Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1834-02-06
c cHsr.s ~ w EnhaTT' Secretaries.

AT meeting OF Ike citizens Of Bedford held ~ The
Court House, on Monday the 27 January 1884 TO ex-
press views in relation TO the removal of The public depo
es William Radiord Esq, called TO the Chair and
John A. Wharton appointed Secretary.
On motion, the following gentlemen were Amounted a
COMMITTEE TO prepare preamble and resolutions expires.
sve Of The sense OF the meeting, wit: John F. Sale
Thomas Davis, Benz. A. Donald, Chapman Johnson Jr
Jno ~ Anderson, Lodowck Mcdaniel Edmund Irvine
liam l.. Goggn. BaIda Nc Daniel, Samuel Hancock VIII
liam NJ Radord and John A. Wharton, who having re-
Tired, returned, and by their Chairman John Sale ESQ
reported he following preamble and first four resolutions
which passed by overwhelming majorites:
ne people o. Bedford, in common with their fellow
ciZehs generally, look with the serious alarm 10
the fearful crisis which has called them together ON The
present OCCASION The clouds that hung heavily on the
horizon have assumed backer hues and thrown shades
o over The lair prospects OF peace
which short time since, seemed spread to an ntermi
naoIe length before u.s. The alternative which the Pre-
siceht nas presented to u.s. IL empacsy that of Ijber.
W or DesPoism'-that OF fighting over the bleeding
members OF the constitution Tor the great civil 90
we inherited and which we had hoped would constitute
the rich heritage Of poseriy for ages vet 10 come Or
faiihiess TO ourselvesaiihless our postery-blss
10 The high trust conded us, Of nesnIy surenderiue
our liberties al the feet OF the despo The recent re.
moval, by the President, OF the public depo,es from IN,
Bunk oil the United States, an act uDcaIed lor no ,b
PuoNe interest," and subversive OF the Constitution and
laws oil tile land. IL assumption of power over
the pubic treasure, which the wisdom OF our ancestors
placed beyond Executive control IL taking OF the
purse mo the same hand which had before grasped the
sword-hereby bringing about union, which bodies no.
ng but destruction TO The rights aud privileges Of free
men so impatient was the President to accomplish tire
purpose he seems 10 have conceived Of uniting in himself
a ine powers OF the government executive, legislative
ana JudcaI-that, though but short time before Con.
gres mad declared the public money safe where the
law had placed itoUg The Representatives OF the peo.
pie were on The eve OF assembling though the Bank was
coDessed'y solvent and ready promote the com
merce OF Tie goveronentye he assumed the odious re.
sponsiblhy OF violating the Constitution, tie sYv The
faith Of the uaion.
Nor sthe act OF removal alone to be condemned Tie
manner IN winch u was accomplished, nothing less
h"n bold, paipiblo and dangerous usurpaion. he
secretary Of Tie Treasury whom, IN relation 10 this cub.
gec NC dgacious jealousy OF tie law makes responsible
noI 70 Tie PRESIDENT but 10 the Legislature; because lie
dared TO do his duty, was removed from office and suhs
tueh by another, whose opinions opposed fewer
10 The accomplishment Of his designs. Thus resorne TO
power, which, ~ no case, constitutes pight o remove
without good cause; and in this cnse constituted no
rght at all to acquire that control the public money!
which, Tor the better security OF our freedom had been
expressly assigned 10 another branch Of The
True, lie seeks 10 shelter himself behind the Cotms while
he disregsrds The high behesis Of the Cou,ti,uton-o
wrap himself in the mantle Of the aw while he sets lie
authority at defiance. When the American people can
Iook with silent composure sIeh daring encroackrnepls
'bey may retain the name, but they will have lost The
spirit, Of ifeemenN hen they shall approve such bold
usurpaons OF power the bitter Of what ev
once we're, will be all that is left them.
=, hes0fpeo That the removal OF the public deposi'es
sno me manner IN which " accomplished, are bold
and alarming usuPsions Of power the part ofie Presi