Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-04-05
BANK TYRANNY.

BANK TYRANNY.
On Wednesday last, John B. Cook
was elected Cashier, and Daniel M.
Riggs, Teller, of the State Bank Of Ala.
bama.
AS we are among the number ofthose
who supported the Incorporation Of
this institution, we regret the occur
renee Of any circumstance calculated to
diminish cur confidence in its ultimate
success. We regret that the views Of
the state should be SO miserabIy thwart.
ed; that a monied institution should
be converted into political engine for
the qualification of petty malice. We
need not say we allude to the change
in cashier.
By the charter of incorporation, the
President and Directors are invested
with the power Of adopting such regu-
Iations as they may think necessary for
the well government Of the Bank. They
elect their own officers, allowing them
such salary as they may think reason
able, and specify the time they are to
remain in Office. In November last, Of
ficers were elected, the Board having
first determined that.the cashier should
remain in Office until April, 1926, and
receive $500 per annum for his ser
vices. Under these regulations, James
B. Crawford (late eashisr) entered on
the duties of his Office, having given
bond and taken the oath required by
law. Here was clear and express
contract between the State Bank and
an individual, that tine one. for and in
consideration of the faithful services Of
the other, would pay $500 per annum,
which contract was to remain in force
until the time specified above. Yet
how has this been fulfilled /! Mr.. Craw.
ford has been elected from the Office,
without even murmur as 10 his neg
ligence or incapacity, but avowedly
from political reasons s-because he
would not fall down and worship the
molten image-because he would not
off with his hat, and shout, Long lice
King AndreW! "Oh shame, where is
thy blush!" Can such conduct be sane
toned by an intelligent community!
Will the republicans Of Alabama suffer
devotion to the person or principles of
any individual to be made the test for
Office? We hope not. We had fondIy
thought this was land of liberty; that
however freedom of opinion might be
circumscribed in the old world, here
an honest difference as to men and mea-
sures might exist, unawed by the
frowns of power. If this be the idle
dream Of a failing imagination, let us
dream on, for it would be misery to be
undeceived.
This act should open the eyes of the
people. 1t shows the principles upon
which this institution, so fondly che
rished by the state is to be administer
ed. Improves devotion to party feel
ings, prostitution Of justice, reason,
and all those enabling faculties which
characterize man and exalt human ma.
ture. lfdiscounts are to be granted in
proportion TO the applicants zeal for
the holy cause, better had the charter
never passed. Against such iniqui-
tous, slavish doctrine, we enter our So
lemn protest. Send it back to the
minions and courtiers of Europe, from
whence it originated, for it will never
suit the meridian Of independent Ala
bama.
The oppression of private indivi-
dual seldom enlists the sympathy of
the public; but when that individual
stands in an important public relation,
any attack upon his rights, is an out
rage upen the community.-For this
we appeal to the representatives
of the people, we call upon the people
themselves, to frown indignantly upon
the perpetrators Of this act" to pro.
claim in a voice of thunder to these
purse.proud lordlngs, that there is
tribunal to which they are, and shall
be held accountable.
We would disclaim any intention Of
the feelings Of Messrs. Cook
and Riggs, by the preceding remarks.
They are young men of worth, talents
md integrity, and we are proud to add,
our friends. ala. State Gaz.
1T is understood that Menrs. Perry, CSr-
lon, Phillips, shearer, and Vaughan, are
rendly to Mr.. Crawford, and voted against
hose high-handsd measures