Mr. GERRY could not be governed by the prejudices of the people. Their good sense will ever have its weight. Perhaps a limited monarchy would be the best government, if we could organize it by creating a house of peers; but that cannot be done.
The question was put on the three years' amendment, and carried—7 ayes, 4 noes. New York in the affirmative.
On motion to expunge the clause of the qualification as to age, it was carried—10 states against 1.
On the question for fixed stipends, without augmentation or diminution, to this branch of the legislature, it was moved that the words "to be paid by the national treasury" be added. Carried—8 states for, 3 against. New York in the negative.
The question was then put on the clause as amended, and carried—8 ayes, 3 noes. New York in the negative.
On the clause respecting the ineligibility to any other office, it was moved that the words "by any particular state," be expunged. 4 states for, 5 against, and 2 divided. New York in the affirmative.
The question was then put on the whole clause, and carried—10 ayes, 1 no.
The last blank was filled up with one year, and carried—8 ayes, 2 noes, 1 divided.
Mr. PINCKNEY moved to expunge the clause. Agreed to, nem. con.
The question to fill up the blank with three years, agreed to—7 states for, 4 against.
It was moved to fill the blank, as to the duration, with seven years.
Mr. PIERCE moved to have it for three years—instanced the danger of too long a continuance, from the evils arising in the British Parliaments from their septennial duration, and the clamors against it in that country by its real friends.
Mr. SHERMAN was against the seven years, because, if they are bad men, it is too long, and if good, they may be again elected.
Mr. MADISON was for seven years—considers this branch as a check on the democracy. It cannot therefore be made too strong.
For the motion, 8 ayes 1 no, 2 states divided. New York one of the last.
