Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/197

 iECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION I9][ Monday McHENRY ,4ugst 6 its intentions. I thought that it was susceptable of a revision which would sufficiently invigorate it for the exlgencles of the times. Mr. Mercer thought otherwise as did Mr. Jenifer. This proposition to conciliate the deputation was rejected. Mr. Martin in the course of the conversation observed that he was against two branches -- that we was against the people electing the representatives of the national government. That he wished to see the States governments rendered capable of the most vigorous exertions, and so knit together by a con- federation as to act together on national emergencies. Finding that we could come to no conclusions I recom- mended meeting again to-morrow, for unless we could appear in the convention with some degree of unanimity it would be unnecessary to remain in it, sacrificing time and money with- out being able to render any service. They agreed to meet to-morrow, except Mr. Martin who said he was going to New York and would not be back till monday following. It being of importance to know and to fix the opinions of my colleagues on the most consequential articles of the new system; I prepared the following propositions, for that pur- pose viz. Art. IV. Sec. 5- Will you use your best endearours to obtain for the senate an equal authority over money bills with the house of representatives.? Art. VII. Sect. 6. Will you use your best endeavours to have it made a part of the system that "no navigation act shall be passed without the assent of two thirds of the repre- sentation from each State? In case these alterations cannot be obtained will you give your assent to the 5 sect. of the IV article and 6 sect. of the VII. article as they stand in the report? Will you also, (in case these alterations are not obtained) agree that the ratification of the conventions of nine States shall be sufficient for organizing the new constitutions ? N. B. � Mr. Mercer make out a list of the members names who had attended or were attending in convention 9 Inserted from a previous page, according to marks which show place for inser- tion.

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