Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-02-28
TO the People Of the United States
LETTER w.
FELLOW CITIZENS:

FELLOW CITIZENS
Tn NV last letter related some Of the Incl
dents. which occurred Immediately after my en-
trance into office. Those incidents Will have
shown you that the true nature OF the service
required of me, was to employ conservative
power to effect penal ends, and to evade legisla,
tive or judicial action in relation to the Ohlteo
States Bank.
Believing as did, that the President really
thought that the prostraton of the United states
Bank would be another victory, OF which ne
might be proud, and that he was simulated 10
consider any means justfabe to attain that end;
resolved to interpose, if could, between HIM
and those who were impeling him in his rash
career. | was especially anxious to dlsabuse
him as to the legislature and the judiciary; ana,
therefore, in writing the following letter, endea-
vored to meet his oral declarations, as well as
written arguments.
In my defence now submit this letter to you.
Is it such letter as g an emissary Of the bank"
would have written? Does it indicate hostility
to the Presidents or desire to remain IN ONCE
to thwart him? Could any friend struggle more
anXiously than did to snatch him from the
brink of precipice? Instead of considering
my resistance favorable to the bank, felt salts
fled that the Presidents course would aid it.
Under these impressions, as an act OF duty 10
the country as well as to the President, and,
confess, dissatisfied with the part was expected
to play wrote the following letter.
Respectfully, yours.
February 25 1884
Mr.. Duane here publishes long aud most
respectful letter, which he addressed to the Pre-
sdent giving all those arguments which have
since been urged against the Removal of the
DepOsites The letter examines the whole
ground temporarily and dispassonatey The
subject having been so frequently examined in
the speeches made by members of Congress, it
is not deemed necessary to re-pubIish Mr. Du-
ane's view of the case, though we consider his
letter very able and conclusive one He urg-
ed with earnestness, frankness, and respect the
impolicy and improperly of the measure. The
letter thus concludes:
The undersigned might proceed, in a more
extended discussion Of the subject, under consi-
deration, if such were necessary He has tried
to shun the paths already beaten by those whose
opinions the President has availed himself Of
He has indeed consulted his own heart and head
as his arbters He has appealed to the aid of
common sense as we'll as of official intelligence
and will here close his remarks. Nothing but
profound conviction Of being in the right, could
have induced the undersigned to take his first
step in opposition to what is so obviously the
Presidents sincere desire. The undersigned
has too great respect for the judgment Of the
President, and too little confidence in his own,
dogmatically to say, that the President is mista-
ken, and that the undersigned cannot be So
Happily, if the proposed measure really is es-
sential to any great or good end, it is not in the
power of any man, much less the undersigned,
to set himsefup successfully against chiefma-
gistrate, to whom the country owes so much
Far from seeking such celebrity, the under
signed is prepared to make any personal sacri-
fee, except an acquescence in measure, that
he positively believes to be at variance with his
obligations to the country, the President and
himself.
In any event, no change can be made in those
sentiments Of sincere respect and attachment,
which will ever be entertained for the President,
by his obedient servant.
W. J. DUANE