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56
HAMILTON

Schuyler.
Why! All the traditions connected with our struggle for independence cluster about the North.

Hamilton.
[Ticking it off on his fingers.] There's some truth in that.

Schuyler.
It was here in Philadelphia that the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Hamilton.
[Checking on fingers.] So it was.

Schuyler.
It was in New York that Washington took the oath of office. [Hamilton checks.] In New York the government had its beginning. Why, Albany commands the commerce of the four corners of the earth.

Hamilton.
[Checking.] Hummm!

Schuyler.
And—and there's not a damned bit of reason why the South should have it anyway.

Hamilton.
But if the North has all the glory of the traditions of the past, isn't it a good reason why the South should be glorified with the hopes of the future?

Schuyler.
No! . . .

[Hamilton rises.