Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/274

 268 lPxECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION Monday MADISON ,'tugust r 3 Mr. Wilson & Mr. Randolph moved to strike out "7 years" and insert "4 years," as the requisite term of Citizenship to qualify for the House of Reps. Mr. Wilson said it was very proper the electors should govern themselves by this consid- eration; but unnecessary & improper that the Constitution should chain them down to it. Mr. Gerry wished that in future the eligibility might be confined to Natives. Foreign powers will intermeddle in our affairs, and spare no expence to influence them. Persons having foreign attachments will be sent among us & insinu- ated into our councils, in order to be made instruments for their purposes. Every one knows the vast sums laid out in Europe for secret services- He was not singular in these ideas. A great many of the most influential men in Massts. reasoned in the same manner. Mr. Williamson moved to insert 9 ]rears instead of seven. He wished this Country to acquire as fast as possible national habits. Wealthy emigrants do more harm by their luxurious examples, than good, by the money, they bring with them. Col. Hamilton was in general agst. embarrassing the Govt. with minute restrictions. There was on one side the possible danger that had been suggested- on the other side, the advantage of encouraging foreigners was obvious & admitted. Persons in Europe of moderate fortunes will be fond of com- ing here where they will be on a level with the first Citizens. He moved that the section be so altered as to require merely Citizenship & inhabitancy. The right of determining the rule of naturalization will then leave a discretion to the Leg- islature on this subject which will answer every purpose. Mr (Madison) seconded the motion. He wished to main- tain the character of liberality which had been professed in all the Constitutions & publications of America. He wished to invite foreigners of merit & republican principles among us. America was indebted to emigration for her settlement & Prosperity. That part of America which had encouraged them most had advanced most rapidly in population, agri- culture & the arts. There was a possible danger he admitted that men with foreign predilections might obtain appoint-

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