Evening journal., 1892-12-03
HISTORICAL NIGHT.
Judge Shea's Able Lecture on
Alexander Hamilton.
PART HE PLAYED AS A STATESMAN

Needed In the Science OF Government.
He Said; sThe Fabric OF the American
Empire should Rest On The Consent Of
The People,"
A large audience assembled in the
auditorium of the Historical society of
Delaware TO hear the Hon. George Shea,
l.. l.. d., Of New York, lecture on "The
Life and Character of Alexander Ham
ilton." Many Of the members of the
Hamilton Debating coterie attended in
response TO a special invitation. The
front of the room was decorated with a
large American flag and Judge Willard
Halls picture hung in the centre. Judge
Wales, the president of the club, an
nounced that Judge Shea was present at
the suggestion of Bishop Coleman, they
being old friends. The bishop was not
present, owing to indisposition. The
Hon. Mr.. Shea was introduced by Judge
Wales. Mr.. Shea read from manuscript,
but frequently paused to add some point
then suggested to him.
In opening he said he would speak
particularly of Hamilton as the founder
of states in empire an idea solely Ameri-
can. He would speak Of his ability with
out education, his power Of dividing, his
power to regulate thought, wisdom in
the application Of subjects to the materi-
ais wrought from the quarries Of knowl-
edge. President VanBuren relates in
his volume on political parties that
Talleyrand said to him that Hamilton
was first of the ablest men he had be-
come acquainted with in America or in
Europe Talleyrand has been reported
as naming Napoleon, Fox and Hamilton
as the three greatest men of the world,
and Of the three he named Hamilton as
the ablest
Hamilton seemed to know intuitively
everything that was needed in the
science Of government. He was no
theorist. The Federalist will continue
TO bear the name of Hamilton. He was
a marvel of success in. creating a credit
for nation and for relieving the country
from present burden of debt Hamil-
ton said ''rhe fabric of the American
Empire ought to rest on the solid basis
of the consent Of the people; and the
stream of national power ought to flow
Immediately from that pure original
fountain of all legitimate power No
one can accuse a man Of that kind as not
being in sympathy with the people,
Hamilton was known to be free from
avarice and its kindred dishonesty. His
fame will rest forever on the triple bases
Of jurist, orator, protector of govern.
ment and the organizer of its admins
tration. In the autumn of 1863 Hamil-
ton commenced the active battle of life.
Early in life he was in counting-room,
which period, he says, was the most use.
full part of his practical education.
About 1904 Hugh Knox, an Irishman,
I.Is
New Castle county, Delaware. lie after
ward became a Presbyterian clergyman
and settled on the island of st. Croix.
Knox had been accustomed to meet with
some gay companions m. crirrday nights.
One night one of tli iu call u on him for
a sermon. He repeated ga substance a
sermon he had hearC %, the previous
Sunday, initiating the voice and manner
of the preacher. He was so affected
hat he afterward entered the minist ry.
Knox met Hamilton in the West Indies,
where the young man was engaged in
mercantile life. In i770 Hamilton went
to Boston, thence TO Troy, thence 10
Elizabethtown, N. ] where he became
a member of the family of William Liv.
ingstone. His first lessons were received
at the discussions of the difficulties
between the mother country and Amer
lea His ideas on protection TO American
industries were here developed.
In INA n war cloud was gathering in the
sky Hamilton's early wish was for war,
The influence of Hamilton over Wash
ington was perhaps greater than either
knew. Hamilton has been described as
slight in stature. but full Of life. The
best picture of him is in New Haven. Ii
showes the surrender Of CORVALLIS tc
Washington, Hamilton being in his uni
form.
More than three score years and ten
have passed since the death of Hamilton.
Men then thought his death untimely
But history will not so show IL. He had
laid the foundations broad and deep of q
government for the people; the frame OF
which was adjustable to their needs
After the lecture vote of thanks was
rendered TO Judge Shea. The visitor:
then inspected the interesting and valu
able collection belonging TO the society,
A lodge of Odd Fellows will be organ
lied at Elkton, Md
All the papers at Davis d Co., 3l3 Market
street, tomorrow.
Harry E. Thomas ~ co.
Repair watches and iewelrv Sna Markat