The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-07-08
THE DEBATE IN THE SENATE.
BANK QUESTION

The debate in the Senate was continued on this
subject Saturday. Mr. Clay repealed in proper
spirit the nsnuation of the Globe that he intended by
his remarks and his acts Friday give offence to
the honorable Senator from Massachusetts, Mr.
CHoATE With the characteristic nobleness Of his
nature Mr.. Clay complimented that Senator for his
talents and demeanor in the Senate and said he was
the last man whom he (Mr. C.) would offend, or
whose feelings he would wound in the slightest de-
gree.
| Mr.. ARCHER and Mr.. RvEs then had mutual and
friendly explanation of little differences between
them the day before, and, like rue-hearted, high
minded, and patriotic men, vowed themselves friends,
as became honored citizens Of the Old Dominon-a
Commonwealth which may well be proud of such re-
personalities.
Mr.. BAYARD offered an amendment to Mr.
RyEs proposition to the effect to the power of
establishing branches, unless the States diSsented
stead of requiring afrmatively their assent He sup
ported his amendment with his accustomed ability and
legal acumen He cited, with great force, the opn-
ions of Mr. MADISON in favor OF the constitutionaity
of National Bank, from legislative and Judicial
struction.
MIR. PHELPS then took the floor in favor of Mr..
RlvEs amendment. He asserted to the fullest extent
the power, under the Constitution, 10 establish
branches according to Mr. CLAYs report but for
the amendment of Mr., RvEs matter of expedi-
ency, under the circumstances by which he found
himself surrounded MIR. PHELPS exhibited on this
OCCASION others, whenever he has addressed the
Senate, most logical mind and vigorous intellect.
Mr. HUNTINGTON replied to Mr.. PHELPS, and
IL, no af he in hs al
clear strag hifol ward earnest and able manner and
was listened to with great attention. He put home
his arguments to his oco-foco brethren style that
made the Ohio Senator, (Mr ALLEN,) vince under
it, and who could not refrain from uttering something
about the alien and sedtion law, which is usually
thrown in, when gentlemen are pinned to the wall.
The Senate then went into executive business, and
adjourned over to Tuesday, when the debate re-
sumed
Mr. BERRlEN said ii assumed by Mr.. RlvEs
and those who supported his amendment /. That
the question of constitutional power was unsettled
question 2. That the amendment will remove all
constitutional scrupes; and 3. That it will have the
effect to allay hostility to such institution He
said that if these propositions true, they would
be entitled to great consideration. But he would
dertake show that the reverse of all these PROPOSE
tons true. Mr. BERRIEN then went on TO de-
mons,rate his position in the most methodical, and
logical manner. Mr. BERRIEN always presents his
views in clear and lucid manner, and if he does not
bring all his hearers to the conclusions to which
he himself has arrived he satisfies them that few
could have presented the subject with more ability
Mr.. MERRlCK admitted the cons,itu,ionality of
the branching power of Mr.. CLAY's bill but went in
favor of MIR. RvEs amendment, as a matter of cx-
pedency-that it would encounter less opposition and
best reconcile the arrng of,he friends of the
measure.
Mr.. MANGUM inquired if there was any Wing
who had not strong objections 10 this amendment
as to the original proposition.
Mr.. MERRlCK thought there were many. He
knew many who hailed this amendment bright
star Of hope to the Wing party. He then went on
70 show the constitutionality Of Bank in this Dis
trict with branches established with the assent OF the
States. MIR, MERRIoK maintained his position in an
animated speech which characterized by his &C
customed clearness and ability.
Mr.. BATES also admitted the full power Of Con-
gress to establish branches but under the circum-