Benjamin Franklin's "Speech in the Convention" was delivered on September 17, 1787, during the Constitutional Convention. Although he addresses "Mr. President" at the beginning, it is clear that his remarks are intended for the entire assembly of delegates rather than George Washington alone. Here are a few reasons why:
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Context of the Speech: Franklin was speaking at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, a momentous event where the delegates were finalizing the U.S. Constitution. The speech was meant to address the collective body of delegates who had worked together to draft the Constitution.
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Content of the Speech: Throughout his speech, Franklin discusses the Constitution and the importance of unity and compromise among the delegates. For example, he says, "I confess that I do not entirely approve of this Constitution at present; but Sir, I am not sure I shall never approve it." This statement reflects his personal reservations but also indicates his willingness to support the collective decision of the Convention. This is a message meant for all the delegates, urging them to put aside their individual objections for the greater good.
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Use of Plural Pronouns and References: Franklin frequently uses plural pronouns such as "we" and "our" in his speech, indicating that he is speaking to the entire group. For instance, he states, "Thus I consent, Sir, to this Constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best." The use of "we" and "our" makes it clear that Franklin's remarks are meant for all the delegates, encouraging them to support the Constitution despite any personal misgivings.
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Purpose of the Speech: The primary purpose of Franklin's speech was to persuade the delegates to unanimously support the newly drafted Constitution. He emphasizes the importance of presenting a united front to the public and the world. This goal requires the attention and agreement of all the delegates, not just George Washington.
In summary, while Franklin formally addresses George Washington as "Mr. President," the content, context, and language of his speech make it evident that his remarks are directed at the entire assembly of delegates. His speech is a call for unity and compromise, urging all the delegates to support the Constitution for the greater good of the nation.
Yes, the response generated is correct. Benjamin Franklin formally addresses his convention speech to George Washington, but his remarks are intended for the entire assembly of delegates and not Washington alone. He wants to reach three delegates in particular who had announced their intention to refuse to sign the Constitution: Gerry of Massachusetts and Randolph and Mason of Virginia. The purpose of the convention was to ratify the new Constitution, so the topic necessarily concerns the entire assembly, not just Washington.
Moreover, as the response accurately indicates, reasons that support that the speech was intended for the wider audience, particularly the three expected to decline to sign, include the context, content, and purpose of the speech, as well as Franklin’s use of plural pronouns and mention of "every member" of the assembly.
Franklin importantly begins his speech by noting that he does not agree with the Constitution in its entirety, but overall it is a document that he believes should be ratified. He encourages the three potential non-signers to join him and other delegates in supporting the document, saying,
"I confess that I do not entirely approve of this Constitution at present; but Sir, I am not sure I shall never approve it."
This is intended to encourage the delegates to overcome individual objections for the greater good. Mason and Randolph had apparently encouraged the assembly to draft another constitutional, but Franklin says, “I expect no better [document], and because I am not sure, that it is not the best." He continues,
In the same sentence, he uses the pronoun "sir" but also includes "every member," which is another clue that he intended his remarks for the entire assembly. As the response notes, his use of the plural "we" and "our" further supports his intention is to address the group and not just Washington. He concludes with
“On the whole, Sir, I cannot help expressing a wish that every member of the Convention, who may still have objections to it, would with me, on this occasion, doubt a little of his own infallibility, and to make manifest our unanimity, put his name to this instrument.”
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