"GREATEST AMERICAN."

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 164, 13 July 1929, Page 1 (Supplement)

"GREATEST AMERICAN."

ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

FATHER OF THE CONSTITUTION

KILLED IN A DUEL,

(By J. D. LECKIE.)

July 11 marked the 125 th anniversary of a historic event, now almost forgotten, but far-reaching in its results, both politically and morally. This was the famous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, then Vice-president of the United States, in which the former was mortally wounded. George G. Booth, of Detroit (Michigan) published not long ago two very successful books, "Alexander Hamilton, the Greatest American," and "If Hamilton Were Here To-day." The first title is scarcely an exaggerated one, for it is doubtful if any American (though Hamilton was only American by adoption) ever achieved so much in public life through his own abilities. It must be taken into account that Washington was in his time one of the richest men in the country. He also belonged to one qf the old Virginian families, which meant much in those days. Hamilton, on the contrary, was, poor and friendless when he entered the public service of the United States; he was not even an American citizen. He was born iii the West Indies, and was a British subject. The writer has read several of his biographies, and can find no indication of the fact that he ever surrendered his British nationality. In fact, during the time he was in Washington's service, no naturalisation law could have been in force in America, or indeed previous to the ratification of the American Constitution in 1788. Washington's Adviser. Hamilton happened to be domiciled in the State of New York, where he was pursuing his studies, when the trouble with England developed. The young student showed such remarkable military skill that at the age of 18 he was given an artillery command. His conspicuous ability soon attracted the attention of Washington, who appointed him as his aide de camp, though he was then barely 20 years of age. He also became his friend, confidant, and adviser, notwithstanding the disparity in age. He was present at the battles of White Plains, Trenton, Princeton, and at the capture of the British army at Yorktown. Eventually he became second in command to Washington, who insisted on this high promotion over the heads of senior officers. So much for Washington's idea of Hamilton's military talent. In the political field he had an equally big opinion of him, for he also, on another occasion, recommended him for the post of plenipotentiary envoy to France, declaring that "no more honest or competent man could be found."

Among Hamilton's many accomplishments was a perfect knowledge of French. His mother was a Frenchwoman. He could converse with Lafayette (who was, ignorant of English) in his own language—no small advantage to Washington. He also won the affection of the French officers by his tact and .courtesy. Count ,<le in. making an important?' communication to Washing-ton, requested matter should be kept secret, or confided to none but Colonel (as he then was) Hamilton, in whom he and his brother officers had complete confidence. Framer of the Constitution. As a writer, Hamilton distinguished himself while yet a lad in his teens by some political pamphlets, of which he was the author, and which attracted much attention. As an orator, he was equally famous. On the outbreak of hostilities, a speech made by this stripling in New York aroused great enthusiasm. Perhaps, more than any one man, Hamilton can claim to be the author of the American Constitution. Not only was he one of the principal framers of that document, but it is more than probable that, but for his action, the Constitution would never have been ratified, and the United States would never have existed, but only a congeries of independent States like the present South American republics, which would never have extended beyond the Mississippi, and the whole course of history would have been changed. The individual States were very jealous of their rights, and unwilling to delegate them to the Federal Government. When the time arrived for the ratification of the Constitution, it was found that in nearly all the States there was a majority against it. It was Hamilton who, by his arguments and his oratory, overcame this opposition, and secured the signature of all the States to the ratification. Sacrificed to Honour. In the whirlpool of American politics such an outstanding figure could not fail

to attract enemies. Among these was Aaron Burr, Vice-President of the United States, an able but utterly unscrupulous man, whose political ambitions had more than once been thwarted by Hamilton. In a discussion with Burr, Hamilton objected to certain measures proposed by the former, on the ground that they were inconsistent with his principles of honour. "Great minds should be above petty considerations of honour," retorted Burr. Hamilton afterwards remarked to a friend that he had a _ "despicable opinion" of the Vice-President, Ihis remark being repeated to Burr, he considered himself insulted, and challenged Hamilton to a duel. Hamilton was opposed on principle to duelling, but could not refuse the challenge without injuring his prestige and ruining his career, according to the ideas of the time. The encounter took place on July 11, ISO 4 Hamilton discharged his pistol in the air, but Burr fired with more deadly intent, his bullet lodging in a vital organ. Hamilton fell, seriously wounded. On his friends hastening to inquire if his injuries were serious, he replied: "The wound is mortal. Break the news gently to Mrs. Hamilton." He died shortly afterwards.