I. that in the 1st meeting of the Legislature the 1st branch thereof consist of 56. members of which Number N. Hampshire shall have 2, Massts 7, R. Id 1, Cont 4, N. Y. 5, N. J. 3, Pa 8, Del. 1, Md 4, Va 9, N. C. 5, S. C. 5, Geo. 2.
II. But as the present situation of the States may probably alter as well in point of wealth as in the number of their inhabitants, that the Legislature be authorized from time to time to augment ye number of Representatives. And in case any of the States shall hereafter be divided, or any two or more States united, or any new States created within the limits of the United States, the Legislature shall possess authority to regulate the number of Representatives in any of the foregoing cases, upon the principles of their wealth and number of inhabitants."
Mr Sherman wished to know on what principles or calculations the Report was founded. It did not appear to correspond with any rule of numbers, or of any requisition hitherto adopted by Congs
Mr Gorham. Some provision of this sort was necessary in the outset. The number of blacks & whites with some regard to supposed wealth was the general guide. Fractions could not be observed. The Legislre is to make alterations from time to time as justice & propriety may require. Two objections prevailed agst the rate of 1 member for every 40,000 inhts. The 1st was that the Representation would soon be too numerous: the 2d that the Westn States who may have a different interest, might if admitted on that principle by degrees, outvote the Atlantic. Both these objections are removed. The number will be small in the first instance and may be continued so. And the Atlantic States having ye Govt in their own hands, may take care of their own interest, by dealing out the right of Representation in safe proportions to the Western States. These were the views of the Committee.
Mr L. Martin wished to know whether the Come were guided in the ratio, by the wealth or number of inhabitants, of the States, or by both; noting its variations from former apportionments by Congs
Mr Govr Morris & Mr Rutlidge moved to postpone the 1st paragraph relating to the number of members to be allowed each State in the first instance, and to take up the 2d paragraph authorizing the Legislre to alter the number from time to time according to wealth & inhabitants. The motion was agreed to nem. con.
On Question on the 2d paragh taken without any debate
Massts ay. Cont ay. N. Y. no. N. J. no. Pa ay. Del. ay. Md ay. Va ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.
Mr Sherman moved to refer the 1st part apportioning the Representatives, to a Comme of a member from each State.
Mr Govr Morris seconded the motion; observing that this was the only case in which such committees were useful.