Mr Elseworth was opposed to it. It would be a pleasing ground of confidence to the people that no law or burden could be imposed on them by a few men. He reminded the movers that the Constitution proposed to give such a discretion with regard to the number of Representatives that a very inconvenient number was not to be apprehended. The inconveniency of secessions may be guarded agst by giving to each House an authority to require the attendance of absent members.
Mr Wilson concurred in the sentiments of Mr Elseworth.
Mr Gerry seemed to think that some further precautions than merely fixing the quorum might be necessary. He observed that as 17 wd be a majority of a quorum of 33, and 8 of 14, questions might by possibility be carried in the H. of Reps by 2 large States, and in the Senate by the same States with the aid of two small ones.–He proposed that the number for a quorum in the H. of Reps should not exceed 50, nor be less than 33, leaving the intermediate discretion to the Legislature.
Mr King. As the quorum could not be altered witht the concurrence of the President by less than 2/3 of each House, he thought there could be no danger in trusting the Legislature.
Mr Carrol. This would be no security agst a continuance of the quorums at 33 & 14. when they ought to be increased.
On question on Mr King's motion "that not less than 33 in the H. of Reps nor less than 14 in the Senate shd constitute a Quorum which may be increased by a law, on additions of the members in either House.
N. H. no. Mass. ay. Ct no. N. J. no. Pa no. Del. ay. Md no. Va no. N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. no.
Mr Randolph & Mr Madison moved to add to the end of Art. VI. Sect. 3, "and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members in such manner & under such penalties as each House may provide." Agreed to by all except Pena which was divided.
Art. VI. Sect. 3. agreed to as amended nem. con.
Sect. 4.
Sect. 5.} Agreed to nem. con.