[144] These quoted phrases are the modern terms, of course. The Franklanders called both meetings merely conventions.
[145] This was a matter of supreme moment. The first legislature of the new State found it necessary to fix a "currency in kind," as legal-tender, in which all business transactions should be carried on, and all government salaries paid. A pound of sugar was to pass for one shilling; a fox or raccoon skin for two shillings; a gallon of peach brandy for three shillings; and an otter or a deer skin for six shillings. Easterners, even Benjamin Franklin, indulged in much laughter at this "money which could not be counterfeited," forgetting how their own fathers had used similar currency.
[146] This paragraph was added by amendment (proposed by Mr. Gerry) at the last moment. A more stringent proposition was lost,—viz.: "That until such time as the settlers shall have adopted the constitution and laws of some one of the original states ... the settlers shall be ruled by magistrates to be appointed by the United States in Congress assembled, and under such laws and regulations as the United States, in Congress assembled, shall direct."
[147] For this earlier ordinance, cf. No. 149a.
[XXVI. DRIFTING TOWARD ANARCHY]
150. Danger (or Hope) of a Military Dictator (1783)
Gouverneur Morris to John Jay
Life and Works of Morris (Sparks' edition), I, 249. If this letter is taken in conjunction with the army plots, it would seem that Morris was not averse to a military revolution as a step toward aristocratic rule.
Philadelphia, January 1, 1783.
... The army have swords in their hands. You know enough of the history of mankind to know much more than I have said,—and possibly much more than they themselves yet think of. I will add, however, that I am glad to see things in this present train. Depend on it; good will arise from the situation to which we are hastening. ... Although I think it probable that much of convulsion will ensue, yet it must terminate in giving to government that power without which government is but a name.