Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/246

 2zO RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION Thursday MADISON August 9 out "each House" & (to insert "the House of Representa- tives";) 6 the right of the Legislatures to regulate the times & places &c. in (the election of Senators) being involved in the right of appointing (them), which was (disagreed to.) 7 Division of the question being called, it was taken on the first part down to "but their provisions concerning &c" The first part was agreed to nem. con. Mr. Pinkne� & Mr. Rutlidge moved to strike out the remaining part vlz but their provisions concerning them may at any time be altered by' the Legislature of the United States."s The States they contended could & must be relied on in such cases. Mr Ghorum. It would be as improper take this power from the Natl. Legislature, as to Restrain the British Parlia- ment from regulating the circumstances of elections, leaving this business to the Counties themselves-- Mr (Madison). The necessity of a Genl. Govt. supposes that the State Legislatures will sometimes fait or refuse to consult the common interest at the expense of their local convenienc 7 or prejudices. The policy of referring the ap- pointment of the House of Representatives to the people and not to the Legislatures of the States, supposes that the result will be somewhat influenced by the mode, This view of the question seems to decide that the Legislatures of the States ought not to have the uncontrouled right of regulating the times places & manner of holding elections. These were words of great latitude. It was impossible to foresee all the abuses that might be made of the discretionary power. Whether the electors should vote by ballot or viv voce, should assemble at this place or that place; should be divided into districts or all meet at one place, shd all vote for all the representatives; or all in a district vote for a number allotted to the district;  Revised h'om Journal. Crossed out "to alter so as to restrain not to extend to the Senate;". n Madison orlglnali>' recorded "agd. to", but changed this in accordance with Journal. SUpon this question and debate, see Appendix A, CXLVIa, CLVIII05), CLX_XXII, CCX, CCXXVI and CCXLVIII.

