Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/633

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RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION 627 Saturday MADISON Septtmber ? $ State: the next was equally disposed to pardon them all. He suggested the expedient of requiring the concurrence of the Senate in Acts of Pardon. Mr. Madison admitted the force of objections to the Legis- lature, but the pardon of treasons was so peculiarly improper for the President that he should acquiesce in the transfer of it to the former, rather than leave it altogether in the hands of the latter. He would prefer to either an association of the Senate as a Council of advice, with the President. Mr Randolph could not admit the Senate into a share of the Power. the great danger to liberty lay in a combination between the President & that body-- Col: Mason. The Senate has already too much power-- There can be no danger of too much lenity in legislative par- dons, as the Senate must con concur? & the President more- over can require {} of both Houses 4 On the motion of Mr. Randolph N.H. no-- Mas. no-- Ct. divd. N-- J-- no. Pa. no-- Del. no. Md no-- Va ay-- N-- C. no-- S.C. no. Geo-- ay. [Ayes -- 2; noes -- 8; divided -- I.] Art II. sect. 2. (paragraph 2) To the end of this, Mr Governr. Morris moved to annex "but the Congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior Officers as they think proper? in the President alone, in the Courts of law? or in the heads of Departments." Mr Sherman 2ded. the motion Mr. Madison. It does not go far enough if it be necessary at all -- Superior Officers below Heads of Departments ought in some cases to have the appointment of the lesser offices. Mr Govr Morris There is no necessity. Blank Commis- sions can be sent- On the motion N.H. ay. Mas-- no--- Ct ay. N.J. a�. Pa. a�. Del. no. Md. divd Va no. N. C. ay-- S C no. Geo-- no-- [Ayes -- 5; noes -- 5; divided- I.] The motion being lost by the equal division (of votes,} It was urged that it be put a second tim% some such provision 4 See alao Appendix A, CLVIII (79)-