Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1838-01-04
III E RALDOF THE TIMES.

having, any OF them been read; and that no
doubt it also came from the Executive. But
tins last was matter Of suggestion did not
state it as fact within my knowledge.
! Ispoke Of the resolution as having been but
once before the Committee. The majority
assert that "the question:" not the resolution,
but "the question:" meaning suppose the
question OF National Bank, was three times
before the committee. 1t is very true, as
mentioned in my statement to the House, that
touching "the question" of national bank,
myself observed at an early session of the
committee, that it might be well to let the
matter rest till all the petitions were present
ed.
f, Here was mere postponement of the sub
ject; as yet the resolution had not been Of
fercd. As to the second time, at which it is
alleged that the question was before the com-
mittee, had no knowledge of it whatever
Since the publication by the majority of the
committee, have ascertained that the reso-
luton inqnestion was brought forward for the
first time, when was not present, and tina! it
was then postponed.
! The next time it was brought forward !
came to the committee late, and the proceed
ings took place of which l gave relation in
my speech.
| The essential point, that the petitions were
not read, IS expressly admitted by the mq qioi-
ty of the committee. This fact stands out
without contradiction.
The majority of the committee fell into er-
ror when they assert that the resolution was
drawn up by the Chairman of the committee
in my presence. For as have before stated,
] have ascertained that when it was first
brought forward, was not present.
did not undertake TO state,as matter with
in my knowledge, where the resolution in
fact originated. only expressed my belief
only made suggestion as to its origin and
that suggestion may well be true, notwith-
standing the resolution was written down in
tho committee room for as it consisted of on
ly nine words, it might easily have been
brought from the executive without having
been put upon paper. g,
The absolute necessity Of correcting Mt
once the unfortunate misapprehensions re.
spectiDg this affair, into which | unexpected
ly find that so many persons have fallen, pre-
vents me from going so fully into The subject
at the present time as could have desired.
trust however, with all who know me, and
cannot but hope that with all candid minds,
what ] have now said will prove perfectly
satisfactory upon the two great points -
First-That the statements ] made in Fa-
ncuil Hall, never retracted nor thought of
rctracting.
Secondly--That those statements were
true.
The propriety, under the circumstances, of
my Withdrawing fromthe Committee of Ways
and Means, and Of other parts of my conduct
| must submit to your candid consideration
and judgment. The communication made
to you has drawn upon me great personal
hostility and reproach. But whatever may
be the result TO myself, shall have the con-
sciousncss that have done nothing more in
this particular than to discharge duty to the
community. cannot conclude without ex-
pressing hope, that all those public prints
which have published the other articles in re-
laton to this subject, will also in justice to
Inc, give an insertion TO the present address.
RICHARD FLETCHER.