Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/554

 548 RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION Saturday MADISON September 8 out altogether If the majority cannot be trusted, it was a proof, as observed by Mr. Ghorum, that we were not fit for one Society. A reconsideratlon of the whole clause was agreed to. Mr. Govr. Morris was agst. striking out the "exception of Treaties of peace" If two thirds of the Senate should be required for peace, the Legislature will be unwilling to make war for that reason, on account of the Fisheries or the Mis- sissippi, the two great objects of the Union.  Besides, if a Majority of the Senate be for peace, and are not allowed to make it, they will be apt to effect their purpose in the more disagreeable mode, of negativing the supplies for the war. Mr. Williamson remarked that Treaties are to be made in the branch of the Govt. where there may be a majority of the States without a majority of the people, Eight men may be a majority of a quorum, & should not have the power to decide the conditions of peace. There would be no danger, that the exposed States, as S. Carolina or Georgia, would urge an improper war for the Western Territory. Mr. Wilson If two thirds are necessary to make peace, the minority may perpetuate war, against the sense of the majority. Mr. Gerry enlarged on the danger of putting the essential rights of the Union in the hands of so small a number as a majority of the Senate, representing perhaps, not one fifth of the people. The Senate will be corrupted by foreign influ- ence. Mr. Sherman was agst leaving the rights, established by the Treaty of Peace, to the Senate, & moved to annex a "pro- viso that no such rights shd be ceded without the sanction of the Legislature. Mr Govt. Morris seconded the ideas of Mr Sherman. Mr. Madison observed that it had been too easy in the present Congress to make Treaties altho' nine States we?e required for the purpose. On the question for striking "except Treaties of peace" See Appendix

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