Mr Wilson then moved that the Executive be chosen every –— years by –— Electors to be taken by lot from the Natt Legislature who shall proceed immediately to the choice of the Executive and not separate until it be made."
Mr Gerry. This is committing too much to chance. If the lot should fall on a sett of unworthy men, an unworthy Executive must be saddled on the Country. He thought it had been demonstrated that no possible mode of electing by the Legislature could be a good one.
Mr King. The lot might fall on a majority from the same State which wd ensure the election of a man from that State. We ought to be governed by reason, not by chance. As nobody seemed to be satisfied, he wished the matter to be postponed.
Mr Wilson did not move this as the best mode. His opinion remained unshaken that we ought to resort to the people for the election. He seconded the postponement.
Mr Govr Morris observed that the chances were almost infinite agst a majority of Electors from the same State.
On a question whether the last motion was in order, it was determined in the affirmative: 7 ays. 4 noes.
On the question of postponemt it was agreed to nem. con.
Mr Carrol took occasion to observe that he considered the clause declaring that direct taxation on the States should be in proportion to representation, previous to the obtaining an actual census, as very objectionable, and that he reserved to himself the right of opposing it, if the Report of the Committee of detail should leave it in the plan.
Mr Govr Morris hoped the Committee would strike out the whole of the clause proportioning direct taxation to representation. He had only meant it as a bridge [10] to assist us over a certain gulph; having passed the gulph the bridge may be removed. He thought the principle laid down with so much strictness, liable to strong objections.