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URING the war of independence, common danger had produced feelings of sympathy and mutual obligation among the states constituting the American Union; and to this cause was owing, in an eminent degree, the acknowledgment of the authority of Congress to legislate for the nation. The return of peace broke this bond of union; and soon the germs of distrust, want of credit, and civil commotions, began to produce their legitimate fruits. As early as July, 1782, New York declared the general government incapable of furnishing itself with a revenue. In February of the following year, Congress made an effort to establish permanent and adequate funds throughout the United States; but in 1786, the measure was defeated by the opposition of New York.

Meanwhile an insurrection against the state government had taken place in Massachusetts. On the 22d of August, 1786, a convention met at Hatfield to protest against several acts of the legislature. Very soon after a large body of insurgents took possession of the court-houses in Northampton and other counties. Daniel Shays was their leader; and although the general court immediately passed laws

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for relieving the public burdens, he proceeded with his followers to Springfield, and on the 26th of December took possession of the court-house. He then became so troublesome that four thousand troops, under General Lincoln, were ordered against him. Previous to their march, Shays with eleven hundred men had attacked a body of twelve hundred troops under General Sheppard, but was driven away by a round of musketry. On the 4th of February, General Lincoln suddenly surprised them at Petersham, whence they were. driven in great confusion, with the loss of one hundred and fifty prisoners. This terminated the rebellion.

The first efforts toward the formation of a permanent government were rather accidental than otherwise. Virginia recommended a convention of delegates to take into consideration the ineffective regulations concerning commerce, and this call was responded to by five other states. In September, 1786, the proposed meeting took place at Annapolis; but, feeling the limited extent of their powers, the delegates made but a few minor arrangements, and then adjourned after recommending to Congress the calling of a National Convention, with authority to adopt measures for the formation of a permanent government. Accordingly, Congress passed a resolution recommending a convention of delegates from all the states to be held at Philadelphia, for the purpose of revising the articles of confederation, and reporting to Congress and the several legislatures such alterations and provisions therein as should, when agreed to in Congress, and confirmed by the states, render the Federal constitution adequate to the emergencies of government and the preservation of the Union.

N May, 1787, this body of able statesmen assembled at the place appointed, all the states except Rhode Island being represented. Washington was chosen president. After long deliberations they reported to Congress a draft of the present constitution, recommending its being submitted for ratification to a convention of delegates in each state, chosen by and from the people of each. This was complied with, and for several months the newly-reported instrument underwent a critical examination. During this period its provisions were ably explained and defended in a series of essays entitled the Fede ralist, written by Madison, Jay, and Hamilton. It was this circumstance that gave the title of Federalists to the political party who favoured the new constitution, while at the same time their opponents

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were styled Anti-Federalists. The consent of nine states was requi site to enable the new code to become the basis of national legislation; and as nearly a year intervened before this could be obtained, Congress employed that interval in adopting measures for organizing the new government. The first electors for the office of president were to be chosen on the first Wednesday in February, 1789, and vote for the person of their choice on the first Wednesday of March following.

The hopes of Congress and the nation were now centred upon Washington. In him the friends of the still tottering Constitution beheld the only resource which could give weight to the novel operation of so strange an experiment as that which they were about to perform. Even its opponents were in general willing to make a trial of it, could he be placed at its head. But it was with no small difficulty that his habitual distrust of himself, united to an ardent love of retirement, could be again overcome. Besides his reluctance again to embark on the stormy ocean of politics, he was extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits, for which he had ever entertained a passionate fondness. But the people were encouraged by the reflection that he had never refused the call of public duty. They therefore renewed their earnest appeals that he would give stability to the youthful nation by the weight of his influence, and at length he consented. On the day of election he received the unanimous vote of the electors, "and probably without a dissenting voice in

WASHINGTON ELECTED PRESIDENT.

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WASHINGTON TAKING THE OATH OF OFFICE, IN FRONT OF THE OLD FEDERAL HALL, NEW YORK.

the whole nation, was chosen the first President of the United States."

Washington received notice of his election, April 14, 1789, and sacrificing his long cherished hopes and feelings to the public wish, he left Mount Vernon on the 16th, for New York, where Congress was then in session. His journey was everywhere hailed by the spontaneous overflowing of love and veneration for his person, from an almost idolizing people. As he drew near different towns, the entire population hastened to meet him, and the chief citizens welcomed him to their homes. In the great cities, the bells rang, cannons were fired, and civic and military authorities paraded. Elizabethtown Point, he was met by a deputation from Congress and the heads of departments, and his journey thence to New York was one triumphal procession. At the latter city, he was escorted by an immense concourse of people, among whom were the governor, and other officers of state, the clergy, foreign ministers, and others. In the evening, the city was brilliantly illuminated.

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On the 30th of April, Chancellor Livingston administered to him the oath of office, in presence of both houses of Congress and thousands of citizens; and then the discharge of thirteen guns from the battery, and the cheers of assembled masses, announced that the new government was completely organized. The President then retired to the Senate chamber, and delivered an impressive address to each branch of the National Legislature, in which, after expressing distrust in his ability to execute the duties just conferred upon him, he declared his conviction that the same Great Being who had con

ducted them through the long struggle for independence, would still continue to preside over their deliberations, and establish on a firm basis a form of government which other nations would be delighted to copy. Washington then retired to St. Paul's church, where the services of the day were closed by appropriate religious ceremonies. At night, the city was again illuminated, and fireworks displayed.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

Among the first acts of Congress, was a law imposing duties on imported merchandise, and taxes on the tonnage of vessels. Its next important step was the constituting of an executive cabinet, composed of the secretaries of war, of state, and of the treasury. Washington appointed Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury, General Knox, Secretary of War, and Thomas Jefferson, Secretary. of State. John Jay became chief

justice, assisted by five associate judges.

On the adjournment of Congress, Washington made a tour through the New England states, where he was gratified not only by the flattering testimonies of esteem and affection heaped upon him by all classes of people, but also by the signs of returning prosperity and affluence. The effects of war were disappearing, agriculture was actively and profitably pursued, manufactures were increasing, towns springing up in every direction, and commerce becoming daily more extended. The heart of the great man was cheered by these tokens of order, peace, and contentment, which were so many unmistakable types of the country's future prosperity.

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