Cf. King's account of the debate confirming the accuracy of Madison's report (King's Life and Correspondence of Rufus King, i., 617).
The Report of the Committee of detail being taken up,
Mr Pinkney moved that it be referred to a Committee of the whole. This was strongly opposed by Mr Ghorum & several others, as likely to produce unnecessary delay; and was negatived, Delaware Maryd & Virga only being in the affirmative.
The preamble of the Report was agreed to nem. con. So were Art: I & II.
Art: III considered. Col. Mason doubted the propriety of giving each branch a negative on the other "in all cases." There were some cases in which it was he supposed not intended to be given as in the case of balloting for appointments.
Mr Govr Morris moved to insert "legislative acts" instead of "all cases."
Mr Williamson 2ds him.
Mr Sherman. This will restrain the operation of the clause too much. It will particularly exclude a mutual negative in the case of ballots, which he hoped would take place.
Mr Ghorum contended that elections ought to be made by joint ballot. If separate ballots should be made for the President, and the two branches should be each attached to a favorite, great delay contention & confusion may ensue. These inconveniences have been felt in Masts in the election of officers of little importance compared with the Executive of the U. States. The only objection agst a joint ballot is that it may deprive the Senate of their due weight; but this ought not to prevail over the respect due to the public tranquility & welfare.
Mr Wilson was for a joint ballot in several cases at least; particularly in the choice of the President, and was therefore for the amendment. Disputes between the two Houses during & concerng the vacancy of the Executive might have dangerous consequences.