Existing comment:
Signing the Constitution of the United States
September 17, 1787
In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names.
At the very moment of triumph, discontent threatened to unravel the compromises crafted carefully over four months time. As the majority of the Constitutional Convention struggled to achieve unanimity, some members resisted. Even a plea from the elder statesman, Benjamin Franklin, failed to convince three doubtful delegates to "witness" the final draft of the Constitution. The other thirty-nine, however, laid aside their personal fears, signed the document, and enlisted in the struggle for ratification that began immediately.
"With all its faults, the moment this plan goes forth all other considerations will be laid aside, and the great question will be, share there be a national Government or not?"
-- Gouverneur Morris, 1787
"No man's ideas are more remote from the plan than my own are known to be. But is it possible to deliberate between anarchy and convulsion on one side, and the chance of good to be expected from the plan on the other?"
-- Alexander Hamilton, September 17, 1787
"We have... done our best and it [the Constitution] must take its chance."
-- Benjamin Franklin, 1787 |