DRAFT OF THE CONSTITUTION.

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would render it adequate to the exigencies of the union. Complying with this suggestion, Congress passed a resolution, recommending a convention of delegates from all the states, to be held at Philadelphia, "for the purpose of revising the articles of confederation, and reporting to Congress and the several legislatures, such alterations and provisions therein, as should, when agreed to in Congress and confirmed by the states, render the Federal constitution adequate to the emergencies of government, and the preservation of the Union."

The convention was appointed to be held in May, 1787, and at the specified time, the delegates, except from Rhode Island, assembled. The members consisted of the ablest statesmen in the country. Washington was chosen president. After the most mature deliberations, they reported to Congress a draft of the present constitution; at the same time recommending that it should be submitted to a convention of delegates in each state, chosen by and from the people thereof, for ratification. For several months it underwent a critical examination. Its articles were carefully canvassed by all the members of the Union, and the whole people of America were made familiar with its pro

visions.

During the period while the constitution was under consideration, its provisions were ably explained and defended, and its adoption earnestly recommended, in a series of essays, under the title of "The Federalist," written by Madison, Jay, and Hamilton. This title gave names to the parties who defended or opposed the adoption of the constitution; its friends being called Federalists, and its opponents Anti-Federalists. These parties formed respectively the basis of those which have since divided the people of the United States.

The constitution in its original state was by no means considered perfect. It was a compromise of conflicting interests; and some portion of it was regarded as exceptionable by each of the states. This resulted from the fact that it united thirteen independent republics into a consolidated government, having a control over the whole-republics which differed

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ADOPTION OF THE CONSTITUTION.

widely in situation, extent, habits, and domestic institutions. Rights and privileges were on all sides surrendered without apparent equivalents. Patrick Henry opposed its adoption with his usual vehemence, and even Franklin said in the convention, "I consent to this constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure it is not the best. The opinions I have had of its errors I sacrifice to the public good." Washington, in a letter quoted by Dr. Sparks in his "Life," says, "There are some things in the new form, I will readily acknowledge, which never did, and I am persuaded never will, obtain my cordial approbation; but I did then conceive, and do now most firmly believe, that in the aggregate, it is the best constitution that can be obtained at this epoch, and that this, or a dissolution, awaits our choice, and is the only alternative." Again; "It appears to me little short of a miracle, that the delegates from so many states, different from each other in their manners, circumstances, and prejudices, should unite in forming a system of national government, so little liable to well-founded objections. Nor am I yet such an enthusiastic, partial, or undiscriminating admirer of it, as not to perceive it is tinctured with some real though not radical defects."

"If we judge," says Dr. Sparks, "from the tenor of Washington's letters, after it was sent out to the world, he watched its fate with anxious solicitude, and was animated with joy at the favour it gradually gained with the public, and its ultimate triumph. It was universally agreed, that his name affixed to the constitution, carried with it a most effective influence on the minds of the people."

It was necessary for nine states to ratify the constitution in order to give it validity. Conventions were assembled in the several states to consider its provisions, and it was nearly a year before the requisite number had decided in its favour, and thus enabled Congress to take measures for organizing the new government. The first electors for the office of president, were to be chosen on the first Wednesday in February, 1789; they were to meet and vote for the person

WASHINGTON ELECTED PRESIDENT.

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of their choice, on the first Wednesday in March following.

All eyes were now turned on Washington, as the future president. He was reluctant to engage again in the arduous duties of public life. His fondness for retirement, and for agricultural pursuits, was well known; but it was also known that he never refused the call of public duty. His acceptance of the office was earnestly solicited by his friends, and the reluctance which he felt was at length overcome. The following extract of a letter, written at this time, shows his feelings on the occasion.

"Should the contingency you suggest take place, and should my unfeigned reluctance to accept the office be overcome by a deference to the reasons and opinions of my friends, might I not, after the declarations I have made, (and Heaven knows they were made in the sincerity of my heart), in the judgment of the impartial world and of posterity, be chargeable with levity and inconsistency, if not with rashness and ambition? Nay, farther, would there not be some apparent foundation for the two former charges? Now justice to myself and tranquillity of conscience require, that I should act a part, if not above imputation, at least capable of vindication. Nor will you conceive me to be too solicitous for reputation. Though I prize as I ought the good opinion of my fellow-citizens, yet, if I know myself, I would not seek or retain popularity at the expense of one social duty or moral virtue."

When the day of election came, he received the unanimous vote of the electors, " and probably without a dissenting voice in the whole nation, was chosen the first President of the United States."*

* Sparks.

HE election of the illustrious Washington to the highest office in the gift of his grateful countrymen, was formally announced to him on the 14th of April, 1789. He accepted the office with unfeigned reluctance, occasioned by his love of retirement, and by tenderness for his reputation. His feelings may be better judged from one of his private letters than from the public expression of them made to Congress in his first address. Referring to the want of zeal manifested by some of the members of the first Congress, in repairing so slowly to the seat of government, and the uneasiness and suspense of those who were awaiting their arrival, he said: "I feel for those members of the new Congress, who hitherto have given an unavailing attendance at the theatre of action. For myself, the delay may be compared to a reprieve; for in confidence I tell you, (with the world it would obtain little credit,) that my movements to the chair of government will