endeavor to hold up the idea that this- system is only opposed by the officers of government. I, sir, am in that predicament I have the honor to hold an appointment in this state. Had it been considered any objection, I presume I should not have been appointed to the Convention. If it could have had any effect on my mind, it would only be that of warming my heart with gratitude, and rendering me more anxious to promote the true interest of that state which has conferred on me the obligation, and to heighten my guilt, had I joined in sacrificing its essential rights. But sir, it would be well to remember that this system is not calculated to diminish the number or the value of offices. On the contrary, if adopted, it will be productive of an enormous increase in their number. Many of them will also be of great honor and emoluments. Whether, sir, in this variety of appointments, and in the scramble for them, I might not have as good a prospect to advantage myself as many others, is not for me to say; but this, sir, I can say with truth, that, so far was I from being influenced in my conduct by interest, or the consideration of office, that I would cheerfully resign the appointment I now hold; I would bind myself never to accept another, either under the general government or that of my own state; I would do more, sir:—so destructive do I consider the present system to the happiness of my country, I would cheerfully sacrifice that share of property with which Heaven has blessed a life of industry; I would reduce myself to indigence and poverty; and those who are dearer to me than my own existence I would intrust to the care and protection of that Providence who hath so kindly protected myself,—if on those terms only I could procure my country to reject those chains which are forced for it.
THE NOTES OF THE SECRET DEBATES OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION OF 1787,
taken
By the late Hon. ROBERT YATES,
chief justice of the state of new york, and one of the delegates from that state to the said convention.
[Copied from the original manuscript of Chief Justice Yates, by John Lansing, Jun., and certified to be a true copy.]
Friday, May 25, 1787.
Attended the Convention of the states, at the State House in Philadelphia, when the following states were represented: —
| New York | ... | Alexander Hamilton, | Thos. Fitzsimons, | ||||
| Robert Yates. | James Wilson, | ||||||
| New Jersey | ... | David Brearly, | Gouv. Morris. | ||||
| Wm. C. Houston, | Delaware | ... | George Read, | ||||
| Wm. Patterson. | Richard Basset, | ||||||
| Pennsylvania | ... | Robert Morris, | Jacob Broom. |
