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OBSERVATIONS

PLAN OF GOVERNMENT

FEDERAL CONVENTION,

In PHILADELPHIA, on the 28th of May, 1787.

By Mr. CHARLES PINCKNEY,

Delegate from the State of South-Carolina.

Delivered at different Times in the course of their Discussions.

NEW-YORK:—Printed by FRANCIS CHILDS.

Mr. President,

It is, perhaps, unnecessary to state to the House the reasons which have given rise to this Convention. The critical and embarrassed situation of our public affairs is, no doubt, strongly impressed upon every mind. I well know, it is an undertaking of much delicacy, to examine into the cause of public disorders, but having been for a considerable time concerned in the administration of the Federal System, and an evidence of its weakness, I trust the indulgence of the House will excuse me, while I endeavor to state with conciseness, as well the motives which induced the measure, as what ought, in my opinion, to be the conduct of the convention.

There is no one, I believe, who doubts there is something particularly alarming in the present conjuncture. There is hardly a man, in, or out of office, who holds any other language. Our government is despised—our laws are robbed of their respected terrors—their inaction is a subject of ridicule—and their exertion, of abhorrence and opposition—rank and office have lost their