Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1840-10-31
THE coNSTITUTIoNALGTY OF A BANK OF
THE UNITED STATES.

In the Vandalism Of the times which are fast
Fastening to close, every man has been pointed
to as a FcderaIiSt who did not join, not only in
denuuncng the conduct of the late bank but also in
denying the constitutional pocer of Congress to
make any bank. No differenee--no dissent OF
opinion was allowed. Mr.. Van Buren, and Col.
Benton declared 1t unconstitutional, and The exam
pie Of such men Washington, Madison aud
Crawford was hoo,ed at by the vandals, who called
themselves democrats! II gentleman, once doubt
ing or denying the power, changed his opinion in
Difference TO the argument of a Crawford or the
opinion even of General Jackson Gas expressed
eight years ago, in his veto Message) he was de-
nounced as "turn coat" and the Vanda voice
drowned all reason, all expostulation. Time,
however, has wrought the overthrow of the Van
dals-and now when those who have been so long
msled by their falsehoods and decisions, are ava
kening to sense Of the worthlessness of those
who have heretofore: essayed to lead them, it may
be well enough to recur TO some of the authorities
and reasoniDgs on which the republican party pre-
dictate the constitutional porer of Congresst to make
just such bank as General Harrison has pledged
himself to approve. Is the authority of William H.
Cra,cford as good with "the democracy" as it is with
Virginia Republicans If so, we again place it
on record in the shape of letter often published
by the Wing press, but never by those of "the de-
mocracv." 1t is the letter of that eminent States
Rights Republican to Charles Jared Inger soil, as
follows: ......
WooD-LAwN. Dec. 5, 1881
DEAR SE-Iour friendly letter on the subject
of The Bank OF the United States, has been received
by due course of mail. The opinion which formed
OF the w. States Bank, when was a member of
'he senate was the result of careful examination
of the Constitution Of the United States made
without any preconceived opinions. That onnon
is recorded in two speeches which mude in the
Senate in the year 1911. Since that time I hays
had no occasion of reviewing the question.
My opinion remains unaltered 8 was Secretary
OF the Treasury more than eight years, and during
that time had ample evidence of the great utility
OF the Bank of the United States in mana c;ng The
fiscal concerns Of the Union. Tam persueded ,bo,
no man, whatever his preconceived opinions NAV
be- can preside over the treasury one wear witbort
being deeply impressed with the expediencv of
Bank of the United States, in conducting the
finances Of the Union. The provision in the con-
stitution which gives to Congress the power to
pass all laws which may be necessary and nroner
to carry into effect enumerated powers cires CpnI
gress the right to pass the bank BILL unless a law
most proper to carry into effect the power to COL
lect ana distribute revenue, should be excluded bv
that provision. y
The opponents Of the constitutional;,v of tho
bank, place great stress upon the word necessary.
contained IN the grant OF power, and insist that no
law can oe necessary but such, without which tina
power could not be carried in effect Now thi,
construction appears to me to be indefensible
1t does seem to me that the words Unnecessary
ana proper cannot exclude law that is most
proper TO carry the power into effect. Yet the
unconstitutionality of the bank can be pronounced
only upon that construction of the constitution,
My construction of the grant of power. to mass
laws which are necessary to carry the enumerated
powers into effect, includes the power to pass all
laws which are necessary to carry the enumerated
powers into effect in The most perfect and comDiete
manner and not in an incomplete and imperfect
manner.
nave not seen complete development of tho
residents plan of bank. It is possible that bv
ms plan the transportation of the revenue NAV he
erected: Inc advantage of this security to the
public is incalculable. 1t ought not to be- relin.
pushed, unless it be satisfactorily nroyed Tint
the Bank or the United States is unconstitutional
ms think cannot BIS satisfactorily shown NV
speeches are recorded, and can be republished #
necessary. They contain the result of the host ;n
vestgation | was able to give the subject. Inn
persuaded that could not improve upon it nos, if
had the means OF investigating the subject, which
have not. O"
am, sir, your friend &c.,
w. II. CRAWFORD.
But We have copied this letter mainly for the
purpose of assisting every citizen, on Monday next,
10 cast his vote understandingly, in reference TO
Mr.. Van Buren, and General Harrison. The latter
agrees with Mr.. Crawford and every Secretary of
the Treasury we have ever had, we believe, except
the corrupt and stupid dolt at present employed by
MIR. Van Buren,, who, we desire to impress il. is
pledged 10 VETO ANY bank bill the wisdom of
Congress may enact. We hope the people of
Howard, al least, will veto him. In addition TO
this, we understand that the question of bank or
no bank" as proposed in our paper of the 5th Sep.
tehber, will be submitted to the people--a column
being easily kept by the respective clerks, and it
being the most convenient way of instructing our
Senators and Representatives, respecting the wishes
OF majority of their constituents, on this vita!ly
important proposition. We will but add that if
there should be any thing like q full Wing vote,
the result must show decided majority in favor
OF properly organized National Bank. Many,
very many democrats, have expressed themselves
IT iendly TO the measure--many of whom, we know.
will not vote for Mr.. Van Buren purely because OF
his sporn hostility--to any National Bank.