RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION 22I Wednesday MADISON A?gust 8 the point of representation having been Settled after much difficulty & deliberation, he did not think himself bound to make opposition; especially as the present article as amended did not preclude any arrangement whatever on that point in another place of the Report. � (Madison) objected to I for every 4o,o0o inhabitants (as a perpetual rule)? The future increase of population if the Union shd. be permanent, will render the number of Representatives excessive. n Mr. Ghorum. It is not to be supposed that the Govt will last so long as to produce this effect. Can it be supposed that this vast Country including the Western territory will I5O years hence remain one nation? Mr. Elseworth. If the Govt. should continue so long, alterations may be made in the Constitution in the manner proposed in a subsequent article. Mr Sherman & Mr. {Madison) moved to insert the words "not exceeding" before the words "I for every 40,000, which was agreed to nem. con. Mr Govr. Morris moved to insert "free" before the word "inhabitants." Much he said would depend on this point. He never would concur in upholding domestic slavery. It was a nefarious institution- It was the curse of heaven on the States where it prevailed. Compare the free regions of the Middle States, where a rich & noble cultivation marks the prosperity & happiness of the people, with the misery & poverty which overspread the barren wastes of Va. Maryd. & the other States having slaves. (Travel thro' ye whole Con- tinent & you behold the prospect continually varying with the appearance & disappearance of slavery. The moment you leave ye E. Sts.& enter N. York, the effects of the institution become visible; Passing thro' the Jerseys and entering Pa- every criterion of superior improvement witnesses the change. Proceed Southwdly, & every step you take thro' ye great
- See further upon this subject references under August ? note z, and August
note 7- a0 Probably but not certainly a later revision. at See Appendix A, CXLIV.
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