& Willing, and at the beginning of the Revolution this firm was the largest commercial house in the colonies.

From the very outset of the troubles with Great Britain, Morris was on the side of the patriots. He was elected a delegate to the Continental Congress, and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

While the British were overrunning New Jersey, the American army was suffering from lack of proper supplies. Money was wanted for various purposes. Washington sent to Congress a letter declaring that, while the enemy were accurately informed of all his movements, he was compelled, from want of money, to remain in complete ignorance of their military arrangements. He asked for a certain sum, stating that it was absolutely necessary to the safety of the army. Information of Washington's request was at once sent to Morris, and through his ability the needed amount was obtained.

The situation of General Greene in his South Carolina campaign was very critical, his distresses rendering it hardly practicable to keep his troops together. In this darkest hour of the American army in the South, a well-known patriot, named Hall, by advancing a large sum of money, relieved the necessities of Greene's command. It was only after the war had terminated that Greene learned that Mr. Hall had acted under Morris' direction.

Robert Morris was appointed to the high office of Financier of the young republic; but to trace him through all the acts of his administration would be to make this very brief biography a history of the United States for several years.

When the exhausted credit of the American Government threatened the most alarming consequences; when our soldiers were destitute of food and clothing; when the military chest had been emptied of its last dollar; when even the intrepid soul of Washington himself was shaken —upon Morris' own credit and from his own private resources did he furnish the money so sorely needed.

But for his timely aid and his remarkable financial ability, the energies of the colonies, exerted to their utmost, would hardly have been able to secure the glorious prize of independence. Indeed, it has been well said that to the financial operations of Morris the United States owes as much as to the remarkable diplomacy of Franklin or the brilliant generalship of Washington.

On his retirement from office the Massachusetts delegates declared that it had cost Congress eighteen million silver dollars per annum to carry on the war till he was chosen Financier, and then the war expenditure reached only five millions yearly.

In 1786 he was elected a member of the convention which drafted the Federal Constitution. He had constantly advocated a stronger bond, or union, than the old articles of confederation made, and he actively coöperated in framing and advocating our present Constitution. In 1788 the Legislature of Pennsylvania elected him to represent the State in the first Senate of the United States.

When Washington was about to form his first cabinet, Morris was worn out by his arduous public duties, and therefore felt obliged to decline the Secretaryship of the Treasury, a post that Washing

ton urged him to fill. Morris recommended Hamilton; and on the expression of some surprise by the President, who was not acquainted with the latter's abilities as a financier, Morris pledged his word for Hamilton's competency. Subsequent events vindicated Morris' keen judgment of human character, for Hamilton has. left a record of unparalleled brilliancy as Secretary of the Treasury.

After a life of inestimable usefulness, Morris died in Philadelphia, in 1806. That his energetic support of the credit of his country in her gloomiest period was of the very greatest value, is established by the testimony of Washington himself; and it may be truly said of Morris that he sacrificed himself for the benefit of the public weal. During his old age he engaged in vast land operations, and it is sad to relate that this patriot and statesman, the pillar of American credit, was for a long time in prison on account of debts that he was unable to pay.

Every action in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those present.

In presence of others, sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet. Sleep not when others speak; sit not when others

stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not when others stop.

Turn not your back to others, especially in speaking; jog not the table or desk on which another reads or writes; lean not on anyone.

Be no flatterer; neither play with anyone that delights not to be played with.

When another speaks, be attentive yourself, and disturb not the audience. If anyone hesitate in his words, help him not, nor prompt him, without being desired; interrupt him not, nor answer him, till his speech is ended.

Read no letters, books, or papers in company; but when there is a necessity for doing it, you must ask leave. Come not near the books or writings of anyone so as to read them, unless desired, nor give your opinion of them unasked; also, look not nigh when another is writing a letter.

Be not curious to know the affairs of others, nor approach persons that speak in private.

Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive.

In visiting the sick, do not attempt the part of physician, if you be not knowing therein.

Undertake not to teach your equal in the art he himself professes; it savors of arrogancy.

Be not immoderate in urging your friend to reveal a secret.

Be not angry at table, whatever happens; and if you have reason to be so, show it not. Put on a cheerful countenance, especially if there be strangers, for good humor makes one dish of meat a feast.

Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment with modesty.

Be not forward, but friendly and courteous; the first to salute, hear, and answer; and be not pensive when it is time to converse.

Play not the peacock, looking everywhere about you to see if you be well decked, and if your clothes and shoes fit well.

Think before you speak; pronounce not imperfectly, nor bring out your words too hastily, but orderly and distinctly.

Undertake not what you can not perform, but be careful to keep your promise.

Utter no reproachful language against any one, neither curse nor revile.

Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serious matters somewhat grave.

Mock not nor jest at anything of importance; utter no jests that are sharp-biting; and if you deliver anything witty and pleasant, abstain from laughing thereat yourself.

Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.

Go not where you are uncertain whether you will be welcome or not.

Give not advice without being asked, and when desired, do it briefly.

Treat with men at fit times about business, and whisper not in the company of others.

Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.

Speak not injurious words, neither in jest nor earnest; scoff at no person, although occasion arise. When a man does all he can, though it succeed not well, blame not him that did it.