The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-11-10

| have gwen you the marrow Of his discourse. lie
wound up by showing the disastrous effects Of Mr. CAL
houn's amendment upon the productive labor Of the
country. ..0..
A LETTEH FROM MIR. SMITH,
MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM MAINE, IN MEDICATION
OF VOTE AGAINST THE suB-TREAslRY BILL
| To Tie Editor Of the Eastern Argus.
SR,-The various efforts that have been and still
are being made, from motives that will not charac-
terlze as they deserve to msrepresen my views and
purposes in the vote recently gave in Congress
the SubTreasury Bill, render proper (hunble and
unimportant as they may be at all times except for
my own vindicaton,) that should explain publicly
what my views and purposes were and still are, up
on that subject My position in the House of Repre-
sentatives, as Chairman of the Committee OF the
whole House, during the entire period that this bill
was under discussion precuded me from declaring
my opinions there and from terrifying them in that
way against the malignant articles Of mean dema-
gogues at home
may properly remark here that the friendly rela-
tons have at all times maintained with both the late
and present national administrations of the Federal
Government and with the Executive head of each,
have rendered it matter Of sincere regret and pain
on my part, TO differ with the views policy of
either any subject Of great public concern. lmay
add with truth, that regardless OF my individual
victons OH all subjects involved by the policy of
either administration, upon which have conceived
the will OF my immediate constituents TO be settled
and known, have faithfully reflected that will in my
votes as their representative. have held such to be
my duty, and recognise obedience the part ofthe
representative to the known will of his constituents
as cardinal principle of the Republican creed. But
| when new and untried measures have arisen for de-
cSion such as had VIGOROUSLY undergone no discus
sion or deliberation among the people-such for in
stance the late act to deposte the surplus money
with the people instead OF with the Banks-I have
endeavored to weigh their character and consequent
ces with every degree OF care, and TO think and act
upon my own responsibility as became the repEesen-
tative of FREE PEOPLE: conscious Of no other guide
but desire to subserve the best interests Of
my constituents, and the honor of our common coun-
try; always happy if found myself therein con-
curing with the particular views OF the Execu-
tive OF the peoples choice, but no less decided and
determined in my course, if found myself differing
with his opinions.
For what other purpose does man, claiming the
spirit and intelligence of freeman, consent 10 I'M
derake the trust OF popular representative under
government like our own, but To think and act upon
his own responsibility in all cases where his const
tuentS have not made known their own Judgment and
wishes for his guide Where he has an expression
of their judgment and Wishes it will be alike his
pleasure, if he be a republican in his feelings, and
his duty if he be faithful officer, TO obey it. Where
this is wanting is he expected by HIS CONSTITUENTS
to cast off his high character Of representative OF
THE PEOPLE and become the mere representative OF
The Executive? Is he to suspend his own Judgment,
and surrender up the high prerogative OF thought
and decision to the Executive branch of the Govern
recommendation and opinion-thus breaking down
the whole system of constitutional checks and bllan-
ces existing between the Legislative and Executive
Departments, and resolving the whole government
into the judgment of single individual and re-
gardlesS too, of what may b. his own recorded OPT
Mon, and THAT HIS STATE, upon the same SUBJ
ject Is ii such subervent creature, that the free
and intelligent people Of any District in this nation
desire TO see and find in the votes of THEIR represen-
alive
do not for one-I never have, and never shall
claim to be the representative of such people On
the contrary were TO act the part OF subServient
sycophant the foot stool of Executive power, and
iawn upon or latter Executive will, l should BE- OBJ
noxious most Justly TO the charge OF dishonoring the
spirit and intelligence of my constituency; and OF
deb lsng the majesty and influence of free peoples
sufrages, 10 win, perchance, the temporary smiles
OF Executive officers, TO accomplish selfish ends OF
my own. No--my constituents, II know them as
think do, have expected no such things OF me
the present Executive OF this nation would be among
the foremost to despise such weakness and subservi
ency in any Representative, il have not also en-
irely misjudged his character. He is too magnani-
nous not 10 wish the members of each coordinate
branch of the government To act with the same Tree
dom and independence that he claims for himself
And most especially did he invite, in his late Mes
sage to Congress TO approach the subject of Sub.
Treasury system OF national finance in this spirit OF
freedom, and with judgments unShacked by every
personal and party consideration. He spoke of 1t as
became statesman, and the head OF free and intel
PsotiS'
Tho subject" says he, :" is Of great Importance;
and which scarcely expect to be as uni
ted in sentiment as in interest IL deserves
FULL and FREE DISCUSSION, and cannot fail 10 be bene
fitted by dispassionaie comparison Of opinions. Well
aware myself Of the duty Of reciprocal concession
among tho coordinate branches Of the government,
can promise reasonable spirit Of operation, far
as il can be INDUCED in without the surrender Of constr
,utonal objections which believe to be well founded
Any system that may be adopted should be subjected to
the fullest legal provision to leave nothing TO the
Executive but what ccessary to the scharge OF the
duties imposed upon him; and rhateper plan may DC
ultimately established my part shall be so dIschar.
ged as to give fair trial. and the best prospect Of
success"
What an elevation Of character-libcrality OF SEN
Reconsideration Of differences of political opinion
what an invitation TO scrutiny and free discussion,
is here exhibited by the President, contrasted with
the spirit Of denunciation and factous tleness OF
purpose that characterize the writings and party
dogmaS of the hired ordisappointed Newspaper hacks,
and political demagogues that infest this and other
cities and villages! These swirl in their zeal TO
denounce every person, without regard TO what the
testimony Of his whole political life may be in his
favor as a deserter of the Republican party" an
opponent of Mr.. Van Buren's administration
who dares exercs, the freedom Of thought and dis
cussion which the President has himself so properly
invited in relation TO his proposed Sub Treasury ex
tho which no President has a right TO