The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1906-06-07

single instance will ! permit my
per sonal ambitions to conflict with
what must be the life long demands
OF this country" A noble vow!
How nobly kept!
His five years of college work he
completed in two and graduated in
that fateful year, 1775. At last!
Now was the time to show how much
his vow meant. Now was the great
opportunity for youth and ambition,
for devotion and loyalty to vindi-
cate itself.
War was inevitable; was declared.
Hastily the country was preparing.
Generals were being appointed;
forts were being raised; troops
were being organized.
Hamilton was appointed captain
Of company of artillery. In all the
early battles he took a prominent
part. He showed high military
genius. moved rapidly toward high
command, but he was cot allowed to
remain long for he was needed else
! where.
Washington appointed him to be
his secretary, Hamilton was un-
willing at first. He confessed that
he would like to remain in the army
where he could win glory. But
Washing ton assured him that he
would be Of more value to the cour-
try if he would become his aide-de-
camp. For who could write so
clearly, forcibly, and conyincingiy
as Hamilton? His spirit was ia his
work and his writings impressed all
people with the fact. When Hamil
! tons patriotism was appealed to, it
was won, and he accepted the posi-
ton as Washin gton S aide. He was
entrusted with the most delicate
work. He had to send reports to
Congress. to the States, to the Brit
ish. and to the other generals for
re Endorsements.
He impressed upon Congress the
need of a foreign loan to pay the
debts. They finally yielded and
sent Laurens to France to borrow
it, Laurens haG Hamilton write a
letter to the French king which he
i knew would do as much as his own
! personal work.
On all sides Hamilton was shown
tqat his interest and ability were
appreciated. Nevertheless, he did
not like his position. 1t was weary
work and he lo1ged to have an ac-
tive part in the war. His oppor-
tunity finally came. One day I'M
necessarily he kept Washington
waiting for about four minutes.
Washington reprovei him, saying.
"Colonel Hamilton! You have kept
me waiting these ten minutes. |
must tell you sir, you treat me with
disrespect.
'sI am not conscious of it, sir, but
since you have thought 1T necessary
to tell me so, we part, was the re-
joinder
Very well, sir! if it be your
CHOICE replied Washington; and
they parted. Although Washington
begged Hamilton to his service he
wovld not yield, now that the crisis
af the struggle was over.
Hamilton now began the study OF
law but made only short stndy for
it. Why? He saw that his energies
were needed elsewhere. Liberty
had been won; but the new country
needed government. The country
was in chaos! There was no
orderi No public credit! Hamil-
ton saw that the states had to be
united under one central govern
ment in order to- establish law and
order Competent men were ne
cessary for this purpose. When the
delegates met to draw up the Con
{ stitution Hamilton as one of them.
He drew up plan for the govern
ment, but this Was not accepted.
: Nevertheless, when one was finally
, l.agreed upon he took every oppor-
, tunity to write or speak in it's vindi-
, cation.
Hamilton was appo;n ted Secretary
of the Treasury. He pressed the
, tablishment of a National Bank.
For this purpose he wanted foreign
, loan. He succeeded in his plan, and
the restoration of public credit and