On the question for the triennial election of the 1st branch
Mass. no. (Mr King ay.) Mr Ghorum wavering. Cont no. N. Y. ay. N. J. ay. Pa ay. Del. ay. Md ay. Va ay. N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. ay.
The words requiring members of ye 1st branch to be of the age of —— years were struck out Maryland alone no. The words "liberal compensation for members," being considd Mr Madison moves to insert the words, "& fixt." He observed that it would be improper to leave the members of the Natl legislature to be provided for by the State Legisls, because it would create an improper dependence; and to leave them to regulate their own wages, was an indecent thing, and might in time prove a dangerous one. He thought wheat or some other article of which the average price throughout a reasonable period preceding might be settled in some convenient mode, would form a proper standard.
Col. Mason seconded the motion; adding that it would be improper for other reasons to leave the wages to be regulated by the States. 1. the different States would make different provision for their representatives, and an inequality would be felt among them, whereas he thought they ought to be in all respects equal. 2. the parsimony of the States might reduce the provision so low that as had already happened in choosing delegates to Congress, the question would be not who were most fit to be chosen, but who were most willing to serve.
On the question for inserting the words, "and fixt"
Massts no. Cont no. N. Y. ay. N. J. ay. Pa ay. Del. ay. Md ay. Va ay. N. C. ay. S. C. no. Geo. ay.
Docr Franklyn said he approved of the amendment just made for rendering the salaries as fixed as possible; but disliked the word "liberal." He would prefer the word moderate if it was necessary to substitute any other. He remarked the tendency of abuses in every case, to grow of themselves when once begun, and related very pleasantly the progression in ecclesiastical benefices, from the first departure from the gratuitous provision for the Apostles, to the establishment of the papal system. The word "liberal" was struck out nem con.
On the motion of Mr Pierce, that the wages should be paid out of the National Treasury, Massts ay. Ct no. N. Y. no. N. J. ay. Pa ay. Del. ay. Md ay. Va ay. N. C. ay. S. C. no. G. ay.
Question on the clause relating to term of service & compensation of 1st branch,
Massts ay. Ct no. N. Y. no. N. J. ay. Pa ay. Del. ay. Md ay. Va ay. N. C. ay. S. C. no. Geo. ay.