Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-05

George Washington was, Of course, the
outstanding member Of the Constitutional
Convention, so far as previous accom-
plishmentS and renoWn were concerned.
Actually, beyond the all-important value
of his presence in giving prestige to the
gathering and encouragement to his col
leagues, he made no speech and offered
no resolution of any consequence dur
ing the gathering. This was not due
to lack of ability or of ideas. Long be
fore the convention was suggested, he
had clearly outlined, in letters addressed
to leaders In the various States, the
need for prompt steps toward strong
and adequate central government. The
reason for this silence during the con-
vention itself is to be found in the
fact that he was selected as its presi-
dent, and that he regarded his duties
as similar to those Of the Spc aker of the
English House OF Commons. In other
words, he regarded himself as ref
cree on rules and not as a debater. He
executed his task well. In addition, dur
ing the periods of adjournment, he re-
peatedly interviewed quitely and effec-
lively to bring about compromises, and
to cause some hot-headed delegate to
restrain himself from pushing sectional
issues too far. He was the convention's
moderator It is not too much to say,
therefore, that, though virtually voice
less in the convention, Washington
made his will, his judgment end his
vision opsrate continually upon 1t.
Next to Washington, the most power
full and famous. man of the gathering
was Robert Morris. financier of the
Revolution and, during considerable
part of his career, the richest man in
America. He owned altogether more
than 100000 acres of land. OF this,
approximately 6.500,000 acres were in
New York and the balance in Virginia,
Pennsylvania and South Carolina. Dur
ing the Revolution he had repeatedly
secured, for the support OF Washington
army, large loans on his own credit,
when 1t was impossible to secure them
On the credit of the central Government.
He was, in short the largest landowner
in the New World-the largest OF his
, own time and of any subsequ mt period
in American history. His prestige in
money matters was international, and
his operations, both as broker and a
landowner, were colossal. But Singu-
lar shyness OVERLOOK him at this period.
He merely nominated Washington as
president Of the convention and there
after did not make another adGrtSs to
its delegates Similarly. in the suisse
quent setting UP Of the new Government
he, who had been the money wizard of
| the Nation, stepped aside for younger
men and refused to undertake again the
burden of American finances. A buSi-
ness panic bankrupted him, and he was
sent to prison for three years for debt.
Franklin, then 81 years Of age, enjoyed
tremendous reputation on both sides
Of the Atlantic, being almost as much
France as at home. His extreme age
and his inflrmities, which prevented him
from addressing the delegates save
through the lips of one of his associates
| from Pennsylvania, Handicapped him
severely. Nevertheless, his int lligenee,
| his wit, his tolerance and his mag
nificent eagernesS to give credit and en-
cOuragement to others. made him an
important factor at all stages of the
| discussions.
After these three, in importance came
Edmund Randolph, Gouveneur Morris,
| Roger Sherman, George Mason, Ell
bridge Gerry, Rufus King, John Dick
ins0n, the Pinckneys, James Wilson and
John Rutledge.
Hamilton, one Of the most audaciouS
and intelligent of the delegates, was to
display remarkable restraint upon his
impatience over the general unwilling
ness TO model the new Government
closely on the British system, with en-
phaSis on the ariStocratie and heredi-
tary elgments. He repeatedly urged the
del gates to tone their system as high
| a. they could stand it,"
Madison was the conventions most
thorough student of the government sys-
TENS of Other lands and other ages
Prim, persistent, tireless, he not only
did not miss q single session, but was
spresent during every hour OF the denn-
erations. His most important contribu-
ton was to be the unohAeial Journal
which he kept Of the convention