Thomas McKean: There can be only one question before us. The questions on separate paragraphs would preclude a vote of approbation on the whole system. Each paragraph may be discussed; but without taking a question on the whole. A house, convenient on the whole, may be defective in some of its apartments. We come not to compose a new book.
Moved by George Latimer and seconded by James Wilson that the tenth rule be repealed.
JAMES WILSON: The matters of form reduced to sound sense. The repeal of the rule or step to oatin the same free debate as in comitee. We have another advantage—everything will appear on the Minutes.
JOHN SMILIE: It would be more proper to go into a committee on the whole, than to repeal the rule. By going into the comittee there will be a double investigation.
ROBERT WHITEHILL : We are not precluded from amendments. We are going to examine the foundations of the building. By amendments we can hear what they say in the other states, and then can accommodate.
JAMES WILSON: We must take the system in the whole, and, as the result of the whole, ratify or not ratify. The General Convention took allowances of power; and were not appointed by the people. To whom shall we propose amendments? Do we know they will be agreeable to our constituents? As much time in this as in the other states.
JOHN SMILIE: In a legal discussion I am inferior to Mr. M'Kean. The mode proposed by him is contrary to every idea of order. The mode that will give the longest time to consider should be preferred. In convention we can consider only each part once. The people of Pennsylvania will be taxed by the Representatives of the United States. The freemen of Pennsylvania will think and act.
THOMAS SCOTT: We are come to stamp the system with the authority of the people, or to refuse it that stamp.