December 7, 1803
The main amendment was then agreed to— .ayes 75, noes 26.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 681). View the page image
The Committee having risen, and the Chairman having reported an agreement to the resolusion from the Senate, without amendment, the House immediately took the same into considerMr. Chittenden said, as this was an important question, requiring, in his opinion, more time for deliberation, he would move an adjournment.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 681–682). View the page image
- resolusion The scans read: “resoluaioD” (Michigan scan), “resoluer to” (microfilm scan), “resolusion” (main scan)
The yeas and nays being taken on the adjournment, were, yeas '30, nays 77.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 682). View the page image
Mr. Dana renewed the motion, made in Committee of the Whole, for so altering the resolution as to abolish the office of Vice President by striking out so much thereof as is contained in the words following, to wit :
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 682). View the page image
"And if the Houafl of Representatives shall not choose a President whenever the right of choice shall deroWa upon them, before the fourth day of March next following, then the Vice President shall act aa President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability of the President.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 682). View the page image
- Houafl The scans read: “Houk” (Michigan scan), “House” (microfilm scan), “Houafl” (main scan)
- deroWa Only one scan has this word: “deroWa” (main scan)
1 connection
- quotes Amendment XII (suggested)
"The pcnon having the greatest number ofvotea aa Vice President, ahall be the Vice President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of Eloctora appointed, and, if no person have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose the Vice President; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 682). View the page image
- pcnon The scans read: “penon” (Michigan scan), “person” (microfilm scan), “pcnon” (main scan)
- ofvotea The scans read: “of totes” (Michigan scan), “of votes” (microfilm scan), “ofvotea” (main scan)
- aa The scans read: “as” (microfilm scan), “aa” (main scan)
- Eloctora The scans read: “Elector*” (Michigan scan), “Electors” (microfilm scan), “Eloctora” (main scan)
- for The scans read: “for” (Michigan scan), “for” (microfilm scan), “far” (main scan)
1 connection
- quotes Amendment XII (suggested)
"But no person, constitution ally ineligible to the office of President, shall be eligible to that of Vice President of the United States."
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 682). View the page image
1 connection
- quotes Amendment XII (suggested)
And on the question that the House do agree to the said amendment, it passed in the negative— yeas 27, nays 85, as follows:
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 682). View the page image
YiAS— Simeon Baldwin, Silas Betton, Martin Chittenden CliAon Claggetl, Samuel W. Dana, J<^ Davenport, Thomas Dwight, James Elliot, Calvin Goddard, Gaylurd Griswold, Roger Griawold, 8etb Hastings, William Hoge, Samuel Hunt, Joseph Lewi^ jun., Thomas Lewis, Henry W. Livingston, Thomaa Plater, Samuel D. PurviaQca, John Cotton Smith, William Stedman, James Stephenson, Benjamin Tallmadge, Samuel Tenney, Samuel Thatcher, George Tibbtla, and Lemuel Williams.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 682). View the page image
- YiAS— The scans read: “Yiis—” (Michigan scan), “YiAS—” (main scan)
- CliAon The scans read: “CUflon” (Michigan scan), “CliAon” (main scan)
- Claggetl, The scans read: “Clareeti,” (Michigan scan), “Claggetl,” (main scan)
- J<^ Only one scan has this word: “J<^” (main scan)
- Griawold, The scans read: “Griswotd,” (Michigan scan), “Griawold,” (main scan)
- 8etb The scans read: “Beth” (Michigan scan), “8etb” (main scan)
- Lewi^ The scans read: “Levris,” (Michigan scan), “Lewi^” (main scan)
- Thomaa The scans read: “Thomu” (Michigan scan), “Thomaa” (main scan)
- PurviaQca, The scans read: “Purvianoo,” (Michigan scan), “PurviaQca,” (main scan)
- Tibbtla, The scans read: “Tibbils,” (Michigan scan), “Tibbtla,” (main scan)
NiiB—Willia Alaton, jun., Nathaniel AleTander, laaac Andenon, John Archer, David Bard, Qeoive Michael Bedinger, William Blackledge, John Bayle, Robert Brown, Joaeph Bryan, William Butler, Geo>^ W. Campbtll, Levi Caaey. Thomas Clubome, Joaeph Clay, John Cloplon. Frederick Conrad, Jacob CrawninshieJd, Richard Cntta, John Dawson, William Dickaon, John B. Earlo, Peter Early, John W, Eppes, William Findlaj, John Fowler, Jamea Gilleipie, Peteraon Goodwyn, Edwin Gray, Andrew Gregg, Sainael Hammond, John A. Hanna, Joaiah Haabrouck, Daniel Heiater, Joaeph Heieter, Jamea Hollaod, David Holmes, John G. Jackson, Walter Jones, William Kennedy, Neh» minh Knight, Michael Leib, John B. C. Lucaa, Matthew Lyon, An JrewMcCord, William McCreery, David Meriwether, Nahum Mitchell, Samuel L. Milchill, Nicholas R. Moore, Thomas Moore, Jeremiah Morrow, Anthony New, Thomas Jfewton, jun., Gideon Olin, BeriaJi Palmer, John Patterson, John Randolph, Jun., Thomaa M. Randolph, John Rea of Pennsylvania, John Bhea of Tenneaaee, Jacob Richarda, Csaar A. Rodney, ErastuB Root, Thomaa Sandford, Ebenezer Seaver, Tompaon J. Skinner, John Smilie, John Smith oT New York, Richard Stanford, Josmh ijtanton, John Stewart, David Thomaa, Philip R. ThompaoQ, Abntitt Trigg, John Trigg, Itatc Vin Horne, Joxph B. VmnDm, DtDiel C. Verplancb, Matlbew WhIioii, John WhiWhUl, Mairaiduke Willisnn, RithHrd Winn, JoKph Winston, uiJ Thomas Wjnn».
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 682–683). View the page image
- NiiB—Willia Only one scan has this word: “NiiB—Willia” (main scan)
- Alaton, Only one scan has this word: “Alaton,” (main scan)
- jun., Only one scan has this word: “jun.,” (main scan)
- AleTander, Only one scan has this word: “AleTander,” (main scan)
- laaac Only one scan has this word: “laaac” (main scan)
- Andenon, Only one scan has this word: “Andenon,” (main scan)
- Qeoive Only one scan has this word: “Qeoive” (main scan)
- Bayle, Only one scan has this word: “Bayle,” (main scan)
- Joaeph Only one scan has this word: “Joaeph” (main scan)
- Geo>^ Only one scan has this word: “Geo>^” (main scan)
- Campbtll, Only one scan has this word: “Campbtll,” (main scan)
- Caaey. Only one scan has this word: “Caaey.” (main scan)
- Clubome, Only one scan has this word: “Clubome,” (main scan)
- Joaeph Only one scan has this word: “Joaeph” (main scan)
- Clay, Only one scan has this word: “Clay,” (main scan)
- Cloplon. Only one scan has this word: “Cloplon.” (main scan)
- CrawninshieJd, Only one scan has this word: “CrawninshieJd,” (main scan)
- Cntta, Only one scan has this word: “Cntta,” (main scan)
- Dickaon, Only one scan has this word: “Dickaon,” (main scan)
- Earlo, Only one scan has this word: “Earlo,” (main scan)
- Findlaj, Only one scan has this word: “Findlaj,” (main scan)
- Jamea Only one scan has this word: “Jamea” (main scan)
- Gilleipie, Only one scan has this word: “Gilleipie,” (main scan)
- Peteraon Only one scan has this word: “Peteraon” (main scan)
- Sainael Only one scan has this word: “Sainael” (main scan)
- Joaiah Only one scan has this word: “Joaiah” (main scan)
- Haabrouck, Only one scan has this word: “Haabrouck,” (main scan)
- Heiater, Only one scan has this word: “Heiater,” (main scan)
- Joaeph Only one scan has this word: “Joaeph” (main scan)
- Heieter, Only one scan has this word: “Heieter,” (main scan)
- Jamea Only one scan has this word: “Jamea” (main scan)
- Hollaod, Only one scan has this word: “Hollaod,” (main scan)
- Neh» Only one scan has this word: “Neh»” (main scan)
- minh Only one scan has this word: “minh” (main scan)
- Lucaa, Only one scan has this word: “Lucaa,” (main scan)
- JrewMcCord, Only one scan has this word: “JrewMcCord,” (main scan)
- Milchill, Only one scan has this word: “Milchill,” (main scan)
- Jfewton, Only one scan has this word: “Jfewton,” (main scan)
- jun., Only one scan has this word: “jun.,” (main scan)
- BeriaJi Only one scan has this word: “BeriaJi” (main scan)
- Jun., Only one scan has this word: “Jun.,” (main scan)
- Thomaa Only one scan has this word: “Thomaa” (main scan)
- Bhea Only one scan has this word: “Bhea” (main scan)
- Tenneaaee, Only one scan has this word: “Tenneaaee,” (main scan)
- Richarda, Only one scan has this word: “Richarda,” (main scan)
- Csaar Only one scan has this word: “Csaar” (main scan)
- ErastuB Only one scan has this word: “ErastuB” (main scan)
- Thomaa Only one scan has this word: “Thomaa” (main scan)
- Tompaon Only one scan has this word: “Tompaon” (main scan)
- Josmh Only one scan has this word: “Josmh” (main scan)
- ijtanton, Only one scan has this word: “ijtanton,” (main scan)
- Thomaa, Only one scan has this word: “Thomaa,” (main scan)
- ThompaoQ, Only one scan has this word: “ThompaoQ,” (main scan)
- Abntitt Only one scan has this word: “Abntitt” (main scan)
- Itatc Only one scan has this word: “Itatc” (main scan)
- Vin Only one scan has this word: “Vin” (main scan)
- Horne, Only one scan has this word: “Horne,” (main scan)
- Joxph Only one scan has this word: “Joxph” (main scan)
- VmnDm, Only one scan has this word: “VmnDm,” (main scan)
- DtDiel Only one scan has this word: “DtDiel” (main scan)
- Verplancb, Only one scan has this word: “Verplancb,” (main scan)
- Matlbew Only one scan has this word: “Matlbew” (main scan)
- WhIioii, Only one scan has this word: “WhIioii,” (main scan)
- WhiWhUl, Only one scan has this word: “WhiWhUl,” (main scan)
- Mairaiduke Only one scan has this word: “Mairaiduke” (main scan)
- Willisnn, Only one scan has this word: “Willisnn,” (main scan)
- RithHrd Only one scan has this word: “RithHrd” (main scan)
- JoKph Only one scan has this word: “JoKph” (main scan)
- uiJ Only one scan has this word: “uiJ” (main scan)
- Wjnn». Only one scan has this word: “Wjnn».” (main scan)
Mr. GoDDiRD moved lo slrike out "persons haTin« Ihe highest numbers doi exceeding three," JD order to insert, "five highest, " and called for the yeas and nays; which were taken, and the motion negatived — yeas 32, nays 85, as follows: Till — Simeon Bsldwin, Silas Betton, John Campbell, Wilham Chamberlin, Martin Chittenden, Clifton Claggett, Samuel W. Dana, John Davenport, John Dflnnia, Thomas Dwight, James Elliot, Calvin Goddard, Gaylord Griswold, Roger Griswold, Seth Haatingi, Benjamin Huger, Samuel Hunt, Joseph Lewis, inn., Thomas Lewis, Henry W. Livingston, Thomas Xowndea, Nahum Mitchell, Thomas Plater, Samuel D. Purviance, John Cotton Smith, William Stedman, James Stephenson, Benjamin Tallmadge, Samuel Tenney, Samuel Thatcher, George Tibbits, and Lemuel "Williams.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 683). View the page image
