Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/564

 558 RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION Monday MADISON September zo the State-Constitutions altogether. He asked whether this was a situation proper to be run into-- Mr. Hamilton zded. the motion, but he said with a differ- ent view from Mr. Gerry-- He did not object to the con- sequences stated by Mr. Gerry-- There was no greater evil in subjecting the people of the U.S. to the major voice than the people of a particular State-- It had been wished by many and was much to have been desired that an easier mode for introducing amendments had been provided by the articles of Confederation. It was equally desirable now that an easy mode should be established for supplying defects which will probably appear in the new System. The mode proposed was not adequate. The State Legislatures will not apply for alterations but with a view to increase their own powers-- The National Legislature will be the first to perceive and will be most sensible to the necessity of amend- ments, and ought also to be empowered, whenever two thirds of each branch should concur to call a Convention-- There could be no danger in giving this power, as the people would finally decide in the case. Mr Madison remarked on the vagueness of the terms, "call a Convention for the purpose." as sufficient reason for reconsidering the article. How was a Convention to be formed? by what rule decide? what the force of its acts ? On the motion of Mr. Gerry to reconsider N.H. divd. Mas. ay--Ct. ay. N. J-- no. Pa ay. Del. ay. Md. ay. Va. ay. N--C. ay. S.C. ay. Geo. ay. [Ayes- 9; noes -- ; divided -- x.] Mr. Sherman moved to add to the article ""or the Legisla- ture may propose amendments to the several States for their approbation, but no amendments shall be binding until con- sented to by the several States" Mr. Gerry zded. the motion Mr. Wilson moved to insert "two thirds of" before the words "several States"-- on which amendment to the motion of Mr. Sherman N.H. ay. Mas. (no) Ct. no. N.J. (no> Pa. ay-- Del-- ay

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