Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/105

 RECOKDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION IOI Tuycly MADISON ],dy 2 4 not taken. The case is different here from what it is in Eng- land; where there is a sameness of interest throughout the Kingdom. Another objection agst. a single Magistrate is that he will be an elective King, and will feel the spirit of one. He will spare no pains to keep himself in for life and will then lay a train for the succession of his children. It was pretty certain he thought that we should at some time or other have a King; but he wished no precaution to be omitted that might postpone the event as long as possible.- Ineligibility a 2d. time appeared to him to be the best precaution. With this precaution he had no objection to a longer term than 7 years. He would go as far as Is or xz years. Mr. Gerry moved that the Legislatures of the States should vote by ballot for the Executive in the same proportions as it had been proposed they should chuse electors; and that in case a majority of the votes should (not) center on the same person, the xst. branch of the Natl. Legislature should chuse two out of the 4 candidates having most votes, and out of these two, the 2d. branch should chuse the Executlve.* Mr. King seconded the motion- and on the Question to postpone in order to take it into consideration, The noe.r were so predominant that the States were not counted. Question on Mr. Houston's motion that the Executive be appd. by Nal. Legislature N.H. a 7. Mss. ay. Ct. no. N.J. ay. Pa. no. Del. ay. Md. no. Va. no. N. C. ay. S.C. ay. Geo. ay. [Ayes- 7; noes- 4.] Mr. L. Martin & Mr. Gerry moved to reinstate the ineligi- bility of the Executive a 2d. time. 6 Mr. Elseworth. With many this appears a natural con- sequence of his being elected by the Legislature. It was not the case with him. The Executive he thought should be redected if his conduct proved him worthy of it. And he will be more likely to render him(self worthy of it if he be rewardable with it. The most eminent characters also will be more willing to accept the trust under this condition, than if they foresee a necessary degradation at a. fixt period. See above, Journal, "Gerry's Motion ".  See Appendlx A, CXCI.

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