Alexander J. Dallas' Notes of the Pennsylvania Ratification Convention (December 12, 1787)

WILLIAM FINDLEY: On Wednesday morning Mr. Findley closed his arguments in opposition to the proposed federal system.

Findley: On Wednesday, Mr. Findley in the course of an eloquent and argumentative speech, suddenly introduced the following observation: "Mr. President, I have observed a person who has introduced himself among the members of this Convention, laughing for some time at everything I have said. This conduct does not, sir, proceed from a superiority understanding, but from the want of a sense of decency and order. If he were a member, I should certainly call him to order; but as it is, I shall be satisfied with despising him.

"What," said Mr. Findley, "would we have thought of Congress, if, at the time that body made the requisition for an impost of five percent, the powers and jurisdiction contained in the proposed plan had been required? It would have been thought at once impudent and ridiculous. How great then is the revolution of our sentiments in so short a space of time!"