Page:Debates in the Several State Conventions, v5.djvu/358

332 The clause of "impeachments of national officers," was struck out, on motion for the purpose.

The thirteenth resolution, "The jurisdiction of the national judiciary, &c.," being then taken up, several criticisms having been made on the definition, it was proposed by Mr. MADISON go to alter it as to read thus: "That the jurisdiction shall extend to all cases arising under the national laws, and to such other questions as may involve the national peace and harmony;" which was agreed to, ''nem. con.''

The fourteenth resolution, providing for the admission of new states, was agreed to, ''nem. con.''

The fifteenth resolution, "That provision ought to be made for the continuance of Congress, &c., and for the completion of their engagements," being considered,—

Mr. GOUVERNEUR MORRIS thought the assumption of their engagements might as well be omitted; and that Congress ought not to be continued till all the states should adopt the reform; since it may become expedient to give effect to it whenever a certain number of states shall adopt it.

Mr. MADISON. The clause can mean nothing more than that provision ought to be made for preventing an interregnum; which must exist, in the interval between the adoption of the new government and the commencement of its operation, if the old government should cease on the first of these events.

Mr. WILSON did not entirely approve of the manner in which the clause relating to the engagements of Congress was expressed; but he thought some provision on the subject would be proper, in order to prevent any suspicion that the obligations of the Confederacy might be dissolved along with the government under which they were contracted.

On the question on the first part, relating to the continuance of Congress,—

Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, ay, 3; Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Georgia, no, 6 (In the printed Journal, South Carolina, no.)

The second part, as to the completion of their engagements, was disagreed to, ''nem. con.''

The sixteenth resolution, "That a republican constitution and its existing laws ought to be guarantied to each state by the United States," being considered,—

Mr. GOUVERNEUR MORRIS thought the resolution very objectionable. He should be very unwilling that such laws as exist in Rhode Island should be guarantied.

Mr. WILSON. The object is merely to secure the states against dangerous commotions, insurrections, and rebellions.

Col. MASON. If the general government should have no right to suppress rebellions against particular stales, it will be in a bad situation indeed. As rebellions against itself originate in and against