[ [100] (It appeared that Massts concurred, not because they thought the State Treasy ought to be substituted; but because they thought nothing should be said on the subject, in which case it wd silently devolve on the Natl Treasury to support the National Legislature.)—Madison's Note.
On a question for substituting "adequate compensation" in place of "fixt stipends" it was agreed to nem. con. the friends of the latter being willing that the practicability of fixing the compensation should be considered hereafter in forming the details.
It was then moved by Mr Butler that a question be taken on both points jointly; to wit "adequate compensation to be paid out of the Natl Treasury." It was objected to as out of order, the parts having been separately decided on. The Presidt referd the question of order to the House, and it was determined to be in order. Con. N. J. Del. Md N. C. S. C.—ay.—N. Y. Pa Va Geo. no.—Mass. divided. The question on the sentence was then postponed by S. Carolina in right of the State.
Col. Mason moved to insert "twenty-five years of age as a qualification for the members of the 1st branch." He thought it absurd that a man today should not be permitted by the law to make a bargain for himself, and tomorrow should be authorized to manage the affairs of a great nation. It was more extraordinary as every man carried with him in his own experience a scale for measuring the deficiency of young politicians; since he would if interrogated be obliged to declare that his political opinions at the age of 21. were too crude & erroneous to merit an influence on public measures. It had been said that Congs had proved a good school for our young men. It might be so for any thing he knew but if it were, he chose that they should bear the expence of their own education.
Mr Wilson was agst abridging the rights of election in any shape. It was the same thing whether this were done by disqualifying the objects of choice, or the persons chusing. The motion tended to damp the efforts of genius, and of laudable ambition. There was no more reason for incapacitating youth than age, where the requisite qualifications were found. Many instances might be mentioned of signal services rendered in high stations to the public before the age of 25: The present Mr Pitt and Lord Bolingbroke were striking instances.
On the question for inserting "25 years of age"
Massts no. Cont ay. N. Y. divd. N. J. ay. Pa no. Del. ay. Md ay. Va ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. no.
Mr Ghorum moved to strike out the last member of the 3 Resol: concerning ineligibility of members of the 1st branch to office during the term of their membership & for one year after. He considered it as unnecessary & injurious. It was true abuses had been displayed in G. B. but no one cd say how far they might have contributed to preserve the due influence of the Govt nor what might have ensued in case the contrary theory had been tried.
Mr Butler opposed it. This precaution agst intrigue was necessary. He appealed to the example of G. B. where men got into Parlt that they might get offices for themselves or their friends. This was the source of the corruption that ruined their Govt.
Mr King, thought we were refining too much. Such a restriction on the members would discourage merit. It would also give a pretext to the Executive for bad appointments, as he might always plead this as a bar to the choice he wished to have made.