The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1814-10-25

i.srIn d iaS Tlse frSSt-ltion Va similar IN
ssi,utioa.
:. Inc second proposition will, doubtless,
gcnerase r,ary ant. very various objections
The eeIeavor has been, however, to spread
the general amount of the taxes over a wide
surface with a hand as light and equal as is
consistent with convenience in the process, &
Certainly ia the result.
Ali the opportunities of observation, and all
the means of information that have been pos
sessed, leave 10 doubt upon the disposition Of
the people to contribute generously for reliev-
ing the necessities of their country; and it has
been thought unworthy Of that patriotic dispo-
stion to dwell upon scanty means of supply,
or short-liyed expedients. Whenever the
war shallbc happily terminated in an honora-
bic peace, & the Treasury shall be again re-
pleuished by the tributary streams of COM
merce, it will be at once Il duty and pleasure
to recommend IN alienation, if not an entire
eXoneration Of the burthens which necessarily
fail at present upon the agriculture & manu-
fac;ures of the nation.
8. In making proposition for the establish
ment of 4 national bank, / cannot be insensible
to the high authority of the names which
have appeared in opposition to that measure
upon constitutional grounds. 1t would be pre-
sumptuous to conjecture that the sentiments
which actuated the opposition have passed a.
way and yet it would be denying to expert
ence great practical advantage, were we TO
suppose that difference of times and Cir
cumstances would not produce a correspond
ing difference in the opinions Of the wisest, as
we'll as OF the purest men. But in The present
case, a change ofprivate opinion is not mate
rial to the success OF the proposition for es-
tablislnng a national bank. In the admins
tration OF human affairs there must be pc
Rod when discussion shall Cease and decision
shall become absolute. A diversity of opinion
may honorably survive the contest but, up
on the genuine principles OF a representative
government, the opinion of the ma ority can
alone be carried into action. The Judge who
dissents from the majority of the bench, chan
ges not his opinion, but performs his duty,
when nc enforces hejudgment of the court, al
though 1t is contrary to his own convictions
An oath TO support the constitution and the
laws, is not, therefore, an oath TO support them
under all circumstances, according to the O.
plnlon of the individual who takes it, but Il is
emphatcally, an oath to support them, accor-
ding TO the Interpretation of the legitimate adj
thorities For the erroneous decisions of
court oflaw, there is the redress of censo-
rial, as we'll as of an appellate iurisdiction.-
Over an act, founded upon an exposition of
the constitution, made by the legislative de
partment of the government, but alledged to
be incorrect, we have seen the judicial de-
partmcnt exercise remedial power. And
even if all the departments, legislative exec
utivc, and judicial, should concur in the exer-
else OF power, which is either thought to
transcend the constitutional trust, or to ope-
rate lnjuriously upon the community, the case
IS still within the reach of a competent con-
troll, through the medium of an amendment to
the consultation, upon the proposition, not on
ly OF Congress, but of tie several states-
When, therefore, we have marked the exis-
tence OF a national bank for a period of TWEEN
~ years, with all the sanctions of the legisla-
tive, executive, and judicial authorities when
we have seen the dissolution of one institution,
and heard a loud and continued call for the
establishment Of another when under these
circumstances. acitiIer Congress, nor tie seye-
raj states, have resnrted t. the power of a
amendment CAN'T be deemed violation OF
the RIGHT OF private opinion, to consider the
ConShtutIonSlitv OF rational bank, as q CUES
ton forever settled ard AZ rest !
But, after all, should not merit the cent?
dence, which it wllb my ambition to acquire,
II were to suppress the declaration of an o.
Pinion, that, ia these times, thu establishment
of a national bank will not only be useful in
promoting the general welfare, but that il is
necessary and proper for carrying into execu-
ton some OF the most important powers con-
Stitutionally vested in the government.
Upon the principles and regulations of the
national bank, it may be sufficient to remark,
thar they will be best unfolded in the form of
bill, which shall be Immediately prepared.
A compound capital IS suggested, with de-
sign equally to accommodate the subscribers,
and to aid the general measures, for the revi-
val OF public credit; but the proportions Of
specie and stock may be varied, if lhe scarci-
ty OF coin should render It expedient; yet not
IN so great degree, as TO prevent an eaiiv
commencement OF the money operations of the
institution.
4. The estimates of receipts, from esta-
blshed sources of revenue, and from the pro-
posed new duties; and the estimates of ex,,en-
ditures, on ali the objects contemplated in the
present communication have been made up
on call so sudden, and upon materials so
scattered, that it is not Intended to claim
perfect reliance on their accuracy. They are
however, believed 10 be sufficiently accurate
to illustrate and support the general plan, for
the revival OF the public credit, the establish
ment OF permanent system of revenue, ana
the removal of the immediate pressure ON the
Treasury
Upon Uie whole, sir, / have freely and o.
penly assumed the responsibility of the station
IN which have the honor u placed. Put
Conscious of the imperfections of the Judgment
that dictates the answer to the important en-
quries of The Committee of Ways and Mems
derive the highest satisfaction from reject
ing, that the honor and safety oi the nation,
for war, or for peace, depend on the wisdom,
patriotism, and fortitude Of Congress, during
times which imDerioltsly deunr1G p J;g,,lo, III