Virginia Ratifies the Constitution

This is John Daly, a convention hall richman Virginia. On the 25th day of June, 1788, the Virginia ratifying convention had been taken completely by surprise. Mr. Edmund Randolph, President Governor of Virginia, has come out publicly in favor of the proposed federal constitution for the United States of America.

As a delegate to this crucial convention, and up to now an avowed enemy of the Constitution, The Randolph has been a leader in the campaign against ratification, but he has just told reporters that he will speak and vote for ratification when the Convention reconvenes to vote a few minutes from now, thus the Constitution, which would unite the 13 American states under

a strong central government, has found a powerful friend in an unexpected quarter. You, when they paid them to have a 1788, they convention for Richmond, Virginia. You are there. Virginia, key state in the plan to form the 13 original states into United America stands undecided, torn by dissensions, and the Constitution hangs in the balance.

CBS takes you back 160 years to the day that determined whether Americans could go forward from revolution and establish a stable central government. All things are as they were then, except for one thing. When CBS is there, you are there.

You are there, produced and directed by Robert Louis Cheyenne, is based on authentic historical facts and quotations. Now, Virginia, the Richmond Convention Hall, and John Daley. A group of reporters, Haridley Summons, the governor's executive chamber, a few minutes ago, asked why he is turning from the party of Patrick Henry to the party of James Medicine.

Governor Randolph would not amplify his statement, saying only that he will give the reasons which prompted his move on the floor of the convention. And be hurried from that news conference to this microphone here on the convention floor to bring you this news.