Mr Williamson remarked that Treaties are to be made in the branch of the Govt where there may be a majority of the States without a majority of the people. Eight men may be a majority of a quorum, & should not have the power to decide the conditions of peace. There would be no danger, that the exposed States, as S. Carolina or Georgia, would urge an improper war for the Western Territory.
Mr Wilson. If two thirds are necessary to make peace, the minority may perpetuate war, against the sense of the majority.
Mr Gerry enlarged on the danger of putting the essential rights of the Union in the hands of so small a number as a majority of the Senate, representing perhaps, not one fifth of the people. The Senate will be corrupted by foreign influence.
Mr Sherman was agst leaving the rights established by the Treaty of peace, to the Senate, & moved to annex a proviso that no such rights shd be ceded without the sanction of the Legislature.
Mr Govr Morris seconded the ideas of Mr Sherman.
Mr Madison observed that it had been too easy in the present Congress, to make Treaties altho' nine States were required for the purpose.
On the question for striking "except Treaties of peace"
N. H. ay. Mass. ay. Ct ay. N. J. no. Pa ay. Del. no. Md no. Va ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.
Mr Wilson & Mr Dayton move to strike out the clause requiring two thirds of the Senate for making Treaties; on which,
N. H. no. Mas. no. Ct divd. N. J. no. Pa no. Del. ay. Md no. Va no. N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. no.