The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1840-08-07
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4 FARMERS VIEWS OF THE INDIE.
PENDENT TREASURY.
Speech Of Mr.. John Davis,
OF PENNSYLVANIA
OF PENNSYLVANIA,
In he House Of Representatives., Jane 21h, 1910,
On the Independent Treasury Bill.

or PENNSYLVANIA,
In he House Of Representatives, Jane 27h, 1910,
On the Independent Treasury Bill.
Mr. DAVIS said-NIr. Chairman, before pro-
coed to the consideration of the great and impor-
tant national question now before the committee,
will read an extract from the Boston Courier Il
modern wing paper. 1t is as follows:
"As well might blacksmith attempt to mend II
watch, as a farmer 10 lrgiSlate. What mischief
are sure TO be enacted, when man born To moth
ing but the plough tail, undertakes TO legsIaie"
Mr. Chairman, | AIN the kind of person herein
described. | was horn to no inheritance but the
plough tail; and have pIoughcd all day, from sun
up until dark, since | have been elected to Il seat
on this floor. know very well, sir, that this j.
not an uncommon opinion in certain quarter. 1t
is ms old rs the constitution under which we live.
Whether am qualified for this station or not, is Il
question alone for my constituents, who have sent
me here.
As have not heretofore consumed any Of the
time of the House, now ask the indulgence of the
committee while ! present some OF the reasons
that will influence my vote on this important qucs-
ton.
The gentleman from Massachusetts, Mr. Reed
who has Just taken his seat, the gentlemen from
PENNSYLVANIA, Nessrs. Sergeant and Cooper, and
the gentlemen from Kentucky, Nlossrs. Pope.
White and Andrews, as well as most other gen
temcn who have spoken in opposition TO this bill,
have charged the present administration with be-
ing the cause of the suspension oi specie payments
in 1887 and 1899, and all the consequences attcn
ding them: such Us the arrangement Of the cur
rcncy, the issuing Of shnpastcrS, the reduction Of
the price of produce, and turning the poor labor
irg man of employment 10 staryc for the gentle
man from PENNSYLVANIA Nr. Sergeantl informed
us that they were in II state Of starvation All these
evils they say have come upon the country by Nr.
Van Bnrens ,ampcring with the banks; for which
he has been called currency tinker, and other
odd names. Now il this be true. as charged over
and over again this floor, and IN the opposition
papcrs it is the strongest reason that has been Of
lrrcd why separation of the government from the
banks should take Place. Nothing that the friends
of the bill have said in IT, favor can he more slr-
king TO the public mind than tlni--f the President
has the power TO do so much mischief IL shon'd he
taken from him. Had been opposed 10 this bill
when came here, (Which was not) J have
heard enough from its enemies TO convince me that
it should pass.
am pieased that my honorable colleague from
phi,adelpbia [Mr. Sergeant has at length made
known TO us the principal cause of the opposition
10 this bill. He, of all other gentlemen on this
floor. has had the best opportunity TO be Informed
on that particular subject. lie represents the bank
interest Of Pennsylvania, and of all other men i
acquainted with their views, wishes. feelings and
interests IN examining this bill, the gentle man
said that the amount of money appropriated IN u
was sol 900. This appeared on the face. OF II
but there was something he said, that was covered
m in it, which was hid from the publ; view, but
which would be perfectly apparent when nc men