1. DEBATE OVER CONSTITUTION

men. Acquit me, sir, of any agency in the formation of the new system;
I shall be satisfied with seeing, if it should be adopted, a prudent ad-
ministration. Indeed I am so much convinced of the truth of Pope's
maxim, that-"That which is best administered is best,"2 that I am
much inclined to subscribe to it from experience. I am not disposed
to unreasonably contend about forms. I know our situation is critical,
and it behoves us to make the best of it. A federal government of some
sort is necessary. We have suffered the present to languish; and whether
the confederation was capable or not originally of answering any valu-
able purposes, it is now but of little importance. I will pass by the men,
and states, who have been particularly instrumental in preparing the
way for a change, and, perhaps, for governments not very favourable
to the people at large. A constitution is now presented, which we may
reject, or which we may accept, with or without amendments; and to
which point we ought to direct our exertions, is the question. To de-
termine this question, with propriety, we must attentively examine the
system itself, and the probable consequences of either step. This I shall
endeavour to do, so far as I am able, with candour and fairness; and
leave you to decide upon the propriety of my opinions, the weight of
my reasons, and how far my conclusions are well drawn. Whatever may
be the conduct of others, on the present occasion, I do not mean,
hastily and positively to decide on the merits of the constitution pro-
posed. I shall be open to conviction, and always disposed to adopt that
which, all things considered, shall appear to me to be most for the
happiness of the community. It must be granted, that if men hastily
and blindly adopt a system of government, they will as hastily and as
blindly be led to alter or abolish it; and changes must ensue, one after
another, till the peaceable and better part of the community will grow
weary with changes, tumults and disorders, and be disposed to accept
any government, however despotic, that shall promise stability and firm-
ness.
The first principal question that occurs, is, Whether, considering our
situation, we ought to precipitate the adoption of the proposed consti-
tution? If we remain cool and temperate, we are in no immediate dan-
ger of any commotions; we are in a state of perfect peace, and in no
danger of invasions; the state governments are in the full exercise of
their powers; and our governments answer all present exigencies, ex-
cept the regulation of trade, securing credit, in some cases, and pro-
viding for the interest, in some instances, of the public debts; and
whether we adopt a change, three or nine months hence, can make
but little odds with the private circumstances of individuals; their hap-
piness and prosperity, after all, depend principally upon their own ex-
ertions. We are hardly recovered from a long and distressing war: The

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