Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/22

 I8 IECOKDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION Monday MADISON Jly Jr6 ing an equal vote in all cases, that they have succeeded in obtaining it, and that N. York if present would probably be on the same side, he could not but think we were unprepared to discuss this subject further. It will probably be in vain to come to any final decision with a bare majority on either side For these reasons he wished the Convention might ad- journ, that the large States might consider the steps proper to be taken in the present solemn crisis of the business, and that the small States might also deliberate on the means of conciliation. Mr. Patterson, thought with Mr. R. that it was high time for the Convention to adjourn that the rule of secrecy ought to be rescinded, and that our Constituents should be con- suited. No conciliation could be admissible on the part of the smaller States on any other ground than that of an equality of vote in the zd. branch. If Mr Randolph would reduce to form his motion for an adjournment sine die, he would second it with all his heart. Genl. Pinkney wished to know of Mr R. whether he meant an adjournment sine die, or only an adjournment for the day. If the * former was meant, it differed much from his idea He could hot think of going to S. Carolina, and returning again to this place. Besides it was chimerical to suppose that the States if consulted would ever accord separately, and before- hand. Mr. Randolph, had never entertained an idea of an adjourn- ment sine die; & was sorry that his meaning had been so readily & strangely misinterpreted. He had in view merely an adjournment till tomorrow in order that some conciliatory experiment might if possible be devised, and that in case the smaller States should continue to hold back, the larger might then take such measures, he would not say what, as might be necessary. Mr. Patterson seconded the adjournment till tomorrow, as an opportunity seemed to be wished by the larger States to deliberate further on conciliatory expedients. On the question for adjourning till tomorrow, (the States were equally divided.)

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