11New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (John McKesson’s Version), [24 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
We all Aim at the best Govt. We should mix the Happy Ingredients, and not go into Extremes or we shall build Utopia upon Utopia— It was a time of Jealo[u]sy—We seemed to have attended only to tie the Representat Another Prin. To have in our Govt. some Stable Body that will pursue a System— Guard agt. Innovations and know and direct public Affairs— The People of every Country desire the...
12New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of June 25 (John McKesson’s Version), [25 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Principles laid down on both Sides may be true to a certain Extent— Each appears plausible and have a certain degree of force We must then determine where one principle must give way to another— We Should combine the Principles which will [give] Stability on one Side—and Safety to the Interests of the People on the other Side The Argumts. applied here to the Senate should be applied to the...
13New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (John McKesson’s Version), [27 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
It is more natural to the Mind of man to examine the Powers by which money is to be taken from him—than the necessity or reasons of those powers— In Regard to the Safety and Liberty of the People you are to constitute it to preserve Liberty with Power to preserve it self and with sufficient Checks— 1. This Govt. has represents elected only for two years—this the peoples Govt. 2d. A Senate for...
14New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of June 28 (John McKesson’s Version), [28 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
These Resolutions were introduced to shew that it was the settled opinion of the Legislature as well before as after the Confederation that the Powers of Congress were inadequate— Mentioning the Subject of a Dictator was not necessary— The Gent. says he is for an energetic fœderal Govt —what is it If what we Contend for by this System A Measure of Impost was once passed in this State—but...
15New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (John McKesson’s Version), [20 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Gentleman who spoke yesterday has been treated as having dealt in the flowry Fields of Immagination I agree if this Governt. is dangerous to the Liberties of the People let us reject it— Tho no Considerations of Danger should induce us to adopt a Governmt. radically bad—yet it was prudent to weigh those Moti[v]es which might induce us to attend those Considerations which involve public...
16New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of June 21, [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton I do contend that this Constitution is a federal Republic. John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City. In the McKesson account of Melancton Smith’s second speech of June 21 this statement by H is included. It is preceded by the following statement by Smith: “When the People do chuse their Rulers—must not these rulers in a Republic be a complete...
17New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 3, [3 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I suppose It intends that a Vessel bound from one State to another— If she puts into any port in another State [to] which She is bound She shall not there be Obliged [to] enter clear or pay Duties John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City. H’s remarks were made in reply to Melancton Smith’s request that H explain the clause in the Constitution which reads: “Nor shall...
18New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks, [26 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Hamilton—This matter was fully debated in the Convention and left ⟨–⟩. It will not be strenuously insisted on either side. John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City. There is no record of this statement by H in any of the other accounts of the debates of June 26. H’s statement followed these remarks by John Lansing, Jr.: “It appears that this Clause was intended to...
19New York Ratifying Convention. Motion, [21 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
That Mr. Hamilton Moved that the Clause last read should be expunged, and the following substituted in its Stead vizt: “That no Appropriation of Money in time of Peace for the Support of an Army shall be by Less than two thirds of the Representatives and Senators present.” John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City. The motion is printed in McKesson, “Journal of the...
20New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of July 3, [3 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton—The word Impair an english word and means to weaken or Injure . This gives no Light, how far shall this weakening extend—Is it practicable so to State it as to prevent Litigation hereafter. John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City. H’s remarks were made in reply to Samuel Jones, who asked: “What is the Extent of the word Impair ” in the clause of the...