The plan proposed by the gentleman from Northampton, freed as it has been from one of its Elements, [taxation], appears to be entitled to a favorable consideration: It is not liable to objections which are so decisive with those, who oppose the rival plan. The original and real ground of opposition between the two parties, is that one basis of representation for both Houses of the Legislature, was claimed on one side, and a different basis for both Houses, on the other side. The proposition from Northampton compares the two plans, and divides equally the difference between them.

And could there be a case, Sir, where equal as well as mutual concession was more reasonable? For, neither side can say to the other, we outnumber you, and you ought therefore to yield to numbers. Neither side will presume to say to the other, we have more wisdom than you, more intelligence, more information, more experience, more patriotism, or more of the confidence of our Constitutents. Yes Sir, there never was a case imposing more obligation on both sides to relax in their opinions, and by equal as well as mutual surrenders of opinion to meet on middle ground.

I acknowledge that I can not concur in the expediency of adopting arrangements merely temporary, however I may respect & value the motives prompting them. They would in my view, be but an anodyne to the public agitation, only to awaken it after a lapse of ten years, to a more violent State. It would be folding up in the Instrument of conciliation itself, hidden torches of discord, to be lighted up, whenever the same great subject should be reviewed. On the whole Sir I shall give my vote for the plan proposed by the Gentleman from Northampton, as a more equal ground of compromise, than the other, and I have thought it proper to make this explanation lest my course should be supposed wanting in consistency

In questions of compromise necessarily requiring mutual concessions of opinion, we ought not to be controuled by opinions formerly expressed, whether derived from abstract views of the subject, or from impressions found to be erronious as to the state of opinion prevailing in this Body. For myself I brought to this Convention a disposition to receive from free discussion, all the lights it might furnish, and a spirit of compromise of which I foresaw the necessity; without losing sight of the interests & feelings of my constituents. This view of the trust committed to me was known to them, when I was honoured with it.

This necessity of compromise is now felt by all; and I do not despair that it will yet be effected by adequate concessions on both sides.

Mr. Madison’s respects to Mr. Stansbury