Mass^{ts} ay. Con^t ay. N. Y. ay. N. J. ay. P^a no.
Del. ay. M^d ay. V^a ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.
The Co[~m]ittee elected by ballot, were M^r Gerry, M^r Elseworth, M^r
Yates, M^r Patterson, D^r Franklin, M^r Bedford, M^r Martin, M^r Mason,
M^r Davy, M^r Rutlidge, Mr. Baldwin.
That time might be given to the Co[~m]ittee, and to such as chose to
attend to the celebrations on the anniversary of Independence, the
Convention adjourned till Thursday.[124]
[124] "TUESDAY, _July 3, 1787_.
"The _grand committee_ met. Mr. Gerry was chosen chairman.
"The committee proceeded to consider in what manner they
should discharge the business with which they were
intrusted. By the proceedings in the Convention, they were
so equally divided on the important question of
_representation in the two branches_, that the idea of a
conciliatory adjustment must have been in contemplation of
the house in the appointment of this committee. But still,
how to effect this salutory purpose was the question. Many
of the members, impressed with the utility of a general
government, connected with it the indispensable necessity of
a representation from the states according to their numbers
and wealth; while others, equally tenacious of the rights of
the states, would admit of no other representation but such
as _was strictly federal_, or, in other words, _equality of
suffrage_. This brought on a discussion of the principles on
which the house had divided, and a lengthy recapitulation of
the arguments advanced in the house in support of these
opposite propositions. As I had not openly explained my
sentiments on any former occasion on this question, but
constantly, in giving my vote, _showed my attachment to the
national government on federal principles, I took this
occasion to explain my motives_.
"These remarks gave rise to a motion of Dr. Franklin, which
after some modification was agreed to, and made the basis of
the following report of the Committee."--Yates, _Secret
Proceedings_, etc., 205. The report is given by Madison.
* * * * *
Hamilton, who had gone to New York, wrote to Washington
under date of July 3d:
"In my passage through the Jerseys, and since my arrival
here, I have taken particular pains to discover the public
sentiment, and I am more and more convinced that this is the
critical opportunity for establishing the prosperity of this
country on a solid foundation. I have conversed with men of
information, not only in this city, but from different parts
of the State, and they agree that there has been an
astonishing revolution for the better in the minds of the
people.
"The prevailing apprehension among thinking men is, that the
Convention, from the fear of shocking the popular opinion,
will not go far enough. They seem to be convinced that a
strong, well-mounted government will better suit the popular
palate than one of a different complexion. Men in office are
indeed taking all possible pains to give an unfavorable
impression of the Convention, but the current seems to be
moving strongly the other way.
"A plain but sensible man, in a conversation I had with him
yesterday, expressed himself nearly in this manner: The
people begin to be convinced that 'their excellent form of
government,' as they have been used to call it, will not
answer their purpose, and that they must substitute
something not very remote from that which they have lately
quitted.
"These appearances, though they will not warrant a
conclusion that the people are yet ripe for such a plan as I
advocate, yet serve to prove that there is no reason to
despair of their adopting one equally energetic, if the
Convention should think proper to propose it. They serve to
prove that we ought not to allow too much weight to
objections drawn from the supposed repugnance of the people
to an efficient constitution. I confess I am more and more
inclined to believe that former habits of thinking are
regaining their influence with more rapidity than is
generally imagined.
"Not having compared ideas with you, sir, I cannot judge how
far our sentiments agree; but, as I persuade myself the
genuineness of my representations will receive credit with
you, my anxiety for the event of the deliberations of the
Convention induces me to make this communication of what
appears to be the tendency of the public mind.
"I own to you, sir, that I am seriously and deeply
distressed at the aspect of the counsels which prevailed
when I left Philadelphia. I fear we shall let slip the
golden opportunity of rescuing the American empire from
disunion, anarchy, and misery.
"No motley or feeble measure can answer the end, or will
finally receive the public support. Decision is true wisdom,
and will not be less reputable to the Convention than
salutary to the community.
"I shall of necessity remain here ten or twelve days. If I
have reason to believe that my attendance at Philadelphia
will not be mere waste of time, I shall, after that period,
rejoin the Convention."--_Hamilton's Works_ (Lodge).