NY Ratification Convention Debates (July 24, 1788) - New York Independent Journal (July 28, 1788)

Copy of a Letter from Poughkeepsie, dated Friday, July 25, 1788

". . . Yesterday Lansing moved to annex Smith's last proposition to the ratification, or the one which proposes to adopt with a reservation of a right to withdraw; then Mr. Jay, and after him Mr. Hamilton, rose and declared, that the reservation could answer no good purpose in itself; that it implied a distrust of the other states; that it would awaken their pride, and other passions unfriendly to the object of amendments; but what was decisive against it, it was inconsistent with the Constitution, and was no ratification. Mr. Hamilton produced and read part of a letter from a Gentleman of high public distinction, containing in explicit terms his opinion, that the reservation would amount to a conditional ratification and would not be received by Congress. Mr. Duane and the Chancellor both declared their opinion to the same effect, and they all concurred in expressing an anxious wish, that, since the House had succeeded so far to an accommodation, they might now conclude the business with harmony, and to the satisfaction of both parties. M. Smith remained silent all the Day; the question was postponed till today. . ."