Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1838-05-01
CONGRESSIONAL
WAsHINeroN. Anril 16th.

WASHINGTON, April 10th.
The Special Orders of the day being of an
interesting character, came up at one o'clock.
| The Bill to be considered was reported some
time since, and is entitled "a A bin to prevent
the issuing and circulation of the bills, notes
and other securities of corporations created by
acts Of Congress which have expired"
Mr.. Grundy, of the Judiciary Committee,
made the report, and as soon as the bin was
read, took ground In defence Of the bill, and es-
Peclaly IN reply TO the late letter of Mr.. Bid
ole. This, indeed, formed the chiefpart Of Mr..
Jrundy's speech The letter he called man
liesto of the Bank of Pennsylvania, and de-
claration Of war against the President of the
United States Il was desig ed, he said, to
prevent resumption of speci payments for
three years to come, but the letter would do
more than any thing else that could be con-
celved to undo. such intentions. The letter
would prevent, him, (Mr. Biddle,) from putting
bus plans into execution. It is intended 10
dictate, govern and direct the measures of this
great country. Mr.. Biddle, continued Mr..
Grundy, says he has money enough, but win
not pay. He means to keep the Banks from
resnmng lS4l, when Mr.. Van Buren, goes out
OF Office. It is Che added an unjust, Illegal
and immoral measure.
MIR. Grandy said he wished not to be thought
an enemy to the Banks. He was a friend ia
them and especially to State Banks. No man
could be more willing than himself to aid them
IN resuming specie payments. But Mr.. Biddle.
IN his manifesto, invaded the rights of the peo-
pie, and the rights of the Banks. He disliked
Bank politicians and Bank cotton merchant
politicians. The letter of Mr.. Bddle (ATr. G.
contended) is intended to mislead and misruide
the public mind.
Mr.. Grundy then went on to make good the
declaration that the Administration was friend
ly to Banking corporations. The Administra-
ton was an inferred enemy only. It was in
reality friend. Inever (said Mr.. G.) saw an
Administration report OF committee adverse
to a Bank Corporation.
Mr.. Grundy defended at great length the
Administration from the charges of being an
enemy or at enmity with the Banks.
He concluded with long and detailed de-
fence of the bill before the Senate, and an 60.
pecial reply again TO the general views Of Mr..
Biddle's letter.
WASHINGTON, April 18th.
The B;ls in relation to the Notes of the
United States Bank came up as the special or
der of the day.
No Senator manifesting any disposition to
speak upon the bill, Mr.. Grundy said perhaps
it would be as well to delay its consideration for
a few DAYS.
Mr.. Clay, Of Kentucky, apprehended that no
one was DESTROYS to speak, but he thought thew
were ready to vote upon the BILL
Mr.. King said the bill was one of much i'm
portance, and he thought it ought to lie over
for day or two.
Mr., Clay answered, certainly if the friends |
of such Bill desired it. Mr.. Clay said that
he was very DESTROYS to have the vote taken.
He wished to see who were ready to assert the
power claimed by the bill before the Senate.
Amidst cries for the vote upon the Bill. Mr..
Linn, who had called for the question, said he
would not press the vote now if the Senator
from Alabama wished to speak upon the Bill.
Mr.. King had no intention of speaking upon
the Bill, and if the Senate pressed its consider
alton now he should vote against it. He was
not satisfied of its constitutionalitv
Mr.. Strange, of NJ G. agreed that the COM
plant Of the Chairman Of the Committee of the
Judiciary (AIr. Grundv) about the issue and
circulation of the old United States Bank notes
was grievous one, and very great abuse
Mr.. Strange said he doubted the power of Con
gress to pass the Bib, and he should therefore
vote against if.
Mr.. Smith, of Conn. had not studied the bin,
and did not know how to vote He wished it
postponed till tomorrow.
MIR. Niles was In favor ofpostponement: and
after the yeas and nays had been ordered, on
motion of Mr.. Clay, upon the third reading of
the Bill, the bill was postponed till tomorrow.
Mr.. w all, however, nrsJ expresseu ms op;n-
ion that it was constitutional and he should
vote for It's passage. The bill win come up
tomorrow at one O'Clock, and probably be vo-
ted upon without much debate.