the tax constituted the second largest source of federal revenues and was indispensable to Hamilton. If deprived of that crucial tax, he would have to raise tariffs, which would encourage more smuggling and tax evasion and spur commercial retaliation abroad. The government also needed money to finance military expeditions against the Indians-expeditions that were especially popular in the affected frontier communities, such as those of western Pennsylvania.
( Ron Chernow )
[ Alexander Hamilton ]
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