Wayne with British individuals, confirmed with great reluctance.
Tuesday, December 31, 19
Report on Mr. Madison’s motion; instructing the ministers plenipotentiary to obtain commercial reciprocity and trade with the West IndiesPassed unanimously.
Wednesday, January 1, 19
Decision of the controversy between Connecticut and Pennsylvania reported Vote of thanks to Count Rochambeau.
Friday, January 3, 20
Vote of thanks to the minister of France repealed by his desireAnswer to the note of the French minister passed unanimouslyProceedings of the court in the dispute between Connecticut and Pennsylvania, entered on the Journals.
Monday, January 6, 20
Memorial from the army laid before Congress Debate on the plan of a consular convention with FranceSubject postponedConference of the grand committee with the superintendent of finance.
Tuesday, January 7 21
Conference of the grand committee with Mr. Morris.
Wednesday, January 8, Thursday, January 9, and Friday, January 10, 21
Debate on the report for valuation of land Letter from the superintendent of finance, and special committee appointed to confer and reportConference of the committeeMr. Peters’s report relative to secrecy of proceedingsDiscussion on the report on the mode of valuation of land, continued.
Monday, January 13, 22
Report on the valuation of land, referred to a grand committeeDiscussion on the motion to make further loansAudience by the grand committee to the deputies of the army Sub-committee appointed.
Tuesday, January 14 24
Meeting and discussion of the grand committee on the valuation of land.
Wednesday, January 15, 25
Evacuation of Charleston.
Friday, January 17, 26
Misrepresentations in South Carolina of European negotiationReport of the committee on foreign LoansVote of thanks to Gen. GreeneMr. Webster and Mr. Judd.
From Friday, 17, to Tuesday, January 21, 27
Letters from Mr. Adams, relative to siege of Gibraltar, and the treaty of commerce with Holland.
Thursday, January 23, 27
Report of committee on treaty with HollandsPurchase of books for the use of Congress discussed.
Friday, January 24, 27
Violation of passports by citizens of PennsylvaniaCommittee confer with the governorLetter from the superintendent of financeDiscussion thereonMemorial from the army.
Saturday, January 25, 30
Ratification of the contract with France Discussion of the army memorial resumed.
Monday, January 27, 31
Death of Lord Stirling VermontArmy memorialResolution in favor of adequate revenue discussed Resolution of Virginia repealing impost.
Tuesday, January 28, 34
Subject of permanent revenue resumed.
Wednesday, January 29, 38
Treaty with Holland, and its inaccuracies Permanent revenue Debate thereon.
Thursday, January 30, 42
Decision on memorials from the legislature of Pennsylvania.
Friday, January 31, 43
Instructions to the Virginia delegates, relative to tobacco exported under flagsValuation of landReport to Congress taken up.
Tuesday, February 4, 44
Remonstrance from VermontReport proposing a commutation for the half-due the army taken upLetter from Mr. Samuel AdamsValuation of land.
Wednesday, February 5, 45
Rule of votingAmendments proposed to the report on the valuation of land.
Friday, February 7, 46
Reconsideration of the report.
SATURDAY, February 8, 47
Discussion on the valuation of land continued
Monday, February 10, 47
Report on Virginia resolutions relative to tobacco exported.
Tuesday, February 11, 48
Discussion on the valuation of landReferred to a special committee.
Wednesday, February 12, 49
General revenueDiscussion continuedImpost
Thursday, February 13, 49
ImpostViolation of passport by seizure of goods for prisoners of warSpeech of the king of Great Britain.
Friday, February 14 50
Mr. Jefferson’s mission suspended.
Monday, February 17, 50
Report on the valuation lostRevivedAdopted.
Tuesday, February 18, 51
Committee of the whole on general revenueLetter from Mr. William Lee, at Ghent.
Wednesday, February 19, 52
Impost, and debate thereon.
Thursday, February 20, 54
Motion for limiting the impost to twenty-five yearsDecisionThe goods seized under passport Resolution relative to.
Friday, February 21, 55
Revival of the discussion on general revenue.
Tuesday, February 25, 58
Discussion on the marina to refer the officers for half-pay to their respective states.
Wednesday, February 26, 58
Refugees in the state of DelawareContinued debate on the valuation of landLetter from Mr. Morris relative to his purpose of resigning.
Thursday, February 27 59
Report of committee on Mr. Morris’s letterReconsideration of the subject of half-payAddition of specific duties to the impost proposedDebate thereon.
FRIDAY, February 28, 61
Motion by Mr. Wolcott to refer the half-pay to the statesDuty on wine.
Monday, March 3, 62
Specific duties reported.
Tuesday, March 4, and Wednesday, March 5, 62
Abatement of the quotas of certain staten Motion to arrange the department of financeAttack on and defence of, Mr. Morris.
Thursday, March 6, 62
Report of the committee on revenue ordered to be printed.
Friday, March 7, 62
Printed reports delivered to the members Resolutions contained is the report.
Monday, March 10, 64
Report on commutation of half-pay.
Tuesday, March 11, 64
Impost and specific dutiesAppointment of collectors.
Wednesday, March 12, Thursday, 13, Friday, 14, and Saturday, 15, 65
Despatches brought by Capt. Barney read Preliminary articles of peaceAmerican ministers.
Monday, March 17, 66
Letter from Gert Washington enclosing two inflammatory exhortations to the armyEffect of this intelligence.
Tuesday, March 18, 66
Amendments of the report on specific dutiesLetter from the secretary for foreign affairs relative to West Florida.
Wednesday, March 19, 67
Letter from the superintendent of financeDr. FranklinCount de VergennesConduct of American ministers towards France discussed.
Thursday, March 20, 72
Instructions of Virginia relative to confiscated propertyResolutions of Pennsylvania relative to British debts General revenue.
Friday, March 21, 79
Revenue report considered.
Saturday, March 22, 73
Letter from Gert. WashingtonHis address to the convention of officersLicenses to whalersReport on the conduct of American ministers in FranceDebate.
Monday, March 24, 74
Intelligence of peace sent by La FayetteLetter from Gen. Carleton received through Gen. WashingtonInjunction of secrecy debated.
Wednesday, March 26, 76
Communication by the minister of France, on the finances and negotiations of the two countries.
Thursday, March 27, 77
General revenue taken up Amendments.
Friday, March 28, 79
Proportion of slaves to freemen VoteArguments for various ratesMain question
Saturday, March 29, 80
Examination of department of finance.
Monday, March 31, 80
Letter from the governor of Rhode Island Mr. Howell Cessation of hostilities on account of the signing of the general preliminariesAmerican cruisersGen. Carleton’s refusal discussed.
Tuesday, April 1, 81
Report on general revenueDiscussion continuedState conventionsRate of slaves agreed to.
Wednesday, April 2, Thursday, April 3, Friday, April 4, Saturday, April 5, 81
Grand committee on the report on revenueCommittee appointed in consequence of the declaration of peaceTheir duties.
Monday, April 7, 82
Number allotted by the grand committee to the statesLetter from Gen. Washington on peace.
Tuesday, April 8, 82
Debt of the United States estimatedReport on revenue.
Wednesday, April 9, 83
Memorial from Gen. Hazen on behalf of the CanadiansDiscussion on a motion to refer to a select committee the subject of western landsDrawback on salt fish.
Thursday, April 10, 84
Letters from Gen. Carleton and Admiral DigbyLetters from Dr. Franklin and Mr. AdamsPeaceThe secretary of foreign at affairs reports a proclamation to CongressPrisoners of war directed to be discharged.
