Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/52

 RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION //rednesday MADISON July authority of the States shall be guarantied to them respec- tively agst. domestic as well as foreign violence." Docr. McClurg seconded the motion. Mr. Houston was afraid of perpetuating the existing Con- stitutions of the States. That of Georgia was a very bad one, and he hoped would be revised & amended. It may also be difficult for the Genl. Govt. to decide between contending parties each of which claim the sanction of the Constitution. Mr. L. Martin was for leaving the States to suppress Rebellions themselves. Mr. Ghorum thought it strange that a Rebellion should be known to exist in the Empire, and the Genl. Govt. shd. be restrained from interposing to subdue it, At this rate an enterprising Citizen might erect the standard of Monarchy in a particular State might gather together partizans from all quarters, might extend his views from State to State, and threaten to establish a tyranny over the whole & the Genl. Govt. be compelled to remain an inactive witness of its own destruction. With regard to different parties in a State; as long as they confine their disputes to words they will be harm- less to the Genl. Govt. & to each other. If they appeal to the sword it will then be necessary for the Genl. Govt., how- ever difficult it may be to decide on the merits of their contest to interpose & put an end to it. Mr. Carrol. Some such provision is essential. Every State ought to wish for it. It has been doubted whether it is a casus federis at present. And no room ought to be left for such a doubt hereafter. Mr. Randolph moved to add as amendt. to the motion; and that no State be at liberty to form any other than a Republican Govt." Mr. (Madison) seconded the motion Mr. Rutlidge thought it unnecessary to insert any guaran- tee. No doubt could be entertained but that Congs. had the authority if they had the means to co-operate with any State in subduing a rebellion. It was & would be involved in the nature of the thing. Mr. Wilson moved as a better expression of the idea, "that a Republican (form of Governrot. shall) be guarantied

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