Proofs of this in the History of the Confederation 184 Design of the Framers of the Revenue System 185 Claims of the Army 186 Wisdom of proposing a Scheme of Finance during the Continuance of the War 186 Influence of the Revenue System of 1783 188 The System of 1783 different from the Present Constitution 188 Note on the Half-Pay for the Officers of the Revolution 190 Note on the Newburgh Addresses 194 CHAPTER III. 1781-1783. OPINIONS AND EFFORTS OF WASHINGTON, AND OF HAMILTON.--DECLINE OF THE CONFEDERATION. Washington's Relations to the People of this Country 200 His Address to them on resigning his Office 201 His Views at the Close of the War 202 Hamilton's Opinions 203 His Advice and Suggestions 204 The Necessity for a Complete Sovereignty in Congress 204 Hamilton's Entry into Congress 206 Nature of a Federal Constitution not understood 206 Hamilton urges the Necessity of vesting the Appointment of Collectors of Revenue in the General Government 208 Ratio of Contribution by the States to the Treasury uncertain 210 Hamilton desires to change the Principle of the Confederation 211 Advises General Taxes to be collected under Continental Authority 212 An Attempt to substitute Specific Taxes on Land and Houses 212 It is determined to adopt Population as the Basis of Contribution 213 Hamilton's Views on a Peace Establishment 214 Committee to arrange the Details of such a System 215 An Army and Navy necessary 216 No Provision in the Articles of Confederation for their Maintenance during Peace 216 Hamilton advises Federal Provision for Defence 219 Congress driven from Philadelphia 220 Hamilton examines the Confederation 221 Its Defects 222, 223 He proposes to revise it 224 His Plan unsuccessful 224 Improvement in the Revenue System 225 Causes of the Decline of a National Spirit 226