The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-03-10
SENATOR TALLMADCE.

are assailing the distinguished Senator from
New York, with the utmost yirulcnce, through
every channel that corruption can control, and
by every means that hatred can suggest or
knavery labrictte.
The denunciations themselves, and the in
struments who manufacture them ITO order"
are, however, less to be regarded than the mo-
tives and the characters in which they origi-
nate, and the circumstances which have
brought them forth.
Mr.. TALLMADGE has represented, in part,
the great State Of New York, in the United
States Senate for term including the last five
years. As u Democratic Republican "born IN
The purple" and as q supporter Of the last
administration and an advocate for the ascen-
dancy OF the present, he has pursued the die
tates Of an honest understanding, as well with
uniformity and consistency. Guided by a
strong practical good sense, and actuated by
the loftiest spirit of patriotism, party attach
ments and party allegiance have commanded
his influence only when party policy has been
compatible with the great interests Of the
whole country. Through the whole Of the
eventful period in which he has taken part
upon the national theatre Of politics, like the
distinguished Virginia Senator he has never
forgotten " that he has country to serve as
well as party to obey" The influence OF
that noble and patriotic sentiment, has in
pre-eminent degree directed his course during
the period Of embarrassment, difficulty and
doubt with which this nation has been over
whelm.d in the last twelve months. or these
troubles " heaven and earth will witness that
he is innocent Had the practical counsels
Of Senator Tallmadge been needed by those
who direct the affairs of government, the ship
of state, instead Of being on its beam ends in
the midst of the turbulent and dangerous
breakers, would have
Sill steadied with an upright keel"
triumph and glory to the port Of safety. In
stead Of bankrupt Treasury and public
debt, the government would have been unem-
barrassed and the Treasury fnIl--insteal of
being constantly defeated, and disgraced by
its own acts, and condemned by the people,
the administration would have retained the
confidence of its once numerous friends and
gone on in success and honor-while the
country would have been better governed,
would have avoided the evils which now dis
tress it, and continued to prosper as it was
wont. Had the forty millions of surplus re-
venue been deposited with the states in the
manner advised by Mr.. Tallmadge, the Trea-
sury would have been able to replenish its ex-
hausted Golfers, without even recalling the
money from the states, or being compelled as
it now will be to illustrate the advantages Of
the credit system by resort to loan, or an
issue Of promissory notes. Had the surplus
been made an actual deposte with the states,
as il was on its face intended, and not an alb
solute distribution, and certificates of deposite
been taken, those certificates would now have
furnished the Treasury means of supply
without embarrassment to either party. But
instead Of that, the bungling machinery Of an
absolute distribution in specie went on, the
ocean Of metallic circulation was set at once
in commotion, and transfer orders went reck-
lessly hither and yon, the whole banking sys-
tenn heaved with CONFUSION, and the grand re-
suit was the catastrophe of May.
When that calamity, with all its horrible con-
sequences visited the country, it was thought
propitious reason.for the plans of designing
men, and the moment was seized to carry out
their schemes Of revolution and disorganiza-
ton. Mr.. Tallmadge had the boldness to
meet them with resistance at the threshold,
aud re-asserted in letter to the ,lbany Ar
gus early in June, the true policy of patrio-
tism, "to preserve and regulate, but not de-
sroy" the existing institutions of our country.
Specie being driven from circulation, he sug-
gested the propriety of temporarily suspending
the act prohibiting the circulation Of small
bills, and predcteda repeal of that law, which
he was in favor OF preserving, if temporary
suspension was not allowed. The present
Legislature has just verified his prediction, al
though he was denounced as false prophet
and deserter. When the Sub-treasury bill
was proposed at the extra session Of Congress,
he felt constrained to oppose it, even though
it should be at the sacrifice OF the personal
and political friendship of Mr.. Van Buren,.
lie sawit brought forward with infinite surprise
and regret, because il would not only injure
the country but destroy the administration.
In the midst of the denunciation with which