Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-05-07
Mr.. sToDDERT,s REMARKS,

On presenting the nsemoradt, ana on 0 nu
of proceedings of sundry citizens Of Prince
Georges County, Maryland.
IS am charged Mr.. Speaker with the pre-
sentation of a memorial from large and very
resnectable portion of the citizens OF Prince
Georges County, in the state OF MaIylano'
nravino for restoration of the public money,
70 the Custody of the Bank of the United States,
as the measure calculated to relieve the coun-
trv from embarrassment and distress; and also
q copy of the proceedings had, and resolutlons
adopted by meeting OF gentlemen neiu at
Upper Marlborough, upon pubic lhVlatioii !, 70
the people to assemble and deliberate upon lile
state of the country, and the meaures most Ike
ly 10 ameiorate it.
am instructed to say, by the distinguished
deputation which placed this memorial IN my
hands, that it contains the signatures OF more
than 500 legal voters Of Prince George, one OF
the four counties composing the eighth Con-
gressional District of Maryland 1t affords me
great pleasure to bear testimony to the gene
raj responsibility Of the population of this coun-
tv. and doubt not that these memorlalsts are
ali honest and worthy citizens, who aim to pro-
mote their country's interests. Many OF the
signers, personally know to be distinguished,
Eby intelligence, and fortune and public honofs:;
The opinions expressed by so respectable and
numerous a body, as the signers OF this paper,
are entitled, at least, to my most respectful ana
grave consideration. | have given vote (2nd
resolution which may be regarded as counter
to the views they have taken upon the eHects
and bearings of restoration OF the pubic de-
posites. 1t becomes me then to connect, with
a concise detail of the contents of these papers,
| the reasons, why could not concur in the opln-
ion of the memorialists. Before do this, must
express my sincere regret that the allegation
which meets us, at the very commencement OF
this memorial, that it had no "regard to party"
seems strongly at variance with the tone and
temper Of the other proceedings OF the meeting,
of which its production formed part. will
Justify this remark by reading the address OF the
gentleman, who presided over this meeting, up
on his taking the chair; and the first resolution
submmitted by the agency ofwhich, this memo
rial came to light. These proceedings, should
think, did not very clearly illustrate ma exemp
ton from partzan feelings, nor would deem
them very favorable to calm and dspasslon~
ate investigation of grave and important ques-
tons of constitutional law and Federal policy.
In view of them, | hold thata doubt cannot
exist that some Cat least) of the most promi-
nent and active members of this meeting con-
cocted and prepared their several measures,
under the influence of heated and pre-occupled
minds Whilst it does not impair my confidence
| in the honesty of purpose OF those gentlemen, 1t
certainly is not calculated to make me take their
| opinions upon trust. The meeting, as far as
names have met my eye, was of one political
complexion, and but rery fear, who had not
| exerted every faculty to persuade the people to
withhold from me their confidence. by meet
| ing, thus composed and thus influenced, the re-
! solution of instruction was passed; however en-
! lightened and dignifed this assemblage may
| have been, whatever its proportion of intelli-
gence and public and private worth, in point OF
numbers, it was very unimportant; some fifty
| or sixty gentlemen, though clearly at liberty to
advise have no authority to prescribe, the rule OF
conduct of the representation OF near hVe thous-
and electors Iamproud to borrow light from
! such men; but cannot surrender my reason and
sense of public duty to their absolute guidance.
! The memorial, sir, contains no particular in
struction to me: it approaches me in form far
more impressive, it indicates the wishes OF that
class of our people, who do not essay to turn
| politics to personal uses. must therefore res
! pectfully state, why felt constrained to concur
| in the second resolution of the committee OF
ways and means, which is the only one assimi-
lated to the object of their memorial to Congress-
! The memorial was silent as the grave on the
subject ofre-chartering the Bank; this resolution
was the one, upon the decision Of which re-
! garded the others as suspended. 1t was the
one of first Importance. When the House, by
most decisive and unequivocal vote, sealed the
doom of this bank could dis Germ nothing but
increase Of embarrassment and distress in restor-
! ing the deposites.
| The Bank of the United States, under the ne
ceSSity OF winding up its concerns, could not
accommodate the public upon these funds,
whilst its curtailments would be diminishing the
means of business men. 1t was therefore ne
cessary and proper, as measure of reliefto the
commercial community, to place Them where
they could be made to serve this end. This OBJ
ject is the main inducement to employ banks, at
any time, as fiscal agents They tighten the
payment of taxes, by their accommodations,
and preserve the activity of business, by keep
ing the channels of circulation full Under
such circumstances, could not regard the mea-
sure recommended by the memorialists, as suit
ed to alleviate the general condition of the
mercantile and business community; on the con-
| trary as certain to multiply embarrassments.
My means of information, forces me to think
that, when the memorialists exhibit such dark
picture Of suffering and distress, in their county,
they borrow their coloring more from an ercit-
ed Imagination than actual observation To-
bacco, of last years growth, is not yet brought
into market from this county. 1t is an article
not only in demand abroad, but which will keep
for years. The notes, representing it, would
circulate, | doubt not, when confidence might
no withhold from hank notes. therefore seq M