- GoDDiRD Only one scan has this word: “GoDDiRD” (main scan)
- lo Only one scan has this word: “lo” (main scan)
- slrike Only one scan has this word: “slrike” (main scan)
- haTin« Only one scan has this word: “haTin«” (main scan)
- Ihe Only one scan has this word: “Ihe” (main scan)
- doi Only one scan has this word: “doi” (main scan)
- JD Only one scan has this word: “JD” (main scan)
- 32, Only one scan has this word: “32,” (main scan)
- 85, Only one scan has this word: “85,” (main scan)
- Bsldwin, Only one scan has this word: “Bsldwin,” (main scan)
- Wilham Only one scan has this word: “Wilham” (main scan)
- Dflnnia, Only one scan has this word: “Dflnnia,” (main scan)
- Haatingi, The scans read: “Hastings, William” (microfilm scan), “Haatingi,” (main scan)
- Huger, The scans read: “Hoge,” (microfilm scan), “Huger,” (main scan)
- inn., The scans read: “jun.,” (microfilm scan), “inn.,” (main scan)
- Xowndea, Only one scan has this word: “Xowndea,” (main scan)
Niis— Willis Alston, jun., Nathaniel Alexander, Isaac Anderson, John Archer, David Bard, George Michael Bedinger, William Blackledge, John Boyle, Robert Brown, Joseph Bryan, William Butler, George "W. Campbell, Levi Casey, Thomas Claiborne, Joseph Clay, John Clopton, Frederick Conrad, Jacob Crowninshield, Richard Cutts, John Dawson, William Dickson, John B. Earle, Peter Early, John W. Eppes, William Findley, John Fowler, James Gillespie, Peterson Goodwyn, Edwin Gray, Andrew Gregg, Samuel Ham- ■lond, John A. Hanna, Josiah Hasbrouck, Daniel Heister, Joseph Heister, William Uoge, James Holland, David Holmes, John G.Jackaon, Walter Jones, William Kennedy, Nehemiah Knight, Michael Leib, John B. C. Lucas, Matthew Lyon, Andrew McCord, William McCreery, David Meriwether, Samuel L. Mitchill, Nicholas H. Moore, Thomas Moore, Jeremiah Morrow, Anthony New, Thomas Newton, jun., Gideon Olin, Beriah Palmer, John Patterson, John Randolph, jun., Thomas M. Randolph, John Rea of Pennsylvania, John Rhea of Tennessee, Jacob Richards, Cesar A. Rodney, Erastus Root, Thomas Sandford, Ebenezer Seaver, Tompaon J. Skinner, John Smilie, John Smith of New York, Richard Stanford, Joseph Stanton, John Stewart, David Thomas, Philip R. Thompson, Abram Trigg, John Trigg, Isaac Van Home, Joseph B. Varnum, Daniel C. Verplanck, Matthew Walton, John 'Whitehill, Marmaduke Williams, Richard Winn, Joseph Winston, and Thomas Wynns.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 683). View the page image
- Niis— Willis The scans read: “Nays-Willis” (microfilm scan), “Niis— Willis” (main scan)
- Ham- ■lond, The scans read: “Hammond,” (Michigan scan), “Hammond,” (microfilm scan), “Ham- ■lond,” (main scan)
- Uoge, Only one scan has this word: “Uoge,” (main scan)
- H. The scans read: “R.” (microfilm scan), “H.” (main scan)
Mr. G. Ghlbwold moved to strike out " two," and JDseri '■three," being the Dumber of candidates for the Vice Presidency, from whom an election shall be made by the Senate.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 683). View the page image
- Ghlbwold The scans read: “Ghiswolo” (Michigan scan), “Ghlbwold” (main scan)
- JDseri The scans read: “insert” (Michigan scan), “JDseri” (main scan)
- Dumber The scans read: “number” (Michigan scan), “order” (microfilm scan), “Dumber” (main scan)
- made The scans read: “mxde” (Michigan scan), “and” (microfilm scan), “made” (main scan)
The moiioa was lost without a division.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 683). View the page image
- moiioa The scans read: “molion” (Michigan scan), “moiioa” (main scan)
Mt. Elliot moved a division of the question OD agreeing to the whole amendment at the word Vice President in the second paragraph. And on the question that the House do agree to the first member of the resolution in the words following to wit:
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 683). View the page image
- Mt. The scans read: “Mr.” (Michigan scan), “Mt.” (main scan)
" Retohed, hy the Senate and Hoim of Repraentativei of the United Slala of America, in Congrrts at- »embbd, ttoo-thirdt of both Homes concurring. That in lieu of the third paragraph of the first section of the ■econd article of the Constitution of the United States, the following be proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which, when ratified by threo'tburths of the Legislatures of the several Stat««, ahall be valid, to all intents and porposes, as part of lbs said Constilulion, to wit:
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 683–684). View the page image
- Retohed, The scans read: “Raohed,” (Michigan scan), “Retohed,” (main scan)
- hy The scans read: “by” (Michigan scan), “hy” (main scan)
- Hoim Only one scan has this word: “Hoim” (main scan)
- Repraentativei The scans read: “ReprttentO' tivet” (Michigan scan), “Repraentativei” (main scan)
- Slala Only one scan has this word: “Slala” (main scan)
- Congrrts at- The scans read: “Congrtte” (Michigan scan), “Congrrts at-” (main scan)
- »embbd, The scans read: “aemembled,” (Michigan scan), “»embbd,” (main scan)
- ttoo-thirdt The scans read: “iwo-thirda” (Michigan scan), “ttoo-thirdt” (main scan)
- threo'tburths Only one scan has this word: “threo'tburths” (main scan)
- Stat««, Only one scan has this word: “Stat««,” (main scan)
- porposes, Only one scan has this word: “porposes,” (main scan)
- lbs Only one scan has this word: “lbs” (main scan)
- Constilulion, Only one scan has this word: “Constilulion,” (main scan)
1 connection
- cites Article II, Section 1, Clause 3 (suggested)
" The Electors ahall meet in their respective State*, and, vote, by ballot, for President and Vice President one of whom, at least, shall not be sn inhabitant of the same Stale with themselves -, they shall name, in their ballots, the person voted fl>r as President, and, in di*- tinct ballots, the person voted for as Vice President, and they ahall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as President, and of all persona voted for as Vice President :" It was resolved in theaffirmalire — yeas 85, nays 30 as follows:
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 684). View the page image
- sn The scans read: “an” (Michigan scan), “sn” (main scan)
- Stale The scans read: “State” (Michigan scan), “Stale” (main scan)
- fl>r The scans read: “lor” (Michigan scan), “fl>r” (main scan)
- as The scans read: “at” (Michigan scan), “as” (main scan)
- di*- tinct The scans read: “dialinct” (Michigan scan), “di*- tinct” (main scan)
- theaffirmalire The scans read: “Ihe affirmative” (Michigan scan), “theaffirmalire” (main scan)
1 connection
- quotes Amendment XII (suggested)
Ye is^ Willis Alston, jr., Nathaniel Alexander, Isaac Anderson, John Archer, David Bard, George Michael Bedinger, William Blackledge, John Boyle, Robert Brown, Joseph Bryan, William Butler, George W. Campbell, Levi Casey, Thomas Ctaibome,JoBe{^CIaj, John Clopton, Frederick Conrad. Jacob Crown ioshield, Richard Cutts, John Dawson, William Dickson, John B. Earle, Peter Early, James Elliot, John W. Eppes, William Findley, John Fowler, James Gillespie, Peterson Goodwyn, Edwin Gray, Andrew Gregg, Samod Hammond, John A. Hanna, Josiah Hasbrouck Daniel Heister, Joseph Heister, William Hoge,Jamea Holland, David Holmes, John G. Jackson, Walter Jones, William Kennedy, Nehemiah Knight, Michael Leib, John B. C. Lucas, Matthew Lyon, Andrew McCord, William' McCreery, David Meriwether, Samuel L. Mitchill, Nicholas R. Moore. Thomas Moore, Jeremiah Morrow, Anthony New, Thomas Newton, jr., Gideon Olin, Beriah Palmer, John Patterson, John Randolph, jr., Thomas M. Randolph, John Rea of Pennsylvania, John Rhea of Tennessee, Jacob Richards, Cesar A. Rodney, Erastus Root, Thomas Sandford, Ebeneier 9eBVer,Toropeon J. Skinner, John Smilie, John Smith of New York, Richard Stanford, Joseph Stanton, John Stewart, Philip R. Thompson, Abram Trigg, John Trigg, Isaac Van Horne, Joseph B. Varnum, Daniel C. Verplanck, Matthew Walton, John Whitehill, Marmaduke Williams, Richard Winn, Joseph Winston, and Thomas Wynns.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 684). View the page image
- Ye Only one scan has this word: “Ye” (main scan)
- is^ Only one scan has this word: “is^” (main scan)
- jr., Only one scan has this word: “jr.,” (main scan)
- Ctaibome,JoBe{^CIaj, The scans read: “Claiborne, J(Wfi[£” (Michigan scan), “Claiborne, Joseph” (microfilm scan), “Ctaibome,JoBe{^CIaj,” (main scan)
- Crown ioshield, The scans read: “Crowninahirid,” (Michigan scan), “Crown- inshield,” (microfilm scan), “Crown ioshield,” (main scan)
- Samod The scans read: “Samad” (Michigan scan), “Samuel” (microfilm scan), “Samod” (main scan)
- Hoge,Jamea The scans read: “Hoge,JamM” (Michigan scan), “Hoge, James” (microfilm scan), “Hoge,Jamea” (main scan)
- 9eBVer,Toropeon The scans read: “Seaver, Tompaon” (Michigan scan), “Seaver, Tompson” (microfilm scan), “9eBVer,Toropeon” (main scan)
Nirs— Simeon Baldwin, Silas Betton, John Campbell, William Chamberlin, Martin Chittenden, Clifton Claggett, Samuel W. Dana, John Davenport, John Dennis, Thomas Dwight, Calvin Goddard, Gaylord Griawold, Roger Griswold, Seth Hastings, Benjamin Huger, Samuel Hunt, Joseph Lewis, jr., Thomas Lewis, Henry W. Livingston, Thomas Lowndes, Nahum Mitchell, Thomas Plater, Samuel D. Purviance, John Cotton Smith, William Stedman, James Stephenson, Benjamin Tallmadge, Samuel Thatcher, George Tibbitts, and Lemuel Williams.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 684). View the page image
- Nirs— Simeon The scans read: “Nats— Simeon” (Michigan scan), “Naxs—Simeon” (microfilm scan), “Nirs— Simeon” (main scan)
The other member of the resolution was, on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the House, as follows :
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 684). View the page image
