Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/266

 260 RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION Saturday MADISON .4ugust  Mr. M(adison) & Mr. R's motion. was disagd. to by all the States except Virga. Mr. Gerry & Mr. Sharman moved to insert after the words "publish them" the following "except such as relate to trea- ties & military operations." Their object was to give each House a discretion in such cases.- On this question N. H- no. Mas- ay. Ct. ay. N- J. no. Pa. no. Del- no. Va. no. N. C. no. S.C. no. Geo. no. [Ayes -- z; noes -- 8.]6 Mr. Elseworth. As the clause is objectionable in so many shapes, it may as well be struck out altogether. 7 The Legis- lature will not fail to publish their proceedings from time to time -- The (people) will call for it if it should be improperly omitted. Mr. Wilson thought the expunging of the clause would be very improper. The people have a right to know what their Agents are doing or have done, and it should not be in the option of the Legislature to conceal their proceedings. Besides as this is a clause in the existing confederation, the not retain- ing it would furnish the adversaries of the reform with a pre- text by which weak & suspicious minds may be easily misled. Mr. Mason thought it would give a just alarm to the people, to make a conclave of their Legislature. Mr. Sherman thought the Legislature might be trusted in this case if in any. Question on Ist. part of the Section, down to "publislz them" inclusive: Agreed to nero. con. Question on the words to follow, to wit except such parts thereof as may in their Judgment require secrecy. "8 N.H. divd. Mas. ay. Ct. ay. N. J- ay. Pa. no. Del- no. Md. no. Va. ay- N. C. ay. S.C. no. Geo. aym[Ayes- 6; noes--4; divided- x.] The remaining part as to yeas and nays. --agreed to nero. con. Art VI. sect. 8. taken up. �te 274, Detail of Ayes and Noes, includes Maryland in the negative. On the debate which follows, see Appendix A, CCXII, CCXXVII. See Appendix A, CCIX. Article VI, Sect. 8. "Neither House, without the consent of the other, shall

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