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Alexander Hamilton: The future prosperity of this nation rests chiefly in trade. Trade depends, among other things, on the willingness of other nations to lend us money. Thomas Jefferson: And how would you propose to establish international credit? Alexander Hamilton: Our first step would be to incur a national debt. The greater the debt, the greater the credit. And to that end I have recommended to the president that Congress adopt all the debts incurred by the individual states during the war through a national bank. The idea being that if the states owe Congress money, then other nations will feel more inclined to lend it to us. Thomas Jefferson: If the states are indebted to a central authority, it increases the power of the central government. Alexander Hamilton: There you have it exactly. The greater the government's responsibility, the greater its authority. Thomas Jefferson: The moneyed interest in this country is all in the north, so the wealth and power would inevitably be concentrated there in a federal government. To the expense of the south. Alexander Hamilton: If that is the case, it is unavoidable if the Union is to be preserved. Thomas Jefferson: I fear our revolution will have been in vain if a Virginia farmer is to be held in hock to a New York stock jobber, who in turn is in hock to a London banker. The opportunities for avarice and corruption would certainly prove irresistible. Alexander Hamilton: Well there you have it, as I have heard said, "If men were angels then no government would be necessary."

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