The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-09-28
SPEECH OF Mr., GARLAND.

SPEECH. OF MR. GARLAND, e.oe &
In tie House Of Representatives. Of he ". s..
Sept. IS, I637-ia opposifion 70 the bin re-
ported b. ale Commitfss Of Ways and
Msaas snfitied-sA biz imposiag addi-
fiosai duties as Repositories in certain cases
onPubiie officers. and for other purposes:
Mr.. Garland rose and said
Mr.. CHAIRnAN-I am indebted 70 the kind
ness Of the gentleman from Tennessee, (Mr.
Williams) who was entitled to the floor, for
the privilege Of addressing the Committee at
this hour. This privilege accorded by that
gentleman and the House under existing cir
cumstances viii command my lasting graft
tude.
Alter three years or more of seeming un-
paraleled prosperity, the nation has been
overtaken by an adversely which has paralyz-
ed its energy and prostrated all its branches
Of industry and enterprise. So vivid, and so
real, were the appearances that the late Pre-
sident of the United States in his farewell adj
dress to the American people, felicitated the
country, and himself, upon its unparalleled
prosperity and happiness yet its most impor-
tant interests, as if this apparent prosperity
were but delusion, now lie PROSTATE, and
bleed at every pore. II has wiihered like
the beautiful and yerdant flowers OF spring,
by the untimely nip Of premature frost. The
blighting effects of this unlocked for adyer-
sity upon the agriculture, commerce and nayi-
CATION Of the country, and the obstacles
which it obtrudes TO the pecuniary operations
Of the government, has induced the Presi-
dent of the United States, in discharge Of his
high constitutional duties, to call together at
this unpropitious season, the representatives
OF the States and the people, with view Of
applying as far as Legislation can do it, a
remedy for the existing diseases of the coun-
try. In hnine, will remark, that Legislation
cannot afford that substantial, permanent relief
which the distresses and embarrassments of
thevountry require; that, can only be found
In the industry, economy and elastic energy
of the people, which heretofore upon like try
ing occasions has so effectually ayailed-
Wise and judicious Legislation may do much
to mitigate the severity of the present Gala
NIFTY and hasten the period of relief, but it
cannot Of itself be effective; il must be aur-
ili0ry-it cannot be primary. l'
Before proceed to discuss the merits Of
the principal remedy proposed by the Presi-7
dent, for the relief Of the government and the
country, ask the indulgence of the House,
in making reference to the circumstances
which place me in reference to that remedy,
in peculiar attitude-for no other considera-
ton could induce me to obtrude upon the
House any remark affecting me Individually.
The Journal of the House for the 23d Con-
gress, exhibits the fact that my immediate
predecessor, Gen. Gordon, of Va, "a gentle-
man Of whom take pleasure in saving that
he is honest, talented, honorable, magnani-
nous and liberal in an eminent degree, who
stood SO strong in the confidence and afiec-
tons Of the people of his district that nothing
but substantial differences Of political opinion,
could have brought me hither in his place. Of
tered a scheme embracing the very principles
of the recommendations Of the message. The
principles Of the bill, proposed by my prede-
denounced BY the late administration, and all
its prominent friends in both Houses Of Con-
gress, in no unmeasured terms. In this denun-
citation and opposition, | united, and dsfAndAa
Gen. Jacksons administration for its opposi-
ton to this scheme before the people Of the
congressional district, which now feel ho-
nored in representing Mr.. Chairman,
in less than three years, find myself conn
pcllcd to defend tho sf,inions then entertain
ed and defended. not against my political OPP
pOnents, but against the attacks of the present
administrator and its friends, SO completely
have they changed their position. Finding
for few months past, that my opinions upon
this SUBJECT were in collision with those of the
administration and most Of its prominent
frienS, carefully and deliberately reviewed
my ormer opinions, with view to detect any
falAcy, error, or delusion, under which | la
bred, if there was any which had contribut-
d to form those opinions. The result of this
review has been to rivet my conviction of the
truth Of those opinions, and an increased and
more nfexible determination to adhere to
them. Being satisfied that my opinions are
correct, dare not cannot will not vote,
or this recommendation Of the message.
This determination to resist the recommen-
dalton Of the Presidents message upon this
subject, and, as it may be called, my obstinate
perseverance in maintaining my own honest
and sincere opinions in the late election of
printer to this House, has brought upon me
individually, and in connection with many
OF my political friends, whose opinions
and course have been in accordance with
my own, severe and bitter denunciations
from some presses protesting democratic
republicanism, in which we have been charged
with traitorism to our party, and humble
l, have been dignifed as the head of ga par
ty.' God knows, Mr.. Chairman, never desir-
ed or dreamed Of being a party leader; have
not upon this or upon any other occasion,
since have had the honor Of seat on this
floor, attempted to lead or control the opinions
Of others, nor have had any concern with
any party arrangements, as every member
with whom !. heretofore acted, or with whom
] now act, well knows. Why then have
been so digni6ed As to the charge of trail
torism, shall only say, that have not desert