The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-02-24

lie explains and reconclles, with true dipio-
matte tact, the discrepancy between the flat
tering compliment paid by tho Legislature by
their " fun confidence ia MIR. Van Buren,"
while, distressing his wisdom, they instructed
.iheir Senators and Representatives in Con-
gress" 10 vote against the iavorte and chief
measure of his recon nendalon-a measure
upon which the official organ has said, de-
pended the fate Of his administration.
He admits that this obnoxious measure
would "increase executive power; !" and that
his peculiar situation presents but one aterna-
tive, ito obey or resign" In electlng the
first he ayows himself bound 10 follow the ex-
ample OF Senator Crundy, Of Tenn; and
like him, on every question Of proposed
amendment. he pledges himself 2 to give such
a vote as fair and honorable opponent Of the
:, bill, ought. lin his judgnent) 10 give"
We trust. and we do not doubt, that the In
structions 10 the Senators Of Pennsylvania
and Tennessee win be obcyed in all good
faith; an that they will not consider them
selves bouad, simply 10 oppose bad measure,
but to support wise one.
IN SENATE,
MoxDay, Feb 10.
Mr. Buchanan addressed the Senate follows:
Mr. PRESIDENT rise TO present to the Senate re-
solution Of the Legislature Of Pennsylvania, which re-
ceived from Gov Riiner yesterday afternoon, re-
questing their representatives Congress, and lnsiruct
ing their Senator'S and their influence for
posponCnent until the session OF Congress, Of
the act introduced by the Hon. Srlas Wright, Of New
York. COMMONLY called the Sub-freasury hill. or any
other act acts OF similar character; and that they
vote this session for Of q similar The
Legislature Also by the resolution, declared that
they have full confidence in Martin Van Buren,, and IN
the wisdom and intelligence their democratic Sena-
tors and Representatives in Congress ard further
strict and request their Senators and Representatives
to vote for such mode OF receiving keeping and dis
bursting the public moneys. will separate, as far
practicable. the hanks from the government.
| feel confident that the Senate will pardon me,
considering the peculiar position in which am placed,
for making few remarks in explanation Of the course
which Intend TO pursue under this resolution II is
well known, both to the Senate and to the country,
that at the last session of Congress, presented my
views 10 detail in favor of separation OF the Treasury
from all banks, as fiscal agents Of the government My
opinion upon this subject remains unchanged nay, it
has been confirmed by subsequent events aud subse-
quent reflection. After careful examination of the
bill reported by the Senator from New York, it has
been since amended, think, 10 the main, it is well cal
culaed TO carry into practice this principle Of separa-
ton, Whist increases Execnnre patronage 10 pery
small srfenk, aud than is absolutely necessary
10 carry into effect It's principles, it confers power
whatever upon the Secretary Of the Treasury the
public money, except that which he has exercised ever
since the origin of the present Government and pro-
vision of the bill, which has existed heretofore
renders 1t impossible that the ordinary Treasury drafts
which delivered to the public creditors should ever
be used as currency With some further amendments
which need not now specify, but which had intend
ed TO move, on proper OCCASION should have given
cheerful support to this bill. Bot am instructed
and remains for me TO decide what ought
pursue, under this change OF circumstances
Ever since was capable of forming opinion upon
this subject have believed that the Legislatures If The
ssDeral States Ind right 10 instruct their Senators.
in my Upnion, this right results from the nature
Of our Constitution, which IS Federal compact be-
tween distinct and sovereign States 1t has been
considered, with but few exceptions fundamental
tice in the political creed Of that party which am
proud to belong have in public aud in private in the
face Of the Senate aud before the country, openly
pressed this opinion; and ! shall never preach one
doctrine OF political faith, aud practise another. shall
never shrink from what conceive to be my dnty, be-
cause, IN performing it, may apply the torture my
self
know that some Of my most paiaed friends in Penn
syraaia who hold the right OF instruction. to be sacred
Of opinion That, under the peculiar circumstances Of
this case, Ioagh disobey these instructions But do
they not perceive that If the Senator look behind his
sructions the right is once abandoned Under the
presx or # you please, Hader me honest bc,cf that
they do not speak the voice OF the people that they
have been corruptly improperly obtained Senator
could ALWAYS justify himself 10 himself for dlsohedence
shat therefore, MT dsobey my distinctions My only
GteraatiUs then, IS either 10 obey resign,
Upon questions ofmere cxpediency, in which no
stutional principles involved, II ought to be very
strong TO induce the Senator abandon his post
II every difference of opinion between the Senator and
his Legislature should produce this effect the right Of
instruction itself would soon grow disrepue, and
the Senatorial term of years. fixed by the Const
tuition, would terminate whenever such conflict Of
opinion should arise
can conceive Of extreme in which, on ques-
tons Of mere expedlency, honorable might feel
himself dIsgraced IN even becoming the agent give
the vote OF his State No person, OF any party with
whom have conversed considers the present be such
case. and an confirmed in my opinion upon
this subject by the example OF the Senator from Tennes
see, (Mr Grundy shalt therefore, Obcy mn iRsrnc-
iioas honestly aud good faith and hkc HIM on epery
question 81 proposed amendments, shall grc sh a cote
as far and honorable opponent of The bill ought IN my
judgment, to gre
Il is scarcely necessary to add that am not in
strcted TO support the substitute for the bill offered by
the Senator from Ylrgria Mr. Ryes) shall exercise
my opinion, and vote against its adoption.
snail take leave to express my high qualification at
one clause contained in the resolution Of instruction
The Legislature Of Pennsylvania have shown to the
world that they justly appreciate the Of the states
man whom the people of the United States have placed
the head OF the Government by declarnu their full
confidence in Martin Van Buren," Such well de-
served tribute TO superior merit might be considered as
the incense OF hattery bad 1t been offered BY his polti
cal friends. The is the upon the present
occasion The resolution containing this expression of
confidence its fnal passage, received the vote Of
every opposition member OF The House Of Representa-
tIyes, and am informed, of the Senate, whether Wing
or Antimason, aud was approved by Joseph Rner,
Governor 4 mem lpa arc n1a1n IN