Note 85 — Friday June 15th 1787

(This plan had been concerted among the deputations or members thereof, from Cont N. Y. N. J. Del. and perhaps Mr Martin from Maryd who made with them a common cause though on different principles. Cont & N. Y. were agst a departure from the principle of the Confederation, wishing rather to add a few new powers to Congs than to substitute, a National Govt. The States of N. J. & Del. were opposed to a National Govt because its patrons considered a proportional representation of the States as the basis of it. The eagerness displayed by the members opposed to a Natl Govt from these different motives began now to produce serious anxiety for the result of the Convention. Mr Dickenson said to Mr Madison You see the consequence of pushing things too far. Some of the members from the small States wish for two branches in the General Legislature, and are friends to a good National Government; but we would sooner submit to foreign power, than submit to be deprived of an equality of suffrage in both branches of the legislature, and thereby be thrown under the domination of the large States.)—Madison Note.

"Mr. Madison moved for the report of the committee, and the question may then come on whether the convention will postpone it in order to take into consideration the system now offered.

"Mr. Lansing is of opinion that the two systems are fairly contrasted. The one now offered is on the basis of amending the federal government, and the other to be reported as a national government, on propositions which exclude the propriety of amendment. Considering therefore its importance, and that justice may be done to its weighty consideration, he is for postponing it a day.

"Col. Hamilton cannot say he is in sentiment with either plan—supposes both might again be considered as federal plans, and by this means they will be fairly in committee, and be contrasted so as to make a comparative estimate of the two."—Yates, Secret Proceedings, etc., 121, 122.