Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/651

 RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION 645 Monday MADISON September r7 able names that would give sanction to its wisdom and its worth. s He said however that he did not mean by this re- fusal to decide that he should oppose the Constitution with- out doors. He meant only to keep himself free to be governed by his duty as it should be prescribed by his future judgment -- He refused to sign, because he thought the object of the convention would be frustrated by' the alternative which it. presented to the people. Nine States will fail to ratify the plan and confusion must ensue. With such a view of the subject he ought not, he could not, by pledging himself to support the plan, restrain himself from taking such steps as might appear to him most consistent with the public good. Mr. Govr. Morris said that he too had objections, but con- sidering the present plan 7 as the best that was to be attained, he should take it with all its faults. The majority had deter- mined in its favor and b 7 that determination he should abide. The moment this plan goes forth all other considerations will be laid aside and the great question will be, shall there be a national Government or not? and this must take place or a general anarch 7 will be the alternative- He remarked that the signing in the form proposed related only to the fact that the States present were unanimous. Mr. Williamson suggested that the signing should be con- fined to the letter accompanying the Constitution to Congress. which might perhaps do nearly as well, and would be found be satisfactory to some members* who disliked the Constitu- tion. For himself he did not think a better plan was to be expected and had no scruples against putting his name to it. Mr Hamilton expressed his anxiety that every member should sign. A few characters of consequence, by opposing or even refusing to sign the Constitution, might do infinite mischief by kindling the latent sparks which lurk under an enthusiasm in favor of the Convention which may soon sub- side. No man's ideas were more remote from the plan than Upon Randolph's refusal to sign, see above September I5, and Appendix A, CXIV, CXXXI, CXXXVII, CCV. Crossed out "results of all deliberations ". s Crossed out "probably".
 * He alluded s to Mr. Blount for one.

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