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Recess
"I think it more than likely that we shall not leave this place before the middle of August. The diverse and almost opposite interests that are to be reconciled, occasion us to progress very slowly."
-Hugh Williamson to James Iredell
The clause of the Connecticut Compromise providing each state an equal vote in the Senate branch was brought up. Gerry would rather agree to it than have no accommodation. Sherman thought it would give the government more vigor - the small states have more vigor in their governments than the large ones. Wilson was still opposed. On the question shall the words stand, 6 aye, Pennsylvania, Virginia and South Carolina no, Massachusetts and Georgia divided.
Gerry wanted to move on to enumerate and define the powers to be given the new government. Madison disagreed - it was impossible to decide what powers to give Congress until we decide how many votes each state will have. Madison noted his concern that "if a just representation were not the basis of the Govt…the New Govt. would be rendered as impotent and as short lived as the old."
Sherman and Ellsworth moved to postpone a vote on the compromise as a whole until the Committee to fix the initial representation in the first branch reported. Passed, 6 aye, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, no.
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Monday, July 9, 1787 House Membership
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