The copy of the Constitution which was
used by me in making the eliminations is still in my possession.
It is to be observed that the Convention did not furnish language in
which the amendments that had been agreed to were to be expressed in
the Constitution.
The resolutions, as adopted, were in the form following:
"Resolved, That it is expedient so to alter and amend the Constitution
as to provide for a periodical division of the Commonwealth into equal
districts on the basis of population." This form was observed in all
the results reached by the Convention. The Convention had named the
first day of August as the day of adjournment, and the serious work of
preparing the Constitution was entered upon about the 15th day of July.
The committee as a body, consisting of thirteen members, took no part
in the preparation of the Constitution. It sanctioned the work as it
had been done by Mr. Dana, Mr. Morton, and myself.
As my constant presence in the Convention was required, the work
imposed upon me as chairman of the committee was performed in the
mornings, in the evenings, and during the recesses. Thus the days from
the early morning until ten o'clock at night were given to labor and
without thought of eating or drinking. At ten o'clock I ate a hearty
supper and then retired, always getting a sound sleep, whatever might
have been the work of the day preceding.
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