Mr. Varnum had leave of absence till Tuesday next.
The Convention proceeded in the consideration of the motion That this Convention assent to and ratify the Constitution, agreed upon by the Convention of Delegates from the United States, at Philadelphia, on the 17th. day of September 1787, and of the propositions made by His Excellency the President yesterday.
Adjourned to Saturday morning 10. o Clk and interesting statement of the quantities of produce, which were exported from the several States—and shewed the ability of the States, to furnish from among themselves, shipping fully sufficient for the transportation of this produce: which, he observed, confined by the general government to American vessels, while the restriction would not increase the rates of freightage, to the southern States, as the northern and middle States could produce a surplusage of shipping, and a spirit of competition, would call forth the resources; would greatly increase our navigation—furnish with a great nursery of seamen—give employment not only to the mechanicks, in constructing the vessels, and the trades dependent thereon, but to the husbandman, in cutting down trees, for timber and transporting them to the places of building;—increase the demand for the products of the land—and for our beef our pork, butter &c—and give such life and spirit to commerce, as would extend it to all the nations of the world: These, he said, were some of the blessings he anticipated from the adoption of the federal Constitution—and convinced was he of its utility and necessity that, while he wished, that on the grand question being put, there might not be one dissenting voice, if he was allowed, he would hold up both his hands in favour of it; and he concluded, if his left hand was unwilling to be extended with his right, in this all-important decision, he would cut it off as unworthy of him—and lest it should infect his whole body.
Mr. PIERCE. Mr President, The amendments proposed by your Excellency are very agreeable to my opinion, and I should wish to add several more, but will mention but one and that is, that the senate should not continue in office more than two years; but, sir I think that if the want of these amendments were sufficient for me to vote against the Constitution, the addition, in the manner proposed by your Excellency will not be sufficient for me to vote for it, as it appears to me very uncertain whether they ever are a part of the Constitution.
Several gentlemen said a few words each, on the proposition of amendments—which it was acceded to, by gentlemen opposed to the Constitution, was good—but that it was not probable it would be interwoven in the Constitution—gentlemen on the other side said there was a great probability that it would from its nature, be also recommended by the several Conventions, which have not yet convened.