"And of the number of votes for each ; which lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to the seat of the Government of the United States, directs)! to the President of the Senate ; the President of Ihs Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The person having the greatest number of votes for President, shall be President, if such number be a majority of the whole ninDbar of Electors appointed ; and, if no person have such majority, then, from the persons having the highest niu»- hers, not exceeding three, on the list of those voted At as President, the House of Representatives sflkllehooaa, immediately, by ballot, the President. But, in choosing the President, the votes ^lU be taken b; States, ibe MpreientatioD from each State having one vote i a quorum, for ihU purpose, shall consist of a member or mem - ben from two-thirds of the States, and a majority of all the Stales shall be necessary to a choice. And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a President, whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth da; of March next following, then the Vice President ibim act as President, as in the caae at the death or other constitutional disability of the Pre- " The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice President, shall be the Vice President, if meh number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed, and, if no person have a majority, then, DOm Ibe two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose the Vice President; i a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of Senators, and s majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice,"
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 684–685). View the page image
- directs)! The scans read: “ditucted” (Michigan scan), “directed” (microfilm scan), “directs)!” (main scan)
- Ihs The scans read: “Iho” (Michigan scan), “the” (microfilm scan), “Ihs” (main scan)
- ninDbar Only one scan has this word: “ninDbar” (main scan)
- if The scans read: “if” (Michigan scan), “if” (microfilm scan), “iS” (main scan)
- niu»- hers, The scans read: “numbers,” (Michigan scan), “numbers,” (microfilm scan), “niu»- hers,” (main scan)
- sflkllehooaa, The scans read: “shall choove,” (Michigan scan), “shall choose,” (microfilm scan), “sflkllehooaa,” (main scan)
- ^lU Only one scan has this word: “^lU” (main scan)
- b; The scans read: “by” (microfilm scan), “b;” (main scan)
- ibe MpreientatioD The scans read: “repreacntstioii” (Michigan scan), “representation” (microfilm scan), “ibe MpreientatioD” (main scan)
- for ihU The scans read: “foi” (Michigan scan), “for ihU” (main scan)
- mem The scans read: “memben” (Michigan scan), “memstates,” (microfilm scan), “mem” (main scan)
- ben The scans read: “bers” (microfilm scan), “ben” (main scan)
- of The scans read: “of” (Michigan scan), “of” (microfilm scan), “or” (main scan)
- if The scans read: “if” (Michigan scan), “if” (microfilm scan), “IT” (main scan)
- ibim The scans read: “shall” (Michigan scan), “ibim” (main scan)
- caae The scans read: “ease” (Michigan scan), “case” (microfilm scan), “caae” (main scan)
- at The scans read: “as” (microfilm scan), “at” (main scan)
- meh Only one scan has this word: “meh” (main scan)
- DOm Ibe The scans read: “tobert” (microfilm scan), “DOm Ibe” (main scan)
1 connection
- quotes Amendment XII (suggested)
" But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice President of the United States."
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 685). View the page image
1 connection
- quotes Amendment XII (suggested)
The Speaker put the question on the whole Mr. Elliot.— I shall detain the House but t few momeots in submitting to their attention ■ few remarks. If the vote I shall give ibis night shall induce my constituents lo call me back lo the studious and rural life from which I was reluctantly taken, 1 shall have the consolation to reflect thai I have done my duty. I have voted for the simple principle of discri mi nation, believing it the only amendmEnt the public voice calls for. I believe the objections to that principle lo be founded on ideas that are erroneous and visionarvi I believe it will not impair the rights or relativeimporianceof the siDHllet Slates J I believe the Consiiiuiion to be founded on elementary and federative principles, and that, by their union, it constitutes the most illustrious monument of human wisdom; I believe it important to all the members of the Union that the process of election should be simple and pure, and that the President should be elected by a fair expression of the public sentiment, that he may, thereby, be the correct or^aQ of the public will; and that, compared with' this, it if of little consequence whether once in a hundred years be may be a citizen of Massachusetts rather Ibao of Virginia, or of Vermont rather than of Delaware. I have heard many ingenious arguments on a former occasion, without being induced to believe that either the rights or relative importance of the small States would be impaired by this principle; but, in deciding on this subject, I also believe this House ought to manifest caution and deliberation in making the alteration. 1 believe that all irritation and pride of party should be laid asleep. A different course from this has been pursued lo-day. 1 have no doubt, with pure motives, hot I have some doubts whether with becoming judgment. 1 believe the ameodmeots incorporated into the resolution of the Senate, to be infinitely more important than gentlemen may imagine. This can only be demonstrated by experience. 1 venture to prophesy this resolution Will not be adopted by three-fourths of the Stales. 1 hope it never will. I believe, if adopted, it will jeopardise the union of the States, and open K door 10 intrigue and corruption, which gentlemen should wish to close forever; and I believe instead of making the Constitution better than it now is, it will make it infinitely worse. We are about to increase tenfold the probability of introducing K person into the Presidency not calculated for that office, and to increase the avenues by which corruption and ambition may be advanced to supreme power. 1 am comforted by the assurance that I shall not be the only member friendly to the Administration that will give it a negative, and that this will induce gentlemen lo believe that I do not vote from irritation or prejudice. Neither birth, wealth, talents, nor connexions, introduced me to public favor. lam induced to believe that I owe that distinction to a conviction of my personal integrity; and, though t do not wish to use the language of arrogance, I expect that the vote I shall give this night, instead of lessening, will increase the favorable opinion of the Republicans, and if, on any future occasion, the people of this country shall be under the necessity of mourning over their departed liberties, of lameoting the destruction of a Constitution, the work of so much toil, labor, and wisdom, by the passage of ihi^ resolution, and perceive my name recorded in the negative, they will remember the prediction I have made on this occasion.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 685–686). View the page image
- t The scans read: “a” (Michigan scan), “t” (main scan)
- ibis The scans read: “this” (microfilm scan), “ibis” (main scan)
- lo The scans read: “to” (Michigan scan), “lo” (main scan)
- lo The scans read: “to” (Michigan scan), “lo” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- discri mi The scans read: “discrimination,” (microfilm scan), “discri mi” (main scan)
- lo The scans read: “to” (Michigan scan), “lo” (main scan)
- visionarvi The scans read: “rtaionary;” (Michigan scan), “visionarvi” (main scan)
- relativeimporianceof The scans read: “relativeiroportanceof” (Michigan scan), “relativeimporianceof” (main scan)
- siDHllet The scans read: “smaller” (Michigan scan), “siDHllet” (main scan)
- Slates The scans read: “Stales;” (Michigan scan), “Slates” (main scan)
- Consiiiuiion The scans read: “Consiituiion” (Michigan scan), “Consiiiuiion” (main scan)
- or^aQ The scans read: “or^BD” (Michigan scan), “or^aQ” (main scan)
- if The scans read: “is” (Michigan scan), “if” (main scan)
- be The scans read: “he” (Michigan scan), “be” (main scan)
- Ibao Only one scan has this word: “Ibao” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- 1 The scans read: “I” (Michigan scan), “1” (microfilm scan), “1” (main scan)
- hot The scans read: “bat” (Michigan scan), “but” (microfilm scan), “hot” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- ameodmeots The scans read: “amendmeois” (Michigan scan), “ameodmeots” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- K Only one scan has this word: “K” (main scan)
- 10 Only one scan has this word: “10” (main scan)
- K The scans read: “a” (microfilm scan), “K” (main scan)
- lameoting The scans read: “lameoiing” (Michigan scan), “lamenting” (microfilm scan), “lameoting” (main scan)
- ihi^ The scans read: “ihie” (Michigan scan), “this” (microfilm scan), “ihi^” (main scan)
Tberesolution was then agreed to, and the question was put on engrossing it for a third reading. Mr. J. RanDoLPH moved that it be read a third time to-day.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 686). View the page image
- Tberesolution The scans read: “Theresoluiion” (Michigan scan), “Theresolution” (microfilm scan), “Tberesolution” (main scan)
Mr. R. Qbiswold moved that it be read a third time to-morrow. He hoped it would be postponed till to-morrow. This was the first moment, during the progress of the resolution, which i[ was in order to discuss its merits. They had been already eight hours in session. All the previous deliberations of the House had been taken up in amending the resolution, and now when its merits came to be discussed, he trusted a majority would not be in favorof precipitating a vote. Themerits of the amendment had not been fully discussed, and if ever it was imporant that any measure should be deliberately discussed, it was the one about being adopted, which went to change the radical features of our Government. He concluded by moving that the yeas and nays should be taken on the third reading of the resolution toMr. J. Rahdolpb said that the gentleman from Connecticut had called on the House, to use his own words, not to precipitate a decision on an important measure, contemplating nothing less than a change of a fundamental principle on which the national compact was founded. I will ask you, Mr. Speaker, said Mr., R., and that gentleman, whether in the whole course of this business, from the first motion to amend the Constitution to the present time, such precipitation can be justly charged on the House! I ask him as a man of honor, whether a postponement until to-morrow can affect a single vote? I ask whether he believes a single member baa not made up his ifiiod OD ih« subject? I ask him and the House, whether in the course of this day and yesterday, and OD previous occasions, all the great bearings of this resolution have not been sifted, and every line and sentence carped at by critics and hyperxritics? Why then are we charged with precipitation Yesterday it was moved to postpone the resolution; that motion was lost, and on that occasion the object gentlemen was carried though their motion was lost, for the day was consumed. The same course has been pursued to-day, and -on incidental motions to amend particular parts of the resolution, gentlemen have debated its merits. I ask you, therefore, if the resolution has not been discussed in every point of view of which it is susceptible, or if any new matter can be introduced ? I ask if the House be disposed to postpone the question until to-morrow, and if the day •ball be consumed in making and discussing the same evasive motionsmade to-day, whether an attempt to take the question then will not be charged with precipitation? There can beno doubt that, unless we adopt the peculiar course of gentlemen, weahall still be charged with precipitation. 1 for one am willing to submit to this charge, and am willing to hear it urged within and without these walls. If 1 did not believe the question had been fully discussed, and that further discussion would fail to change a vote, 1 would acquiesce to postKne it until to-morrow, or the next month ; but lievinf the contrary, I shall be against it.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 686–687). View the page image
