What Were They Thinking? (Part 2)

June 2, 1784 at the Constitutional Convention: Benjamin Franklin spoke on the subject of executive salaries.

... I think I see inconveniences in the appointment of salaries; I see none in refusing them, but on the contrary, great advantages.

Sir, there are two passions which have a powerful influence on the affairs of men. These are ambition and avarice; the love of power, and the love of money. Separately each of these has great force in prompting men to action; but when united in view of the same object, they have in many minds the most violent effects.

~ snip ~

And of what kind are the men that will strive for this profitable pre-eminence, through all the bustle of cabal, the heat of contention, the infinite mutual abuse of parties, tearing to pieces the best of characters? It will not be the wise and moderate; the lovers of peace and good order, the men fittest for the trust. It will be the bold and the violent, the men of strong passions and indefatigable activity in their selfish pursuits. These will thrust themselves into your Government and be your rulers ... [emphasis added}

His motion was made, and seconded out of respect for him, but received little debate, nor was it voted upon. The notes for that day's discussion conclude, "It was treated with great respect, but rather for the author of it, than from any apparent conviction of its expediency or practicality."

Once again, we see the genius of Benjamin Franklin: he (and others, like Patrick Henry) foresaw that the central government would - in time - grow out of all proportion, gathering power unto itself, becoming Leviathan ... and tyrannical in its actions.


This post, the second in a series, is presented for purposes of enlightenment and discussion regarding the purposes behind the provisions of the U.S. Constitution., using the words of those who debated them. The first post may be found here.