Chapter III

1786-1787.

NO SECURITY AFFORDED BY THE CONFEDERATION TO THE STATE
GOVERNMENTS.--SHAYS'S REBELLION IN MASSACHUSETTS, AND ITS
KINDRED DISTURBANCES.

Defence against External Assaults, the Object of the
Confederation 260

Construction of the State Constitutions 261

Fundamental Doctrine of the American Constitutions 262

Commencement of Discontents in Massachusetts 263

The Confederation without Power to act upon the Internal
Condition of a State 264, 265

State Governments exposed to the Dangers of Anarchy 265

Insurrection in Massachusetts 266

Debt of that State at the Close of the War 266

Decrease of Exports and Fisheries 267

General Condition of the State 267, 268

Private Debts 268

The Tender Act 268

Effects of this Law 269

Shays's Rebellion 269

Firmness of Governor Bowdoin 270

Insurrection suppressed 270

Congress unable to interpose 271

Hostile Disposition of the Western Indians 271

Troops to be raised by the New England States 272

Extent of the Disaffection in New England 273

Beneficial Effect of these Disturbances 273

The Union necessary to the Preservation of Order 274

Washington's Anxieties 274