The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1875-11-03

ing, and candidly allow them all the weight to
which they may BE- entitled, and.when we as.
semble again, hope 1t will be with deter.
mination to form constitution, if not such q
one as we can individually, and in all respects
approve, yet the best, which under existing
circumstances, can be obtained. [TIere the
countenance of Washington frightened, and
a cheering ray seemed to break in upon the
gloom which had recently covered our poll
teal horizon.l The doctor continued, Be-
fore sit down, Mr.. president, will suggest
another matter and / am really surprised
that it has not been proposed by some other
member at an earlier period of our delbera-
tions. will suggest, Mr.. president, the pro-
priety Of nominating and appointing before
we separate, chaplain to this convention,
whose duty it shall be uniformly to assemble
with us, and introduce the business of each
day, by an address to the Creator of the uni
verse, and the Governor of all nations, be-
seeching him to preside in our council, en-
tighten our minds with portion of heavenly
wisdom, influence our hearts with love OF
truth and justice, and crown our labors with
complete and abundant success"
The-doctor sat down; and never did I be-
hold a.countenancc at once SO dignified and
delightful, as was that of Washington, at the
close of this address nor were the members
of the convention, generally, less affected.
The words of the venerable Franklin fell up
on our ears with weight and authority, even
greater than we may suppose an oracle to have
had ina Roman senate A silent admiration
superseded for moment, the expression of
that assent and appreciation which was
strongly marked on almost every counten-
ance say almost-for one man was found
in the convention, Mr.. --, Of -, who
rose and said, with regard to the first motion
of the honorable gentleman, for an adjourn
mcnt, he would yield his assent but he pro-
tested against the second motion, for the APP
pointment of chaplain. He then commence
ed high strained eulogium on the assemblage
Of wisdom, talent, and experience, which the
convention embraced--declared the high sense
he entertained of the honor which his consti-
tuent had conferred upon him, in making him
a member of that respectable body said he
was confidently of opinion that they were
competent to transact the business which had
been entrusted to their care that they were
equal to every exigence which might occur ;
and concluded by saying, that therefore, he
had not seen the necessity of calling in for
eign aid
Washington fixed his eye upon the speaker
xr;41, a M: t,,,o of enrnr;ea and ;udiruat ion
while he utter this impious speech land then
looked around to ascertain in what manner
1t affected others. They did not leave him a
moment to doubt--no one deigned to reply,
or Take tile snlsficst nvtice OF tho epeaker,-
but the motion for appointing chaplain was
instantly seconded, and carried whether
under the silent disapprobation of Mr.. -,
or his solitary negative, l do not recollect.
The motion for an adjournmentwas then put,
and carried unanimously--an the convention
adjourned accordingly.
The three days of recess were spent in the
manner advertised by DR.. Franklin, the oppo-
site parties mixed with each other, and free
and frank Interchange of sentiments took
place. On the fourth day we assembled again;
and if great additional light had not been
thrown on the subject, every unfriendly feel
ing had been expelled /; end spirit of concil-
iation had been cultivated, which promised,
at least a calm and dispassionate reconsidera-
ton of the subject.
As soon as the chaplain had closed his pray
err and the minutes of the last sitting were
read, all eyes were turned to the Doctor -.
He arose, and in few words stated that dur
ing the recess he had listened attentively to
all the arguments, pro and con, which had
been urged by both sides Of the house that
he had himself said much, and thought more
on the subject he saw difficulties, and objec-
tions, which might be urged by individual
states, against every scheme which had been
proposed and he was now more than ever
convinced that the constitution which they
were about to form, in order to be just IN |
equal, must be founded on the basis of COM
promise and mutual concession. With such
views and feelings, he would now move re-
consideration of the vote last taken on the Or
ganization of the senate. The motion was
seconded, the vote carried, the former vote re.
scinded, and by successful motion and reso-
luton, the senate was organized on the pres
ent plan.