The further consideration of the Report was postponed that each member might take a copy of the remainder of it.
The following motion was referred to the Committee of Eleven–to wit,–"To prepare & report a plan for defraying the expences of the Convention."
[51]Mr Pinkney moved a clause declaring "that each House should be judge of the privilege of its own members." Mr Govr Morris 2ded the motion.
[ [51] This motion not contained in the printed Journal–Madison's Note.
Mr Randolph & Mr Madison expressed doubts as to the propriety of giving such a power, & wished for a postponement.
Mr Govr Morris thought it so plain a case that no postponement could be necessary.
Mr Wilson thought the power involved, and the express insertion of it needless. It might beget doubts as to the power of other public bodies, as Courts &c. Every Court is the judge of its own privileges.
Mr Madison distinguished between the power of Judging of privileges previously & duly established, and the effect of the motion which would give a discretion to each House as to the extent of its own privileges. He suggested that it would be better to make provision for ascertaining by law, the privileges of each House, than to allow each House to decide for itself. He suggested also the necessity of considering what privileges ought to be allowed to the Executive.
Adjourned.