- Qbiswold The scans read: “GaiBWOLD” (Michigan scan), “Qbiswold” (main scan)
- i[ was The scans read: “itwu” (Michigan scan), “it was” (microfilm scan), “i[ was” (main scan)
- had The scans read: “had” (Michigan scan), “had.” (microfilm scan), “bad” (main scan)
- had The scans read: “had” (Michigan scan), “had” (microfilm scan), “bad” (main scan)
- Rahdolpb The scans read: “Randolpb” (Michigan scan), “RANDOLPH” (microfilm scan), “Rahdolpb” (main scan)
- ifiiod Only one scan has this word: “ifiiod” (main scan)
- OD The scans read: “on” (Michigan scan), “OF” (microfilm scan), “OD” (main scan)
- ih« The scans read: “H.” (microfilm scan), “ih«” (main scan)
- hyperxritics? The scans read: “been critics?” (microfilm scan), “hyperxritics?” (main scan)
- weahall still The scans read: “weshalUtill” (Michigan scan), “shalistill” (microfilm scan), “weahall still” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- had The scans read: “had” (Michigan scan), “had” (microfilm scan), “bad” (main scan)
- 1 The scans read: “I” (Michigan scan), “1” (microfilm scan), “1” (main scan)
- postKne The scans read: “posiKoe” (Michigan scan), “post-| cussed.” (microfilm scan), “postKne” (main scan)
- lievinf The scans read: “lieving” (Michigan scan), “Lelievies” (microfilm scan), “lievinf” (main scan)
Mr. Elliot — Some of the gentleman's remarks ue so extraordinary, that I cannot, I will not suffer them to pass unnoticed. It is immaterial to me what the gentleman from Connecticut, or Virginia, thinks on this subject. Some gentlemen may think the mind of every gentleman fixed ; some gentlemen may rely on a degree of pergonal influence, which I trust will never be realized, and that some gentlemen will take their opinions OS the subject from others. But be this as it may, I think it improper to put the queries submitted hj the gentleman from Virginia, at the first moment when it is strictly in order to debate the merits of the amendment. Good Heavens 1 is it come to this, when most material amendments are about to be made in the Constitution, and after an extraordinary degree of irritation and fatigue, when one day more is asked for, the gentleman from Virginia shall get up, and ask if every member has not made up his mind on the Tots he shall give; after two new principles are introduced in the resolution sent from this House, which, though confined to the simple principle of ditc rim i nation, occupied a month's discussion? I do not accuse of improper motives the mejorilr of this House, with whom it is my pride and pleasure on most occasions to act. I believe they sincerely think it for the interest of their country that this important decision should be immediately made. 1 know that the State I represent has manifested great zeal and uncommon unanimity in favor of the discriminating principle. Impressed with its importance, they nave, contrary to their usual course, submitted to tbe inconvenience of an extra session, in the expectation that this principle would be adopted by the two Houses. But I believe that not a member of the Legislature of that State will be gratified, Ihaisomanf important amendments, additional to this, have been made after ilie discussion of a single day; the greater part of which has been consumed m the discussion of incidental points. I do not believe that the people of the United States wish a* to spend day after day in examining the merits of a private claim, and to give but a single day to the making of three or four alterations in the Constitution, without allowing a single member an opportunity of discussing any but incidental i^ueatioDS. These are my opinions. I do not believe, however, that they will be accepted by the majority as of any weight. In making them, 1 mean no reflection on the majority. Yet I believe the majority may, without offence, be informed that even a humble minority have rights as well at they, and that while they feel power they ought not 10 forget right. These are my reasons for hoping another day may be devoted to the subject. Mr. Greuq said he would vote in favor of a postponement, were he not persuaded that the question had been fully discussed. It would be before the House, and had been ably discussed. These same propositions now appeared in a shape somewhat different in form, but the same in substance. They related to the principle of discrimination, and to the number of persons from which the House of Representatives should elect a President. It would he conceded that these two questions had been as fully discussed as they could be. Everything the subject admitted of had been already advanced. The remaining principle, embraced by the resolution of the Senate authorizing the Vice President eventually to become President, has been also fully discussed on the motion by the gentleman from Vermont. That gentlemen calls this an incidental question: but without deciding whether it was an incidental question or not, Mr. G. believed it questionable whether anything could be added to what bad 'been advanced. Another motion had been made to do away the office of Vice President This likewise had been discussed. These four propositions embraced the whole of the resolution from tbe Senate; and although there may have been no discussion on the whole of it, yet as there had been a full discussion of all the parts of which it consisted, the effect was the same.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 687–688). View the page image
- ue The scans read: “are” (Michigan scan), “ue” (main scan)
- take The scans read: “take” (Michigan scan), “take” (microfilm scan), “lake” (main scan)
- OS The scans read: “OQ” (Michigan scan), “on” (microfilm scan), “OS” (main scan)
- hj Only one scan has this word: “hj” (main scan)
- 1 The scans read: “!” (Michigan scan), “1” (main scan)
- Tots The scans read: “vols” (Michigan scan), “vote” (microfilm scan), “Tots” (main scan)
- ditc Only one scan has this word: “ditc” (main scan)
- rim Only one scan has this word: “rim” (main scan)
- i nation, The scans read: “discrimination,” (Michigan scan), “discrimination,” (microfilm scan), “i nation,” (main scan)
- mejorilr The scans read: “majority” (Michigan scan), “major-” (microfilm scan), “mejorilr” (main scan)
- 1 The scans read: “I” (Michigan scan), “1” (main scan)
- State The scans read: “State” (Michigan scan), “State” (microfilm scan), “Stale” (main scan)
- Ihaisomanf The scans read: “so many” (Michigan scan), “so many” (microfilm scan), “Ihaisomanf” (main scan)
- ilie The scans read: “the” (Michigan scan), “ilie” (main scan)
- i^ueatioDS. The scans read: “(}ue»- lions.” (Michigan scan), “i^ueatioDS.” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- be The scans read: “be” (Michigan scan), “be” (microfilm scan), “he” (main scan)
- at The scans read: “as” (Michigan scan), “as This” (microfilm scan), “at” (main scan)
- 10 The scans read: “tl” (microfilm scan), “10” (main scan)
- Greuq The scans read: “Greea” (microfilm scan), “Greuq” (main scan)
- he The scans read: “he” (Michigan scan), “he” (microfilm scan), “be” (main scan)
- had The scans read: “had” (Michigan scan), “had” (microfilm scan), “bad” (main scan)
- had The scans read: “bad” (Michigan scan), “had” (main scan)
- tbe The scans read: “the” (Michigan scan), “M” (microfilm scan), “tbe” (main scan)
- had The scans read: “had” (Michigan scan), “had” (microfilm scan), “bad” (main scan)
Mr. HuGer said he must exercise the liberty of disagreeing with the gentleman from Pennsylvania. The fact was that the question of discrimination had never been fully discussed. When it was first before the House the gentlemen in the majority acted as if all acquiesced in it. Its real merits had not been, therefore, entered into bf them. The only question discussed was, the number from which a choice should be made by tlie House of Representatives. That was fully done. Whatthenfollowed? On the main question, Mr. H. sai'l, he was almost the only one, who really went into a discussion ol its merits, the gentlemen on the other side had not thought proper id make moy answer.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 688–689). View the page image
- tlie The scans read: “tbe” (Michigan scan), “the” (microfilm scan), “tlie” (main scan)
- ol The scans read: “ot” (Michigan scan), “of” (microfilm scan), “ol” (main scan)
- id Only one scan has this word: “id” (main scan)
- moy Only one scan has this word: “moy” (main scan)
Mr. Dana. — After haringbeen berore Compress for ten years, and the members of the House hsTiag spent three days in discussing the petition of Amey Dardeo for the price of a horse, the amendment of the Senate, to the Constitution is brought before us; and after but two days discussion, we are now called up to decide finally upon it. I do not ask gentlemen to change their opinion, but I require them to have some regard to common decorum; and that when it is unusual on the most ordinary occasions to read a bill the third time on the same day that it has been discussed in a Committee of the Whole, they will not urge a measure of the first importance, which goes to reverse the ideas of our wisest men, to a precipitate decision, in violation of this common rule. This is all I ask, and no more. When gentlemen say there is nothing new to be advanced, I acknowledge myself willing to pay great respect to their intuitive judgments and reach of thought, I do not pretend to say they have not this eminent qualification; but I must say that few men possess these vast powers of mind. It might be arrogance in me to say that I could add anything to what has been so ably urged, particularly in the Other branch of the Legislature. Yet I might perhaps present the subject in a light somewhat different. Gentlemen are graciously pleased to say they will hear patiently what we have to advance; but to say they will hear us patiently, when four hours have elapsed since the usual time of dining, is giving us but little indulgence; the exhaustion of (he Speaker, and the impatience of the House are such discouragements as a speaker is not accustomed to bear. For these reasons I hope the business will be permitted to take ill ordinary course, and the third reading of (he amendment be postponed until to-morrow.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 689). View the page image
