Litchfield enquirer., 1839-05-09

DeftntenotuB sAtcSs EACCOtOtuB 70 q ICpOIS ~
me commissioner of the Land Once made in
1888, il appeared that since the government
selling, two hundred and thir-
cen millions of acres had been surveyed,
while less than one hundred millions had
,een sold or appropriated. Yet further sur
,eys are making from time to time ut the
pressing importantly of the New States. III
now the price is graduated by time, the
choice lands and sites Of peculiar valae may
be early purchased, but much that Is leIl Ol
the millions of acres already surveyed and
unsold, will, in the course of time, come under
the reduced and reducing prices. The
scheme, though plausible enough in theory
is fraught with mischief by becoming the es-
tablished policy of the government, looking
forward as well as retrospectively. Dlstln-
guished statesmen in Congress have win
undoubted sincerity, advocated the adoption
of the measure; but cannot discover It's ne
cessity, its wisdom, or its policy indeed
think / discover its injustice, partiality and
bad faith to the Old Suites, and that it owes
much of its popularity to the cupidity OF spec
ulators and the desire of the New States 10
secure an increase of immigration.
When We were last assembled. deep
gloom was spread over the community
There was little or no money for the transac-
ton of business markets for northern manu-
features we're closed, our workshops were ST.
lent, and their former occupants, in NUMBERS
we're seeking new employments IN otnef
homes. Confidence was gone fear was deplc-
ted in the face ofevery man of busincss; banks
had ceased to redeem their paper, and many
individuals and associations who had never
before imagined that they could become en-
barrassed in their regular pursuits, were sud-
denly crushed beneath the weight of their
accumulated perplexities; and it seemed for
O time, as if the crisis had come when tried
institutions and courses of trade were to be
entirely swept away. The sufterings' caus-
ed in a great measure by new theories, pres
sed so heavily on the country, that 1t was
found necessary to listen to the voice of ex-
perience, and return to the ancient policy
Accordingly the dark cloud is dispelled /;
confidence. has revived individuals invest
their capital without fear; companies and
banks meet their engagements; and sound
and convenient currency imparts new life to
business; gives encouragement to the man.
ufacturing village, and casts the sunshine of
over the commercial city,.
The General Assembly have likewise
made known by respectful resolutions, their
views and wishes,in relation to the plan tor
keeping and disbursing the public money,
to Congress by the President.
If, gentlemen, the approximations of those
who do not approve of this plan are founded
in truth, it is fortunate that more time is al
lowed Congress for consideration. Reason
and experience teach US that the public mo-
ney cannot be made secure by legal provi-
sions, nor by the supervision of experienced
officers, in country so wide as the United
States, with its fiscal agents gathering and
holding revenue Of many millions, at the
thousand points of Land and Post Offices and
Custom Houses. Nor may we overlook the
expenses incident to the system. Besides, it
some of the features ola National
Bank with agents instead of branches extend
ing over the United States, without any of
its advantages. Ii fully carried out, accord
ing to the designs of some gentlemen, it would
clothe the President with great patronage,
and end in the establishment of govern
ment currency, which, ifexclusiyely used in
collecting and disbursing the revenue, would
place in the hands of one man the bus mess
if not the destiny of the country. Whether
the financial concerns of the United States
can be safely and wisely conducted without
a National Bank Of equal and uniform credit
throughout the States, granting facilities at
every point, in times of peace and of war, re-
mains, in the estimation of distinguished
Statesmen, question to be settled. But
however this may be, the indications of pub
lie sentiment are decisive against any govern
ment agency which discredits the common
currency, and any system for keeping The
public money, which commits 1t to the GUS
tody of individuals.
Since we were last convened, the Banks Of this
State have resumed payment. Before that event,
h,,kV
general shock, and for time unable to perform their
appropriate duties. Under the peculiar circumsan-
ces, their policy marked with uprightness, eau.
ton and wisdom On the one hand, they were bound
by the letter OF their charters, while The other they
were forced to consult the safety Of their debtors and
the sentiment OF the community. / have no doubt
that at this time they are solvent and generally in
annual report, winform you Of all such particulars
as are important In their character, conduct and con.
don. 1t is the duty the Legislature to watch these
institutions with attention and iimpartiaity., They
possess great influence giving character to the cur
rency, affecting the pursuits OF the people, and in
some measure fixing the standard of property. Such
watchuness is due to the honest Jealousy OF epubl.
canism, to the community, and 70 the institutions
themselves. Thissupcrvision should he carried home
10 their affairs with frequency and inuteness, as best
calculated to secure honesty and wisdom in their
management. Any well founded charges against
not to be permitted to practise oppression. 10 v;o
late their charters with lmpuny nor are they to be
censured or disparaged while dischargng the duties
incumbent upon them. We ought TO be able, and for
the most part may confde in the ability and prohity
Of their directors, for they personally interested
their sovency, and generally are connected with the
business of their fellow citizens. II in such men we
may not repose confidence under public nspec-
tion then must we despair Of finding ground Of conf
dence in our fellow beings and under jealousy Of
all power, let be delegated lest il be abused 1t
is not the part Of wisdom to create disrust Of these in
st,utions or Of the currency they give They have
become the settled policy Of the country and no other
currency will extensively prevail, whether we have
eighty millions Of specie even more. imported from
abroad. The habits and prepossessions ofour people
are too firmly fixed expect any fundamental change
IN our moneyed SYSTEM nor can any thing be attempt
ed with hope Of success without the concurrence Of
not without disturbing other nations, possess much
more Of the precious metals than we now possess
but the present amount is wholly insufficient Of ITSELF