At the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Franklin was queried as he left Independence Hall on the final day of deliberation. In the notes of Dr. James McHenry, one of Maryland’s delegates to the Convention, a lady asked Dr. Franklin “Well Doctor what have we got, a republic or a monarchy.” Franklin replied, “A republic . . . if you can keep it.” We have begun the downfall of all republics. We have lost our identity. Dwell long on the brevity of that response. If you can keep it. Deep words from a profound man. We have lost it.
A Republic
757 Sheepdog 