The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-09-21
MR.. RIvEs.

On Tuesday, Mr.. RIvEs presented his pro-
position, as a substitute for one of the recon-
mendations Of the Message, and the bill Of the
Finance Committee reported in obedience
thereto The bill is substantially the same
as the Currency Bill' Of the last session,
with additional clauses adapting it to the pre-
sent peculiar condition Of the country.
Mr.. RIvEs supported his proposition in
speech Of little more than two hours in length,
occupying during the whole Of that time the
silent and profound attention Of the Senate,
and the admiring crowd Of auditors that filed
the Hobbies and galleries.
In speaking Of this speech, we do not hesi-
tate to say, that, however much we may have
admired the talents and productions Of this
gentleman, we have never done justice to his
powers and character as a statesman. II any
have doubted his irmness and independence,
there will be no room for any such doubts
hereafter; and his conduct in that regard will
not suffer by contrast with the sternest
stuffs," whose spirit has become the theme Of
fashionable eulogy. We must consider this,
perhaps, the noblest and most successful eff
fort ever made by him on the floor Of the
Senate. There was spirit of comprehen-
sive political benevolence and lofty patriotism
peryading every sentiment, that elevated him
far above the estimate we had previously
formed Of his character. He has always
been above a mere politician, and this effort
we think will set him forth to the regard of
his countrymen as statesman of extraordi-
nary powers, Of clear and profound views, of
elevated character and worth, and the loltiest
patriotism. His discourse was clearly and
perspicuously arranged, although delivered
without notes. His manner was courteous,
dignifed, and winning; his language, rich and
flowing, and many times beautifully fgura-
tive He reviewed the condition Of the coun-
try, and sought remedy for the prevailing
disorders. The committee had proposed none.
He dissented from the doctrines OF those who
advocate the divorce of the Government
from all Banking Institutions and urged as
we think the most nnanswerable arguments
against the Sub-Treasury scheme. A gentle-
man in the opposition had appealed to the
friends Of the late President to abandon the
State Banks Mr.. Rives had heard this APP
peal with utter amazement, for who but the
friends Of Gen. Jackson had ever supported
the State Bank Opposite System. He urged
that the State Banks had not failed, but like
every rami6cation Of business and trade, were
involved in embarrassment. That the Sun
tried expedient" which had been mentioned,
was not untricd that it had been tried in
Virginia, and that it signally and mournfully
failed. The doctrines of the Divorce" if
carried out, would prove to be Of the most
desolatng character, and gentlemen were
warned to beware, lest, in divorcing the 60
vemment from the banks, they should also
divorce the government from the people. He
regarded the proposition as anti-republican
and anti-social, and declared that for every
republican authority that could be adduccd in
favor Of it, he would pledge himself to pro-
duce an hundred against il. He urged that
It was sadly improper time, now, to urge
such new and important experiment, when
the country and the banks were involved in
difficulty and disaster. Let us first restore
confidence, and encourage the banks to resume
specie payments. In former times of diff
Guilty, confidence was proclaimed as the only
magic charm that could restore the country to
its wonted prosperity. 1t needed but the
breath OF government now to restore conf