Met according to Adjournment. Madison—The Distinction between fœderal and national Representa- tion—the one from the State collectively—the other from the People is not well taken—There are two States in the Union in which Delegates are chosen by the People. Probability of adopting Plan—We must adopt such an one as will ensure Safety—Let us have a Chance. Confederation on same ground as Compact made by a Number of Persons—If one violates it all are discharged—in Treaties it is agreed that a Breach of any is a Dissolution of all—Jersey has refused to comply with Requisitions—He is anxious to perpetuate Union—but will not consent to prolong it on its present Principles.— How is Confederation observed? Georgia has entered into War and made Treaties in express Violation of Union. Virginia and Maryland entered into Compact in like Violation.—Mas- sachusetts has a regular Body of Forces without Approbation of Congress. The conciliatory Resolution of Congress resp [ectin]g Wioming Dicision evinces Weakness of general Government.
The Power retained by the different States Executives of pardoning would alone defeat national Government.
1 The Amphictionic Council had a Right of judging between Members, mulcting Aggressors—drawing out Force of States—and several other important Powers—The Confederacy was however of very short Duration. It will not be denied that the Con- vention has as much Power as Congress—They have exercised it in rec- ommending a new Rule of Apportionment—II States agreed to it. Martin—before the Confederation each State had complete Sover- eignty—When confederated they met so and they must remain equal. Wilson—The Declaration of Independence declares the U. S. collec- tively to be vested with Power of making War and Peace—this antecedent to framing Constitutions consequently paramount. Hamilton—agrees with Wilson—this is calculated to destroy many Her- esies in Politics—How is general Government to affect Interests of smaller States?—In Agriculture, Commerce and Revenue—large States are remote from each other—Commercial Interests are not the same—on what Prin- ciple can they combine to affect agriculteral Interest? Motion by Wilson to move that the Committee rise and report that it is the Opinion of the Committee that the Plan submitted by New Jersey is inexpedient—This was accordingly done and I was disposed to submit to it because the Sentiments of the Committee on the Question of Repre- sentation in the first Instance could not be pointedly taken. On the first Resolve when Question put—6 States Affirmative—4 against and Maryland divided. The first Resolution was then considered—(Mr. Elseworth moved) after some Debate on it. Adjourned till to Morrow.