Friday, April 11, 84
Proclamation of the secretary of foreign affairs discussed.
Saturday, April 12, 84
Letter received from Mr. DanaRemarks thereonConsideration of the report of the secretary of foreign affairs.
Monday, April 14, 85
Report of the committee on the ratification of the preliminary articlesConsiderations of the committee for recommending a postponement of the decision of Congress.
Tuesday, April 15, 86
Ratification of the articles.
Wednesday, April 16, 86
Mr. Hamilton’s views of the provisional articles.
Thursday, April 17, 86
Mr. Madison’s views to the adjustment of the revenue RemarksVote.
Friday, April 18, 87
Termination of hostilitiesDebate on
the cessions of the statesPassage of the plan of revenue.
Monday, April 21, 87
Motion relative to expenses incurred by individual states.
Wednesday, April 23, 87
Resolution permitting soldiers to retain their armsResolution for granting furloughs and discharges.
Saturday, April 26, 88
Address to the states, and to Rhode Island.
Monday, May 5, 88
Motion as to the vote on the loan from France.
Tuesday, May 6, 88
Indemnification of officers for damagesProposal to erect a statue of WashingtonTreaty of commerce with Great Britain referred to a committee.
Wednesday, May 7, 88
Resolution for indemnifying officers agreed toPay.
Thursday, May 8, 88
Delivery of slavesPortrait of Don Galvez.
Friday, May 9, 88
Report on the occupation of posts postponedDebate on the recommendation to restore confiscated property.
Wednesday, May 14, 88
Recommendation relative to the tories.
Thursday, May 15, 89
Report relating to the department of foreign affairs taken up.
Monday, May 19, 89
Debate on the report recommending provisions for tories.
Tuesday, May 20, 89
Debate on the proposal to discharge the troopsLaid on the tableConfiscated property.
Wednesday, May 21, Thursday, May 22, 89
Armed neutralityTreaty of commerce with Russia.
Friday, May 23, 89
Report in favor of discharging the soldiers discussed.
Monday, May 26, 90
Passage of the resolutions for furloughing the troops, and instructing our ministers in Europe to remonstrate against the carrying off the negroes.
Thursday, May 29, 90
Report of the committee concerning interest on British debts, submitted and discussed.
Friday, May 30, 90
Debate on the report of the committee recommending the states to comply with certain of the provisional articlesInterest on British debts.
Wednesday, June 4 90
Army certificates for landSecretary of foreign affairs.
Friday, June 6, 91
Discussion of the report relating to the territorial cession of Virginia.
Monday, June 9, 91
No quorumInstruction received from New Jersey, in relation to the public lands.
Tuesday, June 10, 91
Cession of VirginiaDebate continuedNominations for secretary of foreign affairs.
Thursday, June 12, 91
Instruction relative to neutral confederacy.
Friday, June 13, 91
Mutinous memorial from the sergeants received and readSent to the secretary of war.
Tuesday, June 17, 91
Consideration of the report relative to the department of finance.
Thursday, June 19, 92
Information received from the executive council of Pennsylvania, of mutinous proceedings in the armyConference of a committee with the executive.
Friday, June 20, 92
Entrance of the soldiers, from Lancaster, into the cityAmendment to the report on the cession of VirginiaDiscussion thereon continued.
Saturday, June 21, 93
Mutinous soldiersCall made upon the executive of PennsylvaniaConference by the committeeCongress resolves to meet at TrentonSubmission of the mutineersTheir leaders.
Monday, February 19, 1787, 94
Insurrection in MassachusettsEnlistment of troops by CongressMotion to stop it rejected.
Wednesday, February 21, 96
Report of the convention at Annapolis proposing a Federal ConventionNew York delegates move for a conventionViews of different membersCongress sanction it.
Tuesday, March 13, 97
Refusal to remove the military stores from SpringfieldConference of Mr. Madison and Mr. Bingham with Mr. Guardoqui relative to the navigation of the MississippiDiscontents in the western territoryPosts held by the British.
Tuesday, March 20, 98
Mr. Jay’s report relative to the effect of British treaty of peaceObligations imposed on the states by treaties.
Wednesday, March 21, 98
Effect of treaties on the states.
Friday, March 23, 99
Proposal to reduce salariesCivil list.
Wednesday, March 28, 99
Discontinuance of enlistmentsMilitary establishmentSeizure of Spanish property by Gen. ClarkRepresentations of Virginia relative to disturbances in the western territory.
Thursday, March 29, 99
Ordinance for settlement of public accountsComplaints from IllinoisSeizure of Spanish property by Gen. ClarkUnsettled state of the western territoryNavigation of the MississippiConference of Virginia delegates with Mr. Guardoqui.
Friday, March 30, 101
Mr. Jay’s report on the admission of Mr. Bund as British consulSubject postponedRepresentations of North Carolina relative to discontents in the western territoryNavigation of the Mississippi Negotiation between Mr. Jay and Mr. Guardoqui.
Monday, April 2, 102
Resolution to lay the negotiation between Mr. Jay and Mr. Guardoqui before Congress.
Tuesday, April 10, 102
Future seat of Congress.
Wednesday, April 11, 102
Future seat of Congress.
Wednesday, April 18, 102
Negotiation between Mr. Jay and Mr. GuardoquiMotion to send Mr. Jefferson to MadridReferred to the secretary of foreign affairs.
Thursday, April 19, 103
Representations of Virginia relative to the navigation of the Mississippi.
Monday, April 23, 103
Mr. Jay’s report against sending Mr. Jefferson to Madrid.
Wednesday, April 25, 103
Motion that a vote of nine states is requisite to authorize suspension of the use of the Mississippi, not decided by Congress.
LETTERS OF MR. MADISON PRIOR TO THE CONVENTION OF 1787.
To Edmund Randolph. New York, February 25, 1787, 106
Congress sanction the Federal ConventionEmbarrassment of the treasuryProspect of disunion.
To Edmund Randolph. New York, March 11, 1787, 106
Appointments by states of delegates to the Federal Convention.
To Thomas Jefferson. New York, March 19, 1787, 107
Navigation of the MississippiOpinions of several states in regard to it.
To Edmund Randolph. New York, April 8, 1787, 107
Propositions in the Federal Convention expected from VirginiaMr. Madison’s ideas of a federal constitution.
DEBATES IN THE FEDERAL CONVENTION, FROM MONDAY, MAY 14, 1787, UNTIL ITS FINAL ADJOURNMENT, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1787.
Introduction, 109
ConfederaciesMeeting of colonial deputies at Albany in 1754Congress of 1774Declaration of independenceArticles of ConfederationDifficulties arising from the public lands, and duties on foreign commerceWant of a permanent revenueResolution of Virginia for a conventionMeeting of the convention at Annapolis, in 1786Recommends Federal ConventionProceedings of Virginia and other statesPrevious suggestions for a convention by Pelatiah Webster, Gen. Schuyler, Alexander Hamilton, Richard H. Lee, and Noah WebsterDefects to be provided for by a constitutionMr. Madison’s sketchMeeting of Federal Convention in 1787Manner in which the reports of the debates were taken.
Friday, May 25, 123
Organization of Convention Gen. Washington chosen president, and Maj. Jackson secretary Delaware credentialsCommittee on rules.
Monday, May 28, 124
Rules reportedNo yeas and nays requiredVote by statesLetter from Rhode Island.
Tuesday, May 29, 126
Additional rulesKeeping of minutesConvention goes into committee of the wholeMr. Randolph submits fifteen propositionsHis remarksPropositions stated Mr. Charles Pinckney submits a plan of a constitution Plan stated.
