Mr. MADISON. This question is certainly of much moment. There are great advantages in appointing such persons as are known. The choice otherwise will be chance. How will it operate on the members themselves? Will it not be an objection to become members, when they are to be excluded from orifice? For these reasons I am for the amendment.
Mr. BUTLER. These reasons have no force. Characters fit for offices will always be known.
Mr. MASON. It is said, it is necessary to open the door to induce gentlemen to come into the legislature. This door is open, but not immediately. A seat in the house will be the field to exert talents; and when to a good purpose they will in due time be rewarded.
Mr. JENIFER. Our senators are appointed for five years, and they can hold no other office. This circumstance gives them the greatest confidence of the people.
The question was put on Mr. Madison's amendment, and lost—8 noes, 2 ayes, 1 state divided.
Question on the clause as amended before. Carried—8 ayes, 2 noes, 1 state divided.
The question was next on the latter part of the clause.
Mr. MASON. We must retain this clause, otherwise evasions may be made. The legislature may admit of resignations, and thus make members eligible; places may be promised at the close of their duration, and thus a dependency may be made.
Mr. GERRY. And this actually has been the case in Congress. A member resigned to obtain an appointment; and had it failed, he would have resumed it.
Mr. HAMILTON. The clause may be evaded many ways. Offices may be held by proxy; they may be procured by friends, &c.
Mr. RUTLEDGE. I admit, in some cases, it may be evaded; but this is no argument against shutting the door as close as possible.
The question was then put on this clause, to wit: "and for the space of one year after its expiration," and negatived.
Then adjourned to Monday morning.
Monday, June 25, 1787.
Met pursuant to adjournment. Present, eleven states
