Note 107 — Monday, June 25. in Convention.
Reading edition
The residue of this speech was not furnished, like the above, by Mr. Pinckney.—Madison's Note.
Yates' report of the speech is meagre. The closing paragraph, apparently the part lacking in Madison's report, is:
"While we were dependent on the crown of Great Britain, it was in contemplation to form the whole into one; but it was found impracticable. No legislature could make good laws for the whole, nor can it now be done. It would necessarily place the power in the hands of the few nearest the seat of government. State governments must therefore remain, if you mean to prevent confusion. The general negative powers will support the general government. Upon these considerations, I am led to form the second branch differently from the report. These powers are important, and the number not too large, upon the principle of proportion. I have considered the subject with great attention; and I propose this plan (reads it), and if no better plan is proposed, I will then move its adoption."—Yates, Secret Proceedings, etc., 163.