Wednesday, May 30, 132
Mr. Randolph’s first proposition withdrawn, and a substitute offeredThe proposed government to be national, and to consist of a legislature, executive, and judiciary.
Mr. Randolph’s second propositionThe right of suffrage in the national legislature, to be proportioned to the quotas of contribution, or the number of free inhabitants, as is best in different casesPostponed.
Thursday, May 31, 135
Mr. Randolph’s third propositionThe national legislature to have two branchesAgreed to.
Mr. Randolph’s fourth propositionFirst branch of the national legislature to be elected by the people Agreed toQualifications, &c., of members of first branchPostponed.
Mr. Randolph’s fifth propositionSecond branch of the national legislature to be chosen by the first branch, from nominations by state legislatures Disagreed toQualifications of members of second branchNot considered.
Mr. Randolph’s sixth propositionPowers of the national legislatureEach branch to originate lawsAgreed toNational legislature to possess all the legislative powers of the Congress of the Confederation, to pass laws where state legislatures are incompetent, or where necessary, to preserve harmony among the states, and to negative state laws contravening the articles of union or foreign treatiesAgreed toThe national legislature authorized to exert the force of the whole against a delinquent statePostponed.
Friday, June 1, 140
Mr. Randolph’s seventh propositionThe national executive to possess the executive powers of the Congress of the ConfederationAmended, to possess power to execute the national laws, and appoint to offices not otherwise provided forAmendment agreed toTo be chosen for a term of yearsAmended, for seven yearsAmendment agreed toTo be chosen by the national legislaturePostponed.
Saturday, June 2, 143
Mr. Randolph’s seventh propositionThe national executive to be chosen by the national legislature, resumedAgreed toTo receive fixed compensationAmended, to receive no salary, but expenses to be defrayedAmendment postponedTo be ineligible a second timeAmended to be removable on impeachmentClause and amendment agreed toTo consist of personsPostponed.
Monday, June 4, 150
Mr. Randolph’s seventh propositionThe national executive to consist ofpersons, resumedAmended, a single personAgreed to.
Mr. Randolph’s eighth propositionA council of revision, to consist of the national executive, and a convenient number of the national judiciary, to have a negative on acts of national legislature unless again passed by members of each branchAmended, to give the national executive alone that power, unless overruled by two thirds of each branch of the national legislatureAmendment agreed to.
Mr. Randolph’s ninth proposition The national judiciary to be established Agreed toTo consist of one or more supreme tribunals, and of inferior tribunals Amended, to consist of one supreme tribunal, and of interior tribunalsAmendment agreed to.
Tuesday, June 5, 155
Mr. Randolph’s ninth propositionThe national judiciary to be chosen by the national legislatureDisagreed toTo hold office during good behavior, and to receive fixed compensationAgreed toTo have jurisdiction over offences at sea, captures, Cases of foreigners and citizens of different states, of national revenue, impeachments of national officers, and questions of national peace and harmonyPostponed.
Mr. Randolph’s tenth proposition New states to be admittedAgreed to.
Mr. Randolph’s eleventh proposition Republican government audits territory, except in case of voluntary junction, to be guarantied to each state Postponed
Mr. Randolph’s twelfth propositionThe Congress of the Confederation to continue till a given day, and its engagements to be fulfilled Agreed to.
Mr. Randolph’s thirteenth proposition Provision to be made for amendments of the Constitution without the assent of the national legislaturepostponed.
Mr. Randolph’s fourteenth proposition National and state officers to take an oath to support the national governmentPostponed.
Mr. Randolph’s fifteenth propositionThe Constitution to be ratified by conventions of the people of the states recommended by the state legislaturesPostponed.
Motion to strike out “inferior tribunals” in the ninth propositionAgreed to.
Motion to amend the ninth proposition, so as to empower the national legislature to institute inferior tribunalsAgreed to.
Wednesday, June 6, 160
Motion to amend fourth proposition so as to provide that the first branch of the national legislature be elected by the state legislaturesDisagreed to.
Motion to reconsider the vote on the eighth proposition, so as to unite a convenient number of the national judiciary with the national executive in the revision of the acts of the national legislatureDisagreed to.
Thursday, June 7, 166
Motions to supply the blank occasioned by the disagreement to Mr. Randolph’s fifth proposition relative to the mode of choosing the second branch of the national legislatureTo be elected by the people divided into large districts Disagreed to To be appointed by the national executive out of nominations by the state legislaturesDisagreed to To be chosen by the state legislaturesAgreed to.
Friday, June 8, 170
Motion, on a reconsideration of that part of the sixth proposition which gives the national legislature power to negative state laws contravening the articles of union, or foreign treaties, to extend the power so as to authorize the national legislature to negative all laws which they should judge to be improper Disagreed to.
Saturday, June 9, 174
Motion, on a reconsideration of that part of the seventh proposition, which declares that the national executive shall be chosen by the national legislature to substitute therefor that the national executive be elected by the executives of the states, their proportion of votes to be the same as in electing the second branch of the national legislatureDisagreed to.
Monday, June 11, 178
Motion to consider Mr. Randolph’s second proposition, as to the right of suffrage in the national legislature, which had been postponedAgreed toMotion to substitute therefor, that the right of suffrage in the national legislature ought not to be according to the rule in the Articles of Confederation, (an equality, each state having one vote therein,) but according to some equitable ratio of representationAgreed toMotion that this equitable ratio of representation should be according to the quotas of contributionPostponedMotion that this equitable ratio of representation should be in proportion to the number of free citizens and inhabitants, and three fifths of other persons in each stateAgreed toMotion that there should be an equality of suffrage in the second branch of the national legislature, each state to have one vote thereinDisagreed to Motion that the right of suffrage should be the same in each branchAgreed to.
Motion to consider Mr. Randolph’s eleventh proposition, guarantying republican government and its territory to each state, Which had been postponedAgreed to Motion to amend it, so as to guaranty to each state a republican constitution, and its existing lawsAgreed to.
Motion to consider Mr. Randolph’s thirteenth proposition, providing for amendments to the Constitution, which had been postponed, agreed to Motion that provision for amendments ought to be made Agreed toThat the assent of the national legislature ought not to be requiredPostponed.
Motion to consider Mr. Randolph’s fourteenth proposition, requiring oaths of national and state officers to observe the national Constitution, which had been postponedAgreed toMotion to strike out the part requiring oaths of state officersDisagreed toProposition agreed to.
Tuesday, June 12, 183
Mr. Randolph’s fifteenth proposition relative to ratification of the Constitution by state conventions considered and agreed to.
Motion to consider that part of Mr. Randolph’s fourth proposition relative to the qualifications of the members of the first branch, which had been postponed Agreed to Motion that the members of the first branch shall be elected every three yearsAgreed toShall be of years of ageDisagreed toShall be allowed a fixed compensation, to be paid out of the national treasuryAgreed toShall be ineligible to state or national offices during their term of service, or for one year after Agreed to Shall be incapable of reëlection for years after, and subject to recallDisagreed to.
The part of Mr. Randolph’s fifth proposition relative to qualifications of the members of the second branch, consideredMotion that the members of the second branch shall be of the age of thirty yearsAgreed to Shall hold their offices for the term of seven yearsAgreed toShall be entitled to no compensationDisagreed toShall be subject to the same qualifications, as to compensation and ineligibility, as the members of the first branchAgreed to.
