11-Jan ALEXANDER HAMILTON DEFENDER OF THE CONSTITUTION THE CONSTITUTION; OR, THE NEW ROOF 1787

ALEXANDER HAMILTON

He gave the whole powers of his mind to the contemplation of the weak and distracted condition of the Country.... He saw ... the absolute necessity of some closer bond of Union for the States.... He saw at last his hopes fulfilled; he saw the Constitution adopted, and the Government under it established and organized.

The discerning eye of Washington immediately called him to the post which was far the most important in the administration of the new system. He was made Secretary of the Treasury. And how he fulfilled the duties of such a place, at such a time, the whole Country perceived with delight and the whole World saw with admiration.

Daniel Webster

THE BOY OF THE HURRICANE

On the 11th of January, 1757, there was born on the little West Indian island of Nevis, a boy who was to become one of the foremost citizens of his adopted Country, and who was to have a large part in determining its Independence, its form of government, and in working out the details of its administration. This was Alexander Hamilton.

His mother died when he was very young. His father was not so situated as properly to care for his son, so he was sent to the adjoining island of St. Croix, to live with his mother’s relatives, who were people of means.

He was given a place in their counting-house, where he acquitted himself with much credit, though the work was not at all to his liking.

When Hamilton was only fifteen years old, a terrible hurricane swept over the island. The sea was lashed into fury. The storm swept across the land, uprooting trees, and carrying devastation in its path. Even the bravest of the inhabitants were greatly frightened, and many were terror-stricken. But young Hamilton watched the storm with the greatest interest and without fear.

A few days later, an account of the storm appeared in a paper printed in a neighbouring island. The account was so vivid, the word-painting so marvellous, that the people were certain some writer of note must have been among them without their knowledge. And when they learned that the account was written by Alexander Hamilton, and he a mere boy, they were greatly astonished.

They felt that such a lad should have a better chance for education than St. Croix could afford, and a wider field in which to exercise his talents. His friends raised a fund for him, and he was sent to America. He entered a preparatory school at Elizabethtown in the Jerseys. He then went to New York City, and entered King’s College, now Columbia University.

At this time, he was disposed to side with the friends of the King of England in the controversy between the Colonists and the Mother Country; but after he had been at college for half a year, he made a visit to Boston where he heard Samuel Adams, James Otis, and other Patriots, and came back a most earnest Patriot himself.

About the time of the breaking out of the War for Independence, Hamilton organized a company of the college students who adopted the name “Hearts of Oak.” Later Hamilton was appointed the Captain of the first company of artillery raised in the Colony. He so thoroughly drilled and disciplined it, that the attention of General Greene was attracted. He sought the acquaintance of Hamilton, and spoke most enthusiastically to Washington about him, saying that he was a natural master of men, and a young man worthy the attention of the Commander-in-Chief.

Sherman Williams (Arranged)

CALL COLONEL HAMILTON

While young Hamilton was directing his battery during the passage of the Raritan, Washington, who was anxiously watching the passing of the troops, observed Hamilton’s skill and courage. He ordered one of his officers to find out the young man’s name, and tell him to report at Headquarters.

Therefore, as soon as possible, young Hamilton hurried to Headquarters. As a result of this interview, Washington made him a member of his own staff. Hamilton became Washington’s private secretary.

Many a night, after long hours of work together, Washington and Hamilton would retire to their rooms. Then suddenly a courier with important despatches would gallop up to Headquarters. Washington would arise, read the despatches and say:—

“Call Colonel Hamilton.”

And the young secretary would come and take his dictation.

Washington had the greatest confidence in Hamilton’s judgment. So much did Washington value his advice, that when he wrote his “Farewell Address,” “acting as every wise man would do under the circumstances,” he asked Hamilton for his opinion, as he also asked James Madison for his. Washington desired to get the different points of view of two large minds, on so important a document.

A STRUGGLE

After the Constitution of the United States had been framed by the Constitutional Convention, a severe political struggle took place to bring about its ratification by the States themselves. There were selfish political interests at work to prevent ratification.

The influence of Alexander Hamilton, through his speeches and writings, so brilliant and convincing, did much to bring the People of the United States to understand the absolute necessity for a strong Federal Union and for a Constitution to safeguard the liberties of the Country.

In the State of New York, the opposition to ratification was most violent. But Alexander Hamilton, during weeks of furious debate in the State Convention, spoke again and again in defense of the Constitution. And when the weary weeks of contention were passed, the vote was taken; and Alexander Hamilton’s arguments had won votes enough to carry the ratification of the Constitution. He had saved the day.

“HE KNOWS EVERYTHING”

“He knows everything,” said Robert Morris to President Washington.

Robert Morris, during the War for Independence, had been Superintendent of Finance. When Congress needed funds, when Washington wished money with which to pay the soldiers, Robert Morris provided the means since his private commercial credit was great. Men had confidence in his business ability and honour.

Once, when Congress was utterly without cash, Robert Morris supplied the Army with four or five thousand barrels of flour. And when France sent troops to America to fight for us, Robert Morris personally borrowed through Count Rochambeau, money for our Country’s use.

When Robert Morris sought to procure for Congress, money from abroad, he borrowed large sums through the Patriot, Haym Salomon, “the little friend in Front Street.”

So after Washington was elected President, and while he was making up his Cabinet, he visited Robert Morris, and said:—

“The Treasury, Morris, will of course be your berth. After your invaluable services as Financier of the Revolution, no one can pretend to contest the office of Secretary of the Treasury with you.”

This flattering offer, Robert Morris promptly declined, adding:—

“But, my dear General, you will be no loser by my declining the Secretaryship of the Treasury, for I can recommend to you a far cleverer fellow than I am, for your minister of finance, in the person of your former aide-de-camp, Colonel Hamilton.”

“I always knew Colonel Hamilton to be a man of superior talents,” said Washington, “but never supposed he had any knowledge of finance.”

To which Robert Morris replied:—

“He knows everything, sir! To a mind like his, nothing comes amiss.”

Washington then appointed Hamilton to be Secretary of the Treasury.

Hamilton took up his duties. The Country and the States were in debt. He organized the finances of our young and new Nation, putting them upon a sound basis; he provided funds with which to pay the National debt, so that the United States of America “might command the respect of the Nations of the World.”

It was Alexander Hamilton who laid the foundations of the financial system of our Republic.