The present great wealth of this country forms a striking contrast to
the facts given below:
So low were the funds in the public treasury of the United
States at the close of 1789 that the Attorney-General and
several Congressmen were indebted to the private credit of
Alexander Hamilton, their Secretary of State, to discharge
their personal expenses. President Washington was obliged to
pass a note to Tobias Leer, his private secretary, to meet his
household expenses, the note being discounted at the rate of
two per cent per month, and members of Congress were paid in
due-bills.
(2416)
=Poverty to Wealth=--See AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY.
=Power by Faith=--See FAITH AND POWER.