Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/129

 P. ECOP. DS OF TIlE FEDERAL CONVENTION Thr.da3 iMADISON Jly N.H. ay. Masts. ay. Ct. no. N.J. ay. Pa. no. Del. no. Md. ay. Va. ay. N: C. ay. S.C. ay. Geo. ay. [Ayes -- 8; noes -- 3.] "The 2d. part, for disqualifying debtors, and persons having unsettled accounts", being under consideration Mr. Carrol moved to strike out "having unsettled ac- counts" Mr. Ghorum seconded the motion; observing that it would put the commercial & manufacturing part of the people on a worse footing than others as they would be most likely to have dealings with the public. Mr. L- Martin. if these words should be struck out, and the remaining words concerning debtors retained, it will be the interest of the latter class to keep their accounts unsettled as long as possible. Mr. Wilson was for striking them out. They put too much power in the hands of the Auditors, who might com- bine with rivals in delaying settlements in order to prolong the disqualifications of particular men. We should consider that we are providing a Constltutlon for future generations, and not merely for the peculiar circumstances of the moment. The time has been, and will again be when the public safety may depend on the voluntary aids of individuals which will necessarily open accts. with the public, and when such accts. will be a characteristic of patriotism. Besides a partial enumeration of cases will disable the Legislature from dis- qualifying odious & dangerous characters. Mr. Langdon was for striking out the whole clause for the reasons given by Mr Wilson. So many Exclusions he thought too would render the system unacceptable to the people. Mr. Gerry. If the argumts. used to day were to prevail, we might have a Legislature composed of public debtors pensioners, placemen & contractors. He thought the pro- posed qualifications would be pleasing to the people. They will be considered as a security agst unnecessary or undue burdens being imposed on them (He moved to add "pen- sioners" to the disqualified characters which was negatived. N.H. no Mas. ay. Con. no. N.J. no. Pa. no. Del no Maryd.

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