On a question on the clause requiring the age of thirty years at least,—it was unanimously agreed to.
On a question to strike out the words, "sufficient to insure their independence," after the word "term,"—it was agreed to.
The clause, that the second branch hold their offices for a term of "seven years," being considered,—
Mr. GORHAM suggests a term of "four years," one fourth to be elected every year.
Mr. RANDOLPH supported the idea of rotation, as favorable to the wisdom and stability of the corps; which might possibly be always sitting, and aiding the executive, and moves, after "seven years," to add, "to go out in fixed proportion;" which was agreed to.
Mr. WILLIAMSON suggests "six years," as more convenient for rotation than seven years.
Mr. SHERMAN seconds him.
Mr. READ proposed that they should hold their offices "during good behavior." Mr. R. MORRIS seconds him.
Gen. PINCKNEY proposed "four years." A longer time would fix them at the seat of government. They would acquire an interest there, perhaps transfer their property, and lose sight of the states they represent. Under these circumstances, the distant states would labor under great disadvantages.140
Mr. SHERMAN moved to strike out "seven years," in order to take questions on the several propositions.
On the question to strike out "seven,"—
Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, ay, 7; Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, no, 3; Maryland, divided.
On the question to insert "six years," which failed, five states being, ay; five, no; and one, divided,—
Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, ay, 5; Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, South Carolina, Georgia, no, 5; Maryland, divided.
On a motion to adjourn, the votes were, five for, five against it; and one divided,—
Connecticut, New Jersey. Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, ay, 5; Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, no, 5; Maryland, divided.
On the question for "five years," it was lost,—
Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, ay, 5; Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, South Carolina, Georgia, no, 5; Maryland, divided.
Adjourned.
In Convention.—The duration of the second branch being under consideration,—
as opposed to a proportional representation, to which they were attached as a fundamental principle of just government. The smaller states, who had opposite views, were reinforced by the members from the large states most anxious to secure the importance of the state governments.
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