Rashid DYUSEMBAEV
ALMATY, July 4 (THE GLOBE)
Every year on July 4, the US population celebrates Independence Day. Almost everyone knows the name of the General Washington, the commander of the American army who later became the first US President. But only a few people know the name of the other soldier of the American Revolution, the �white-collar� soldier who saved General Washington�s army from hunger and rebellion. His name was Robert Morris and he was called the first financier of America.
At that time, the country was governed by the Continental Congress, a unique body which was entitled to print coins, to borrow, to create an army, and to fulfil other important functions. But at the same time, the Congress had no right to collect taxes to pay for everything.
By that time, the army was exhausted and the USA was expected to sink into a deep financial crisis. General Washington directly declared that he would dismiss the army if the obviously wealthy country does not find money for the regular provision of its soldiers. That is why on March 1, 1781, all states ratified the articles of the Confederation, which called for creation of a common Treasury. The Congress needed a head of finance, a man skilled in trade business who was able to make prices reasonable and to restore the credit of the nation.
This man was Robert Morris, �the king� of Philadelphia.
Robert Morris� first task was to feed the army. Having no time to restore the national credit, Morris often had to purchase foodstuff for Washington�s soldiers at his own expense. Once Morris paid the monthly salary of the army from his own savings.
Morris� business-like character ensured that the army was regularly provided during the important siege of Yorktown. The financier was a real white-collar soldier who turned the war in favour of America.
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