Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1841-08-25
MESSAGE

To the Senate of the United States:
The bill entitled "An act to incor-
porate the subscribers to the Fiscal Bank
of the United States, which originated in
the Senate, has been considered by me,
with sincere desire 10 conform my ac-
ton in regard TO it, TO that of the two
Houses Of Congress. By the Constitution
it is made my duty either to approve the
bill by signing it, or TO return it with my
objections to the House in which it origi-
naled. / cannot conscieEuoeslv give it
my approval, and ! proceed to discharge
he duty required of me by the Constitu-
uoa-to give my reasons for disapproving
The power Of Congress to create Ma.
lionaI Bank 10 operate per Sc over the
Union, has been question of dispute
from the origin Of our government. Men
most Justly and deservedly esteemed for
their high intellectual endowments, their
virtue and their patriotism, have, in regard
to it, entertained different and conflicting
opinions. Congresses have differed
The approval of one President has been
followed by the disapproval Of another
The People at different times have acqui-
esced in decisions both for and against
The country has been and still is deeply
agitated by this unsettled question. 1t
will suffice for me 10 say, that my own
opinion has been uniformly proclaimed 10
be against the exercise of any such power
by this Government. On all suitable oc-
casions, during a period of twenty-five
years, the opinion thus entertained has
been unreservedly expressed. declared
it in the legislature of my native State.--
In the House Of Representatives of the
United States it has been openly vindica-
ted by me.
In the Senate chamber, in the presence
and hearing of many who are at this time
members of that body, it has been affirm
ed and re.afiirmed, in speeches and reports
there made, and by votes there recorded.
In popular assemblies | have unhesita-
tngly announced it; and the last public
declaration which made, and that but
short time before the la;e Presidential elec-
ton, referred to my previously expressed
opinions as being those then entertained
by me; with full knowledge Of the opin-
ions thus entertained and never concealed,
was elected by the people Vice Presi-
dent of the United States. By the occur
renee ofa contingency provided for by the
Constitution, and arising under an impress
sive dispensationo of Providence, | succeed
ed to the Presidential office. Before en-
tering upon the duties of that Office, ]
took an oath that | would preserve,
protect, and defend the Constitution of the
United States"
Entertaining the opinions alluded to,
and having taken this oath, the Senate
and the country will see that ] could not
give my sanction to a measure of the
character described. without surrendering
all claim 10 the respect of honorable men
all confidence On the part of the people
all self-respect--aIl regard for moral
and religious obligations; without an OBJ
ervance Of which, no government can be
prosperous, and no people can be happy.
1t would be TO commit crime which |
would not wilfully commit to gain any
earthly reward, and which would Justly
subject me TO the ridicule and scorn of all
virtuous men.
deem il entirely unnecessary at this
time TO enter upon the reasons which
have brought my mind to the convictions
] feel and entertain on this subject
They have over and over again been re-
pealed. If some Of those who have pre-
ceded me in this high Office have enter.
tanned and avowed different opinions,
yield all confidence that their convictions
were sincere. claim only to have the
same measure nieted out TO myself. With
out going further into the argument,
will say that, looking to the powers Of
this Government to collect, safely keep,
and diSburse the public revenue, and In
cidentally regulate the commerce and ex-
changes, have not been able to satisfy
myself that the establishment, by TIN:
Government, Of hank of discount, in the
ordinary acceptatioa of that term, was
necessary means. or one demanded by
proprety, 10 execute those powers
What can the local discounts Of bank
have TO do with the collecting. safe-keeP
my, and dlsbursing Of the revenue?