- haringbeen berore The scans read: “kaTingbeenberoreConKT^as” (Michigan scan), “haringbeen berore” (main scan)
- Compress Only one scan has this word: “Compress” (main scan)
- hsTiag The scans read: “having” (microfilm scan), “hsTiag” (main scan)
- Dardeo The scans read: “Dqrdeu” (Michigan scan), “Darden” (microfilm scan), “Dardeo” (main scan)
- is The scans read: “is” (Michigan scan), “is” (microfilm scan), “ie” (main scan)
- (he The scans read: “Ihe” (Michigan scan), “the” (microfilm scan), “(he” (main scan)
- ill The scans read: “its” (Michigan scan), “ill” (main scan)
- (he The scans read: “tbe” (Michigan scan), “the” (microfilm scan), “(he” (main scan)
Mr. Bedihobr urged (be necessity of coming to an immediate decision, as the Slate Legislatures would be exposed to serious inconvenience by further delay. The Legislature of Kentucky would, he understood, adjourn about Christmas. This business had begun with the session, and he was persuaded the mind of every member was made up on it.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 689). View the page image
- Bedihobr The scans read: “Bepinaer” (microfilm scan), “Bedihobr” (main scan)
- Slate The scans read: “Stale” (Michigan scan), “State” (microfilm scan), “Slate” (main scan)
- had The scans read: “had” (Michigan scan), “had” (microfilm scan), “bad” (main scan)
Mr. R. Gribwold hoped the Legislature of Kentucky would not become extinct on their adjournment, and, if not, when they meet again, they could take up this amendment He trusted, therefore, the House would not precipitate a decision on this account. He could not promise himself, if indulged with time, with the ability to make any observations that would convince the judgment of a single member. Indeed, it was a melancholy truth, that the temper of the House was such as to indicate no change. Gentlemen say, they have made up their minds. He siill thought it proper that the subject should be fully discussed on that floor, as the State Legislatures were ultimately to decide. He wished to see it discussed everywhere, on the floor of the House as well as in the public prints. He hoped, also, a respect for the dignity of their proceedings would restrain gentlemen from calling for a decision at so late an hour. It was not usual to carry a bill to the third reading on the same day with its discussion in a Committee of the Whole. This may have been practised some at the close of a session on unimportant subjects, but had never been practised at the commencement of the session. For these reasons, he hoped the subject would be postponed uodi to-morrow, when he would offer his opinion on it. It was certainly true, that the gentlemen in favor of it had hitherto refused to discuss its merits. He did hope that, before a final vote was taken on the amendment of ' the Senate, they would come forward, and, divesting themselves of party sensibility, show the grounds on which they advocated it.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 689–690). View the page image
- Gribwold The scans read: “Qriswold” (Michigan scan), “Griswotp” (microfilm scan), “Gribwold” (main scan)
- uodi Only one scan has this word: “uodi” (main scan)
- he The scans read: “he” (Michigan scan), “he” (microfilm scan), “be” (main scan)
The motion to read the resolution a third time to-morrow, was rejected by yeas and nays — yeas 45, nays 74, as follows:
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 690). View the page image
Teas — John Archer, Simeon Baldwin, Silas Betton, John Campbell, William Chamberlin, Martin Chittenden, Clifton Claggett, Manasseh Cutler, Samuel W. Dana, John Davenport, John Dennis, Thos. Dwight, Peter Early, James Elliot, James Gillespie, Calvin Goddard, Gaylord Griswold, Roger Griswold, Seth Hastings, David Hough, Benjamin Huger, Samuel Hunt, Walter Jones, Joseph Lewis, junior, Thomas Lewis, Henry W. Livingston, Thomas Lowndes, Nahotn Mitchell, Samuel D. Purviance, Tompaon J. Skinner, John Cotton Smith, Joseph Stanton, William Stedman, James Stephenson, Samuel Taggart, Benjamin Tallmadge, Samuel Tenney, Samuel Thatcher, George Tibbits, John Tngg, Peleg Wadsworth, Lemuel Williams, Marmaduke Williams, Richard Winn, and Joseph Winston.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 690). View the page image
- Teas The scans read: “YsAS—” (Michigan scan), “Teas” (main scan)
- Nahotn The scans read: “Nahnn” (Michigan scan), “Nahum” (microfilm scan), “Nahotn” (main scan)
N*Ts — Willis Alston, jun.* Nathaniel Alexander, Isaac Anderson, David Bard, George Michael Bedinger, William Blackledge, John Boyle, Robert Brown, JoMph Bi^sn, William Butler, George W. Campbell, Levi Casey, Thomas Claiborne, Joseph Clay, John Clopton, Frederick Conrad, Jacob Crowninshield, Rd Cutts, John Dawson, William Dickson, John B. Earle, John W. Eppes, William Findley, John Fowler, Peterson Goodwyn, Edwin Gray, Andrew Gregg, Samuel Hammond, John A. Hanna, Josiah Hasbrouck, Daniel Heister, Joseph Heister, William Hoge, James Holland, David Holmes, John G. Jackson, William Kennedy, Nehemiah Knight, Michael Leib, John B. C. Lucas, Matthew Lyon, Andrew McCord, William McCreery, David Meriwether, Samuel L. Mitchill, Nicholas R. Moore, Thomas Moore, Jeremiah Morrow, Anthony New, Thomas Newton, jun., Gideon Olin, John Patterson, John Randolph, jun., Thomas M. Randolph, John Rea of Pennsylvania, John Rhea of Tennessee, Jacob Richards, Cesar A. Rodney, Erastus Root, Thos. Sandford, Ebenezer Seaver, John Smilie, John Smith of New York, Richard Stanford, John Stewart, David Thomas, Philip R- Thompson, Abram Trigg, Isaac Van Home, Joseph B. Vamam, Daniel C. Verplanck, Matthew Walton, J(^ Whitehill, and Thouu Wynns.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 690). View the page image
- N*Ts The scans read: “Nats” (Michigan scan), “N*Ts” (main scan)
- JoMph The scans read: “Joaeph” (Michigan scan), “Juseph” (microfilm scan), “JoMph” (main scan)
- Bi^sn, Only one scan has this word: “Bi^sn,” (main scan)
- Vamam, The scans read: “Vamnm,” (Michigan scan), “Varnum,” (microfilm scan), “Vamam,” (main scan)
- J(^ The scans read: “J(dm” (Michigan scan), “J(^” (main scan)
- Thouu The scans read: “Thomas Wjntu.” (Michigan scan), “Thomas” (microfilm scan), “Thouu” (main scan)
The question was then taken on its being read the third time to-day, by yeas and nays, and carried in the affirmative— yeas 78, nays 35, as follows:
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 690). View the page image
TiAt — Willis Alston, junior, Nathaniel Alexander, Isaac Anderson, David Bard, George Michael Bedinger, William Blackledge, John Boyle, Robert Brown, H. OP B. Amendment to the CatMUidum. Joseph Br;ui, William Butler, George W. CimpheU, Levi Casey, Thomu Claiborne, Joupb Cla;, John Clopton. Frederick Conrad, Jacob Crown inahield, Hd. Cutts, John Dawson, William Dickaon, John B. Earle, Peter Early. John W. Eppes, William Findley, John Fowler, Junea Gillespie, Peteraon Goodwyn, Edwin Ora^i Andrew Gregg, Samuel Hammond, John A. Hanna, Josiah Hasbrouck, Daniel Heister, Joseph Heister, William Hoge, James Holland. David Holmes, John G. Jackson, Walter Jones, William Kennedy, Nehemiah Knight, Michael Leib, John B. C. Lucas, Matthew Lyon, Andrew McCord, William McCreery, David Meriwether, Samuel L. Mitchill, Nicholas R. Moore, Thomas Moore, Anthony New, Thomas Newton, jun., Gideon Olin, John Patterson, John Randolph, jun., Thomas M. Randolph, John Rea of Pennsylvania, John Rhea of Tennessee, Jacob Richard, Cnaai A. Rodney, Erastus Root, Thomas Sandford, Ebenezer Seaver, John Smilie, John Smith of New York, Rich- •rd Stanford, Joseph Stanton, John Stewart, David Thomas, Philip R. Thompson, Abram Trigg, Isaac Van Home, Joseph B. Vamum, Daniel 0. Verplanck, MaUbsw Walton, John Whitehill, Richard Winn, and Thomas Wynns.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 690–691). View the page image
- TiAt Only one scan has this word: “TiAt” (main scan)
- OP Only one scan has this word: “OP” (main scan)
- CatMUidum. Only one scan has this word: “CatMUidum.” (main scan)
- Br;ui, Only one scan has this word: “Br;ui,” (main scan)
- CimpheU, The scans read: “Campbell,” (microfilm scan), “CimpheU,” (main scan)
- Joupb The scans read: “Joicph” (Michigan scan), “Joseph” (microfilm scan), “Joupb” (main scan)
- Cla;, The scans read: “C[aj.” (Michigan scan), “Clay,” (microfilm scan), “Cla;,” (main scan)
- Crown inahield, The scans read: “Orowninihield,” (Michigan scan), “Crowninshield,” (microfilm scan), “Crown inahield,” (main scan)
- Hd. The scans read: “Rd.” (microfilm scan), “Hd.” (main scan)
- Junea Only one scan has this word: “Junea” (main scan)
- Peteraon The scans read: “Peterenn” (Michigan scan), “Pgterson” (microfilm scan), “Peteraon” (main scan)
- Ora^i The scans read: “Oimj,” (Michigan scan), “Gray,” (microfilm scan), “Ora^i” (main scan)
- Cnaai The scans read: “Cesar” (microfilm scan), “Cnaai” (main scan)
- Rich- •rd The scans read: “Richard” (Michigan scan), “Rich-| ard” (microfilm scan), “Rich- •rd” (main scan)
- 0. Only one scan has this word: “0.” (main scan)
- MaUbsw The scans read: “MaUhew” (Michigan scan), “MaUbsw” (main scan)
NiiB — John Archer, Simeon Baldwin, Silas Betton, William Chamberlin, Martin Chittenden, Manasseh Cutler, Samuel W. Dana, John Dennia,Thoa. Dwight, James Elliot, Calvin Goddard, Gaylord Griswold, Roger Griswold, Seth Hastings, David Hough, Benjamin Huger, Samuel Hunt, Joseph Lewis, junior, Thomas Lewis, Henry W. Livingston, Thomas Lowndes, Nahum Mitchell, Samuel D. PuTviance,ToQipeon J. Skinner, John Cotton Smith, William Stedman, James Stephenson, Benjamin Tallmadge, Samuel Tenney, Samuel Thatcher, George Tibbits, Peleg Wadsworth, Lemuel Williams, Marmaduke Williams, and Joseph Winston. •
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 691). View the page image
- NiiB The scans read: “” (Michigan scan), “NiiB” (main scan)
- Dennia,Thoa. The scans read: “Dennia, Thoe.” (Michigan scan), “Dennis, ae” (microfilm scan), “Dennia,Thoa.” (main scan)
- PuTviance,ToQipeon The scans read: “Furviance, Tompaon” (Michigan scan), “Purviance, Tompson” (microfilm scan), “PuTviance,ToQipeon” (main scan)
The engrossed resolution was then read the third time; ; and on the question, Shall ibe same pass!
