Untitled - the Digital Library of Georgia

GEORGIA AND GEORGIANS 347
monetary system and for fixing a uniform standard of weights and
measures, the demand for a central government in dealing with the In
dian tribes and in fixing the boundary lines between states—these were
some of the reasons which made it imperative "to form a more perfect
Union." Until the Federal Constitution became operative in 1789 the
Continental Congress was the sole governing power. There was no
bicameral Legislature, with its House and Senate, no President, no
Chief Justice, no courts of law. It is little wonder that a spirit of heav
iness had commenced to brood upon the land.
Georgia's conservatism made her friendly from the very start to a
closer tie of union. It was because she felt the need of a strong arm to
protect her that she was loath to lower the flag of England during
the colonial period; and, for a like reason, she looked with favor at this
time upon a strong central government, through which to secure her
exposed borders. The Spaniards to the south and the Indians to the
north and west were a constant menace. She possessed a vast territory
but only a scant population. Moreover, as a result of the Revolution,
she was left in a greatly enfeebled condition.
When a communication was received, therefore, inviting her to send
delegates to a convention to be held at Philadelphia, on May 14, 1787,
she did not need to be coaxed. Two months in advance of the time set
for the meeting—destined to become historic—her Legislative Assembly
at Augusta passed an ordinance, on February 10, 1787, naming six dele
gates to attend this convention, to wit: William Few, Abraham Baldwin,
William Pierce, George Walton, William Houstoun, and Nathaniel Pen-
dleton. Under the terms of this ordinance, it was necessary for at least
two of these delegates to attend before the state could be officially
represented.
The great convention in Philadelphia, from the molds of which
emerged a constitution, declared by Gladstone to be the wisest instrument
ever struck from the brain of man, was called as the result of a con
ference held at Annapolis, Maryland, in 1786. This gathering at An
napolis was called at the instance of Virginia, to discuss certain inter-state
questions of a commercial character; but, under the leadership of Alex
ander Hamilton, it was induced to extend its view over the general
field of American political conditions.* It seemed to be an opportune
time for stressing the federal idea in its broadest application. Conse
quently a resolution was adopted recommending the appointment of
delegates from each of the states to attend a convention in Philadelphia.
This resolution was addressed to the Continental Congress and to the
various state legislatures. As set forth in this resolution the convention
was called "to devise such provisions as shall appear necessary to render
the Constitution of the Federal government adequate to the exigencies
of the Union." This plan was approved by the Continental Congress,
. from which body an authoritative call was soon formally issued.
Originally the time set for the convention to open was Monday, May
14, 1787, in historic old Independence Hall, the birthplace of the im
mortal Declaration. But stage coaches were proverbially slow and
uncertain. Bad weather always impeded travel over country roads. At
'Georgia and State Eights," IT. B. Phillips, p. 16.