It is to be observed, however, that with all their distrust, in spite of the fact that their colonial or state jealousies and habits had returned upon them, notwithstanding their specific statement in the instrument itself that “each state retains its sovereignty,” the instinct of nationality was yet strong enough to cause them to continue in the general government the actual sovereign powers.  Thus, the “United States” alone could treat with foreign nations, declare war, and make peace.  Another great sovereign power, that of coining money, was unfortunately shared by the states.

Their defects.—­The great defect in the articles of confederation was that they placed too little power in the hands of the general government.  Although congress possessed the right to declare war, it could only apportion the quota of men to each state; the states raised the troops.  And so on with the other powers.  The government of the United States during the confederation period was “a name without a body, a shadow without a substance.”  An eminent statesman of the time remarked that “by this political compact the continental congress have exclusive power for the following purposes without being able to execute one of them:  They may make and conclude treaties; but they can only recommend the observance of them.  They may appoint ambassadors; but they cannot defray even the expenses of their tables.  They may borrow money on the faith of the Union; but they cannot pay a dollar.  They may coin money; but they cannot buy an ounce of bullion.  They may make war and determine what troops are necessary; but they cannot raise a single soldier.  In short, they may declare everything, but they can do nothing.”

The consequences.—­“The history of the confederation during the twelve years beyond which it was not able to maintain itself, is the history of the utter prostration, throughout the whole country, of every public and private interest,—­of that which was, beyond all comparison, the most trying period of our national and social life.  For it was the extreme weakness of the confederate government, if such it could be called, which caused the war of independence to drag its slow length along through seven dreary years, and which, but for a providential concurrence of circumstances in Europe, must have prevented it from reaching any other than a disastrous conclusion.  When, at last, peace was proclaimed, the confederate congress had dwindled down to a feeble junto of about twenty persons, and was so degraded and demoralized, that its decisions were hardly more respected than those of any voluntary and irresponsible association.  The treaties which the confederation had made with foreign powers, it was forced to see violated, and treated with contempt by its own members; which brought upon it distrust from its friends, and scorn from its enemies.  It had no standing among the nations of the world, because it had no power to secure the faith of its national obligations.