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 691). View the page image
- ibe The scans read: “tbe” (Michigan scan), “ibe” (main scan)
Mr. Purviance said, as I am aware lba( this question will induce a lengthy discussion, which may not be terminated until to-morrow, I move an adjournment. MolloD lost— ayes 30.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 691). View the page image
- lba( The scans read: “that” (microfilm scan), “lba(” (main scan)
- MolloD The scans read: “MoIioD” (Michigan scan), “Motion” (microfilm scan), “MolloD” (main scan)
Mr. P. rose again. Fatigued as I am, said he, by the long time we have remained id session, and not having had time to prepare myself fully on the merits of the question, though impelled to trouble ihe House with some ideas, ihev shall be few, and shall be concisely expressed. I am against the amendment, for several reasons. First because it is calculated to injure the interests of thesmaller States. This point having been ably discussed, I shall merely remark, that it is more than probable, should this amendment obtain, the President, for more than one hundred years to come, will be confined to some person within the fire large States of Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. The whole number of Electors consists of one hundred and seventy-six, of which eiehly-oioe make a majority, and the number of Electors attached 10 these States are nioety-six. ThearaendmentconGnes the number of persons from whom the election shall be made, if brought within these walls, to three ; and two must, at all events, be chosen by one of the larger States. If the Constitution
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 691). View the page image
- id The scans read: “io” (Michigan scan), “in” (microfilm scan), “id” (main scan)
- ihe The scans read: “(he” (Michigan scan), “the” (microfilm scan), “ihe” (main scan)
- ihev The scans read: “ihey” (Michigan scan), “they” (microfilm scan), “ihev” (main scan)
- eiehly-oioe Only one scan has this word: “eiehly-oioe” (main scan)
- 10 The scans read: “to” (microfilm scan), “10” (main scan)
- nioety-six. The scans read: “nioety'sii.” (Michigan scan), “ninety-six.” (microfilm scan), “nioety-six.” (main scan)
- ThearaendmentconGnes The scans read: “Theametidmentconflnes” (Michigan scan), “amendment confines” (microfilm scan), “ThearaendmentconGnes” (main scan)
- be The scans read: “be” (Michigan scan), “be” (microfilm scan), “he” (main scan)
Dgcgmbeh, 1603.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 692). View the page image
- Dgcgmbeh, Only one scan has this word: “Dgcgmbeh,” (main scan)
- 1603. Only one scan has this word: “1603.” (main scan)
its present state, the number brought into the House will be five, whereby the smaller States will have a better chance of getting one or other of the two officers. This idea must have operated forcibly on the minds of the persons delegated to consider the Constitution, and had it not been for that number being solarge, thesmaller States might not have come into the Union. Having come into the Union, with rights so guard«l, and expecting a continuance of tliein, it IS now extremely improper to deprive them of that chance which, if not held ont, might have prerented the adoption of tbe Constitution. We know that the Constitution was regarded as a compromise between the large and small State*, in which the large States made considerable concessions to the small States, and induced them thereby to come into the measure. If this amendment is not a violation of the compact, why may we not further alter it. and say that the ratio of Rep resen tat ires in this House may be as one to one hundred thousand, by which some States may be deprived of any representation whatever? One measure is as just as the other. In the second place, I am against the amendment, because it does appear to me that a sacred right of franchise, a right of choosing our governors for ourselves, for which ourselves and our b- thers fought and bled, is now to be made a kind of job, a subject of barter, and the Constitution so altered as that one State may say to another, if you consent to give us Tiiiu;, we will, in return, agree to give you Cains; and, if you do not give us Tilius, we will not give you Cains. Tlias, the five larger States will always enjoy the power of choosing the President. The time may arrive, though God forbid it should! when this country may become corrupt, when persons, candidates for the great Executive offices, may, by promises of ample compensation, influence the Electors. In the third place, I am opposed to the amendment because the office of Vice President is still retained, when the original reasons for it are entirely done away. We know that tbe principal reasons for creating it were to bring forward two of onr ablest characters, without discrimination, and to keep all intrigue from being interwoven in the election of the Chief Magistrate. This object is done away, and the office is retained at the expense of five thousand dollars a year, when the duties attached to it might as well be discharged by some other person, as is the case in every State in the Union, where there is not a Lieutenant Governor. In North Carolina, and in other States, where the office of Governor becomes va* cant, it is provided that it shall be filled by ibe Speaker of the Senate, and eventually by the Speaker of the House of Represeniaiives.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 692). View the page image
- its The scans read: “its” (Michigan scan), “its” (microfilm scan), “s” (main scan)
- five, The scans read: “five,” (Michigan scan), “five,” (microfilm scan), “fire” (main scan)
- had The scans read: “had” (Michigan scan), “had” (microfilm scan), “bad” (main scan)
- guard«l, The scans read: “goard^,” (Michigan scan), “guard«l,” (main scan)
- tliein, Only one scan has this word: “tliein,” (main scan)
- prerented The scans read: “prevented” (Michigan scan), “vented” (microfilm scan), “prerented” (main scan)
- as The scans read: “as” (Michigan scan), “as” (microfilm scan), “at” (main scan)
- State*, The scans read: “Stales,” (Michigan scan), “States,” (microfilm scan), “State*,” (main scan)
- Rep resen The scans read: “Representatives” (microfilm scan), “Rep resen” (main scan)
- tat ires The scans read: “tatives” (Michigan scan), “tat ires” (main scan)
- Tiiiu;, The scans read: “Tiliu!,” (Michigan scan), “Titius,” (microfilm scan), “Tiiiu;,” (main scan)
- Tlias, Only one scan has this word: “Tlias,” (main scan)
- that tbe The scans read: “thatthe” (Michigan scan), “thatthe” (microfilm scan), “that tbe” (main scan)
- onr The scans read: “oor” (Michigan scan), “our incor” (microfilm scan), “onr” (main scan)
- ibe The scans read: “the” (microfilm scan), “ibe” (main scan)
But, in the fourth place, I am opposed to any innovation on the sacred charter, because when we shall have once begun to make incursions on it, there is no knowing at what point of progress we shall stop. Il is extremely pro liable that we shall not stop, until some of the fairest features of the system, are crumbled into dust. This is my strongest reason against the amendment. For, 1 believe, that, if it is adopted, not « session will pass without other atneDdmeniii, until ihe whole system shall be destroyed. As for myself, while oDe fragment of this sacred charter remains, I will huE it to my heart and cherish it as I would the vital juices of my existence. 1 believe that it is now absolutely perfect, and that, if it shall be once invaded, the work of destruction will not be arrested until the happiness and liberties of our country are destroyed.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 692–693). View the page image
- Il The scans read: “Ii” (Michigan scan), “It” (microfilm scan), “Il” (main scan)
- pro liable The scans read: “provable” (Michigan scan), “probable” (microfilm scan), “pro liable” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- atneDdmeniii, The scans read: “amendments,” (microfilm scan), “atneDdmeniii,” (main scan)
- huE The scans read: “hug” (microfilm scan), “huE” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
Mr. Elliot.— 1 wish to place the reasons on which I shall vote, on the present occasion, beyond the reach of misconception. I do oot agree with the gentleman fiom North Carolina as to the effects of this amendment upon the large or small States. 1 dread no collision between ihem. I am in favor of one principle, viz : the designation of office, t am opposed to the other princiEles contained in the amendment, because I beeve them fraught with more evil than this is with good. I therefore think the amendment will make the Constitution worse than it now is, believine as 1 do that it may bring a man Into the Presidency, not contemplated by the people for that office. On this ground, I am opposed to this resolution. I am also opposed to it. because it makes more alterations in the Constitution than the people wish, or than, 1 think, necessary. It is my wish to preserve all the prominent features of tbeCon'itilulion in their original simplicity. Another objection with me is, that the language is unworthy of the Constitution ; that it is absurd and contradictory; that it commands the Representatives to elect a President ; and, at the same time, gives permission not to elect ; and that, in such an event, it makes the Vice PrCMdeol President. Believing, therefore, that it is fraught with the most pernicious consequences, and may jeopard the interest of the Union; believing that (be people, though now virtuous, may at some future ay become corrupt, and that the language is absurd, inconsistent, and undignified,! shall givemjr decided negative to the resolution, although it embraces an important principle, which I wish incorporated into the Constitution.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 693). View the page image
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- oot agree The scans read: “notagree” (Michigan scan), “notagree isa” (microfilm scan), “oot agree” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- princiEles The scans read: “pnncifiles” (Michigan scan), “princiact,” (microfilm scan), “princiEles” (main scan)
- beeve The scans read: “beieve” (Michigan scan), “bethe ieve” (microfilm scan), “beeve” (main scan)
- believine The scans read: “belleving” (Michigan scan), “lieving” (microfilm scan), “believine” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- 1 The scans read: “1” (Michigan scan), “I” (microfilm scan), “1” (main scan)
- tbeCon'itilulion The scans read: “titu lion” (Michigan scan), “the Constitution” (microfilm scan), “tbeCon'itilulion” (main scan)
- PrCMdeol Only one scan has this word: “PrCMdeol” (main scan)
- givemjr The scans read: “give taj” (Michigan scan), “give my” (microfilm scan), “givemjr” (main scan)
