N. H. no. Mass. no. Ct ay. Pa no. Del. ay. Md ay. Va no. N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. no.
Mr Govr Morris moved that the reference of the plan be made to one general Convention, chosen & authorized by the people to consider, amend, & establish the same.–Not seconded.
On question for agreeing to Resolution 19. touching the mode of Ratification as reported from the Committee of the Whole; viz, to refer the Constn, after the approbation of Congs to assemblies chosen by the people;
N. H. ay. Mass. ay. Ct ay. Pa ay. Del. no. Md ay. Va ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.
Mr Govr Morris & Mr King moved that the representation in the second branch consist of –— members from each State, who shall vote per capita.
Mr Elseworth said he had always approved of voting in that mode.
Mr Govr Morris moved to fill the blank with three. He wished the Senate to be a pretty numerous body. If two members only should be allowed to each State, and a majority be made a quorum, the power would be lodged in 14 members, which was too small a number for such a trust.
Mr Ghorum preferred two to three members for the blank. A small number was most convenient for deciding on peace & war &c. which he expected would be vested in the 2d branch. The number of States will also increase. Kentucky, Vermont, the Province of Mayne & Franklin will probably soon be added to the present number. He presumed also that some of the largest States would be divided. The strength of the General Govt will lie not in the largeness, but in the smallness of the States.
Col. Mason thought 3 from each State including new States would make the 2d branch too numerous. Besides other objections, the additional expence ought always to form one, where it was not absolutely necessary.
Mr Williamson. If the number be too great, the distant States will not be on an equal footing with the nearer States. The latter can more easily send & support their ablest Citizens. He approved of the voting per capita.