It appeared to me that in order to create a sufficient number of competent teachers, and to raise the standard of general education, intermediate academical education was an indispensable preliminary step, and the object of the bill was to establish in each county an academy, allowing to each out of the treasury a sum equal to that raised by taxation in the county for its support.

But there was at that time in Pennsylvania a Quaker and a German opposition to every plan of general education.
"The spirit of internal improvements had not yet been awakened.
Still, the first turnpike-road in the United States was that from Philadelphia to Lancaster, which met with considerable opposition.
This, as well as every temporary improvement in our communications (roads and rivers) and preliminary surveys, met, of course, with my warm support.

But it was in the fiscal department that I was particularly employed, and the circumstances of the times favored the restoration of the finances of the State.
"The report of the Committee of Ways and Means of the session 1790-91 was entirely prepared by me, known to be so, and laid the foundation of my reputation.

I was quite astonished at the general encomiums bestowed upon it, and was not at all aware that I had done so well.

It was perspicuous and comprehensive; but I am confident that its true merit, and that which gained me the general confidence, was its being founded in strict justice, without the slightest regard to party feelings or popular prejudices.