Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/85

 RECOKDS OF THE FEDEP. AL CONVENTION Saturday MADISON July represented. The Executive Magistrate wd be considered as a national officer, acting for and equally sympathising with every part of the U. States. If the 2d. branch alone should have this power, the Judges might be appointed by a minority of the people, tho' by a majority, of the States, which could not be justified on any principle as their proceedings were to relate to the people, rather than to the States: and as it would moreover throw the appointments entirely into the hands of 3re Nthern States, a perpetual ground of jealousy & discontent would be furnished to the Southern States. Mr. Pinkney was for placing the appointrot. in the d. b. exclusively. The Executive will possess neither the requisite knowledge of characters, nor confidence of the people for so high a trust. Mr. Randolph wd. have preferred the mode of appolntmt. proposed formerly by Mr Ghorum, as adopted in the Con- stitution of Massts. but thought the motion depending so great an improvement of the clause as it stands, that he anxiously wished it success. He laid great stress on the re- sponsibility of the Executive as a security for fit appointments. Appointments by the Legislatures have generally resulted from cabal, from personal regard, or some other consideration than a title derived from the proper qualifications. The same inconveniencles will proportionally prevail if the appointments be be referred to either branch of the Legislature or to any other authority administered by a number of individuals. Mr. Elseworth would prefer a negative in the Executive on a nomination by the 2d. branch, the negative to be overruled by a concurrence of  of the 2d. b. to the mode proposed by the motion; but preferred an absolute appointment by the 2d. branch to either. The Executive will be regarded by; the people with a jealous eye. Every power for augmenting unnecessarily his influence will be disliked. As he will be stationary it was not to be supposed he could have a better knowledge of characters. He will be more open to caresses & intrigues than the Senate. The right to supersede his nomina- tion will be ideal only. A nomination under such circum- stances will be equivalent to an appointment.

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