Delegates to the Constitutional Convention Chosen November 21, 1789

On November 5, 1788, General Thomas Mifflin succeeded Dr. Benjamin Franklin as president of the Supreme Executive Council. Dr. Franklin was now eighty-two years old and desired to be relieved of so exacting a responsibility and declined the re-election, which was assured him. At the same time George Ross, of Lancaster, was elected vice president.

The first election for electors of President and Vice President of the United States, under the new Constitution was held January 7, 1789. The Federal ticket was successful. The ten votes of Pennsylvania were given to General George Washington as President, and eight votes for John Adams, and two for John Hancock, for Vice President.

The National Government, feeble at first, had no buildings and no home. During seven years of Washington’s term as President the capital was at Philadelphia. Congress met at Sixth and Chestnut Streets. The Supreme Court met at Fifth and Chestnut Streets. The President lived on Market Street below Sixth Street. The Government of the United States has never paid the rent for these public buildings and in its infancy and weakness, Pennsylvania gave our National Government a home without compensation therefor.

The Constitution of Pennsylvania as adopted in 1776, had long since proved inadequate for the requirements of a useful and effective government, and its revision was demanded. The Assembly, March 24, 1789, adopted resolutions recommending the election of delegates to form a new Constitution. The Supreme Executive Council refused to promulgate this action of the Assembly. In September following the Assembly adopted resolutions for calling a convention.

At the election in October delegates were chosen and on November 21, 1789, the convention assembled in Philadelphia, and organized with the election of General Thomas Mifflin, Chief Executive of the State, as President of the convention. The sessions of the convention were long and tedious, and an adjournment was had for a time in 1790, but their labors were concluded, and the new Constitution adopted September 2, 1790.

The most radical changes were made in the executive and legislative branches of the Government. The Assembly ceased to have the sole right to make laws, a Senate being created. The Supreme Executive Council was abolished. A Governor was directed to be elected, to whom the administration of affairs was to be intrusted.

817The former judicial system was continued, excepting that the Judges of the higher courts were to be appointed during good behavior instead of for seven years. The Bill of Rights re-enacted the old provincial provision copied into the first Constitution respecting freedom of worship, rights of conscience and exemptions from compulsory contribution for the support of any ministry.

The recognition of God and of a future state of rewards and punishments was still demanded of all holding office, but a belief in the divine inspiration of the Old and New Testaments was not included. The Council of Censors ceased to have authority, and Pennsylvania conformed in all important matters to the system upon which the new Federal Government was to be administered.

The first election held in Pennsylvania under the new Constitution of the Commonwealth—that of 1790—resulted in the election of General Thomas Mifflin, then president of the Supreme Executive Council, who had presided at the forming of the new instrument. Mifflin had little or no opposition. His election was evident from the start, for there were no real issues. The result turned chiefly on his better-known personal qualities. Parties had not yet become crystallized with definite issues.

General Arthur St. Clair, his opponent, was highly esteemed as a citizen and brilliant soldier, but the popularity of Mifflin carried him in triumph, and for three terms he was chosen to the chief magistracy of Pennsylvania. His success was his own; he builded his own house.

Governor Mifflin’s chief political adviser was Alexander J. Dallas, who was appointed to the office of Secretary of the Commonwealth. That was a wise selection. Dallas was young, but brilliant and deeply interested in politics. He knew the leading men of the State and maintained a close relationship with them.

With the new Constitution functioning, the course of legislation turned in various channels. The promotion of internal improvements which have since become so important in Pennsylvania, and other enterprises of a less public character, soon demanded the attention of the General Assembly.

One of the first measures was that urged by the Society for the Improvement of Roads and Canals, and which contemplated the construction of highways and artificial waterways at the expense of the State. This suggestion aroused such a storm of opposition that the Legislature was compelled to reject the original proposition and to pass bills providing only partial and doubtful encouragement for their establishment by private enterprise.

A long and valuable report was made February 19, 1791, which embodied the results of examinations made previously. The committee reported that the Delaware River could be made an important channel for the trade of New York by the construction of a portage canal of 818nineteen miles; that a safe boat and raft navigation might be made to the northern boundary of the State for £25,000. They gave an estimate of the grain which was brought down the Susquehanna and the Juniata and they reported on the probable trade along the Allegheny River and how it could be increased by canals at certain places.

They recommended that the Governor should issue a proclamation inviting proposals for building canals and locks in and near the waters of the Tulpehocken and Quittapahilla; for a canal from Frankstown to Poplar Run, and for clearing the Susquehanna from Wright’s Ferry to Havre de Grace. They also wanted proposals for a turnpike from Philadelphia through Lancaster to the Susquehanna and for other roads throughout the State.

A bill was passed April 6, 1792, and in August Governor Mifflin apprised the Legislature that he had made contracts for the improvements of certain streams, but that “several propositions had not yet met with persons willing to undertake the specified work.”

During the year 1793 the Bank of Pennsylvania was incorporated by the Legislature, the opinion being expressed that it would “promote the regular, permanent and successful operations of the finances of the State and be productive of great benefit to trade and industry in general.”

The State subscribed for one-third of the entire stock and branches were established at Lancaster, Harrisburg, Reading, Easton and Pittsburgh. These were discontinued in 1810; in 1843 the State sold its stock, and with the great financial crisis of 1857 the Bank of Pennsylvania sank in ruin.