January 31, 1788
When the Convention met in the afternoon,
His Excellency the PRESIDENT observed, that a motion had been made and seconded, that this Convention do assent to, and ratify, the Constitution which had been under consideration—and that he had in the former part of the day intimated his intention of submitting a proposition to the consideration of the Convention. My motive, says he, arises from my earnest desire to this Convention, my fellow-citizens and the publick at large, that this Convention may adopt such a form of government, as may extend its good influences to every part of the United States, and advance the prosperity of the whole world. His situation, his Excellency said, had not permitted him to enter into the debates of this Convention.—It however, appeared to him necessary, from what had been advanced in them, to adopt the form of government proposed; but, observing a diversity of sentiment in the gentlemen of the Convention, he had frequently had conversation with them on the subject; and from this conversation, he was induced to propose to them, whether the introduction of some general amendments would not be attended with the happiest consequences: For that purpose he should, with the leave of the Hon. Convention, submit to their consideration a proposition, in order to remove the doubts, and quiet the apprehensions of gentlemen; and if in any degree the object should be acquired, he should feel himself perfectly satisfied. He should therefore, submit them—for he was, he said, unable to go more largely into the subject, if his abilities would permit him, relying on the candour of the Convention to bear him witness, that his wishes for a good constitution were sincere. [His Excellency then read his proposition.] This gentlemen, concluded his Excellency, is the proposition which I had to make; and I submit it to your consideration, with the sincere wish, that it may have a tendency to promote a spirit of union.