And here I would make this inquiry of those worthy characters who composed a part of the late federal Convention. I am sure they were fully impressed with the necessity of forming a great consolidated government, instead of a confederation.
States are the characteristics and the soul of a confederation.
If the states be not the agents of this compact, it must be one great, consolidated, national government, of the people of all the states. But, sir, on this great occasion, I would demand the cause of their conduct. But there are other gentlemen here, who can give us this information. The people gave them no power to use their name. That they exceeded their power is perfectly clear.