“Col. Mason thought the plan of amending the Constitution exceptionable and dangerous. As the proposing of amendments is in both the modes to depend, in the first immediately, and in the second, ultimately, on Congress, no amendments of the proper kind would ever be obtained by the people, if the government should become oppressive, as he verily believed would be the case.
“Mr. Govr. Morris & Mr. Gerry moved to amend the article so as to require a Convention on application of two thirds of the Sts.
“Mr. Madison did not see why Congress would not be as much bound to propose amendments applied for by two thirds of the States as to call a Convention on the like application. He saw no objection however against providing for a Convention for the purpose of amendments, except only that difficulties might arise as to the form, the quorum etc. which in Constitutional regulations ought to be as much as possible avoided.
“The motion of Mr. Govr. Morris and Mr. Gerry was agreed to nem: con (see: the first part of the article as finally past)
“Mr. Sherman moved to strike out of art. V. after ‘legislatures’ the words ‘of three fourths’ and so after the word ‘Conventions’ leaving future Conventions to act in this matter, like the present Conventions according to circumstances.
“On this motion
“N.H. divd. Mas. ay. Ct. ay. N.J. ay. Pa. no. Del. no. Md. no. Va. no. N.C. no. S.C. no. Geo. no. (Ayes—3; noes—7; divided—1.)
“Mr. Gerry moved to strike out the words ‘or by Conventions in three fourths thereof’
“On this motion
“N.H. no. Mas. no. Ct. ay. N.J. no. Pa. no. Del. no. Md. no. Va. no. N.C. no. S.C. no. Geo. no. (Ayes—1; noes—10.)