The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1810-12-27
No. W..


This bank has had its youth, it's middle
age, and now comes OH its old age, and on
the Attn of March next will be its dissolution.
AT the outset, 20 years appeared to the
stockholders long time for the enjoy ment
OF such extensive means in the acquisition of
wealth. The term. being nearly closed,
now appears too short. Preparation has
been delayed. The profits have indeed been
enormous, but how shall the holders of
shares. which have been at high premium,
bear to see them reduced to par I?
AS the government has honorably compli-
ed with it's engagements, has received and
used hundreds OF millions of the bank pa
per, has deposited its treasures in the vaults
OF this bank, has incorporated no other bank
within the term, and has uniformly been it's
patron and bcnefactor, do not Justice and
honor require of the stockholders of this
bank to be equally punctual on their part /.
Ii they are anxious for more profits, let
them recollect that Their measure has
been heaPed up, pressed down and run
ming over :" that their fellow citizens are as
we'll entitled TO such privileges as they are,
and that all the loaves and fishes in the gift
OF government have not been equal to what
they have enjoyed.
Such reflections may lead them to offer to
buy new charter, instead of receiving il
.
government will not sell TO foreigners. 1t
will not sell to citizens monopoly of max
ing paper represent silver and gold, and of
Furnishing other citizens for making paper
represent their paper. If such Kings are to
be sold. let Us hold public auction of our
declaration OF independence, our constitution
and our president.
The directors of the bank are said to be
honorable men. AS such they may in con-
cert with the government, adopt such means
as will draw their affairs 10 a close with the
least possible injury to themselves and the
public. They may cease to discount and be
a lowed their own time for collections /; but
the honor of the directors will lead them to
a different course. They are resolved on a
renewal OF the charter. TIE millions of The
u. > are resolved against q renewal The
question is before the legislature of the natl
on. federalism will be the daring advo.
cate, and refu5Hcanism he intrepid and
successful opponent of the measure.
The spasms and commissions inseparable
from the approaching dissolution of such a
gigantic body, though enlisted by the Dank
as their best troops, will publickly de sert
their standard on the day of discussion. and
will be the most powerful and irresistible
militants against their claims.
Is it in the power of the u. s bank to
distress all the other banks, by exhaus, ing
their specie and stopping their discounts -
Can this bank drive to bankruptcy mer.
chants of sound property and produce ex.
tensive calamity? Suppose then its char
ter to be renewed for twenty years,I Twill they
not have the same power of tormentng i'm
every year of that term.
1t 1T this ime the u. ). bank is powerful
enough to compel renewal of its charter,
will 1t be debiIitated by twenty years more
OF successful business f? 1t is natural for
the state bank and for individuals to put off
the evil hour, but it they advocate the renew
al OF the charter, they make the evil hour
eternal.
There must be a revolution in the bank.
ing business of our country, and this is as
good time for it as can eve" arrive. The
states are overwhelmed by banks we live
in paper world; the foundations of our
houses are laid in bank paper our spen
did carriages roll on paper wheels our ma
vigation, agriculture and manufactures de
pend upon the will of directors Gloucester
bank and the Vermont banks speak to more
healthy banks the same language. which the
grave speaks to all the living.
b,, g 81. CT