of eighty-five essays forming the "Federalist." The effect was immediate and far-reaching. The "Federalist" did more than any other writing to secure the adoption and support of the Constitution throughout the country. It is a profound disquisition on the principles of our government, and has since been quoted as of the highest authority on constitutional questions.

But it is more than a political and controversial treatise. Its masterly style raises it to the rank of real literature. Most of the controversial writings of the Revolutionary Period have been forgotten. Having served their temporary purpose, they have been swept into oblivion. But the "Federalist" endures as one of the masterpieces of the human reason. Its sustained power is wonderful. The argument, clothed in elevated, strong, and sometimes eloquent language, moves forward with a mighty momentum that sweeps away everything before it. It is hardly surpassed in the literature of the world as a model of masterful popular reasoning. By this production Hamilton won for himself a foremost place in the literature of his time.

But the "Federalist" was not the only service he rendered the Constitution. It was chiefly through his able leadership that the New York convention adopted the Constitution. The result was one of the most noted triumphs ever achieved in a deliberative body. When the convention assembled, the Clintonian or Anti-Federalist party had forty-six out of sixty-five votes. "Two-thirds of the convention," wrote Hamilton, "and four-sevenths of the people, are against us." In spite of the great odds against him, he entered into the contest with resolute purpose. The Anti-Federalists employed every artifice known to parliamentary tactics to delay and defeat ratification. Day after day the battle raged. Hamilton was constantly on his feet, defending, explaining, and advocating the Constitution. His mastery of the subject was complete; and gradually his cogent and eloquent reasoning overcame partisan prejudice. "At length Hamilton arose in the convention, and stating that Virginia had ratified the Constitution, and

that the Union was thereby an accomplished fact, moved that they cease their contentions, and add New York to the new empire of Republican States." The vote was taken, and the Constitution adopted.

The new government was organized early in 1789; and upon the establishment of the Treasury Department in September, Hamilton was called by Washington to tak charge of it. His practical wisdom never shone to better advantage. As Secretary of the Treasury, he left his impress upon the institutions of his country. He gave to the Treasury Department the organization it has since substantially retained. He was, perhaps, the master-spirit in putting the new government into practical operation.

The opposition to Hamilton's policy, which constantly aimed at strengthening the national government, at length took form as the Republican or Democratic party. Jefferson naturally became its head. Intensely republican at heart, he had come to entertain exaggerated, and even morbid, views concerning what he believed to be the monarchical aims of the Federalists. As a patriot and leader, he felt it his duty to arrest as far as possible this centralizing tendency. His relations with Hamilton in the cabinet, to use his own phrase, suggested the attitude of "two cocks in a pit." The feud at length grew beyond Washington's power of conciliation, and Jefferson finally withdrew from the cabinet.

It is impossible, within the narrow limits of this sketch, to follow Hamilton through all the labors and controversies of his political career. He sometimes made mistakes, as in supporting the odious Alien and Sedition Laws; but beyond all question he stood among the foremost statesmen of his time. By some he is assigned the highest place. "There is not in the Constitution of the United States, says Guizot, "an element of order, of force, of duration, which he did not powerfully contribute to introduce into it, and to cause to predominate." Tallyrand, who saw Hamilton in New York, said: "I consider Napoleon, Fox, and Hamilton the three greatest

men of our epoch, and without hesitation I award the first place to Hamilton." His official integrity, though, alas! not his moral character, was unsullied. The investigation of his conduct as Secretary of the Treasury, set on foot by his enemies in Congress, recoiled upon their own heads.

After serving nearly six years in Washington's cabinet, he retired in 1795 to private life, to gain an adequate support for his family. He resumed the practice of his profession in New York. His brilliant abilities and distinguished public services immediately brought him an extensive practice. He speedily rose to the head of the bar. His legal acumen was profound, while his clear thought, copious and forcible language, and passionate energy of will, gave him great power as an advocate.

But the end was drawing near. His brilliant career was cut short by the requirements of a false and barbarous "code of honor." Hamilton did not allow his professional labors to destroy his interest in public affairs. He continued the leader of the Federalist party, not only in his adopted State, but in the country at large. In the political contests of New York, his principal opponent was Aaron Burr, a brilliant but unprincipled man. Hamilton had twice thwarted Burr's political ambition. When at last he brought about the latter's defeat for the governorship of New York, Burr resolved upon a deadly revenge. He sought a quarrel with Hamilton, and then challenged him. The duel was fought at Weehawken, July 11, 1804. At the first fire Hamilton fell mortally wounded, discharging his pistol in the air. His death caused an outburst of sorrow and indignation that has scarcely been surpassed in the history of our country.

In person Hamilton was considerably under .size. But there was a force in his personality, a fire in his impassioned eye, that made him impressive. He was one of the most effective speakers of his time. In his social relations he was genial, high-spirited, and generous. He was idolized by his family. Though he was never popular with the masses, whom he distrusted, he had the power of surrounding himself with a

band of able and loyal followers. He was a great constructive thinker a leader of leaders. In the judgment of his rival Jefferson, he was "of acute understanding, disinterested, honest, and honorable in all private transactions, amiable in society, and duly valuing virtue in private life." Chancellor Kent pays a tribute to "his profound penetration, his power of analysis, the comprehensive grasp and strength of his understanding, and the firmness, frankness, and integrity of his character." Like all great men, perhaps, Hamilton was conscious of his power; and at times it made him self-assertive and dictatorial. He relied for success, not upon treacherous diplomacy, but upon open methods, and, if need be, upon hard fighting. He possessed extraordinary versatility of genius; and he was at once a brilliant officer, a powerful writer, an able lawyer, a great financier, a strong party leader, and a wise statesman.

FIRST NATIONAL PERIOD.

REPRESENTATIVE WRITERS.

WASHINGTON IRVING.

JAMES FENIMORE COOPER.
WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT.
EDGAR ALLAN POE.

RALPH WALDO EMERSON.

NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE.

HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW.

JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL.

JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER.
OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES.

OTHER PROMINENT WRITERS.

NEW ENGLAND.

WILLIAM ELLERY CHANNING (1780-1842). Preacher, lecturer, and Unitarian leader of Massachusetts. Author of various works in prose and verse. Among his best prose writings are "Life and Character of Napoleon Bonaparte," "Milton," and "Self-Culture."

AMOS BRONSON ALCOTT (1799-1888). Born in Connecticut. An educator and philosopher of interesting personality. Author of “ Essays,” “Table Talk," "Concord Days," and other works in prose and verse.

HENRY DAVID THOREAU (1817-1862). An eccentric recluse and student of nature. Born in Massachusetts. Author of "Walden; or, Life in the Woods," "Cape Cod," "The Maine Woods," etc.

MARGARET FULLER OSSOLI (1810-1850). A gifted woman of Massachusetts. Editor of the Dial, and author of "Woman in the Nineteenth Century,” "Art, Literature, and the Drama,' ," "At Home and Abroad," etc.