Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-08-05

ave assemblies and in popular meetings, has
proclaimed the constitu,ionality and expedi-
ency vi a National Bank. 1t is not true that
The reelection of General jackson was de-
cision adverse to the bank power; for, in his
veto OF the re-charter, he admitted the utility
Of bank, and stated that, if applied to, he
could have furnished a plan. He was voted
Tor, therefore, by large numbers-in my per-
sonai knowledge, he was, by many-under
iull expectation that, if reelected, a National
Bank would be established. In the case of
Mr.. Van Buren's election, the single question
OF bank or no bank was not fairly pr.in issue.
1t was mixed up with others and me, il not
two OF his competitors, were not understood
to be Internationally in favor of the power.
Ii has been argued that we must incorpo-
rate this amendment In the charter, and pass
1t IN that form, or we shall get no bank; and
illusions have been distinctly made to opin-
ions entertained elsewhere. l do not think
that II is compatible with the respect which
10 due to the Chief Magistrate, or to the Dig
nifty and independence of the Senate, to make
such illusions. Whatever differences gentle
men may have felt themselves at liberty to
draw, am perfectly confident that the Presi-
dent has given authority to no one to say how,
in given contingency, he would act. Such
graiuitous intinatlon, iii advance, on a
question of such delicacy and difficulty,
think am not mistaken when say his sense
OF official prcpriety would restrain him from
making. And my confidence in the patriot
ism and honor of the President, and in his
devotion to the cause which brought him into
power, is so great, that feel perfectly per-
suaded that he cannot fail to look at any mea-
sure which Congress may mature, and pre-
sent to his consideration, with an anxious de-
sire, If he can, to conform his judgment to
that of the Legislative department. ! will
not, for the reason already assigned, advert
to the facts and circumstances on which in
dulge hope, and from which dlaw differences
variant from those which have been express
ed.
But. sir, is it quite certain that such bank
as the Senator from Virginia would alone
make is really better than no bank? Allmust
feel that the bank controversy has had suffi-
cient duration and sufficient bitterness. 1t
should be the desire of all to see it terminated,
and harmony once more restored, if not forev-
er, at least for period of twenty years.
Pass an old fashioned bank, with only such
improvements as experience has clearly de-
inonstraied to he necessary; such bank as
the People want and demand; such as the
committee have reported, and believe, in
less than six months, that we shall have on
For, sir, Notwithstanding threats by our poll
teal opponents to attempt to repeal charter,
! passed by majorltes according TO all the re-
qulremeDts of the Constitution, do not be-
lleve that, II II should pass, they are going
before the intelligent People of the u. States
upon such question. / think their sober
second thoughts will restrain them from
making such an appeal to the moral judgment
OF mankind. But if they do, it is impossible
for me to doubt the issue of such a contest.
Are we sure that if we pass bank, whose
operations are wholly dependent upon the
separate movement of twenty six States, we
shall secure the desired repose! fear not
lear that such an institution will be but the
commencement of our bank troubles; be but
the vestibuie of the bank controversy. We
shall throw among the People a new apple
of discord. All the old prejudices against a
bank will be revived, and they will be aggra-
waited and augmented by the new questions
and new issues with which this perilous
scheme is surrounded. Can power be deriv-
ed to the General Government, directly or in
directly, by the consent of State? Shall
the States consent to the admission of branch
es! With or without conditions? Shall
they be received without being liable to the
same tax as the local banks pay! Shall the
bank be allowed to plant them wherever il
pleases In State or at city, 10 be designat-
ed by the Legislature? These and other
questions may agtate and distract this Peo-
pie from Maine to Louisiana. They will alb
sorb all other political questions, and, ! APP
prehend, completely engross the public mind
l tremble a: the consequences, and no man
can foresee the final issue of such tremend-
Gus struggle.
What is to be done in this unpleasant state
of things? The path ofduty lies broad, clear,
and straight before US. We have convictions,
strong and mistaken convictions, of what
ought 10 be done. And these convictions CO.
incide with tie opinions and the wishes of the
People. The theory of our Government, the
spirit of all free institutions, and the genius
of liberty inculcate that the Legislative and
Executive departments Of this Government
should be independent and uncontrolled in
their respective spheres of action, the one by
the other. Can We give up our deliberate
judgments to mere presumption of what may
be the Judgment of others No. sir; that is too
great sacrifice to ask OF independent free
men, representing independent: and enight-
| ened frGemen. Our true course is, to mature
the measure, according to all the lights of our
understanding, and to the deliberate dictates
of our best judgment, and transmit it as per-
feet as, in our consciences, we can make it.
| to the coordinate branch of the Government.
Upon receiving it, his duties, his responsibii.
ty, his rights will accrue; and, among them,
the most precious is, that Of examining the
measure with all the freedom and indepen.
dence which belongs to his high station.
Let us hope for concurrence between the
two departments Of Governments; blu, if there
should not be, their disagreements will not be
the greatest ofpubIic calamities, agreater would
be a voluntary surrender or sacrifice of the
conscientious judgment and constitutional in
dependence oil the one to the other. If, after
both have acted, there should be any develop