omitted in the first draft of the constitution, though proposed in one of the preceding resolutions.[1] But it was adopted without resistance, when the draft passed under the solemn discussion of the convention.[2] The other was a matter of more controversy. The original limitation proposed was 40.000;[3] and it was not until the very last day of the session of the convention, that the number was reduced to 30.000.[4] The object of fixing some limitation was to prevent the future existence of a very numerous and unwieldy house of representatives. The friends of a national government had no fears, that the body would ever become too small for real, effective, protecting service. The danger was, that from the natural impulses of the popular will, and the desire of ambitious candidates to attain office, the number would be soon swollen to an unreasonable size, so that it would at once generate, and combine factions, obstruct deliberations, and introduce and perpetuate turbulent and rash counsels.[5]
§ 672. On this subject, let the Federalist speak in its own fearless and expressive language.- ↑ Journ. of Convention, 157, 158, 209, 215.
- ↑ Journ. of Convention, 8th Aug. p. 236.
- ↑ Journ. of Convention, 157, 217, 235, 352.
- ↑ Journ. of Convention, 17th Sept. 1787, p. 389.
- ↑ 1 Lloyd's Debates in 1789, 427, 434; 2 Lloyd's Debates, 183, 185, 186, 188, 189, 190.
- ↑ The same thought is expressed with still more force in the American pamphlet, entitled, Thoughts upon the Political situation of America. (Worcester, 1788,) 54.
