Mass^{ts} no. Con^t no. N. Y. ay. N. J. no. P^a no.
Del. no. M{d.} no. V^a ay. N. C. no. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.
On a question to postpone the 4 and take up the 7 Resol: ays, Mary^d V^a
N. C. S. C. Geo;--Noes, Mass. C^t N. Y. N. J. P^a Del:
On the question to agree "that the members of the 2^d branch be chosen
by the indiv^l Legislatures" Mass^{ts} ay. Con^t ay. N. Y. ay. N. J. ay.
P^a no. Del. ay. M^d ay. V^a no. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.[108]
[108] Madison's Note:
It must be kept in view that the largest States particularly
Pennsylvania & Virginia always considered the choice of the
2^d Branch by the State Legislatures as opposed to a
proportional representation to which they were attached as a
fundamental principle of just Government. The smaller States
who had opposite views, were reinforced by the members from
the large States most anxious to secure the importance of
the State Governments.
On a question on the clause requiring the age of 30 years at least,--it
was agreed to unanimously:
On a question to strike out the words, "sufficient to ensure their
independency" after the word "term" it was agreed to.
That the 2^d branch hold their offices for a term of seven years,
considered.
M^r Ghorum suggests a term of "4 years," 1/4 to be elected every year.
M^r Randolph, supported the idea of rotation, as favorable to the wisdom
& stability of the Corps, which might possibly be always sitting, and
aiding the Executive.
And moves after "7 years," to add, "to go out in fixt proportion" which
was agreed to.
M^r Williamson suggests "6 years," as more convenient for Rotation than
7 years.
M^r Sherman seconds him.
M^r Reed proposed that they s^d hold their offices "during good
behaviour." Mr. R. Morris seconds him.
Gen^l Pinkney, proposed "4 years." A longer term w^d fix them at the
seat of Gov^t. They w^d acquire an interest there, perhaps transfer
their property & lose sight of the States they represent. Under these
circumstances the distant States w^d labour under great
disadvantages.[109]
[109] According to Yates, Madison followed Pinckney:
"Mr. Madison. We are proceeding in the same manner that was
done when the Confederation was first formed. Its original
draft was excellent, but in its progress and completion it
became so insufficient as to give rise to the present
Convention. By the vote already taken, will not the temper
of the state legislatures transfuse itself into the Senate?
Do we create a free government?"--Yates, _Secret
Proceedings_, etc., 168.
M^r Sherman moved to strike out "7 years" in order to take questions on
the several propositions.