instead of the ratio of forty thousand inhabitants, and was supported by Mr. King and Mr. Carroll. But, most powerful influence of all, General Washington, before putting the question, and with a modest apology for offering any remarks, expressed the satisfaction he would experience if it should be adopted. His voice had often been heard in private conversation with members upon the great topics discussed, but never before from the tribune, and now its potency was felt by all. The amendment was accepted unanimously. The Constitution was then enrolled, in order to be signed. The certificate preceding the signature was adopted by ten States, against South Carolina divided, two delegates of the latter State being inclined to a form which more strongly expressed their consent to the Constitution. Mr. Hamilton, strongly opposed to the instrument as not giving enough power to the national government, but signing it individually as a delegate from New York, was anxious that every member should sign. "Is it possible," said he, "to deliberate between anarchy and convulsion on one side, and the chance of good to be expected from the plan on the other?" But no appeal could convert the opposing sentiments of Randolph, Gerry, and Mason. These three only, of all who were present, refused to put their names to that con secrated roll, which was destined to a glorious immortality of remembrance among their countrymen, and to be the eternal signal of an epoch in the civilization of mankind. Happy were they who sacrificed local prejudice and jealous fears to the welfare of the greatest number; for they secured to themselves a fame for which kings might well exchange their crowns, — a fame which shall endure till the monuments of history perish from the earth. In submitting the result of their labors to the Congress of the Confederation, to be by them communicated to the several States, the Convention accompanied it with a letter, which briefly recounted the difficulties to be overcome, and their hopes of the approval of their action. They said: "It is obviously impracticable, in the Federal government of these States, to secure all rights of independent sovereignty to each, and yet provide for the interest and safety of all. Individuals entering into society must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest. . . . In all our deliberations on this subject we kept steadily in our view that which appeared to us the greatest interest of every true American, - the consolidation of the Union, in which is involved our prosperity, felicity, safety, perhaps our national existence." - This letter was approved by the Convention, signed by Washington, and with the Constitution transmitted to the Confederate Congress, then in session at New York. On the 20th of September these communications were received by that body, and for the first time published to the country. The Constitution was assailed at once on many sides, and for the very reasons which had been so fully canvassed and overcome in the Convention. From the congressional delegates of Virginia and from New York came the bitterest hostility. But Madison soon appeared in his seat, and the friends of the Constitution joined the battle with courage and organization. On the 28th of September they succeeded in carrying a resolution transmitting the documents to the legislatures of the several States, in order to be submitted to conventions in the manner resolved by the national Convention. The great contest was then transferred to the separate States, where its fate during several anxious months was suspended in a doubtful balance. X THE ACTION OF THE STATES IN RATIFICATION THE question came first before each legislature whether they would even call a convention. Second, should it be promptly called or deferred to await the action of other States? Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, and his confederates in different States were indefatigable in disseminating hostile views and their plans for the defeat of the Constitution throughout the Confederacy. Against them, most fortunately for the country and the Union, were arrayed its equally indefatigable friends. Hamilton, Madison, and Jay contributed those remarkable and historical commentaries on the proposed Constitution known as "The Federalist," and now preserved as part of the history of the nation. The entire press of the country was engaged on the two sides. The courage and violence of assault on one side were met and resisted by an equal bravery and resolution in defence. Above all leaders on either side rose the great and revered figure of Washington, who, from his retreat at Mount Vernon, expressed his patriotic hopes and wishes in numerous communications, which reached and influenced the controlling characters in many States. The cry of the nationalists was, "Union or dissolution, - the Constitution or anarchy." The discussion went on in every corner of the various States, in private conversation as well as in public assemblies. The inimical effort was made in several of the States to declare the ratification conditional upon amendments to be adopted; but Madison gave the opinion that such action could not be construed as a ratification. It must be unconditional or the State could not be included in the Union. The influence of Monroe fortunately, a much weaker character than Madison - was cast against the Constitution. Jefferson, from beyond the seas, proposed a cunning measure of opposition that came near proving fatal to a complete union. He recommended the adoption of the Constitution by nine States in order to bring it into existence, the others standing out until proposed amendments should be adopted. This evil counsel produced bad fruits, but they fortunately failed to ripen into the threatened results. Delaware, least of the sisterhood, was first to decide. With joy and with unanimity her voice was given for ratification on December 7, 1787. Pennsylvania was but little later. Her con |