sachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The vote of Georgia was divided.

The convention had now reached a point beyond which it seemed impossible amicably to proceed. Neither party appeared inclined to recede from the position it had taken, and the great objects for which the convention had assembled, were apparently to be lost.

At this interesting crisis, Dr. Franklin, a member of the convention from Pennsylvania, rose in his place, and thus addressed the president:

"Mr. President-The small progress we have made, after four or five weeks close attendance and continual reasonings with each other, our different sentiments, on almos every question, several of the last producing as many noes as ayes, is, methinks, a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the human understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom, since we have been running all about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of government, and examined the different forms of those republics, which, having been originally formed with the seeds of their own dissolution, now no longer exist; and we have viewed modern states all around Europe, but find none of their constitutions suitable to our circumstances. In this situation of this assembly, groping, as it were, in the dark, to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it, when presented to us, how has it happened, sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for divine protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard; and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle, must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor. To that kind Providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace, on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? or do we imagine that we no longer need its assistance? I have lived, sir, a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proof I see of this truth, that God governs the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings, that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and

I also believe, that without his concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel: we shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a by-word to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this important instance, despair of establishing government by human wisdom, and leave it to chance, war, or conquest.

"I therefore beg leave to move, that henceforth prayers, imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its o.essings on our deliberations, be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business; and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service."

This suggestion, it need scarcely be said, was favorably received by the convention, and from that time the guidance of divine wisdom was daily sought. As might be expected, greater harmony prevailed-the spirit of concession pervaded the convention-a motion was made for the appointment of a committee to take into consideration both branches of the legislature. This motion prevailing, a committee was accordingly chosen by ballot. consisting of one from each state, and the convention adjourned for three days.

On the meeting of the convention, the above committee reported the following propositions:

I. That in the first branch of the legislature each of the states, now in the Union, be allowed one member for every forty thousand inhabitants of the description reported in the seventh resolution of the committee of the whole house -that each state not containing that number shall be allowed one member-that all bills for raising and appropriating money, and for fixing the salaries of the officers of the government of the United States, shall originate in the first branch of the legislature, and shall not be altered or amended by the second branch-and that no money shall be drawn from the public treasury, but in pursuance of appropriation to be originated in the first branch.

II. That in the second branch of the legislature, each state shall have one vote.

These propositions being adopted, the convention proceeded to organize the legislative, and other aepartments of the government.

Sec. 9. At length, on the 17th of September, 1787, the convention having adopted and sign-.

ed the federal constitution, presented it to congress, which body soon after sent it to the several states for their consideration.

An abstract of this constitution, with its several subsequent amendments, follows: it is extracted from Mr. Webster's Elements of Useful Knowledge.

Of the legislature. "The legislative power of the United States is vested in a congress, consisting of two houses or branches, a senate, and a house of representatives. The members of the house of representatives are chosen once in two years, by the persons who are qualified to vote for members of the most numerous branches of the legislature, in each state. To be entitled to a seat in this house, a person must have attained to the age of twenty-five years, been a citizen of the United States for seven years, and be an inhabitant of the state in which he is chosen.

Of the senate. "The senate consists of two senators from each state, chosen by the legislature for six years. The senate is divided into three classes, the seats of one of which are vacated every second year. If a vacancy happens, during the recess of the legislature, the executive of the state makes a temporary appointment of a senator, until the next meeting of the legislature. A senator must have attained to the age of thirty years, been a citizen of the United States nine years, and be an inhabitant of the state for which he is chosen.

The senate

Of the powers of the two houses. "The house of representatives choose their own speaker and other officers, and have the exclusive power of impeaching public officers, and originating bills for raising a revenue. The vice president of the United States is president of the senate; but the other officers are chosen by the senate. tries all impeachments; each house determines the validity of the elections and qualifications of its own members, forms its own rules, and keeps a journal of its proceedings. The members are privileged from arrest, while attending on the session, going to, or returning from the same, except for treason, felony, or breach of the peace.

Of the powers of congress. "The congress of the Uni

The members comprising this convention amounted to fifty-fivethirty-five only of whom signed the constitution. Of the remaining sixteen, a few had previously withdrawn from the convention, on the ground, that in their view their powers extended only to revising the articles of confederation. Others had retired, having been obliged from particular business to leave the convention.

ted States have power to make and enforce all laws, which are necessary for the general welfare-as to lay and collect taxes, imposts, and excises; borrow money, regulate commerce, establish uniform rules of naturalization, coin money, establish post-roads and post-offices, promote the arts and sciences, institute tribunals inferior to the supreme court, define and punish piracy, declare war, and make reprisals, raise and support armies, provide a navy, regulate the militia, and to make all laws necessary to carry these powers into effect.

Of restrictions. No bill of attainder, or retrospective law, shall be passed; the writ of habeas corpus cannot be suspended, except in cases of rebellion or invasion; no direct tax can be laid, except according to a census of the inhabitants; no duty can be laid on exports, no money can be drawn from the treasury, unless appropriated by law; no title of nobility can be granted, nor can any public officer, without the consent of congress, accept of any present or title from any foreign prince or state. The states are restrained from emitting bills of credit, from making any thing but gold or silver a tender for debts, and from passing any law impairing private contracts.

Of the executive. "The executive power of the United States is vested in a president, who holds his office for four years. To qualify a man for president, he must have been a citizen at the adoption of the constitution, or must be a native of the United States; he must have attained to the age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States. The president and vice-president are chosen by electors designated in such a manner as the legislature of each state shall direct. The number of electors, in each state, is equal to the whole number of senators and representatives.

Of the powers of the president. "The president of the United States is commander-in-chief of the army and navy, and of the militia when in actual service. He grants reprieves and pardons; nominates, and, with the consent of the senate, appoints ambassadors, judges, and other officers; and, with the advice and consent of the senate, forms treaties, provided two thirds of the senate agree. He fills vacancies in offices which happen during the recess of the senate. He convenes the congress on extraordinary occasions, receives foreign ministers, gives information to congress of the state of public affairs, and in general, takes care that the laws be faithfully executed.

Of the judiciary. "The judiciary of the United States consists of one supreme court, and such inferior courts as the congress shall ordain. The judges are to hold their offices during good behavior, and their salaries cannot be diminished during their continuance in office. The judicial power of these courts extends to all cases in law and equity, arising under the constitution, or laws of the United States, and under treaties; to cases of public ministers and consuls; to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction; to controversies between the states, and in which the United States are a party; between citizens of different states; between a state and a citizen of another state, and between citizens of the same state, claiming under grants of different states; and to causes between one of the states or an American citizen, and a foreign state or citizen.

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Of rights and immunities. In all criminal trials, except impeachment; the trial by jury is guarantied to the accused. Treason is restricted to the simple acts of levying war against the United States, and adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort; and no person can be convicted, but by two witnesses to the same act, or by confession in open court. A conviction of treason is not followed by a corruption of blood, to disinherit the heirs of the criminal, nor by a forfeiture of estate, except during the life of the offender. The citizens of each state are entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states. Congress may admit new states into the union, and the national compact guaranties, to each state, a republican form of government, together with protection from foreign invasion and domestic violence."

Sec. 10. By a resolution of the convention, it was recommended that assemblies should be called, in the different states, to discuss the merits of the constitution, and either accept or reject it; and, that as soon as nine states should nave ratified it, it should be carried into operation by congress.

To decide the interesting question, respecting the adoption or rejection of the new constitution, the best talents of the several states were assembled in their respective conventions. The fate of the constitution could, for a time, be