514 RECOIlDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION Wednesday MADISON September $ Mr Madison & Mr. Williamson moved to strike out the word "majority" and insert "one third" so that the eventual power might not be exercised if less than a majority, but not less than � of the Electors should vote for the same per- son-- Mr. Gerry objected that this would put it in the power of three or four States to put in whom they pleased. Mr. Williamson. There are seven States which do not contain one third of the people -- If the Senate are to appoint, less than one sixth of the people will have the power- On the question N. H-- no. Mss. no-- Ct no-- N. J-- no. Pa. no. Del. no. Md. no--Va. ay. N--C. ay. S. C no. Geo. no. [Ayes- z; noes -- 9-] Mr Gerry suggested that the eventual election should be made by six Senators and seven Representatives chosen by joint ballot of both Houses. Mr King observed that the influence of the Small States in the Senate was somewhat balanced by the influence of the large States in bringing forward the candidates,* and also by the Concurrence of the small States in the Committee in the clause vesting the exclusive origination of Money bills in the House of Representatives. Col: Mason moved to strike out the word "five" and insert the word "three" as the highest candidates for the Senate to choose out of-- Mr. Gerry zded. the motion Mr. Sherman would sooner give up the plan. He would prefer seven or thirteen. On the question moved by Col Mason and Mr Gerry N.H. no-- Mss. no-- Ct. no. N-- J. no. Pa no. (Dela- ware) Md. (no) 6 Va ay-- N-- C-- ay-- S.C. no-- Geo-- no. [Ayes -- 2; noes-- 8.]
- This explains the compromise mentioned above by Mr. Govr Morris- Col:
Mason Mr. Gerry & other members from large States set great value on this privilege of originating money bills. O4 this the members from the small States, with some from the large States who wished a high mounted Govt, endeavored to avail them- selves, by making that privilege, the price of arrangements in the constitution favor- able to the small States, and to the elevation of the Government.
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