Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1841-04-30
A NATIONAL. BANt
L.

The appalling facts that have lately come TO light II
relation TO Banks-the way IN which they are managed
the speculation and corruption they necessarily leat
TO- Of themselves sufficient 10 deter any patriot iron
advocating the creation of National Bank, even /
the evident unconstitutonahty of such an institution
were kept out of the question. We have, no doubt
that bold attempt will be made by the Federal'sts a
the Extra Session TO establish one, and 1t well known
that the Secretary of the Treasury has been for some
time preparing scheme Of the kind but We hope oT
We have faith in Mr. Tyler, and believe him so sold
body and SOUL TO Mr. Clay, that he will do any thing
that demagngue may desire there may be some lew Of
our political opponents unwilling TO bow the knee 10
Baal in all things, and courageous enough to oppose
the introduction amongst Us OF so great and nalionai
evil.
If we would wish 10 conjure into views the mass OF
corruption OF which National Bank would be the ma
urnl and fruitful parent, let cast back TO
the of that moneyed leyiaan the old U. 5 Bank,
when men and newspapers were matters OF every day
purchase in the Streets and when the highest junction..
airy did not feel himself disgraced By bride 10 do It's
bidding. Let us look 10 Congress when that nstItu
ton sought renewal Of lis charter, and hesitated at
act however ,iagrant, however expensive, that OF
fercd chance 70 the realization o! IT'S wishes.
Let remember that this bank actually loaned 10 goo
members Of Congress within the space OF five years the
enormous sum OF million sir huadred, anil Fr6 thou
sand Scren hundred and eightyone doliars'-a fact
which the records Of the House OF Representatives TO
this day exhibit By the report Of the committee it ap
pears that in s30 il loaned to - members Of Congress
Slg2 lU; 1881, DO. ~ do. 22 l09 1892 do "A do rs,
CO., 1888, do IS do 37i 100; lc34, do 81 do 2'- -G
and we do not for moment doubt hut that National
Bank in order TO secure 10 itself certain ayors would be
equally mprovdent, and equally wicked. Even
now how do know that such sinister, and iniqntous
Influences are not at work: We read in the newspa-
peTs of vast changes Of opinion in relation to the utl
lity and consutonaty Of National Bank. We are
told that many Southern members OF Congress, whose
heretofore has been distinguished for upright
a.. ,hrE hnlI
and eloquently denounced such institution, begin
now to look upon its establishment with complacency,
If not with satisfaction. 1t is stated too, that the
Bank of Commerce Of NewiYork with capital Of fire
millions capable Of being increased in accordance with
its charter 10 Efig millions he very designated for
National Bank is si- ing and confidently anticipates
to become, the institution. How do We know that this
Bank is not practising the tactics OF the deceased
"Monser:" How do we know that the singular
changes Of opinion have alluded to- have not been
brought about By the mysterious pal'nstry of this am
bilious corporation: How do We know that majority
of the members of the coming session Of Congress,
have already been convinced BY the irresistible ar
gument of the Bank OF Commerce. of the necessity
and cons,tulonaliiy of National Bank
We cannot know these things, and the possibility of
having such an engine Of oppression imposed upon
them By surrepttous means, should str up the people
TO active opposition Let them hold "ndgnaton meet
ings, and express themselves III manner and IAN
guare their representatives. cannot pretend 10 msun-
derstand. Let them dlscountenance emphatcaly Tue
bribery system, md mark unfit for the purposes OF
honest legislation every whose necessities or Gu
pdity, colnpels him 10 become the b0rrocer II hank.
No individual do his constituents justice, while his
efforts are trammecd by Indebtedness 10 corpora
tons as soulicss in their demands they are rrespon-
slhle in their Until such men be excluded from
all assistance in the preparation Of our laws, we can
not expec, but such laws viii benefit not the public,
but the banks Let the people then take determined
stand on this matter. They, and they only can cor
rect the evil. Let them nip it in the bud Let them
insist upon it tina, member Of Congress shall vote
on the question, who has directly indirectly been
saccoia poda,ed for At least twevemonth back, and
our word for IT. shall never be troubled with Ma
TioS.L BhSK!-Phd Spirnct Mr I,mes.