Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/224

 :ZI8 /ECOl%DS OF THE FEDEF, AL CONVENTION P?ednesday MADISON August 8 dence would be proper. He thought one year would be sufficient, but seemed to have no objection to three years. Mr. Dickenson proposed (that it should read) "inhabitant actually resident for--year." This would render the meaning less indeterminate. Mr. Wilson. If a short term should be inserted in the blank, so strict an expression might be construed to exclude the members of the Legislature, who could not be said to be actual residents in their States whilst at the Seat of the Genl. Government. Mr. Mercer. It would certainly exclude men, who had once been inhabitants, and returning from residence elswhere to resettle in their original State; although a want of the neces- sary knowledge could not in such case be presumed. Mr. Mason thought 7 years too long, but would never agree to part with the principle. It is a valuable principle. He thought it a defect in the plan that the Representatives would be too few to bring with them all the local knowledge necessary. If residence be not required, Rich men o� neigh- bouring States, may employ with success the means of cor- ruption in some particular district and thereby get into the public Councils after having failed in their own State. This is the practice in the boroughs of England. On the question for postponing in order to consider Mr Dickinsons motion N.H. no. Mas. no. Ct. no. N.J. no. Pa. no. Del. no. Md. ay. Va. no. N. C. no. S.C. a�. Geo. ay. [Ayes -- 3; noes -- 8.] On the question for inserting "inhabitant" in place of "resident"--Agd. to nem. con. Mr. Elseworth & Col. Mason move to insert "one year" for previous inhabitancy Mr. Williamson liked the Report as it stood. He thought "resident" a good eno' term. lie was agst requiring any period of previous residence. New residents if elected will be most zealous to Conform to the will of their constituents, as their conduct will be watched with a more jealous eye. Mr. Butler & Mr. Rutlidge moved "three years" instead of "one year" (for previous inhabitancy)

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