First Constitution of United States Adopted in Philadelphia September 17, 1787

The Constitution of the United States, as is well known, was framed during the summer of 1787, by a convention of Delegates from twelve States. The convention sat in the old State House at Philadelphia, and after a stormy session of four months ended its labors on September 17, 1787.

In the preliminary movement to form a nation, only five of the thirteen colonies were represented. Delegates from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Virginia, met at Annapolis, Md., September 11, 1786, and after much discussion and consideration, they recommended that a convention bebe called to meet in Philadelphia on the second Monday of May, 1787.

When that day arrived the only delegates to appear at the State House were those of Pennsylvania and Virginia. At the end of two weeks no others had arrived except those from Delaware and New Jersey. This fact indicates how little they appreciated the importance of the event.

Finally, twelve States were represented; the largest delegation was from Pennsylvania, and consisted of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Mifflin, Robert Morris, George Clymer, Thomas Fitzsimmons, Jared Ingersoll, James Wilson and Gouverneur Morris. General George Washington was elected president, and William Jackson, secretary. The convention sat with closed doors.

Former Governor Pennypacker, in his excellent “Pennsylvania—The Keystone,” says “Washington presided and the aged Franklin participated, but the most learned lawyer among them was James Wilson, and, perhaps, more than any other member, he affected the results reached.”

On the afternoon of the day that the convention finished its labors, the Constitution was duly signed by thirty-nine of the members. Some resolutions and a letter from Washington were ordered to be sent to Congress and to be by it transmitted to the States.

644The Constitution was adopted September 17, 1787, and by this action of the convention a new Nation was born in Philadelphia.

While these things were taking place in a lower room of the State House, the Legislature of Pennsylvania was in session in a room above, and the Constitution was read to it on the morning of September 18.

Copies were then given to the press, and the next day the people of Philadelphia were reading the new plan in the “Packet,” the “Journal” and the “Gazetteer.” For a few days nothing but praise was heard, but before a week was gone, it was attacked.

The principal supporters of the plan of the Federal Convention were former officers of the Revolution, many of whom had served throughout the entire struggle for independence, while not one prominent soldier of that war was included among the twenty-three Anti-Federalists who consistently voted against ratification.

All was not satisfactory, and there was much trouble about the adoption of the Constitution, which did not go into effect until ratified by nine States.

Patrick Henry, of Virginia, and Elbridge Gerry, of Massachusetts, opposed it violently. It also had many opponents in Pennsylvania. Particularly was this true among the partisans of the State Government.

A draft of the instrument was reported to the Assembly, when a motion was made to authorize the calling of a State convention to deliberate upon its adoption.

This body met November 21, and was organized by the choice of Frederick A. Muhlenberg as president, and James Campbell, as secretary. On December 12, following, the final adoption of the draft of the Constitution was carried by a vote of 46 to 23 against it.

The following day the members of the convention and of the Supreme Executive Council, with officers of the State and the City of Philadelphia and others, went in procession from the State House to the old court house, where the ratification of the instrument was solemnly proclaimed. Twelve cannon were fired and the bells were rung.

The convention returned to the State House, where two copies of the ratification of the Constitution were signed. According to Hamilton, a motion was made that all members should sign it as an acquiescence to the principle that the majority should govern, which was strenuously objected to by the opponents of this instrument.

Delaware ratified the Constitution December 7, 1787, making Pennsylvania the second State to ratify. That is the reason that today in all national processions these States are given the lead.

State after State approved the Constitution, and in several of them processions had taken place to celebrate, but in Pennsylvania there had been no celebration of this kind; but it was decided, however, that as 645soon as the ninth State acceded to it, measures should be taken for public rejoicing.

Following Delaware and Pennsylvania came New Jersey, which adopted the Constitution December 18; Georgia, January 2, 1788; Connecticut, January 9; Massachusetts, February 6; Maryland, April 28; South Carolina, May 23.

On June 21, when New Hampshire, the ninth State, ratified it, it was determined by the citizens of Philadelphia to celebrate the formation of the new Union on the evening of the Fourth of July. By that time Virginia had also ratified the Constitution by vote of June 26.

This pageant was as imposing as it was possible for the authorities and the people of Pennsylvania in their enthusiasm to make it, and not only in the metropolis but in every town in the State was the occasion one of patriotism and splendor.

New York ratified the Constitution July 26, 1788; North Carolina, November 21, 1789, and the last one of the thirteen original States to ratify was Rhode Island, which did not accomplish it until May 29, 1790.

The adoption of the Constitution rendered the institution of measures necessary for the election of members of Congress and electors of President and Vice President of the United States.

The Anti-Federalists immediately got busy and endeavored to effect a plan to revise the new Constitution, but were defeated in their purposes. The actions of this body in Pennsylvania in their convention in Harrisburg, September, 1788, were denounced by the people.

A new convention was called to meet in Lancaster, which selected candidates for Congress and electors for President.

The election of members of Congress took place in November, and in the State six of the nominees of the Federal ticket were elected, and two, David Muhlenberg, of Montgomery, and Daniel Hiester, of Berks, who, although Federalists, had, with two others of the same politics, been placed as a matter of policy with the opposition ticket.

The centennial of the adoption of the Federal Constitution was fittingly celebrated in Philadelphia.

On September 15, 1887, there was a large civic and industrial procession, a military display on the 16th, and fine Memorial Day ceremonies in Independence Square on the 17th.

The occasion was celebrated with great credit to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Nation, as it illustrated the dignity and grandeur of the Republic.

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