Smyrna times., 1897-05-19
UNIVERSITY EXTENSION.
Lectures OH the Great Republic in its Youth
81 quGerjs Ueritaten1, cjrcunspice.
AND MADISON.

HAMILTON AND MADISON.
The lecturer when asked if Hamil-
ton wrote the Constitution of the
United States, said: "No; not a line
OF it." To the question, "Who did
write it?" replied: Madison" He
also stated that Hamilton left the
Federal Convention of 1897, of which
he was a member, and 9,evUy refurncd
to take part in its prOcccdjnqs.
When asked for his authorities on
these points he failed to give any.
In opposition to these statements of
the lecturer, we submit the following
testimony. First, as to Hamilton's
return to the convention:
Having declared his views, Ham
llton presently left the Convention on
a six weeks absence"
"Of this class was Hamilton, who
had lately returned and resumed his
seat in the Convention. HiIdreth'S
HiStOrYOf the United states, Vol. III,
pages 494-52S.
Hamilton could not resist this ap-
peal, and again took his seat in that
body, where he aided in no small de-
gree IN bringing its labors to a happy
conclusion. "-Lifc Of AIcrandcr Ham
ittOn by James RcntCick, LII d., Co.
t'tn'dia College, 1910.
"He (Hamilton) was absent for some
time on business at New York. but re-
turned again to the convention. and
though the Constitution as repOrted
by the Committee of Detail" failed
to come up to his ideas of energy and
efficiency, he exerted himself to per
feet it. ''-NcI0 Amcrican CVcl0Dgtiia.
PoL IIIL, page G75.
Second. HamiltOn's part in franz
ing the Constitution:
''Ihe Virginia delegates. Washing
ton, Randolph and Madison. submit
ted through Edmund Randolph. what
IS known as the Virginia Plan"
There was also the New Jersey plan.
Hamilton presented a sketch of his
own; but finding in the general con
fusion of plans and conflict of sec
tlonal interests, that the formation of
4HY Constitution was i'll danger. when
Washington wrote to him that he de-
spared OF seeing a favorable issue to
the proceedings and when Franklin
suggested that as they were groping
IN the dark they should apply to the
Father of Lights to illuminate their
understanding, and mOJed that the
Convention be opened bv PRAYER.
tnen Hamilton magnanimouslv cast
his plan away and threw his best ef
forts for the success of the draft of
the Committee of Detail" -" which was
the outline as adopted. "Hamilton was
appointed one of a committee along
with johnson, GOuverneur Morris.
Madison and King, to whom the draft
was referred for revision of its stvle
and arrangement. From this com
mlttee the Constitution came back
nearly in its present form. "-IEI-
drcth'S History L. s., Vol. III. page
''He was one of the committee for
revising its Constitution stvle and
arrangement, and warmly urged its
signature by the delegates present as
the best that could be had. ."-Nc,0
page G75.
'In the closing scenes of the Con-
vention, Hamilton strenuously urged
upon all present to sign the Constitu-
ton. james Renwick's s Life of Ham
iltOn.
These appeals succeeded in secur-
ing the signature of several dissatisfied
members. "-Hildreth.
1t is well known that Hamilton wrote
more articles of the Federalist than
Madison.
Third. Madison's part in framing
the Constitution:
He was an active debater in tbe
Convention and he was of the com
mmilttee that proposed the Virginia
In the ''Epochs of American His
tory" Professor Hart, of Harvard
says: 'Just before they assembled
Madison drew vp an elaborate abstract
OF ancient, medieval and existing fed
eral governments, of which he sent
copy to Washington. 1t is impos
sIble to trace single clause of the
Constitution to any suggestion in this
paper"
As to Hildreth's authoritv-Prof
Hart says che is very full and accu-
rate.
Quid rides?
A MEMBER OF THE Glass.