Mr. M'HENRY observed, that the President had not yet been any where authorized to convene the Senate, and moved to amend article 10, sect. 2, by striking out the words "He may convene them [the legislature] on extraordinary occasions;" and inserting, "He may convene both or either of the Houses on extraordinary occasions." This, he added, would also provide for the case of the Senate being in session at the time of convening the legislature.
Mr. WILSON said, he should vote against the motion, because it implied that the Senate might be in session when the legislature was not, which he thought improper.
On the question,—
New Hampshire, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, ay, 7; Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, South Carolina, no, 4.
A committee was then appointed by ballot to revise the style of, and arrange, the articles which had been agreed to by the House. The committee consisted of Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Gouverneur Morris, Mr. Madison, and Mr. King.
Mr. WILLIAMSON moved that, previous to this work of the committee, the clause relating to the number of the House of Representatives should be reconsidered, for the purpose of increasing the number.
Mr. MADISON seconded the motion.
Mr. SHERMAN opposed it. He thought the provision on that subject amply sufficient.
Col. HAMILTON expressed himself with great earnestness and anxiety in favor of the motion. He avowed himself a friend to a vigorous government, but would declare, at the same time, he held it essential that the popular branch of it should be on a broad foundation. He was seriously of opinion, that the House of Representatives was on so narrow a scale as to be really dangerous, and to warrant a jealousy in the people for their liberties. He remarked, that the connection between the President and Senate would tend to perpetuate him, by corrupt influence. It was the more necessary, on this account, that a numerous representation in the other branch of the legislature should be established.
On the motion of Mr. WILLIAMSON to reconsider, it was negatived.[1]
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, ay, 5; New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, South Carolina, Georgia, no, 6.
Adjourned.
In Convention.—Mr. GERRY moved to reconsider article 19, viz.:—
"On the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the states in the Union, for an amendment of this Constitution, the legislature of the United States shall call a convention for that purpose."
(See the 6th of August,—p. 381.)
- ↑ This motion and vote are entered on the printed Journal of the ensuing morning.
