Chapter VII

THE FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION.--WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF
THE CONVENTION.

Embarrassments attending the Assembling of the Convention 380

Discipline to which the American People had been subjected 381, 382

The Constitution the Result of Circumstances 382

Consequences of a Want of Power in the First Government 383

Its Incapacity 384

Sufferings of the People 384

Civil Liberty the Result of Trial and Suffering 385, 386

Qualities of the Framers of the Constitution 386, 387

Hamilton 387

Washington 388

Madison 388

Franklin 388

Gouverneur Morris 388

Their Characters formed during the Revolution 388, 389

Diversities of Opinion in such an Assembly 389

Patriotism of its Members 390

A Republican System their great Object 390

Slight Value of the Examples of other Countries 391

Necessity for a National Head 392

The New Government established without Violence 393

Washington at Mount Vernon 393, 394

His Opinions upon the Powers of the Federal Government 394-396

His Fears as to the Result of a Convention 396, 397

The Legislature of Virginia desire to place him at the Head
of their Delegation 397

Refuses informally 398

Declines a Re-election as President of the Society of the
Cincinnati 398

Receives Official Notice of his Appointment to the Convention 399

Declines the Appointment 399

The Insurrection in Massachusetts changes his
Determination 399, 400

He leaves Mount Vernon for Philadelphia 401

Is elected President of the Convention 401

His great Object, to secure a Republican Government 402

The Idea of a Monarchical Government entertained to some
Extent 402

Coercive Power necessary in the General Government 403

Washington's Character as a Statesman 404

His Fitness for the Chair of the Convention 405