The settlement of former accounts being considered as a thing forgotten, men, naturally reasoning from them to those which are now present, conclude, that they also will drop into forgetfulness, and consider everything not furnished as so much saved. The Legislatures will not call forth the resources of their respective constituents. The public operations languish. The necessity of purchasing on credit enhances expense. The want of that credit compels to the use of force. That force offends. The country is daily more plunged in debt, and its revenues more deeply anticipated. A situation so dangerous calls for more accurate principles of administration, and these cannot too speedily be adopted. The settlement of accounts is the first step, but it is necessary not only that this settlement be speedy but that it be final; for, if it be not final, the disputes on that subject will have the same baleful influence with those now subsisting. Disunion among the States must follow in the event. Disgust must take place in the moment. The same opprobrious indolence will continue, and in the meantime it is to little purpose, that our country abounds in men and subsistence, if they cannot be called forth for her defence. All the requisitions of Congress upon the several States contain a provision for future liquidation, when the quotas shall have been ascertained according to the article of confederation. The evil consequences which have followed from this are very evident, and the great advantages which would have resulted from rendering every appointment final and conclusive are equally evident. But those, who, on such ground, build a censure against Congress, ought to consider, that they could not act otherwise, before the confederation was completed.