Wednesday, June 13, 187
The part of Mr. Randolph’s ninth proposition relative to the jurisdiction of the national judiciary was struck outMotion that national judiciary shall have jurisdiction in cases of national revenue, impeachments of national officers, and questions of national peace and harmonyAgreed toMotion that the judges of the supreme tribunal be appointed by the second branch (Senate) of the national legislatureAgreed to.
Motion to amend that part of the sixth proposition which empowers each branch to originate acts by restraining the second (senatorial) branch from originating money billsDisagreed to.
State of the resolutions (nineteen in number) as adopted by the committee of the whole, and founded on Mr. Randolph’s fifteen propositions.
Friday, June 15, 191
Mr. Patterson submits nine propositions to be substituted for those of Mr. RandolphPropositions stated.
Saturday, June 16, 193
Mr. Patterson’s first propositionThe Articles of Confederation to be revised and enlargedAdjourned.
Monday, June 18, 198
Mr. Patterson’s first propositionThe Articles of Confederation to be revised and enlarged, resumedMotion to amend so as to provide for an adequate government of the United StatesPostponed.
Mr. Hamilton submits eleven propositions as amendments which he should probably offer to those of Mr. RandolphRead, but not moved.
Tuesday, June 19, 206
Motion to amend Mr. Patterson’s first proposition so as to provide for an adequate government of the United States, resumedDisagreed to Motion to postpone Mr. Patterson’s first propositionAgreed to.
Motion for the committee of the whole to rise and report the nineteen resolutions founded on Mr. Randolph’s propositions as amended and adopted in committeeAgreed to
First resolution, establishing a national government, to consist of a legislative, executive, and judiciary, considered by the Convention.
Wednesday, June 20, 214
First resolution, establishing a national government, resumedMotion to amend so as to establish a government of the United StatesAgreed to.
Second resolution, that the national legislature consist of two branchesMotion to amend by striking out “national”Agreed toMotion to amend by declaring that legislation be vested in the United States in CongressDisagreed to.
Thursday, June 21, 220
Second resolution, that the legislature consist of two branches, resumedAgreed to.
Third resolution, fixing election, term, qualifications, &c., of the first branch of the legislature Motion to amend so as to provide that the election of the first branch be as the state legislatures direct Disagreed toMotion to amend so as to provide that the term of the first branch be for two years Agreed to.
Friday, June 99, 226
Third resolution, fixing election, term, qualifications, &c., of the first branch, resumedMotion to amend seas to provide that the compensation of members of the first branch shall be fixed by the national legislatureDisagreed toMotion to amend, by striking out its payment from the national treasuryDisagreed toMotion to amend so as to provide that the compensation shall be fixed Agreed toMotion to amend so as to provide that the members of the first branch shall be twenty-five years of ageAgreed to Motion to amend by striking out the ineligibility of members of the first branchDisagreed to.
Saturday, June 23, 230
Third resolution, for fixing the qualifications, &c., of the first branch, resumedMotion to amend by striking out the ineligibility of the members to state officesAgreed toMotion to amend by confining their ineligibility to such national offices as had been established, or their emoluments increased, while they were membersDisagreed toMotion to confine their ineligibility to national offices, during one year after their term of service is expiredAgreed to.
Monday, June 25, 233
Fourth resolution, axing election, term, qualifications &c., of the second branch of the legislatureMotions to amend the clause relating to their term of office by making it six or five yearsDisagreed to.
Tuesday, June 26, 241
Fourth resolution, relative to the term of the second branch of the legislature, resumedMotion to amend so as to make their term nine years, one third to go out every third yearDisagreed toTo make their term six years, one third to go out every second yearAgreed toMotion to amend by striking out their compensationDisagreed toMotion to amend so as to provide that their compensation be paid by the statesDisagreed toMotion to provide that their compensation be paid out of the national treasuryDisagreed toMotion to amend by striking ont the ineligibility of the members to state offices Agreed toMotion to confine their ineligibility to national offices during one year after their term of service is expired.
Wednesday, June 27, 248
Fifth resolution, authorizing each branch to originate actsAgreed to.
Sixth resolution, defining the powers of the legislature Postponed.
Seventh resolution, fixing the right of suffrage in the first branch of the legislature, considered.
Thursday, June 28, 249
Seventh resolution, fixing the right of suffrage in the first branch, resumedMotion to amend so as to provide that the right of suffrage in the first branch should be the same as in the Articles of the Confederation, (an equality, each state having one vote therein,)Postponed.
Friday, June 99, 255
Amendment proposed to the seventh resolution, so as to give each state an equal suffrage in the first branch, resumed Disagreed toRemaining clauses of seventh resolution postponed.
Eighth resolution, fixing the same right of suffrage in the second branch of the legislature as in the firstMotion to amend so as to provide that each state should have an equal suffrage in the second branchAdjourned.
Saturday, June 30, 261
Amendment proposed to the eighth resolution, so as to give each state an equal suffrage in the second branch, resumed Proposition to amend so as to provide that each orate should send an equal number of members to the second branch; that, in all questions of state sovereignty and of appointments to office, each state shall have an equal suffrage, and that, in fixing salaries and appropriations, each state shall vote in proportion to its contributions to the treasuryNot moved.
Monday, July 2, 269
Amendment proposed to the eighth resolution, so as to give each state an equal suffrage in the second branch, resumedDisagreed to.
Motion to refer the clauses of the seventh and eighth resolutions, relating to the suffrages of both branches of the legislature, to a committeeAgreed to.
Thursday, July 5, 273
Report of the committee to amend the seventh resolution, so as to provide that the proportion of suffrage of each state in the first branch shall be one member for every forty thousand inhabitants of the description mentioned in that resolution; that each state shall have one member in the first branch; that all bills for raising or appropriating money shall originate in the first branch, and not be altered in the second; and that no payments shall be made from the treasury, except on appropriations by law.
Report to amend the eighth resolution, so as to provide that each state shall have an equal suffrage in the second branch.
Friday, July 6, 280
Clause of the report on the seventh resolution, providing that the proportion of suffrage of each state in the first branch should be one member for every forty thousand inhabitants, resumedReferred to a committeeClause of the report on the seventh resolution, providing that all money bills shall originate in the first branch, resumedAgreed to.
Saturday, July 7, 285
Report on the eighth resolution, providing that each state shall have an equal suffrage in the second branch, resumedAgreed to.
Monday, July 9, 287
Report of the committee, to amend the clause of the seventh resolution, relative to the proportion of suffrage in the first branch, by fixing at present the whole number therein at forty-six, and apportioning them in a certain ratio among the states, consideredReferred to another committee.
Report of the committee, providing that the future number of members of the first branch may be altered from time to time, and fixed by the legislature; on the principles of the wealth and numbers of inhabitants of each stateAgreed to.
Tuesday, July 10, 290
Report of the committee en the seventh resolution, providing that at present the whole number of members in the first branch shall be sixty-five, and apportioning them in a certain ratio among the statesAgreed toMotion that a census be taken everyyears, and the representation in the first branch be arranged by the legislature accordinglyAdjourned.
Wednesday, July 11, 294
Amendment to the seventh resolution, requiring the future representation to be arranged by the legislature according to a periodical census, resumed,Motion to amend it by requiring the legislature to arrange the representation according to a census of the free inhabitants, taken at least every fifteen yearsAgreed toMotion further to amend by requiring the census to include three fifths of the negroesDisagreed to.
Thursday, July 19, 202
Seventh resolution, relative to the proportion of suffrage in the first branch, resumedMotion to provide that representation and direct taxation shall be in the same proportionAgreed toMotion to provide that for the future arrangement of representation, a census shall be taken within six years, and within every ten years afterwards, and that it shall be made according to the whole number of inhabitants, rating the blacks at three fifths of their numberAgreed to.
