Page:Debates in the Several State Conventions, v1.djvu/414

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394
YATES'S MINUTES.

provision for a compensation for the service of the executive, be postponed, for the purpose of considering a motion, "that the executive should receive no salary, stipend, or emolument, for the devotion of his time to the public services, but that his expenses should be paid." Postponed.

Mr. DICKINSON moved that, in the 7th resolution, the words, "and removable on impeachment and conviction for mal-conduct, or neglect, in the execution of his office," should be inserted after the words "ineligible a second time." Agreed to. The remainder postponed.

Mr. BUTLER moved to fill the number of which the executive should consist.

Mr. RANDOLPH. The sentiments of the people ought to be consulted. They will not hear of the semblance of monarchy. He preferred three divisions of the states, and an executive to be taken from each. If a single executive, those remote from him would be neglected; local views would be attributed to him, frequently well founded, often without reason. This would excite disaffection. He was therefore for an executive of three.

Mr. BUTLER. Delays, divisions, and dissensions, arise from an executive consisting of many. Instanced Holland's distracted state, occasioned by her many counsellors. Further consideration postponed.

Mr. C. PINCKNEY gave notice for the reconsideration of the mode of election of the first branch.

Adjourned till Monday next.

Monday, June 4, 1787.

Met pursuant to adjournment. Mr. PINCKNEY moved, that the blank in the 7th resolve, "consisting of be filled up with "an individual."

Mr. WILSON, in support of the motion, asserted, that it would not be obnoxious to the minds of the people, as they, in their state governments, were accustomed and reconciled to a single executive. Three executives might divide, so that two could not agree in one proposition. The consequence would be anarchy and confusion.

Mr. SHERMAN thought there ought to be one executive, but that he ought to have a council. Even the king of Great Britain has his privy council.

Mr. GERRY was for one executive. If otherwise, it