The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1840-10-03

may be differences OF opinion, 1t is true, as
to details, but, upon the essential principles
involved, we all think very much alike
How idle and unreasonable would ii be then |
10 ask Of our neighbor, to agree with us i'm |
plcitly, in all the minute details of system
when we see alike in relation to every fun
damental principle of which it consisted
And how absurd and unjust would it be, TO
impugn his motives and denounce his con-
duct, because he could not recognize in our
opinion the only inlallable standard of per-
lection Were this otherwise, it would be
induced a social tyranny of the most grind
ing and insupportable kind. Ii would des-
troy at once that freedom of opinion which
is not only the glory of our republican in
stitutions, but the very life and soul of their
existence. God forbid that the day should
ever arrive in this country, when the mos!
exalted individual in power may say TO the
humblesl. 81 am the standard of infallibil-
ty-agree with me in all things,or be bran
ded as a recreant and knave-stand off
from the alter Of patriotism--I am holier
than thou" l freely concede to every man
the right to form such opinions upon public
men, as he sees fit, and to act upon the best
dictates Of his judgment in supporting them.
| claim as reciprocal right the same privi-
lege and shall exercise it, as have hiiher-
to done, and shall continue TO rely on the
intelligence and integrity ofmy fellow citi.
zens to sustain me. | know that a public
officer, who can bare his very heart to the
public scrutiny, with consciousness O
rsctitude of intention, has nothing 10 appre
hend from the people. That scrutiny
cheerluIIy invlte--it cannot be instituted tot
often, or to rigidly applied 10 the conduc
} Of public functionaries.
l hope gentlemen, not 20 be misunder
stood. These remarks are not designed t
be applicable to any particular class of in
dividuals, fin fact any can be found, VIII
might feel disposed to appropriate then
to themselves. They are made for the sol
= purpose Of explaining my own views of til
course it becomes me to pursue under sue
: circumstances as have been indicated, and
t have not yet seen any just cause to depal
/ from them, on any occasion.
You have been pleased to refer with ap
, probation, to my recommendation of a ia
for the support Of the credit and the homo
of the Commonwealth, as well as for tn
completion of The unfinished works Of i'm
: provement. 1t aAotds me pleasure TO re
ceive such testimonials Of commendato
: from those who among others are TO bea
, the burlhen of this imposition. felt col
scious Of the peril | encountered in maxim
this recommendation to the legislature, br
in fact there was no other available alterna
tive. The debt was already inCurred-th
= improvements finished or undertaken-w
, were but indirectly responsible for provid
/ ing for the necessity which we had nc
J produced, and it was simply question o
whether the plighted faith of the Stat
, should be redeemed or violated. AS a ma
of honor, as the Executive Of high-minde
| and honorable people, l could not hesitate
r cheerGully suggested measure, in tn
, burthen of which, with my lelIow-clizeni
was to take a share, regretted as sir
, cerely as any one, its necessity, but rcgrt
however crest, could not justify failure
perform my official duty.
You have been pleased also to refer wit
: appreciation to my recommendations for tn
reform Of the B0aking System; to my or
position TO the increase of the number Q
banks; and to the certainty now afforded
that the banks of the commonwealth wi
resume specie payments on the day fxe
by the resolution, or "sink never to rise a
gain"
deeply regret that the commendalion
which made to the Legislature in my an
nual message at the opening of the last ses
sion, for the reformation of our viciou
system of banking, were not adopted. Hat
they been, believe much good would hay,