Friday, July 13, 306
Seventh resolution, relative to the proportion of suffrage in the first branch, resumedMotion to provide that, until the first census be taken, the proportion of the representatives from the states in the first branch, and the moneys raised from them by direct taxation, shall be the sameAgreed toMotion to strike out the amendment heretofore made for regulating future representation on the principle of wealthAgreed to.
Saturday, July 14, 310
Seventh resolution, relative to the proportion of suffrage in the first branch resumedMotion that the number of representatives in the first branch, from new states, shall never exceed those of the present statesDisagreed to.
Eighth resolution, relative to the proportion of suffrage in the second branch, resumedMotion to provide that the second branch shall consist of thirty-six members, distributed among the states in certain proportionsDisagreed to.
Monday, July 16, 316
Seventh and eighth resolutions as amended, and fixing the suffrage in both branches, resumedAgreed to.
Sixth resolution, defining the powers of the legislature, resumedMotion to amend by giving a specification of the powers not comprised in general terms Disagreed to.
Tuesday, July 17, 319
Sixth resolution, defining the powers of the legislature, resumedMotion to amend, so as to provide that the national legislature should not, interfere with the governments of the states in matters of internal police, in which the general welfare of the States is not concernedDisagreed to
Motion to amend so as to extend the power of the legislature to eases affecting the general interests of the UnionAgreed toMotion to agree to the power of negativing state lawsDisagreed toMotion to provide that the acts of the legislature, and treaties made in pursuance of the Constitution, shall bind the several statesAgreed to.
Ninth resolution, relative to national executiveMotion to amend so as to provide that the executive be chosen by the peopleDisagreed toThat he be chosen by electors appointed by the state legislaturesDisagreed toMotion to amend by striking out the provision that the executive is to be ineligible a second timeAgreed toMotion to amend so as to provide that the term of the executive should be during good behaviorDisagreed toMotion to amend by striking out seven years as the executive termDisagreed to.
Wednesday, July 18, 327
Tenth resolution, giving the executive a negative on acts of the legislature not afterwards passed by two thirdsAgreed to.
Eleventh resolution, relative to the judiciaryMotion to amend so as to provide that the supreme judges be appointed by the executiveDisagreed toThat they be nominated and appointed by the executive, with the consent of two thirds of the second branchDisagreed toMotion to amend so as to provide that their compensation shall not be diminished while in officeAgreed to.
Twelfth resolution. relative to the establishment of inferior national tribunals by the legislatureAgreed to.
Thirteenth resolution, relative to powers of the national judiciaryMotion to amend by striking out their power m regard to impeachment of national officersAgreed toMotion to amend so as to provide that their power shall extend to all cases arising under the national laws, or involving the national peace and harmonyAgreed to.
Fourteenth resolution, providing for the admission of new statesAgreed to.
Fifteenth resolution, providing for the continuance of the Congress of the Confederation and the completion of its engagementsDisagreed to.
Sixteenth resolution, guarantying a republican government and their existing laws to the statesMotion to amend so as to provide that a republican form of government, and protection against foreign and domestic violence, be guarantied to each stateAgreed to.
Thursday, July 19, 334
Ninth resolution, relative to the national executive, resumedMotion to amend so as to provide that the executive be chosen by electors chosen by the state legislaturesAgreed toMotion to amend so as to provide that the executive shall be ineligible a Second timeDisagreed toMotion to amend by making the executive term six yearsAgreed to.
Friday, July 20, 339
Ninth resolution, relative to the national executive, resumedMotion to provide that the number of electors of the executive to be chosen by the state legislatures shall be regulated by their respective numbers of representatives in the first branch, and that at present it shall be in a prescribed ratioAgreed toMotion to amend by striking out the Division for impeaching the executiveDisagreed toMotion to provide that the electors of the executive shall not be members of the national legislature, nor national officers, nor eligible to the supreme magistracyAgreed to.
Saturday, July 21, 344
Ninth resolution, relative to national executive, resumedMotion to provide for the payment of the electors of the executive out of the national treasuryAgreed to.
Tenth resolution, relative to the negative of the executive on the legislature, resumedMotion to amend by providing that the supreme judiciary be associated in this powerDisagreed to.
Eleventh resolution, relative to judiciary, resumedMotion to provide that the judges be nominated by the executive, and appointed, unless two thirds of the second branch disagree theretoDisagreed to
Monday, July 23, 351
Seventeenth resolution, providing for future amendmentsAgreed to.
Eighteenth resolution, requiring the oath of state officers to support the ConstitutionAgreed to.
Nineteenth resolution, requiring the ratification of the Constitution by state conventionsMotion to amend by providing for its reference to the state legislaturesDisagreed toMotion to a second Federal ConventionNot seconded.
The eighth resolution, relative to the suffrage in the second branch, resumedMotion to amend so as to provide that the representation consist of two members from each state, who shall vote per capita Agreed to.
Tuesday, July 24, 358
Ninth resolution, relative to the national executive, resumedMotion to amend so as to provide that he be appointed by the national legislature, and not by electors chosen by the state legislaturesAgreed toMotion to amend so as to provide that the executive be chosen by electors taken by lot from the national legislaturePostponed.
The resolutions, as amended and adopted, together with the propositions submitted by Mr. Patterson, and the plan proposed by Mr. C. Pinckney, referred to a committee of detail, to report a Constitution conformable to the resolutions.
Wednesday, July 25, 363
Ninth resolution, relative to the national executive, resumedMotion to appoint the executive by electors appointed by state legislatures, where the actual executive is reëligibleDisagreed to Motion to appoint the executive by the governors of states and their councilsNot passedMotion that no person be eligible to the executive for more than six years in twelve Disagreed toMotion to authorize copies to be taken of the resolution as adoptedDisagreed to.
Thursday, July 26, 368
The ninth resolution, relative to the national executive, resumedMotion that the executive be for seven years, and not reëligibleAgreed to.
The third and fourth resolutions, relative to the qualifications of the members of the legislature, resumedMotion to require property and citizenshipAgreed toMotion to exclude persons indebted to the United StatesDisagreed to.
Statement of the resolutions as amended agreed to, and referred to the committee of detail.
Plan of a Federal Constitution, offered by Mr. Charles Pinckney on the 29th May, referred to the committee of detail.
Propositions offered by Mr. Patterson, on the 15th June, referred to the committee of detail.
Monday, August 6, 376
Report of committee of detail.
Draught of a constitution, as reported by the committee.
Tuesday, August 7, 382
The Constitution, as reported by the committee of detail, considered.
The preamble, article first, designating the style of the government; and article second, dividing into a supreme legislative, executive, and judiciary, agreed to.
Article third, dividing the legislature into two distinct bodies, a House of Representatives and Senate, with a mutual negative in all cases, and to meet on a fixed dayMotion to confine the negative to legislative actsDisagreed toMotion to strike out the clausesgiving a mutual negativeAgreed toMotion to add that a different day of meeting may be appointed by lawAgreed toMotion to give the executive an absolute negative on the legislatureDisagreed to.
Article fourth, relative to the House of RepresentativesMotion to confine the rights of electors to freeholdersDisagreed to.
Wednesday, August 8, 388
Article fourth, relative to the House of Representatives, resumedMotion to require seven years’ citizenship in membersAgreed toMotion to require the members to be inhabitants of the states they representAgreed toMotion to require the inhabitancy for a specified periodDisagreed toMotion to require that after a census the number of members shall be proportioned to direct taxationAgreed toMotion to fix the ratio of representation by the number of free inhabitantsDisagreed toMotion to give every state one representative at leastAgreed toMotion to strike out the exclusive power dyer money billsAgreed to.
