The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-10-12

destruction Not one, dare believe. This
fact alone, sir, conclusiyely proves, that the
people sustain these institutions, however
much they may be disposed TO ccrect, and
no doubt win correct, abuses. Mr.. Chairman,
there is another aspect in which view this
subject as highly important, and which am
bound 10 consider. Sir, none Of us can so
fur look into the vista Of time as to see what
even tomorrow may bring forth, although
every feeling of our hearts may hnger around
this Union with the deepest fiial regard and
solicitudc, yet on the tide Of time, and amidst
the storm Of events il may be shiyercd into
atoms. Ii is prudent at all times to be pre-
pared for events which we most ardently de-
precate, but which may by possibility occur.
10 meet any contingency, then, which coming
events may produce, should not the states
strengthen their internal resources, improve
their strength, and cherish those institutions
which might in coming events be indispcnsa-
bic to their safety? The states entertaining
these views, will not be disposed TO submit TO
any system which may impair their strength
and drv up their resources. Mr.. Chairman,
when in the progress of our history saw
this Government claiming the constitutional
power to charter National Bank, to con-
struct system Of internal Improvements
within the Jurisdiction of the states, and the
power of taxing the country for the protection
Of domestic manufactures, my fears that all
the powers Of government would be conccn-
trated intothis great central power, were great
" aroused. But, Mr.. Chairman, when the
Government not only seeks to disconnect it
self from these banks, and then in the form OF
L..l.l III, xphI
in its exercise may destroy every one oil them,
my jealousy is increased Now. Mr.. Chair
man, deny TO this Government the power IN
this way to interfere with institutions charter
ed by the states, having the clear and decided
constitutional authority 10 do so. Sir, can 1t
be that this Government is invested with pow
or to impair or in any way embarrass the
operations of the clear constitutional powers
reserved to the states If il has, where IS
the limitation? What institution may it not
reach what power may not be impaired !
These views, Mr. Chairman, have brought
my mind to the conclusion, which many OF
the distinguished friends Of the administration
formerly entertained, that this war upon the
State Banks is war upon State rights.
speak Of it as the tendency, not as the design
Of this proposition.
Mr.. Chairman, the Committee of Ways
and Means have referred us to the examples
of France and England as worthy of i,nita-
ton in the receipts, safc-keeping and dis
bursements of their revenues, and to enllghten
us upon this subject, have had view of their
systems printed and laid upon our desks. Sir,
their systems are essentially ours, for in their
whole fiscal operations the banks are the prin-
-. n D,,t 81 cha1I lnpE IN hn
monarchies and despotsms of Europe for ex-
amples in so regulating the fiscal agency OF
this Government as to secure the liberties oil
the people and our free institutions. Sir, the
actual custody Of the public money in Eu-
rope by the governments, is accompanied with
the employment of immense standing ar
mics, who suppress and keep down liberal
sentiments, and keep unbroken the letters
with which The oppressed people are bound
down. Sir, it was left for republican America,
for free people, to devise plan by which
the public purse can be so kept as to be ac-
ccssablc to the Executive for all legal dis
bursemen's, and yet so withheld from lis actu-
al custody as to place it beyond the power of
abuse. Such has been the effect of the sys-
tenn heretofore such, | fear, will no, be the
effect of the proposed system if adopted.
have thus, Mr.. Speaker, presented my
objections openly and fearless, and upon my
responsibility to my constituents. | may be
mistaken, and time may expose the error;
yet, sir, until the fallacy of these objections
arc made manifest, must respectfully to all
with whom differ, but firmly and decidedly
oppose the plan recommended by the Exccu-
tive. .'."s..:
-. ITO be contfnued) ....