Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1841-10-02

MlSSlSSlppl-ln hentucKy--ln tennessee
in Maryland--in all the circles in which |
moved--every where, "Bank or no Bank"
was the great, the leading, the vital ques-
ton. At Hanover, in Virginia, during the
last summer, at one of the most remarkable
and respectable and gratifying assemblages
that ever attended, distinctly announced
my opinion that Bank of the United States
was indispensable. AS to the opinions of
General Harrison, know that, like many
others, he had entertained doubts as to the
constitutionaity of bank; but also know
that, as the election approached, his opin-
ions turned more and more in favor of Ma
tional Bank; and speak from my own per-
sonal knowledge of his opinions when say
that have no more doubt he would have
signed that bill than that you, Mr.. Presi-
dent, now occupy the chair, or that am adj
dressing you.
rose not to say one word which should
wound the feelings of President Tyler.
The Senator says that, if placed in like cir
cumstances, l would have been the last
man to avoid putting direct veto upon
the bill, had it met my disapprobation;
and he does me the honor to attribute to
me high qualities of stern and unbending
ntrepldlty. hope that in all that relates
to personal frmness-all that concerns
Just appreciation of the insignifcance of
human life-whatever may be attempted
to threaten or alarm soul not easily
swayed by opposition, or awed or intimi-
dated by menace--a stout heart and a
steady eye that can survey unmoved and
undaunted, any mere personal peris that
assail this poor transient, perishing frame,
| may, without disparagement, compare
with other men. But there is a sort of
courage which, l frankly confess it, do
not possess-a boldness to which | dare
not aspire--a valor which cannot covet.
| cannot lay myself down in the way of
the welfare and happiness of my country.
That | cannot, | have not the courage to
do. | cannot interpose the power with
which | may be invested-a power con-
ferred not for my personal benefit, nor for
my ggrandizement, but for my country's
good-to check her onward march to
greatness and glory. have not courage
enough, l am too cowardly, for that, |
would not l dare not, in the exercise of
such trust, lie down, and place my body
across the path that leads my country to
prosperity and happiness. This is a sort
of courage widely different from that
which man may display in his private
conduct and personal relations. Personal
or private courage is totally distinct from
that higher and nobler courage which
prompts the patriot to offer himself vol
untary sacrifice to his country's good.
Nor did say, as the Senator represents,
that the President should have resigned
intimated no personal wish or desire that
he should resign. referred to the fact of
a memorable resignation in his public life.
) And what | did say was, that there were
other alternatives before him besides Veto
ing the bill; and that it was worthy of his
consideration whether consistency did not
require that the example which he had set
,, when he had a constituency of one State,
should not be followed when he had a con-
stituency commensurate with the whole
Union. Another alternative was to suffer
the bill, without his signature, to pass into
a law under the provisions of the Consti-
tuition. And | must confess see, in this,
no such escaping by the back-door, no such
Jumping out of the window, as the Senator
talks about. Apprehensions of the imputa-
ton of the want of firmness sometimes
impel us to perform rash and inconsiderate
acts. 1t is the greatest courage to be able
to bear the imputation of the want of
courage. But pride, vanity, egotism, so
unamiable and offensive in private life, are
vices which partake of the character of
crimes in the conduct of public affairs.
The unfortunate victim of these passions
cannot see beyond the little, petty, con-
temptible circle of his own personal inter-
ests. All his thoughts are Withdrawn from
his country, and concentrated on his con-
sistency, his firmness, himself. The high
the exalted, the sublime emotions of pa
triotism, which, soaring towards Heaven,
rises far above all mean, low, or selfish
things, and is absorbd by one soul-trans.
porting thought Of the good and the glory
Of ones country, are never felt in his i'm,
penetrable bosom. That patriotism which,
catching its inspirations from the immortal
God, and leaving at an immeasurable dist.
ance below all lesser, groveing, personal
interests and feelings, animates and prompts
to deeds of self-sacrfice, of valor, of devo,
ton, and of death itself-that is public vir.
tue-that is the noblest, the sublmest OF
all public virtues
l said nothing of any obligation on the
part of the President to conform his judg.
ment to the opinions of the Senate and
House of Representatives, although the
Senator argued as if | had, and persevered
in so arguing, after repeated corrections.
said no such thing. know and respect
: the perfect independence of each depart
ment, acting within its proper sphere, OF
other departments But | referred to the
| insitiaS in tho txuo Io,,ao. 70 Too,.oee