small states predominate,) should have the final choice, the concerted effort of the large states would be to make the appointment in the first instance conclusive.
Mr. RANDOLPH. We have, in some revolutions of this plan, made a bold stroke for monarchy. We are now doing the same for an aristocracy. He dwelt on the tendency of such an influence in the Senate over the election of the President, in addition to its other powers, to convert that body into a real and dangerous aristocracy.
Mr. DICKINSON was in favor of giving the eventual election to the legislature, instead of the Senate. It was too much influence to be superadded to that body.
On the question moved by Mr. Wilson,—
Pennsylvania, Virginia, South Carolina, ay, 3; Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, no, 7; New Hampshire, divided.
Mr. MADISON and Mr. WILLIAMSON moved to strike out the word "majority," and insert "one third;" so that the eventual power might not be exercised if less than a majority, but not less than one third, of the electors should vote for the same person.
Mr. GERRY objected, that this would put it in the power of three or four states to put in whom they pleased.
Mr. WILLIAMSON. There are seven states which do not contain one third of the people. If the Senate are to appoint, less than one sixth of the people will have the power.
On the question,—
Virginia, North Carolina, ay; the other nine states, no.
Mr. GERRY suggested, that the eventual election should be made by six senators and seven representatives, chosen by joint ballot of both Houses.
Mr. KING observed, that the influence of the small states in the Senate was somewhat balanced by the influence of the large states in bringing forward the candidates,[1] and also by the concurrence of the small states in the committee in the clause vesting the exclusive origination of money bills in the House of Representatives.
Col. MASON moved to strike out the word "five," and insert the word "three," as the highest candidates for the Senate to choose out of.
Mr. GERRY seconded the motion.
Mr. SHERMAN would sooner give up the plan. He would prefer seven or thirteen.
On the question moved by Col. Mason and Mr. Gerry,
Virginia, North Carolina, ay; nine states, no.
- ↑ This explains the compromise alluded to by Mr. Gouverneur Morris. Col. Mason, Mr. Gerry, and other members from large states, set great value on this privilege of originating money bills. Of this the members from the small states, with some from the large states, who wished a high-mounted government, endeavoured to avail themselves, by making that privilege the price of arrangements in the Constitution favorable to the small states, and to the elevation of the government.