Mr. J. Randolph said that the remarks which the House had just heard rendered any apology for addressing them unnecessary. The friends of the amendment had been repeatedly called upon to assign their reasons for supporting it. In order to avoid, as far as was possible, taking up the attention of the House unnecessarily, he had reserved aneh observations as he intended to offer for that stage of the discussion. To state the reasons which induced him to vote for the proposition liien before them, and to repel the imputation of inconsistency which had been thrown out, was his object. He did not hesitate to acknowledge that he would have preferred the Amendment which had been sent to the Senate, or one which went to abolish entirely the office of Vice President, to that which was then submitted to their consideration. But on this, as on every other political question where principles were not at stake, he should adopt the practice which he had heretofore pursued, of acquiring that good which was within his grasp, without putting everything to risk, merely because he was not gratified in every matter of detail. This sentiment was obnoxious, he very well knew, to the reproach which had been thrown out against gentlemen, for displaying too great a deference to eopinionsof the other Branch of the Legislature. He had, however, no hesitation to avow his disposition, whilst he adhered inflexibly to certain principles, to vary the modification of those principles, so as to meet the wishes of those with whom he had the honor to act. And whilst he should always feel a disposition to show a deference to the opinion of the Senate this was, he conceived, an occasion which entitled the sentiments of that body to more than ordinary respect. It would be recollected that the act of the two Houses of Congress on any amendment of the Constitution was very far from being conclusive: that the State Legislatures must finally determine upon any proposition of that nature, which might be submitted to them, and that in making such a proposal we must consult not merely our own opinion, but, whilst we adhered to the object in view, we ought to offer it in that shape which was most likely to proveacceptable to them. The opinion of the Senate, therefore, the immediate organ of those Legislatures, and the surest index of their temper and disposition, was, on an occasion like this, entitled to peculiar respect : for it would be idle to offer to the States propositions which there was no prospect of their accepting.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 693–694). View the page image
- had The scans read: “had” (Michigan scan), “had” (microfilm scan), “bad” (main scan)
- aneh The scans read: “ant such” (microfilm scan), “aneh” (main scan)
- liien Only one scan has this word: “liien” (main scan)
- had The scans read: “had” (Michigan scan), “had” (microfilm scan), “bad” (main scan)
- he The scans read: “he” (Michigan scan), “he” (microfilm scan), “be” (main scan)
- had The scans read: “had” (Michigan scan), “had” (microfilm scan), “bad” (main scan)
- eopinionsof Only one scan has this word: “eopinionsof” (main scan)
- He The scans read: “He” (Michigan scan), “He” (microfilm scan), “Hr” (main scan)
- had The scans read: “had” (Michigan scan), “had” (microfilm scan), “bad” (main scan)
- he The scans read: “he” (Michigan scan), “he” (microfilm scan), “be” (main scan)
The amendment in question embracing the great object which he had in view, the designation of the person voted for as President, and of him voted for as Vice President, he was disposed to adopt it, although the modification of that principle was not precisely what he could have wished. But who could expect to be gratified to the utmost extent, in a matter where so many various opinions and interests were to be reconciled ! A pertinaciousness of that sort would inevitably have prevented the adoption of the Constitution under which they were then deliberating. It is not, therefore, sir, (said Mr. R.) because conceive this to be the best possible amendment of the Constitution, but because I believe the Constitution will be more unexceptionable with it, than without it, that I shall give it my vote, and on the same principle, and on no other, did 1 support that which has previously received the sanction of this House. In mostrespects the two amendments are the same. The difference between choosing " out of the five highest." and out of the highest numbers, not exceeding three," will. hardly be insisted upon as material. It may not be improper hereto remark that the Constitution, as it now stands, and the amendment which we offered to the Senate, are both open to the same criticism which has been reiterated so frequently against that under consideration : the words " five highest" being referable either to numbers, or to persons. The only part of the resolution, therefore, substantially at variance with our own, is that which enjoins on the Vice President the duties of President, in case of a failure in the Electoral body to succeed in an election, in the first place, or of a refusal on the part of iliL!i House to make one, in the second. To this provision it is objected, ihit a person not contemplated as President may be raised to that high station, because the person voted for as Vice President, by the Electors, may become the President. But how is this position to be reconciled to the fact that the Electors will give their votes uodi the knon ledge that, in this very contingency, the Grson whom they select for Vice President will the President, and that in id case of the death, : resignation, or removal from office of the President, (cases much more likely to occur than that c templatpd by this provision,) the Vice President will succeed to his functions. How therefore can it be pretended that the man not intended to be President may succeed to the office, when it isexplicitly understood that he may, and will succeed to it, under certain contingencies?
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 694–695). View the page image
- he The scans read: “he” (Michigan scan), “he” (microfilm scan), “be” (main scan)
- ! The scans read: “1” (Michigan scan), “!” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- iliL!i Only one scan has this word: “iliL!i” (main scan)
- ihit The scans read: “thai” (Michigan scan), “that” (microfilm scan), “ihit” (main scan)
- uodi The scans read: “undei” (Michigan scan), “uodi” (main scan)
- knon ledge The scans read: “kooK ledge” (Michigan scan), “knowledge” (microfilm scan), “knon ledge” (main scan)
- Grson The scans read: “CrsoD” (Michigan scan), “Grson” (main scan)
- id Only one scan has this word: “id” (main scan)
- case The scans read: “case” (Michigan scan), “case” (microfilm scan), “ease” (main scan)
- c templatpd The scans read: “coatemplated” (Michigan scan), “contemplated” (microfilm scan), “c templatpd” (main scan)
1 connection
- cites Article II, Section 1, Clause 3 (suggested)
But another objection is taken. It is said that the Electors may Fail not only to elect a President, but a Vice President also ; in which case, if this House should not elect a President, out of those voted for to fill that office, the Senate will virtually have the election of President, because the Vice President elected by them will exercise the office of President : in which case the rights of the people, and of this body, will be transferred to the other branch of the Legislature?
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 695). View the page image
- be The scans read: “be” (Michigan scan), “be” (microfilm scan), “he” (main scan)
I scarcely expected this objection, sir, from those who contend that the amendment under discussion narrows the influence and power of the smaller States. 1 shall not altogether rely on the extreme improbability of such an event, although it appears to me that it is as likely that the Sei ate, in such a state of things, should fail to elect Vice President as that we should fail to elect President. Remote as such an event is, for it depends on a failure of the election either of President or Vice President by the Electors, in the first instance, (a circumstance extremely improbable when a designation takes place,) and afterwards, on a refusal on our part to make a choice, out of those offered for our selection, — I shall not dwell upon its being a case barely possible, but will ask whether the right of this House to make an elec lioD can be abandoned but with its own consent? but upon a refusal on its part to exercise its right of choice? And how the power of the people can be said to be affected by such a transfer of the right of election from this House to the other. When it is notorious that in electing in that House the vote is taken by Slates, those of the greatest population and wealth having no more influence than the smallest? Is not the Senate as likely to prove a faithful organ of the will of the States as this House voting by States? In conceding this point, therefore, what do we give up? It is because the amendment contains the principle of designation ; because in the first place the Electors must fail I to elect a President; in the next place, they must fail to elect a Vice President ; in the third place, this House must refuse to exercise their Constitutional right to choose a President out of those in nomination for that office; because all these events must concur before an election can devolve upon the Senate; and then they are restricted to a small number of those nominated for the Vice Presidency — persons, too, who will be selected by the Electors with a vleir to this contingency, because the wealth and population of the Stales have no more influence here Id an election than they have in the Senate. It is for those reasons that I am in favor of the amendment. Even if this possibility of the election of a Chief Magistrate devolving on the Senate were more objectionable to me than it is, I would not sacrifice the discriminating principle contained in this resolution for a bare possibility. In case of a refusal however on the part of this House to make an election, will it not be better that the functions of President should be exercised even by a person nominated by the Elector* and appointed by the Senate, than that there should be an interregnum, as gentlemen have chosen to style it? Are not the people as willing that such an officer should discharge those duties as that they should devolve upon a President pro tempore of the Senate, (a person who could never have been contemplated on his election to a seat in that body as succeeding to the Presidency,) who will necessarily act as President in case of the death, resignation, disability, or removal from office, both of President and Vice Presidentevents equally probable, and in my opinion more so than that contemplated bv this amendment? But perhaps I shall be told that this position is inconsistent with a doctrine advanced by me at the outset, that I should approve an abolition of the office of Vice President. But the sole condition on which I would consent to such an abolition would be an immediate re-election in case of a vacancy in the office of President, I never could assent to the exercise of those powers by B President pro tempore of the Senate longer than was absolutely necessary to make a new election by the people.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 695–696). View the page image
- 1 The scans read: “I” (microfilm scan), “1” (main scan)
- Sei ate, The scans read: “Senate,” (Michigan scan), “Senate,” (microfilm scan), “Sei ate,” (main scan)
- state The scans read: “state” (Michigan scan), “state” (microfilm scan), “stale” (main scan)
- afterwards, The scans read: “afterwards,” (Michigan scan), “afterwards,” (microfilm scan), “afterward!,” (main scan)
- elec lioD The scans read: “election” (Michigan scan), “election” (microfilm scan), “elec lioD” (main scan)
- be The scans read: “be” (Michigan scan), “be” (microfilm scan), “he” (main scan)
- vleir Only one scan has this word: “vleir” (main scan)
- Id The scans read: “in” (Michigan scan), “io” (microfilm scan), “Id” (main scan)
- Elector* The scans read: “Elecloit” (Michigan scan), “Electors” (microfilm scan), “Elector*” (main scan)
- told The scans read: “told” (Michigan scan), “told” (microfilm scan), “cold” (main scan)
- B The scans read: “a” (Michigan scan), “B” (main scan)
