Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-03-02
PROF. JOHN FIsKE
Lectures on Alexander Hamilton At Park
Congregational Church.

Congregational Church.
Not moro than five hundred people
assembled in Park church last night to
listen to Professor John Fiske's lecture
On Alexander Hamilton. The small
number can be accounted for only by
the fact that Mr. Fiske is not very well
known in Grand Rapids. His title TO
fame rests upon the fact that he is one
OF the brainest scholars, philosophers
and historians that the century has
produced. His coming should have at
tracted q larger audience.
The lecture was unquestionably one
Of the most instructive and most inter-
esting ever delivered In the state. 1t
was masterpiece of literary construc-
ton. analysis aud expression.
Mr.. Fiske was introduced by the Rev.
l. p. Powell who related the circum-
stances that induced the society TO
plan the course of lectures.
Mr. Fieke began his lecture by draw
ing vivid picture of the stirring scenes
which the 9th day of July, IVA. wit
messed in the city of New York. The
question whether or not the colony
would support Massachusetts, in its de-
fiance of the mother country had
reached stage where decision was
rendered necessary. The king in his
harsh measures against the Bay colony
had relied upon the support of New
York. The feeling was intense. ald
New York must do something. In the
midst of the vast crowd was q boy. IL
years old VINO felt that there were vital
arguments which had not been pre-.
sented. He could keep silent no longer
and finally arose and spoke. His re-
marks commanded admiration and re-
spect. When inquiries were made con-
cernlng HIM, it was found that he was
student at Kings college and his
name was Alexander Hamilton.
Mr.. Flske then gave short sketch OF
the early life of this young political
genius who seemed to have sprung into
being fully developed "Iike Pallas from
the head of Zcus." The formative in
fluences that nodded the career OF the
future financier and statesman were
discussed. His precocity again mani
Tested itself in q pamphlet issued in
1775 and entitled 1.-The Farmer Re-
futed." 1t was 50 mastery that it's
authorship was for some time ascribed
to -Jehn Jay. At the beginning of the
war Hamilton's intense hatred for an
archy was iIlustrated aud his acquaint-
ancel with Washington and Greene ex-
planned. Hamilton wae appointed 70
the place of lieutenant colonel on
WashIngton's staff. This position gave
HIM an excellent opportunity for
discovering the frail bond that
bound the colonies. together with
the dire financial straits in which
the colonies were situated. The
value OF this knowledge in Ham,
ilton's public light was made apparent
after the war, the dangers and Difficult
ties that surrounded the young repub-
lie were carefully anaiyzed by the lee
turer. Hamilton's part in the recon-
struction was explained and his views
on the subject of self-government were
rehearsed. "He had no confidence in
what the Athenian would have called
the rule of the many-headed king.
Demos" A thorough ex xplanation was
given of Hamilton's connection with
the formation of the constitution aud
structiou. "Like the wise stateeman
when he couldn't get the whole OF the
loaf he contented himself with the
half"
Hamilton's theory of financial i'm
pTovement was exhaustively treated
by the lecturer. He explained the ma
ture of the debts which confronted the
young republic. the apparent lack ofre-
sources. the worthlessnees of its credit
and the general hostility 10 any i'm
crease in the, way ef direct taxation.
The remaining lectures in the course
are "a follQys: Thps. JEFFERSON, An
drew JtkkSoh. Frontiersmau and Sol
diers, ANDREW Jackson, and American
Democracy Sixty Years Ago, "Tippe-
canoe and Tyler too" Daniel Webster
and the Sentiment OF Union.