Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/475

 RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION 469 Thursday MADISON l gust 30 thought the ratification in this case of ten States at least ought to be made necessary. Mr Randolph was for filling the blank wlth "Nine" that being a respectable majority of the whole, and being a num- ber made familiar by the constitution of the existing Congress. Mr Wilson mentioned "eight" as preferable. Mr. Dickinson asked whether the concurrence of Congress is to be essential to the establishment of the system, whether the refusing States in the Confederacy could be deserted- and whether Congress could concur in contravening the sys- tem under which they acted? Mr. Madison. remarked that if the blank should be filled with "seven" eight, or "nine" -- the Constitution as it stands might be put in force over the whole body of the people. tho' less than a majority of them should ratify it. Mr. Wilson. As the Constitution stands, the States only which ratify can be bound. We must he said in this case go to the original powers of Soclety, The House on fire must be extinguished, without a scrupulous regard to ordinary rights. Mr. Butler was in favor of "nine". He revolted at the idea, that one or two States should restrain the rest from consulting their safety. Mr. Carrol moved to fill the blank with "the thirteen". unanimity being necessary to dissolve the existing confed- eracy which had been unanimously established. Mr King thought this amendt. necessary, otherwise as the Constitution now stands it will operate on the whole though ratified by a part only. Adjourned

