Page:The Iowa journal of history and politics, v. II.pdf/33

Rh Delaware made provision for the election of her representative probably in October, certainly not later than October 28. The legislature chose the electors. This state gave its three votes to John Jay for Vice-President. The first senators were George Read, one of the Signers, and Richard Bassett; both men had been members of the Federal Convention. Delaware's three members in the first Congress were Federalists.

South Carolina's act is dated, November 4, 1788. It vested the appointment of electors in the legislature, and prescribed the oath of office. For choosing representatives the State was divided into five districts. The elections were to be held at the same time and places and conducted in the same manner, as the elections to the lower house in the State. The Governor and Council were authorized to examine the returns and ascertain who were elected; and in case of a vacancy the Governor was to order a new election. The Anti-Federalists were successful in the upland districts. The congressional delegation stood two for the Constitution and two against it, with the party preferences of the fifth member, Thomas Tudor Tucker, in doubt. The Charleston district was represented by Wm. Smith, a Federalist. David Ramsay of South Carolina, the historian of the Revolution, in a petition to the House, which was presented, April 15, 1789, challenged Smith's right to his office on the ground that he was ineligible by reason of his long absence abroad. The consideration of this petition was the initial work of the