Newspaper Report 2 of Pennsylvania Convention Proceedings (December 10, 1787)

On Monday last Mr. M'Kean delivered a learned and sensible speech in the Convention, of near three hours in length, in which he fully and ably answered every objection that had been made to the proposed Constitution, and afterwards pointed out the influence which the adoption of it would have upon the character and prosperity of the United States, both at home and abroad. He concluded by declaring, that, after full examination, he thought the proposed Constitution was the BEST THE WORLD EVER SAW.

Mr. Smilie and Mr. Findley having, in some of their speeches, treated Mr. M'Kean with indecent language, he took no other notice of them than comparing their speeches to the feeble noise occasioned by the working of small beer.

So very acceptable was Mr. M'Kean's speech to the gallery, which was unusually crowded, that contrary to custom in a popular assembly, they expressed their approbation by clapping him. This threw Mr. Smilie into a rage, and led him to use many fiery sharp-pointed expressions, which were coolly answered by Mr. M'Kean with the following short observation: "The gentleman, sir, is angry-because otherfolks are pleased."