to a
monarchy, an oligarchy, an aristocracy, or any other
despotic or oppressive form, so long as there shall remain
any virtue in the body of the people.

"I would not be understood, my dear marquis, to speak of
consequences which may be produced, in the revolution of
ages, by corruption of morals, profligacy of manners, and
listlessness in the preservation of the natural and
inalienable rights of mankind, nor of the successful
usurpations that may be established at such an unpropitious
juncture upon the ruins of liberty, however providently
guarded and secured, as these are contingencies against
which no human prudence can effectually provide. It will at
least be a recommendation to the proposed constitution, that
it is provided with more checks and barriers against the
introduction of tyranny, and those of a nature less liable
to be surmounted, than any government hitherto instituted
among mortals. We are not to expect perfection in this
world; but mankind, in modern times, have apparently made
some progress in the science of government. Should that
which is now offered to the people of America be found an
experiment less perfect than it can be made, a constitutional
door is left open for its amelioration."

Hamilton, with his usual marvellous sagacity, clearly perceived the
shaping of the conflict to be fought, and at once assumed the panoply of
a most acute contestant in its favor. "The new constitution," he wrote
immediately after the adjournment of the convention, "has in favor of
its success these circumstances: A very great weight of influence of the
persons who framed it, particularly in the universal popularity of
General Washington. The good will of the commercial interest throughout
the states, which will give all its efforts to the establishment of a
government capable of regulating, protecting, and extending the commerce
of the Union. The good will of most men of property in the several
states, who wish a government of the Union able to protect them against
domestic violence, and the depredations which the democratic spirit is
apt to make on property; and who are, besides, anxious for the
respectability of the nation. The hopes of the creditors of the United
States that a general government, possessing the means of doing it, will
pay the debt of the Union. A strong belief, in the people at larg