Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. I.djvu/210

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170 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS less conspicuously identified with federalist opin ions than himself; and it was accordingly presented by Mr. Tyler, father of the future president of that name. The motion was unfavorably received and was laid upon the table, but when the message came from Maryland, the matter was reconsidered and the resolution passed. Annapolis was selected as the place for the convention, which assembled on September 11, 1786. Only five states Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York were represented at the meeting. Mary land, which had first suggested the convention, had seen the appointed time arrive without even taking the trouble to select commissioners. As the repre sentation was so inadequate, the convention thought it best to defer action, and accordingly adjourned after adopting an address to the states, which was prepared by Alexander Hamilton. The address incorporated a suggestion from New Jersey, which indefinitely enlarged the business to be treated by such convention; it was to deal not only with the regulation of commerce, but with "other important matters." Acting upon this cautious hint, the address recommended the calling of a second convention, to be held at Philadelphia on the second Monday of May, 1787. Mr. Madison was one of the com missioners at Annapolis, and was very soon ap pointed a delegate to the new convention, along