Thursday, August 9, 395
Article fourth, relative to the House of Representatives, resumedAgreed to as amended.
Article fifth, relative to the SenateMotion to strike out the right of state executives to supply vacanciesDisagreed toMotion to supply vacancies by the state legislatures, or by the executive, till its next meetingAgreed toMotion to postpone the clauses giving each member one voteDisagreed toMotion to require fourteen years’ citizenship in senatorsDisagreed toMotion to require nine years’ citizenship in senatorsAgreed to Motion to require senators to be inhabitants of the states they representAgreed to.
Article sixth, relative to the elections, qualifications, and proceedings of the legislature Motion to strike out the right of the legislature to alter the provisions concerning the election of its membersDisagreed to.
Friday, August 10, 402
Article sixth, relative to the elections, qualifications, and proceedings of the legislature, resumedMotion to require the executive, judiciary, and legislature, to possess a certain amount of propertyDisagreed to Motion to strike out the right of the legislature to establish a qualification of its membersAgreed toMotion to reduce a quorum of each House below a majorityDisagreed toMotion to authorize the compulsory attendance of membersAgreed toMotion to require a vote of two thirds to expel a memberAgreed toMotion to allow a single member to call the yeas and nays Disagreed toMotion to allow senators to enter their dissent on the Journals Disagreed toMotion to strike out the clause which confines the keeping and publication of the Journal of the Senate to its legislative business Agreed to.
Saturday, August 11, 408
Article sixth, relative to the elections, qualifications and proceedings of the legislature, resumedMotion to except from publication such parts of the Senate Journal, not legislative, as it may judge to require secrecyDisagreed toMotion to except from publication such parts of the Senate Journal as relate to treaties and military operationsDisagreed toMotion to omit the publication of such parts of the Journals as either House may judge to require secrecyAgreed to.
Monday, August 13, 411
Article fourth, relative to the House of Representatives, resumedMotion to require only citizenship and inhabitancy in membersDisagreed toMotion to require nine years’ citizenshipDisagreed toMotion to require four and five years’ citizenship instead of sevenDisagreed toMotion to provide that the seven years’ citizenship should not affect the rights of persons now citizensDisagreed to.
Article fifth, relative to the Senate resumedMotion to require seven years’ citizenship in senators, instead of nineDisagreed to.
Article fourth, relative to the House of Representatives, resumedMotion to restore the clause relative to money bills Disagreed to.
Tuesday, August 14, 420
Article sixth, relative to the elections, qualifications, and proceedings of the legislature, resumedMotion to permit members to be appointed to office during their term, but to vacate their seatsDisagreed toMotion to permit members to be appointed during their term to offices in the army or navy, but to vacate their seats Postponed Motion to pay the members, out of the national treasury, a sum to be fixed by lawAgreed to.
Wednesday, August 15, 427
Article sixth, relative to the elections, qualifications, and proceedings of the legislature, resumedMotion to unite the judges of the Supreme Court with the President, in his revisory power over acts of the legislatureDisagreed toMotion require three fourths, instead of two thirds, to pass bills, negatived by the executiveAgreed toMotion to extend the negative of the executive to resolves as well as billsDisagreed toMotion to allow the executive ten days to revise billsAgreed toArticle sixth, as amended, agreed to.
Thursday, August 16, 431
Article sixth, relative to the elections, qualifications, and proceedings or the legislature, resumed Motion to subject joint resolutions (except on adjournment) to the negative of the executiveAgreed to.
Article seventh, relative to the powers of the legislatureMotion to exclude exports from dutyPostponed Motion to authorize the establishment of postroadsAgreed toMotion to forbid the emission of bills of creditAgreed to.
Friday, August 17, 436
Article seventh, relative to the powers of the legislature, resumedMotion that it may appoint a treasurer by joint ballotAgreed toSubdue rebellion in a state without the application of its legislature when it cannot meetDisagreed toDeclare warAgreed to.
Saturday, August 18, 439
Motion to add various powers to the legislatureReferred to the committee of detail.
Motion relative to an assumption of the state debtsReferred to a grand committee.
Article seventh, relative to the powers of the legislature, resumedMotion that it may make rules for the army and navyAgreed toMotion that the army shall be limited in time of peace to a fixed number Disagreed toMotion that the subject of regulating the militia be referred to the grand committee Agreed to.
Monday, August 20, 445
Motion to add various powers to the legislatureReferred to the committee of detail.
Article seventh, relative to the powers of Congress, resumedMotion that it may pass sumptuary lawsDisagreed toMotions to amend the language defining and providing for the punishment of treasonAgreed toMotion to require the first census in three yearsAgreed to.
Tuesday, August 21, 451
Report of grand committee on assuming state debts, and regulating the militia.
Article seventh, relative to the powers of Congress, resumedMotion that state quotas for the expenses of the war be adjusted by the same rate as representation and direct taxation PostponedMotion that, until a census, direct taxation should be in proportion to representationDisagreed toMotion to raise direct taxes by requisitions on the statesDisagreed toMotion to permit taxes on exports by a vote of two thirdsDisagreed to:
Wednesday, August 22, 457
Report of committee of detail on various proposed additional powers of the legislature.
Article seventh, relative to the powers of Congress, resumedMotion to refer the clauses relative to the importation and migration of slaves, and to a capitation tax, and navigation act, to a grand committeeAgreed toMotion to prohibit attainders or ex post facto lawsAgreed to Motion to require the legislature to discharge the debts, and fulfil the engage-merits, of the United StatesAgreed to.
Thursday, August 23, 464
Article seventh, relative to the powers of the legislature, resumedMotion requiring them to organize the militia, when in the service of the United States, reserving the training and appointment of officers to the states Agreed toMotion to prohibit foreign presents, offices, or titles, to any officer, without consent of the legislatureAgreed to.
Article eighth; relative to the supreme authority of acts of the legislature and treatiesAgreed to.
Article seventh, relative to the powers of the legislature, resumedMotion to refer to a committee, to consider the propriety of a power to them to negative state lawsDisagreed to.
Article ninth, relative to the powers of the SenateMotion to require treaties to be ratified by lawDisagreed to.
Friday, August 24, 470
Report of the grand committee on the importation and migration of slaves, and a capitation tax, and navigation act.
Article ninth, relative to the powers of the Senate, resumedMotion to strike out the power to decide controversies between the statesAgreed to.
Article tenth, relative to the executiveMotion that the executive be elected by the peopleDisagreed toBy electors chosen by the people of the statesDisagreed toBy joint ballot of the legislature, and a majority of the members presentAgreed toMotion that each state nave one vote in electing the executiveDisagreed toMotion to require the President to give information to the legislatureAgreed toMotion to restrain appointing power by lawDisagreed toMotion to except from the appointing power offices otherwise provided for by the ConstitutionAgreed toMotion to authorize, by law, appointments by state legislatures and executivesDisagreed to.
Saturday, August 25, 475
Article seventh, relative to the powers of the legislature, resumedMotion that, in discharging the debts of the United States, they shall be considered as valid under the Constitution as they were under the ConfederationAgreed toMotion to postpone the prohibition for importing slaves to 1808Agreed toMotion to confine the clause to such states as permit the importation of slavesDisagreed toMotion that the tax on such importation shall not exceed ten dollars for each personAgreed toMotion that a capitation tax shall be in proportion to the censusAgreed to.
