Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/284

 278 RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION Monday MADISON .dugust 3 Mr. Dickenson. Experience must be our only guide. Reason may mislead us. It was not Reason that discovered the singular & admirable mechanism of the English Consti- tution. It was not Reason that discovered or ever could have discovered the odd & in the eye of those who are gov- erned by reason, the absurd mode of trial by Jury. Acci- dents probably produced these discoveries, and experience has give a sanction to them. This is then our guide. And has not experience verified the utility of restraining money bills to the immediate representatives of the people. Whence the effect may kave proceeded he could not say; whether from the respect with which this privilege inspired the other branches of Govt. to the I-I. of Commons, or from the turn of thinking it gave to the people at large with regard to their rights, but the effect was visible & could not be doubted Shall we oppose to this long experience, the short experience of II years which we had ourselves, on this subject--As to disputes, they could not be avoided any way. If both Houses should originate, each would have a different bill to which it would be attached, and for which it would contend.- He observed that all the prejudices of the people would be offended by refusing this exclusive privilege to the H. of Repress. and these prejudices shd. never be disregarded by us when no essential purpose was to be served. When this plan goes forth, it will be attacked by the popular leaders. Aristocracy will be the watchword; the Shibboleth among its adversaries. Eight States have inserted in their Constitutions the exclusive right of originating money bills in favor of the popular branch of the Legislature. Most of them however allowed the other branch to amend. This he thought would be proper for us to do. Mr Randolph regarded this point as of such consequence, that as he valued the peace of this Country, he would press the adoption of it. We had numerous & monstrous difficul- ties to combat. Surely we ought not to increase them. When the people behold in the $en. ate_, the countenance of an aris- tocracy; and in the p.re.!d.nt, the form at least of a little monarch, will not their alarms be sufficiently raised without

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