Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1841-07-12


Jefferson had himself recommended the plan Of
requesting such assent IN n similar case. The con-
currence of the States had been made prclimin-
ary TO the greal National undertaking, The Cum.
berland Road, aud had been requested in other
analgoiis instances. The people had sustained
General Jackson in his veto upon the late Bank
charter, aud they could not lie said TO have made
different decision in the election of Harrison,
who had srenuolsly opposed the doctrines now
commended for though it was true he declared TINT
he would not veto suitably restricted bnnk char
ter, if the wishes of the people should seem to be
clearly expressed in lis favor. FOR me former
views of the present Chief Magistrate. (he would
not refer to lis present opinlons,) which had oil
course been taken into consideration in the late
election, they were well known to I've opposed 10
the exercise of this power.-Ilere Mr.. Clay
10 point OF order. Surely it was improper he
said, for any Senntor to nludc 10 the opinions Of
the Executive, and if the subject were nm open
me Tor discussion, lie should feel himself called
upon 10 contend thai Mr.. T., Ter held With Madi
son aud other distinguished republicans of the
old s hool, HAT thc question was res GdjudtcGin,
and tliat whatever might have been his views
when it fiiei arose lie looked upon It nov as sctt
led beyond dispute. But surely the Seuale " ould
see the Improperly of such discussion.
Mr.. llivus said, he had alluded 10 the past opin-
ions Of President ~ Ter, only with respect to their
supposed hearing upon the votes ol the people ut
the late election. lie considered it clearly III or
der for him 10 contend that iy voting for gen
tlemau whose sentiments were so well known to
be opposed 10 u bank OF the old fashion, the peo-
pie had lot dee died in .nvor OF such uu insiu-
ton, but he woull waive the argument. lie then
proceeded to argue that, under such circunisnn
ces, the power must lie considered rs Of doubt
hl character. Such u power would never bc
strengthened 10y exercise, and he hoped Tint those
with whom he could so perfectly agree upon 9th
cr subjects would not insist upon asserting an all
stract power, when the public good might he
well promoted without so doing. lie hoped they
would endcavor to enlist the State pride on the
side Of the branches by making them in manner
the offspring of Their sovcregnles.
Mr.. Clay opposed the amendment with great
earueSinrss, aud with his usual eoquence and
force. lie could not hut think it the duty of II
Wing Congress moi to abandon right for which
they had so long commended, NJ the very momen
when it was in their iiower to vndcatc it. He
did not consider tie District institution which the
Senator would establish National Bank. II had
none of The powers of such an institution. 1t
was an lnpotent and awkward monster, II new eX-
pertinent, which promised only embarrassment
and disaster The Federal Government either
had the power To create II NnliOna. Bank or it had
mot. The assent OF the States could not give it
the power il t. had il not without their concur
renee. M considerable nunIber Of States would
ever consent 10 the establishment of II Banking
Institution Within tier territories, without sub
Jeciing il TO at least equal burdens with those
which they imposed upon their own Banks, aud
It they had the power 10 prevent The entrance of
the hraEches they certainly could impose cOndl-
tons upon tlieH admission. lie did not doubt
that the course Ui tire Executive III this emergen.
cy, would Ne in the highest degree honorable and
satisfactory. But with that they had nothing 10
do. 1t was Tor them 10 frame the hest measure in
their power, aud ii it should be unfortunate as
to fail Of the appreciation of the Chief Magistrate,
they could then turn their attention 10 some suh-
slute Till that time, they had no concern with
the opinions of the Executive, which he conf
IDENTITY believed would not be expressed till the
proper time should arrive. He approved in the
highest degree HIe doctrine OF concession, which
was so el"quenty urged by the Senator from Nr-
ginia, but die could not bur observe that all The
concession in this case was 10 iioin side
The twenty -seven Senators who had no scrupes,
were 20 give up their opinions to the Senators
from Virginia, which did look little unreusona-
ble.
Mr.. Rivcs said lIc.ditl not ask the concurrence
of Senators opposed TO himself in princp Pile. He
could stand alone but while he could not consc-
entiUusy vote in favor Of bill which seemed to
him unconslittillonal-tIere was no such over
whelming reasons why Senators on the other side
should insist upon the exercise Of abstract
power.
Mr.Preston hoped the Senate would concur in
adopting the amendment lie would wnive the
discussion of abstract 'questi,ns and speak ms II
practical politician; if they would, AS II party
man. plan had been sent down from the Ex
ecutve Department of the Government, in com
pIiaace with the request OF the Senate. This plan
might be agreed 10 by all, without sacrifice Of
constitutional principles. And il was by no
means certain that The plan substituted for it
would meet with .snucess The adoption Of the
amendment would not prevent the Bank from
furnishing the government with every facility, md
lle country with sound uniform currency. The
hill repeatedly the commillee embodied varie
~ oi experiments. -Every measure OF reform
which experience should suggest, would OF course
he an experiment. lie was content TO feel his
way IN Legislation, with the CONSCIOUSNESS OF that
inhrnity of judgment which characteristics all
MORALS. He was content to forego the praise Of
gallant rashncss. 1t wonh be well to give fair
r'a TO scheme which bad such high authority,
botlltE and out of the Senate, TO recommend it,
and IT It SHOULD not meet the views OF tile people,
they SyWlllU beSput Duck winter amend