635 RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION Saturday MADISON September Col: Mason zded. & followed Mr. Randolph in animadver- sions on the dangerous power and structure of the Govern- ment, concluding that it would end either in monarchy, or a tyrannical aristocracy; which, he was in doubt. but one or other, he was sure. This Constitution had been formed without the knowledge or idea of the people. A second Con- vention will know more of the sense of the people, and be able to provide a system more consonant to it. It was im- proper to say to the people, take this or nothing. As the Constitution now stands, he could neither give it his support or vote in Virginia; and he could not sign here what he could not support there. With the expedient of another Conven- tion as proposed, he could sign? Mr. Pinkhey. These declarations from members so re- spectable at the close of this important scene, give a peculiar solemnity to the present moment. He alescanted on the conse- quences of calling forth the deliberations & amendments of the different States on the subject of Government at large. Nothing but confusion & contrariety could spring from the experiment. The States wilI never agree in their plans-- And the Deputies to a second Convention coming together under the discordant impressions o� their Constituents, will never agree. Conventions are serious things, and ought not to be repeated-- He was not without objections as well as others to the plan. He objected to the contemptible weak- ness & dependence of the Executive. He objected to the power of a majority only of Congs over Commerce. But apprehending the danger of a general confusion, and an ulti- mate decision by the Sword, he should give the plan his sup- port? Mr. Gerry, stated the objections which determined him to withhold his name from the Constitution. ?4 I. the duration and re-eligibility of the Senate. z. the power of the House of Representatives to conceal their journals. 3-- the power For Mason's objections, see below (with reference? under note zx). See Appendix A, CLXX. See King's copy of these below, also Appendix A, CXXVIiI, CXXXIII, CLVII, CLXXV.
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