Mr Williamson was not for reducing N. Hampshire from 3 to 2, but for reducing some others. The Southn Interest must be extremely endangered by the present arrangement. The Northn States are to have a majority in the first instance and the means of perpetuating it.
Mr Dayton observed that the line between Northn & Southern interest had been improperly drawn; that Pa was the dividing State, there being six on each side of her.
Genl Pinkney urged the reduction, dwelt on the superior wealth of the Southern States, and insisted on its having its due weight in the Government.
Mr Govr Morris regretted the turn of the debate. The States he found had many Representatives on the floor. Few he fears were to be deemed the Representatives of America. He thought the Southern States have by the report more than their share of representation. Property ought to have its weight, but not all the weight. If the Southn States are to supply money. The Northn States are to spill their blood. Besides, the probable Revenue to be expected from the S. States has been greatly overrated. He was agst reducing N. Hampshire.
Mr Randolph was opposed to a reduction of N. Hampshire, not because she had a full title to three members; but because it was in his contemplation 1. to make it the duty instead of leaving it in the discretion of the Legislature to regulate the representation by a periodical census. 2. to require more than a bare majority of votes in the Legislature in certain cases & particularly in commercial cases.
On the question for reducing N. Hampshire from 3 to 2 Represents it passed in the negative
Massts no. Cont no. N. J. no. Pa no. Del. no. Md no. Va no. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. no.[128]
[ [128] In printed Journal. N. C. no. Geo. ay. Note in Madison's hand.
Genl Pinkney and Mr Alexr Martin moved that 6 Reps instead of 5 be allowed to N. Carolina.
On the Question, it passed in the negative