As delegates to the 1787 convention in Philadelphia came to impasse after impasse concerning the elimination of the Articles of Confederation (favored by the larger states) versus holding to the one-state, one-vote arrangement of the Articles (favored by the small states) -- and the general question of representation -- it seemed to some in attendance that the proceedings would drag interminably.
In May of that year, the man who would later become responsible for Article V of the Constitution wrote of his frustration to his family back in Virginia:
"It is impossible," Virginia delegate George Mason wrote, "to judge how long we shall be detained here, but from present appearances I fear until July, if not later."
The next month, Mason wrote to push his estimate out further.
"It is impossible to judge when the business will be finished, most probably not before August. Festina lente may well be called our motto."
Mason's allusion to the Latin phrase, which means "Make haste slowly," was used to express his impatience and frustration, but the phrase is perhaps an apt motto for the Simulated Article V Convention, hosted by Convention of States Foundation, that will take place in Williamsburg, Virginia, this week.
Millions upon millions of Americans no doubt wish that the abuses of the federal government could be eliminated by a figurative snap of the fingers; a gathering of sober and prudent individuals could take a few votes and re-establish our Republic to a constitutional footing.
Everyone associated with the Convention of States movement recognizes the urgency of the moment and the need for action. We recognize the absolute necessity of acting within the bounds laid down by Mason and his colleagues. That means acting in an orderly, deliberate fashion that adheres to the Constitution, expressing fidelity to the resolutions that have passed muster in 19 state legislatures thus far, and observing the ground rules that the commissioners will agree upon.
The simulated convention will simultaneously prove to be an exercise in republican government and a rebuke to critics who believe that a convention will eviscerate or completely destroy the existing Constitution and the protections therein.
It will demonstrate what a convention can and cannot do, particularly the latter.
While it is admittedly frustrating, a convention is anything but a quick fix. It is a solution that is, however, immediately necessary in order to return to a limited government of ordered liberty.
As will be evident in Williamsburg, the process will take time, but the time is now. Festina lente.