Having stated some of the reasons which will induce me to vote for the resolution on your a- ble, permit me, sir, to reply to some of the obsef rations which have fallen from the gentlemen from North Carolina and Connecticut. The first of these gentlemen (Mr. Purviance) is of opinion, that the small States would never have come into the Union if the Constitution had originally stood as it is now proposed to amend it. A plain answer offers itself to this remark. If the small States are as hostile to this amendment as the gentleman supposes, they have only to put ihor veto upon it. The dissent of five States destroys it. If 80 little judgment has been displayed Djr the friends of this measure as to insure opposition from all the States except those five States which the gentleman styles large States, in contradblinction from the other twelve, which he denominates small States, it was scarcely worth the iroO' ble of the gentleman and his friends to make so vigorous an opposition to it. But it is because I do not believe the resolution to be so drafted as to insure opposition from the smaller States; because I judge of the temper of those States as well by the approbation which three-fourths of the Senate have given it as by that which hu been expressed Id the course of this discussion from various quarters, that 1 am anxious for its adoption. The gentleman says that we had as well alter the ratio of representation from thirtythree thousand to five hundred thousand, and thereby deprive the smaller States of any vote on this floor. Surely the gentleman does not mean to say either that Confess have not the power lo enlarge the ratio of representation, or that such increase would be injurious to the smaller States. The gentleman has expressed too great an attachment to the Constitution not to be well acquainted with it. He must know that each Stale is entitled by it to at least one Representative on this floor, and that by an increase of the rai io of representation, the number of Representatives might be reduced to that of the States, and the influence of the largest he only co-extensive with that of the smallest member of the Union; and this was a well known objection urged to the adoption of the Constitution. But at last the gentleman from North Carolina candidly eonfesiies that he is averse to any alteration of the Constitution whatsoever. One of my greatest objections to the Constitution is the difficulty of obtaining desirable amendments, which increases with the increasing number of the States. Thinking differently from the gentleman on this point, he cannot be surprised at my acting differently. But he has surely little cause of alarm when he recollects that we possess merely the initiative in this business, and that the assent of three-fourths of the State Legislatures is necessary to give validity to what we shall do. I consider this as an answer the of the same nature had passed that House during the present and the preceding session. It had been the theme of conversation and discussion, both in and out of doors; and now we are charged with precipitancy, although the resolution had to pass through the ordeal of threefourths of the States. But a more serious charge is brought against this amendment. It is denounced as opening an endless source of venality and intrigue. Bui to my mind the present system is more favorable to such mischiefs, and it is because I regard it as the death-blow to all intrigue ; because I do not wish chance to preside where there ought to be choice; because 1 want no blind ballot, under cover of which intrigue or corruption may take shelter, that 1 advocate the resolution before you. From the manner in which some gentlemen have expressed themselves on this subject, it would appear that they had had personal knowledge of some such agency heretofore. Whether such enginery has been brought into action I cannot undertake to affirm ; on this subject I am totally in the dark, nor do I wish to be enlightened.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 696–697). View the page image
- a- ble, The scans read: “table,” (Michigan scan), “ta- ble,” (microfilm scan), “a- ble,” (main scan)
- obsef rations The scans read: “observations” (Michigan scan), “obser- vations” (microfilm scan), “obsef rations” (main scan)
- is The scans read: “is” (Michigan scan), “is” (microfilm scan), “ii” (main scan)
- ihor The scans read: “tjieit” (Michigan scan), “ihor” (main scan)
- 80 Only one scan has this word: “80” (main scan)
- Djr The scans read: “by” (Michigan scan), “by” (microfilm scan), “Djr” (main scan)
- contradblinction The scans read: “contradistinction” (Michigan scan), “decort tinction” (microfilm scan), “contradblinction” (main scan)
- iroO' ble The scans read: “tronble” (Michigan scan), “trouinto ble” (microfilm scan), “iroO' ble” (main scan)
- hu Only one scan has this word: “hu” (main scan)
- had The scans read: “had” (Michigan scan), “had” (microfilm scan), “bad” (main scan)
- five The scans read: “five” (Michigan scan), “five” (microfilm scan), “fire” (main scan)
- rai io The scans read: “ratio” (Michigan scan), “ratio” (microfilm scan), “rai io” (main scan)
- he The scans read: “he” (Michigan scan), “he” (microfilm scan), “be” (main scan)
- eonfesiies The scans read: “confeues” (Michigan scan), “confesses” (microfilm scan), “eonfesiies” (main scan)
- he The scans read: “he” (Michigan scan), “he” (microfilm scan), “be” (main scan)
- the The scans read: “the” (Michigan scan), “the” (microfilm scan), “e” (main scan)
- had The scans read: “had” (Michigan scan), “had” (microfilm scan), “bad” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
1 connection
- cites Article I, Section 2, Clause 3 (suggested)
Much too has been said of the spirit of party. exhibited on this occasion, and on what is due to decorum on so solemn a subject. We ought not, we are told, to touch the Constitution under the irritation produced by the struggle of contending factions. Most sincerely, sir, do I wish that the American public could have been spectators of this whole transaction, or even that every word and every act which has passed within these walls on this day could go forth to the world. I am aware that this is impossible. But were it otherwise, I would willingly trust the issue of this question to the decision which should be given to the other. I would fearlessly leave the public mind to decide from what quarter party spirit and irritation have been manifested; by whom that conduct has been pursued which is calculated to reduce this House from the station which we ought to hold, and to lessen us in the eyes of the Mr. R. GmswOLD. — The gentleman from Virginia cannot expect us at this late hour to go into a discussion of the merits of this important question. He has himself cautiously avoided going extensively into them. Instead of showing' us that the amendment is not incompatible with the spirit of the Confederacy, he has contented himself with stating that though he objects to one part of it, it contains one principle to which he is friendly, and therefore he will vote for it. Without assigning his reasons, he simply says he will vote for it. Whatever gentlemen may profess, they cannot expect us at this late hour to go into a fundamental view of the principles this amendment contains. I therefore repeat the motion to adjourn, that we may to-morrow have the opportunity of discussing the merits of a question so important to the interests of the States.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 697–698). View the page image
- GmswOLD. The scans read: “Ohibwold.” (Michigan scan), “GmswOLD.” (main scan)
- he The scans read: “he” (Michigan scan), “he” (microfilm scan), “be” (main scan)
The question was immediately taken on adjourning and lost — ayes 47, noes 75.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 698). View the page image
Mr. Elliot, — As an adjournment has been denied, it would not be considered as out of order, even at this late hour, to answer the elaborate speech of the gentleman from Virginia. 1 rise however to answer only one part of it. I wish, with the gentleman from Virginia, that a correct view of the whole proceedings ot this day m&f go to the public, that they may be enabled to judge whether there has not been manifested, during the course of this business, rash precipitation, indecorum, and party irritation. With the gentleman from Virginia I am totally in the dark as to any intrigue heretofore exercised. That gentleman says, from certain circumstances, he is induced to believe some persons know of some such intrigue. This I conceive to bean attack on the minority which ought not to pass unnoticed. How far it is correct to impute such motives to gentlemen entitled — if not by the brilliancy of their genius, yet by the public suffrage — to the same degree of respect with himself, I will not undertake to say. It is no privilege of a Representative to say, I believe you a corrupt, inMt. J. Randolph wished the Speaker to decide whether he had said any such thing.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 698). View the page image
- 1 The scans read: “I” (Michigan scan), “1” (main scan)
- m&f The scans read: “may” (Michigan scan), “m&f” (main scan)
- inMt. Only one scan has this word: “inMt.” (main scan)
- he The scans read: “he” (Michigan scan), “he” (microfilm scan), “be” (main scan)
Mr. Elliot.— Such was my understanding of the gentleman's expression; the allusion was of a peculiar nature, and might be intended to impeach the motives of men of different political opinion from himself, or to impeach the motivea of one or two members who generally agree niih him. I know not his view in making ibe observation ; but if the proceedings of this day shall correctly go to ihe public, 1 shall be much mistaken if they will not be of opinion ibat there has been more indecorous language in the speeches of Ibat gentlemaa that) in all the others put together. 1 Eofie the language sod conduct of gentlemen on this day may be recorded ; I hope this will become a subject of investigation with the people; and 1 hope that posterity will have no occasion to impute to them party spirit, rash precipitancy, indecorum, or anything else, that tends to lessen the respect which it is my sincere wish that the measures of this House should always command. 1 fear much, however, that the proceedings exhibited to-day will constitute a scene on which posterity will not delight to dwell, that they will wish it blotted from the annals of history, and that gentlemen themselves will, in the cool moments of reflection, regret that it ever existed. With one more remark I shall close what I have to say. If in the course of this debate any imputation has been aimed at my moral or political integrity, or if any hereafter shall be made from anv quarter, however clothed in the language of brilliancy decorated with the flowers of genius, I shall all occasions meet it with contempt. I feel bold in the conscious purity of my motives, and I believe that the people I represent will never charge me with corruption or intrigue.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 698–699). View the page image
- niih The scans read: “wiih” (Michigan scan), “with” (microfilm scan), “niih” (main scan)
- ibe The scans read: “ihe” (Michigan scan), “ibe” (main scan)
- 1 The scans read: “I” (Michigan scan), “1” (main scan)
- ibat The scans read: “tbat” (Michigan scan), “that” (microfilm scan), “ibat” (main scan)
- Ibat Only one scan has this word: “Ibat” (main scan)
- gentlemaa Only one scan has this word: “gentlemaa” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- Eofie Only one scan has this word: “Eofie” (main scan)
- sod Only one scan has this word: “sod” (main scan)
- 1 Only one scan has this word: “1” (main scan)
- 1 The scans read: “1” (Michigan scan), “I” (microfilm scan), “1” (main scan)
On motion of Mr. Smilie the House adjourned about nine o'clock.— Ayes 65.
Read from OCR scans of the printed page (col. 699). View the page image