Hamilton

looking little chair. He places it in front of sofa. Monroe Ignoring the chair. Suppose the government should pay the states’ debts, the men who lent the money wouldn’t get it. Hamilton about to interrupt. You know as well as I do that the patriots who put up the money to carry on the war have long ago given up all hope of ever being paid by the bankrupt states. Hamilton That is exactly⁠— Monroe Their claims have passed into other hands, sold for a song. Hamilton C. But the claims remain⁠—and a promise to pay is a promise to pay. Jefferson Rising and with firmness. Citizen Hamilton, I am pledged to the people. Monroe We cannot pick the pockets of the man who trusts us in order to pay another man’s debts. Hamilton Gentlemen, this is repudiation⁠—the last stage of national humiliation. Jefferson I have tried to see your point of view. Citizen Monroe has tried to see it. Monroe Yes, I’ve tried. Turning away to R., impatiently. Jefferson You have appealed to Congress many times, and have always been defeated. Hamilton The last time by a majority of two. Jefferson The majority was small, it is true⁠—with a touch of courtliness mainly owing, I fear, to the eloquence of your address, Citizen Hamilton. Hamilton Responding with a profound bow. From Thomas Jefferson that is indeed praise. But I fear my eloquence has interfered with our friendly chat, and that was really what you came for. Turning to Monroe. Jefferson Some other time⁠—About to turn up stage. Monroe Well, Jefferson, time is short⁠— Jefferson This discussion having arisen, I find myself diffident in seeking your cooperation on another matter. Hamilton Gentlemen, I beg that you will not deprive me of so great a privilege⁠—pray sit down again. They sit. You are sure you are comfortable in that chair, Mr. Monroe? Monroe Seated in front of sofa. Yes, thank you. I was never made to occupy a throne. Hamilton About to respond but controls himself and sitting in chair R. of small table C. Gentlemen, I am at your service. Jefferson Seated again in chair between tables. You know that the Residence Bill must be voted on without further delay. Hamilton I understand that immediate decision is necessary. Jefferson I will not disguise from you that I consider the geographical position of the Capital a very vital matter. Schuyler appears on balcony at back, coming from L. He stops a moment at the open window, catches what they are talking about, nods his head and disappears to R. Hamilton Undoubtedly. Jefferson And we do not underrate your influence, not only with the President but with Congress, in arriving at a decision. Hamilton That decision, gentlemen, is a very grave and serious matter. Monroe It certainly is. Hamilton But I think we ought to find no difficulty in reaching an agreement. Monroe Now, that’s talking sense. Schuyler returns and lingers in front of open window with his ear obviously turned to catch the conversation. He is not seen by the others. Jefferson I am pleased to find that you are willing to meet us in the matter. Hamilton We should have no difficulty, because, to me⁠—and surely to all who have gone into the matter as deeply and seriously as we have⁠—there can be only one possible location for the Capital. Monroe And that is? Hamilton Albany. A distinct ejaculation is heard from Schuyler outside. He disappears to L. Excuse me. I thought I heard my father-in-law calling. Goes to window and closes it. Jefferson Albany! Monroe That old Dutch town! Jefferson And why Albany? Hamilton Returning to C. behind small table. Because oratorically; imitating Schuyler it commands the commerce of the four corners of the earth. Schuyler is seen moving outside. He opens the other window, the one nearest the L., and is radiant. Jefferson But I fear you do not consider⁠— Hamilton I know much may be said in favor of New York and Philadelphia⁠—but⁠— Monroe You talk as if Albany, New York, and Philadelphia were the only places in the Union, sir. Hamilton Surprised. Had you any other place in mind? Monroe Hasn’t the South as much claim as the North? Hamilton Certainly not, sir. The South could not possibly be considered. Jefferson Why not, sir? Monroe What’s your reason for the North, except you’re a Northerner yourself? Hamilton Oratorically. Why, gentlemen pulls chair R. of small table to back of small table and comes to R. of small table, all the great events connected with our glorious struggle for independence cluster about the North. Schuyler’s face expresses amazement and delight. Hamilton lightly touches his fingers, as he enumerates the following. It was here in this city⁠—in Philadelphia⁠—that was signed that immortal document from your hand, Mr. Jefferson⁠—the Declaration of Independence. Monroe What’s that got to do with it? Hamilton It was in New York that Washington took his oath of office. Schuyler gives great signs of approval. It was there that the government had its beginning, and⁠—and⁠—there’s not a⁠—there’s no reason on earth why the South should have it anyway. All this spoken with great conviction. Schuyler, in great delight, exits to R., remaining between windows. Monroe Rising and going R. The South will make a damned good fight for it. Jefferson Rising. Is that your final word, Mr. Hamilton? Hamilton My decision in this matter, Mr. Jefferson, is just as irrevocable as that of yours and Senator Monroe regarding my bill. Monroe and Jefferson exchange a glance which Hamilton observes. You’ll excuse me. I’m sure I heard the General calling. Going to window C. I’m afraid of the night air for your gout, father-in-law. You’d better be getting home. Enter Schuyler. Jefferson moves away toward L., thinking. Schuyler Good evening, gentlemen. With a profound bow and greatly pleased. Jefferson Good evening, Citizen Schuyler. Monroe Good evening. Schuyler Passing across toward door up R. I won’t interrupt