Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-01-26


epresent the people more equally. Does any man
imagine that these no, the considerations which
procured the present applications at so unsea sonabe
time both it regards the period of tho session.
he state OF the country just passing from one govern
ncnt to another, and that length of time which hus
elapse, before the expiration of the several char
es: II the Legislature feel that any disSespect is
implied to them in these motives let those be blamed
who acted upon, and not who merely state them
indeed, but with firm and unul.crable
persuasion of their truth. Why is it, if there was
particular par,iality for this Legislature arising
of the considerations stated has the country not
only been put to the extra and needless expense of
considering the Bank applications at u time when
nothing in the exigency of their required ii,
but they have also doubled and ircblcd teams upon
the General Assembly? Why or how is it. that the
Bank OF Virginia, the Valley Bank, and the North
Western Bank, have all their charters expi. ing q.
different and distant dates, upon the General
Assembly at the same unexpected uDd unpropi.ious
momen2 Is there man SO hard of faith, as to
believe that this concurrence was the effect of acct
dent, and not the result of deep and calculating
design? We have boon assured indeed, that there
was no understanding between these sever.I corpo-
rations In making simultaneous application, and to
logroll it, aud have doubt of the truth of tho
statement so far as the Bank of Virginia was con-
cerned. But if there no n.erchnngcd under
standing between thern--if thero was no concert,
that combined movement should be made in order
to enlist the local friends of the one amsng the ad-
vocates OF the others, and thus to get them all
through, upon the common and universal principle
of gift gaf-it is still evident, that the common
impulse Of preference for this General Assembly,
must have influenced all. Again we say, il the
General Assembly does not feel itself particularly
liattered at this marked and most condesccntine
partialty of the three Banks for them, over their
successors, let not be blamed, whose humble pro-
vince 1t is to trace public movements for the nfor-
mutton of that portion of the community which
depends upon us for intelligence.
As FOR the arguments in favor of renewal at
this time, we amazed that one so en-
lighted as Mr.. Mason, should have employed
them One was, that the applications having been
made, to postpone them would operate as a reiec-
ton on the mind of the public, the consequence
OF which would be decension in the price
of stocks. This argument would have had more
force II used in favor of granting perpetual
charter But Is it quite fair in The present case
when these Banks having made most unreasonable
demand for the renewal of their charters that very
circumstance is to be used argument for Weld
ing to their petition? Another argument was, that
the State owned much of the stock, and would sus-
tam loss from the refusal extend the charter 1t
"oa stat ed 'ns'e coarso of the discu author
tY that fnow required to settle. the Bank of Virgin
Ia would De able to pay no than a33 in the 100.
Suchls the issue Gifts operation for the last Is or
20 years. embracing portion of time of unparalleled
prosperity Curtailed of its Legitimate extent and
irresPonsblity, as banking is, from the influence
OF rival institutions it probable, that the future Cd
eraions OF the Bank of Virginia ever enable if 10
make up tins deficiency, pay dividends of even per
cent, and restore every mans hundred dollars to
him: Nobody believes it-nobody can believe it.
Instead therefore OF the interests of the State re-
curing Tie renewal OF the charter, they plainly nre
TO Withdraw It's funds from losing business and in
vest them where the principal viii be more safe aud
more productive.
w ere not the officers OF the Bank of Virginia sis,
years ago, decidedly opposed to re chartcrnp the
Farmers Bank? Did they not then argue, that one
State Bank was sufficient for all purposes-that the
Cessation or The Farmers Bank and the can in of lis
paper, would have no influence upon tho circulating
medium-and did they not furnish argument. mr.
hints ut least, to certain speakers who appeared On
own part, too poor to have any personal interests In
Banks-knowing well from experience, their love of
revenge, and their ability to inct it, yet toe proud
to shrink from it--above all, believing from the
bottom of our souls, that they are, after the Inau
siton, The most diabolical invention that ever
plagued the human race--wh the further be
ief superudded, that contest with them is hope
less and that they are fixed etcrnay upon the ncols
OF the peoPie-We still now, six years ago, raise
our voice as one Of that people, but knowing it to
be The voice of vast majority, against thoir ofie
nation. renewal or extension. Tho Bank OF the u
States evidently approaches the end of its career
and IT 1t Is ever to be expected, row is the time to
oeg'n root and branch determination of the whole
progeny.
TIE NEW CONSTITUTION.
ihe Western papers begin to bring us indications
o. the spirit which no