ON THIS DAY IN 1787: James Madison arrived in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention. He was early. And on account of late arrivals, the Convention didn’t get underway until May 29^th. But it’s likely he didn’t waste his time. The delay gave him the opportunity to explain his views to other early-arriving delegates in an informal setting—like the Indian Queen Tavern. (If there is a tavern more important than the Indian Queen to American history, I am unaware of it. But you are welcome to nominate one.)