RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION 5I I Wednesday MADISON Septe?nber $ The resolution & order were separately agreed to hem: COn: Mr. Gerry gave notice that he should move to reconsider articles XIX. XX. XXI. XXII. Mr. Williamson gave like notice as to the Article fixing the number of Representatives, which he thought too small. He wished also to allow Rho: Island more than one, as due to her probable number of people, and as proper to stifle any pre- text arising from her absence on the occasion. The Report made yesterday as to the appointment of the Executive being then taken up. Mr. Pinkney renewed his opposition to the mode, arguing I. that the electors will not have sufficient knowledge of th? fittest men, & will be swayed by an attachment to the eminent men of their respective States- Hence 2dly the dispersion of the votes would leave the appointment with the Senate, and as the President's reappointment will thus depend on the Senate he will be the mere creature of that body. 3. lie will combine with the Senate agst the House of Representatives. 4- This change in the mode of election was meant to get rid of the ineligibility of the President a second time, whereby he will become fixed for life under the auspices of the Senate Mr. Gerry did not object to this plan of constituting the Executive in itself, but should be governed in his final vote by the powers that may be given to the President. Mr. Rutlidge was much opposed to the plan reported by the Committee. It would throw the whole power into the Senate. He was also against' a re-eligibility. He moved to postpone the Report under consideration & take up the origi- nal plan of appointment by the Legislature. to wit. "He shall be elected by joint ballot by the Legislature to which election a majority of the votes of the members present shall be required: He shall hold his office during the term of Seven years; but shall not be elected a second time" On this motion to postpone N-- It-- divd. Mss. no--Ct no---N--J. no. Pa. no--- Del-- no. Md. no-- Va. no. N. C. ay-- S.C. ay-- Geo. no. [Ayes ? 2; noes -- 8; divided -- x.]
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