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Jefferson brooded about the harm to America’s moral fiber: “The spirit of gaming, once it has seized a subject, is incurable. The tailor who has made thousands in one day, tho[ugh] he has lost them the next, can never again be content with the slow and moderate earnings of his needle.” Everybody from merchants to clerks was forsaking everyday duties to wager on scrip: “The city of Philadelphia for several days has exhibited the marks of a great gaming house. . . . Never did I see so universal a frenzy. Nothing else was spoken of but scrip in all companies, even by those who were not interested in it.”55 Senator Rufus King later told Hamilton that New York City’s economy had ground to a halt as people rushed off to gamble in bank shares: “The business was going on in a most alarming manner, mechanics deserting their shops, shopkeepers sending their goods to auction, and not a few of our merchants neglecting the regular and profitable commerce of the City.”56 Chernow, Ron. Alexander Hamilton (p. 361). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. Chernow, Ron. Alexander Hamilton (p. 361). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. Chernow, Ron. Alexander Hamilton (p. 361). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

— Jefferson on gaming and financial speculation  

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