Franklin signs the Constitution
George Washington, as we have seen, was the president of this meeting. Many speeches were made, and there was debating for many weeks. The meeting was always glad to hear Franklin speak, for he was a very wise man. As he had helped to make, and had signed, the Declaration of Independence, so now, after helping make the Constitution, he signed it. Many persons did not like the Constitution. Franklin said there were some things in the new plan which he did not like, but declared that he signed it because of the good things it did contain. He showed his wisdom, for it is one of the best plans of government ever made.
Died in 1790
Franklin spent his last days with his daughter, and, surrounded by his grandchildren, died in 1790, at the age of eighty-four.
SUGGESTIONS INTENDED TO HELP THE PUPIL
The Leading Facts. 1. Franklin's parents were poor, had seventeen children; hence Benjamin, though a studious fellow, was put to the printer's trade. 2. Franklin wrote the "Dogood Papers." Left home for New York, but went on to Philadelphia. 3. Persuaded to go to London. He returned and married. 4. Franklin started a circulating library, a school which became the University of Pennsylvania, and a society called the American Philosophical Society. 5. He invented a stove, founded the first fire department in America, and printed Poor Richard's Almanac. 6. Wrote the first plan of an American Union, and won degrees from English and Scotch universities. 7. Franklin was one of the committee to write the Declaration of Independence. 8. Was sent to France, where he won the help of France in the War of the Revolution. 9. Franklin was governor of the state of Pennsylvania, was a delegate to help make the Constitution, and died at the age of 84.
Study Questions. 1. How long ago was Franklin born? 2. Tell of his school experiences. 3. Why did Franklin not go to sea? 4. Tell the story of his bargain with his brother. 5. What did Franklin hear about the "Dogood Papers"? 6. Tell the story of the "runaway printer." 7. How did he save his time in Philadelphia? 8. How did he happen to go to London the first time? 9. What good example did he set to London printers? 10. Why did he return to Philadelphia? 11. What three great institutions did he found? 12. Why did the people like Poor Richard's Almanac? 13. What public offices did he hold? 14. Picture Franklin proving that electricity and lightning are the same. 15. What did he go to England a second time for? 16. How did Franklin aid in the repeal of the Stamp Act? 17. In what great events did he have a part? 18. What was his work in France? 19. What was his last great work? 20. How did he spend his last days? 21. Point out the obstacles he overcame all along in his career.
Suggested Readings. Franklin: Baldwin, Four Great Americans, 71-122; Hart, Camps and Firesides of the Revolution, 158-162; Hart, Colonial Children, 197-199, 210-214; Wright, Children's Stories of Great Scientists, 71-89; Bolton, Famous American Statesmen, 38-66; Brooks, Century Book of Famous Americans, 65-76.