NY Ratification Convention Debates (June 24, 1788) - New York Journal (June 27, 1788)

A gentleman, who left Poughkeepsie on Tuesday afternoon, informs, that the convention on that morning, took up the third section, and after the secretary had read it, Mr. Gilbert Livingston, delegate from Dutchess, made a motion for an amendment, to this purpose, that the state legislatures should have power to call their senators whenever they thought proper, provided that new appointments were made immediately, and that no senator who had served six years, should be eligible until twelve years after.1 He advocated this amendment in a very sensible speech, Judge Morris spoke a few words in answer, and Mr. Chancellor Livingston, and Mr. Hamilton went more fully into the merits of the subject, Mr. M. Smith made some remarks on the speeches of the chancellor and Mr. Hamilton. Our informant adds, that it was said the subject would be renewed on Monday, when it was expected some other members on both sides of the question, would take a part in the debate. That Mr. Lansing replied principally to the chancellor's arguments, &c.