Article tenth, relative to the executive, resumedMotion to limit reprieves to the meeting of the Senate, and requiring their consent to pardonsDisagreed toMotion to except cases of impeachment from the pardoning powerAgreed toMotion that his pardons shall not be pleadable in barDisagreed to.
Monday, August 27, 480
Article tenth, relative to the executive, resumedMotion to limit his command of the militia to their being in the service of the United StatesAgreed toMotion to require an oath from the executive Agreed to.
Article eleventh, relative to the judiciaryMotion to confer equity powers on the courtsAgreed toMotion that the judges may be removed by the executive, on application of the legislatureDisagreed toMotion that the salaries of judges should not be increased while they are in officeDisagreed toMotion to extend jurisdiction to cases in which the United States are a party, or arising under the Constitution, or treaties, or relating to lands granted by different states Agreed toMotion to extend the appellate jurisdiction to law and factAgreed to.
Tuesday, August 28, 483
Article eleventh, relative to the judiciaryMotion to confine the appellate jurisdiction in certain cases to the Supreme CourtAgreed toMotion that crimes not committed within any state be tried where the legislature directsAgreed toMotion that the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless required by invasion or rebellionAgreed to.
Article twelfth, relative to the prohibitions on the power of the statesMotions to prohibit them absolutely from emitting bills of credit, legalizing any tender except gold or silver, or passing attainders or retrospective laws, or laying duties on importsAgreed toMotion to forbid them to lay embargoesDisagreed to.
Article thirteenth, relative to the prohibitions on slaves, unless authorized by the national legislatureMotion to include in these duties on exports, and, if permitted, to be for the use of the United StatesAgreed to.
Article fourteenth, relative to the rights of citizens of one state in anotherAgreed to.
Article fifteenth, relative to the delivery of persons fleeing to other statesMotion to extend it to all cases of crime Agreed toMotion to extend it to fugitive slavesWithdrawn.
Wednesday, August 29, 487
Article sixteenth, relative to the effect of public records and documents of one state in anotherMotion to refer it to a committee to add a provision relative to bankruptcies and foreign judgmentsAgreed to.
Article seventh, relative to the powers of the legislature resumedMotion to require two thirds of each House on act a regulating foreign commerceDisagreed toMotion to strike out the provision requiring two thirds of each House on navigation actsAgreed to.
Article fifteenth, relative to the delivery of persons fleeing to other states, resumedMotion to extend it to slavesAgreed to.
Article seventeenth, relative to the admission of new statesMotion to strike out the clause requiring their admission on the same terms with the original statesAgreed to.
Thursday, August 30, 494
Article seventeenth, relative to the admission of new states. resumedMotion not to require any other assent than that of Congress. to admit other states now existingDisagreed toMotion not to require any other assent than that of Congress, to admit states over which those now existing exercise no jurisdictionAgreed to Motion to allow the legislature to form new states within the territory claimed by the existing statesDisagreed toMotion to require assent of the state legislatures to a junction of statesAgreed toMotion to authorize the legislature to make regulations regarding the territories, but not to affect the claims either of the United States or the states Agreed toMotion to refer such claims to the Supreme CourtDisagreed to.
Article eighteenth, guarantying to the states a republican government, and protection against foreign invasion, and, on the application of the state legislature against domestic violenceMotion to strike out the clause requiring the application of the state legislatureDisagreed toMotion to authorize it on the application of the state executiveAgreed toMotion to limit the executive application to a recess of the legislatureDisagreed to.
Article nineteenth, relative to amendments of the ConstitutionAgreed to.
Article twentieth, relative to the oath to support the ConstitutionMotion to forbid any religious testAgreed to.
Article twenty-first, relative to the ratification of the ConstitutionMotion to require it to be by all the states.
Friday, August 31, 499
Article twenty-first, relative to the number of states necessary for a ratification of the Constitution, resumedMotion that the Constitution be confined to the states ratifying itAgreed toMotion not to require the ratification to he made by conventionsDisagreed toMotion to require unanimous ratification of the statesDisagreed toThat of nine statesAgreed to.
Article twenty-second, relative to the mode of ratificationMotion not to require the approbation of the present CongressAgreed toMotion that the state legislatures ought to call conventions speedilyDisagreed to.
Article twenty-third, relative to the measures to be taken for carrying the Constitution into effect when ratifiedMotion to strike out the clause requiting the legislature to choose the executiveAgreed to.
Article seventh, relative to the powers of the legislature, resumedMotion that no different duties or regulations, giving preference to the ports of any particular state, or requiring clearances, &c., between them, shall be madeAgreed to.
Monday, September 3, 504
Article sixteenth, relative to the effect of public records and documents of one state in another, resumedMotion to require the legislature to provide the manner of authenticating themAgreed to.
Article seventh, relative to the powers of the legislature resumedMotion that they may establish a bankrupt lawDisagreed to.
Article sixth, relative to the elections, qualifications, and proceedings of the legislature, resumedMotion to amend the rule as to incapacity, by prescribing only that members shall not hold an office of emolument, and shall vacate their seats on appointmentDisagreed toMotion to limit such incapacity to offices created, or whose emoluments were increased, during their termAgreed toMotion to render office and membership incompatibleAgreed to.
Tuesday, September 4, 506
Article seventh, relative to the powers of the legislature, resumedMotion that they shall lay and collect taxes to pay debts and provide for the common defence and welfareAgreed toRegulate trade with the IndiansAgreed to.
Article tenth, relative to the executive, resumedMotion to appoint a Vice-President, and he and the President to be chosen by electors appointed in such manner as the state legislatures may direct; if not chosen by a majority of the electors, to be balloted for by the Senate from the five highestPostponed.
Wednesday, September 5, 510
Article seventh, relative to the powers of the legislature, resumedMotion that they may grant letters of marqueAgreed toNot make army appropriations for more than two yearsAgreed toHave exclusive jurisdiction in the district ceded for the seat of government, and for ether purposes, with the consent of the state legislaturesAgreed toGrant patents and copyrightsAgreed to.
Article tenth, relative to the executive, resumedMotion that, in case of failure of the electors to elect, the choice shall be by the legislatureDisagreed toMotion not to require a majority of the electors, but one third to choose a President Disagreed to Motion that the choice of the Senate be limited to the three highestDisagreed toTo the thirteen highest Disagreed to.
Thursday, September 6, 515
Article tenth, relative to the executive, resumed Motion to exclude members of the legislature, and public officers, from being electorsAgreed toMotion to extend the executive term to seven and six yearsDisagreed toMotion to elect the executive by electorsAgreed toMotion that the election be at the seat of governmentDisagreed to On the same day throughout the UnionAgreed to Motion to refer it to the Senate, two thirds being present, if not made by the electorsAgreed toMotion to refer it to the House of Representatives, two thirds of the states being present, and each state to have one vote Agreed to.
Friday, September 7, 520
Article tenth, relative to the executive, resumedMotion to leave to the legislature to declare the executive officer in case of death, &c., of President and Vice-president, until a new electionAgreed toMotion that the President be a natural born citizen, and thirty-five years of ageAgreed toMotion that the Vice-President be president of the SenateAgreed toMotion to unite House of Representatives in the treaty powerDisagreed toMotion to give the executive and Senate the appointing powerAgreed toMotion to allow treaties of peace to be made by the executive and a majority of the SenateAgreed toMotion to allow two thirds of the Senate to make treaties of peace without the executiveDisagreed toMotion to appoint an executive councilDisagreed to.
