... perusal of the record is the inability of members to appreciate the importance of the issues. Much of the tedious and pointless character of their speeches may be ascribed to the lack of the personal ... consequence of the leadership he had held in the movement for the new Constitution and of his standing as the representative of the new Administration, of his possessing Washington's confidence and ... being the most exposed to the ravages of war and increase of burthens." Hamilton computed the amount of the foreign debt, principal and arrears, at $11,710,378 .62 ; the domestic debt, including...