Chapter 7

CROWNING THE WORK.

Franklin lays the Constitution before the legislature of Pennsylvania 306

It is submitted to Congress, which refers it to the legislatures of the thirteen states, to be ratified or rejected by the people in conventions 307

First American parties, Federalists and Antifederalists 308, 309

The contest in Pennsylvania 310

How to make a quorum 311

A war of pamphlets and newspaper squibs 312, 313

Ending in the ratification of the Constitution by Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey 314

Rejoicings and mutterings 315

Georgia and Connecticut ratify 316

The outlook in Massachusetts 317, 318

The Massachusetts convention meets 319

And overhauls the Constitution clause by clause 320

On the subject of an army Mr. Nason waxes eloquent 321

The clergymen oppose a religious test 322

And Rev. Samuel West argues on the assumption that all men are not totally depraved 323

Feeling of distrust in the mountain districts 324

Timely speech of a Berkshire farmer 325, 326

Attitude of Samuel Adams 326, 327

Meeting of mechanics at the Green Dragon 327

Charges of bribery 328

Washington's fruitful suggestion 329

Massachusetts ratifies, but proposes amendments 330

The Long Lane has a turning and becomes Federal Street 331

New Hampshire hesitates, but Maryland ratifies, and all eyes are turned upon South Carolina 332

Objections of Rawlins Lowndes answered by Cotesworth Pinckney 333

South Carolina ratifies the Constitution 334

Important effect upon Virginia, where thoughts of a southern confederacy had been entertained 335, 336

Madison and Marshall prevail in the Virginia convention, and it ratifies the Constitution 337

New Hampshire had ratified four days before 338

Rejoicings at Philadelphia; riots at Providence and Albany 339

The struggle in New York 340

Origin of the "Federalist" 341-343

Hamilton wins the victory, and New York ratifies 344

All serious anxiety is now at an end; the laggard states, North Carolina and Rhode Island 345

First presidential election, January 7, 1789; Washington is unanimously chosen 346

Why Samuel Adams was not selected for vice-president 347

Selection of John Adams 348

Washington's journey to New York, April 16-23 349

His inauguration 350

THE CRITICAL PERIOD OF AMERICAN HISTORY.