November 28, 1803

The Senate resumed the consideration of the report of the committee appointed to consider the amendment proposed to the Constitution, in the mode of electing the President and Vice President of the United States.

Mr. Ai>Aua suggested the propriety of postponing the question this day, as a member was absent indisposed, (Mr. Andebson,) who was the representative of a small State. He was ready on Saturday to give bis vote on the main question and on the incidental question ; but as he understood the number three to be a sine qua non with the gentleman from Virginia, he thought it better the subject should be postponed until the House should be full.

Mr. Cocke said, that number was not with him a «tn« ifuanon,' he would vote for the amendment with either number; though, from a more deliberate consideration of the arguments he had heard, he was disposed to think three the best number, as it promised ii> bring the election closer to the people. He was not apprized how his colleague meant to vote.

Mr. Franklin was against a postponement His mind was perfectly made up on the subject, and it was lime the Senate should come to a decision. The Legislature of his Slate was in session ; their sentiments were decidedly in favor of the amendment, and he wished it to reach them before Christmas, as they would most likely rise about that time.

' Mr. White said that he, as well as other gentlemen, was ready to vote on the main and incidental questions, and was fully aware ot the importance of an early decision. His mind was made up, as a member from a small State, for the number nve, and he understood that the member absent was in favor of the same number. He wished, on his account, therefore, to postpone, diongh ready himself. The gentleman might be able to attend to-morrow.

Mr. NicHOi.Aa thought there was no necessity whatever to delay a decision. If the indisposition of a member was a good reason for delay, business might be postponed forever; but even if the gentleman absent was solicitous to deliver his sentiments, the filling up the blank with any number need not prevent it, as the number might be withdrawn to afford him that opportunity, and the discussion of the main question might still proceed.

Mr. Dayton was opposed to that mode of proceeding. Upon the issue of the number five or three, it was probable that the whole question would depend.

Mr. Tract was for a postponement. He felt himself unwell.

Mr. Cocke was indifferent; whether decided now or to-morrow, it would be the same. Foai-