Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/548

 54 RECOR/)$ OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION F, iday MADISON September ? consideration of the clause in order to take up the follow- ing 'That it be an instruction to the Committee of the States to prepare a clause or clauses for establishing an Executive Council, as a Council of State for the President of the U. States, to consist of six members, two of which from the Eastern, two �rom the middle, and two from the Southern States, with a Rotation and duration of office similar to those of the Senate; such Council to be appointed by' the Legisla- ture or by the Senate". Doctor Franklin 2ded. the motion. We seemed he said too much to fear cabals in appointments by a number, and to have too much confidence in those of single persons. Experi- ence shewed that caprice, the intrigues of favorites & mis- tresses, &c were nevertheless the means most prevalent in monarchies. among instances of abuse in such modes of appointment, he mentioned the many bad Governors appointed in G. B. for the Colonies. He thought a Council would not only' be a check on a bad President but be a relief to a good one. Mr. Govr. Morris. The question of a Council was con- sidered in the Committee, where it was judged that the Presidt. by persuading his Council-- to concur in his wrong measures, would acquire their protection for them-- Mr. Wilson approved of a Council, in preference to making the Senate a party to appointmts. Mr. Dickinson was for a Council. It wd. be a singular thing if the measures o� the Executive were not to undergo some previous discussion before the President Mr Madison was in favor of the instruction to the Com- mittee proposed by Col. Mason.  2a [Ay'es--3; noes--8.] On the question, "authorizing the President to call for the opinions of the Heads of Departments, in writing:" it Taken from Jornal which is in erorr as to the vote. See above note 5.

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