Saturday, September 8, 526
Article tenth, relative to the executive, resumedMotion to require treaties of peace to be consented to by two thirds of the SenateAgreed toMotion to require that in such cases two thirds of all the members he requiredDisagreed to Motion to extend impeachment to high crimes and misdemeanorsAgreed toMotion to withdraw trial of impeachment from the SenateDisagreed to.
Article fourth, relative to the House of Representatives, resumedMotion that it must originate, but Senate may amend, money billsAgreed to.
Article tenth, relative to the executive, resumedMotion that he may convene both or either HouseAgreed to.
All the articles, as amended and agreed to, referred to a committee of revision.
Monday, September 10 530
Article nineteenth relative to amendments of the Constitution, resumedMotion that legislature may propose amendments, to be binding when assented to by three fourths of the statesAgreed to.
Article twenty-first, relative to the number of states necessary for a ratification of the ConstitutionMotion to require the assent of the present Congress before submitting it to the states for ratificationDisagreed to.
Article twenty-second, relative to the mode of ratifying the ConstitutionMotion to require the assent of the present CongressDisagreed toMotion to submit the Constitution, after it is acted on by the state conventions, to a second Federal ConventionPostponedMotion that an address to the states accompany the Constitution, when transmitted for ratificationAgreed to.
Wednesday, September 12, 535
The Constitution, as reported by the committee of revision, considered.
Article first, relative to the legislative powerMotion to require two thirds, instead of three fourths, to overrule the negative of the PresidentAgreed to.
Motion to add a bill of rightsDisagreed to.
Thursday, September 13, 539
Motion for a committee to report articles of association for encouraging, by the influence of the Convention, economy, frugality, and American manufacturesAgreed to.
Article first, relative to the legislative power, resumedMotion to permit the states to impose such duties on exports as are necessary to execute their inspection lawsAgreed to.
Resolutions directing the mode of proceeding in the present Congress to submit the Constitution to the states.
Friday, September 14, 541
Article first, relative to the legislative powers, resumedMotion to change the present proportion of members in the House of RepresentativesDisagreed toMotion that officers impeached be suspended till trialDisagreed toMotion to require the House of Representatives to publish all its proceedingsDisagreed toMotion that treasurer be appointed as other officersAgreed toMotion to provide for cutting canals and granting charters of incorporation, where the states may be incompetentDisagreed toTo establish a universityDisagreed toTo provide for the preservation of the liberty of the pressDisagreed toTo publish the expendituresAgreed to.
Saturday, September 15, 546
Article first, relative to the legislative powers, resumedMotion to change the present proportion of members in the House of RepresentativesDisagreed toMotion that the inspection laws of the states may be revised by CongressAgreed toMotion that no state shall lay a duty on tonnage, without assent of CongressAgreed to.
Article second, relative to the executiveMotion that President shall receive no emolument from the states during his termAgreed toMotion to deprive the President of the power to pardon treasonDisagreed toMotion that appointments to inferior offices may be vested by lawAgreed to
Article third, relative to the judiciary Motion to provide for trial by jury in civil casesDisagreed to.
Article fifth, relative to amendments of the ConstitutionMotion to require Congress to call a convention on an application of two thirds of the statesAgreed to.
Article first, relative to the legislative power, resumedMotion to guaranty to the states an equal representation in the SenateAgreed toMotion to forbid the passage of a navigation act before 1808, without two thirds of each HouseDisagreed to.
Motion that the amendments of the states be submitted to a new Federal ConventionDisagreed to.
The Constitution, as amended, agreed to.
Monday, September 17, 553
Article first, relative to the legislative power, resumedMotion to provide that thirty thousand, instead of forty thousand, be the lowest ratio of representationAgreed to.
Motion that the Constitution be signed, as agreed to, by all the statesAgreed to.
Motion that the Journals and papers be deposited with the presidentAgreed to.
The Constitution signed as finally amended, and the Convention adjourned.
LETTERS WRITTEN AFTER THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION.
To General Washington. New York, September 30, 1787, 566
Debates in Congress on Federal ConstitutionProposal to amend it there Transmitted to the statesOpinions on it.
To Edmund Randolph. New York,
October 21, 1787, 567 Opinions on Federal Constitution in different states.
To Thomas Jefferson. New York, October 24, 1787, 568
Proposal of amendments by CongressR. H. LeeDanaMason.
To General Washington. New York, October 28, 1787, 568
Prospects for establishment of Federal ConstitutionMr. Charles Pinckney.
To Edmund Randolph. New York, November 18, 1787, 568
Opinions on Federal Constitution.
To Edmund Randolph. New York, December 2, 1787, 569
Proceedings of states on Federal ConstitutionCommencement of the “Federalist.”
To Thomas Jefferson. New York, December 20, 1787, 569
Proceedings of states on Federal Constitution.
To General Washington. New York, December 20, 1787, 569
Mr. R. H. Lee’s views on Federal ConstitutionMr. Mason’sMr. Jay’sNavigation of PotomacProceedings of states on Federal Constitution.
To Edmund Randolph. New York, January 10, 1788, 570
Mr. Randolph’s views of Federal ConstitutionMr. Henry’sMr. S. Adams’sProceedings of states on itProposal of second convention.
To Edmund Randolph. New York, January 27, 1788, 572
Mr. C. Griffin elected president of CongressProceedings in convention of MassachusettsMr. Gerry and Mr. Dana Criticisms on views of Mr. Randolph, Mr. Gerry, and Col. Mason.
To General Washington. New York, February 3, 1788, 572
Proceedings in convention of Massachusetts.
To Edmund Randolph. New York, March 3, 1788, 573
Proceedings of states on Federal Constitution.
To Edmund Randolph. New York, July 2, 1788, 573
Mr. Jefferson’s opinions on Federal Constitution.
To Edmund Randolph. New York, July 16, 1788, 573
Proceedings in convention of New York.
To Edmund Randolph. New York, July 22, 1788, 574
Proceedings in convention of New York.
To Edmund Randolph. New York, August 22, 1788, 574
George Clinton’s views on Federal ConstitutionProposal for second convention.
To Edmund Randolph. New York, September 24, 1788, 574
State of trade in VirginiaBritish debtsBritish ports.
To Edmund Randolph. New York, October 17, 1788, 575
Effect of American revolution on reform in EuropeMr. Madison’s sentiments on being a candidate for Congress.
To Edmund Randolph. New York, November 2, 1788, 575
Feelings of opponents of Federal Constitution towards Mr. MadisonHis sentiments on being a candidate for Congress.
APPENDIX TO THE DEBATES IN THE FEDERAL CONVENTION.
No. 1, 577
Letter from James M. Varnum, of Rhode Island, to the president of the Convention, enclosing the subjoined communication, from certain citizens of Rhode Island, to the Federal Convention.
Letter from certain citizens of Rhode Island to the Federal Convention, enclosed in the preceding.
No. 2, 578
Note of Mr. Madison to the plan of Charles Pinckney, May 29, 1787.
No. 3, 579
Project communicated by Mr. E. Randolph, July 10, as an accommodating proposition to small states.
No. 4, 580
Note to speech of Mr. Madison of August 7, 1787, on the right of popular suffrage.
Second note to speech of Mr. Madison of August 7, 1787.
Third note on the same subject, during the Virginia Convention for amending the constitution of the state, 182930.
No. 5, 584
Copy of a paper communicated to James Madison by Col. Hamilton, about the close of the Convention in Philadelphia, 1787, which, he said, delineated the Constitution which he would have wished to be proposed by the Convention. He had stated the principles of it in the course of the deliberations.
