The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 1

by United States. Constitutional Convention; James Madison

"For the term of seven years"—postponed nem. con. on motion of M^r Houston and Gov. Morris

"to carry into execution the nation^l laws"—agreed to nem. con.

"to appoint to offices in cases not otherwise provided for,"—agreed to nem. con.

"to be ineligible a second time"—M^r Houston moved to strike out this clause.

M^r Sherman 2^ds the motion.

M^r Gov^r Morris espoused the motion. The ineligibility proposed by the clause as it stood tended to destroy the great motive to good behavior, the hope of being rewarded by a re-appointment. It was saying to him, make hay while the sun shines.

On the question for striking out, as moved by M^r Houston, it passed in the affirmative

Mas. ay. Con^t ay. N. J. ay. P^a ay. Del. no. M^d ay. V^a no. N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. ay.

"For the term of 7 years," resumed.

M^r Broom was for a shorter term since the Executive Magistrate was now to be re-eligible. Had he remained ineligible a 2^d time, he should have preferred a longer term.