University of Virginia Library

1992. DEBATE, Secrecy and.—

I am sorry the Federal convention began their deliberations
by so abominable a precedent as that of
tying up the tongues of their members. Nothing
could justify this example but the innocence
of their intentions and ignorance of
the value of public discussions.—
To John Adams. Washington ed. ii, 260.
(P. 1787)