The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-03-22

From The Journal Of Commerce.
PUBLIC MEETING AT THE EXCHANGE.
Pursuant to public notice numerous meeting was
held Yesterday at the Exchange in relation to the pre-
sent condition of the country
Alderman Wheewlight called the meeting to or
dent.
The following gentlemen appointed Vice
Presidents
Arson G PHELPS, N. T. HUBBARD,
HENRY SUDAN HIRAM KErcHUM,
HENRY Wfckorri WILLIAM CHURCHILL
SCHUYLER LIVINGSTON, seorst.r;..
Hugh Maxwell Esq then rose and addressed the
meeting as follows
Mr. Chairman and feow-czens,
Having been yesterday afternoon apprised Of the
objects and character of this meeting, and having
been handed the resolutions which now hold in my
hand and shall have the honor Of submitting them
for your consideration, at the suggestion of some re-
spectacle gentlemen, who have requested that
should take part in the proceedings of this meeting,
/ need not tell you on this occasion what is the
duty of an American citizen alike interested with
YOU in the welfare and happiness of our common
country or what the peculiar duties which, at this
particular juncture, incumbent every man
that loves his country, and is devoted to the interests
of his fellow-ctizens.
This is an assemblage convened for no ordinary
object, nor meeting of an ordinary character
We are assembled this day in reference to no politi-
cal party or personal interest, nor to aid political
ambition.
The present juncture of public affairs in this coun-
try, points the public attention to far nobler and
higher actions than the advancement of particular
individuals, or affording aid to mere paltry poll
ticians.
| apprehend fellow-citizens, that the same senti-
ments ought now prevail, which witnessed during
the war Of lSl2-at the time when our common
country in danger and our condition appealed to
49, ntcn If fho uhof mad
barrier round the administration, impressed with The
glorious spirit Of the admiral of Oliver Cromwell,
who said, "When my country is in danger, and
am asked for my assistance, will not stop to in
country"
What is the condition Of country at this mo-
menti We have not suffered by the calamities of
war; we have not recently escaped from the ravages
of famine, the suferings of pestilence; and yet
ellowctZens, what is at this moment the sad state
of our common country
Let look at the laboring classes of the commune
" and we shall honest labor deprived of its fair
compensation and 10 prospect that 1T will receive the
rev ard of its honest enterprise. Ought such state
OF things exist ought We to expect it in such go-
rous and blessed country as ours
What is the condition Of your commercial interests
speak to Of the commercial class, and ask
them was there period in the whole history of
our land so raug with commercial suffering and en-
barrassmtnt2 lsthere at this moment either the
prospect or the hpe Of such reward compensation
honest enterprise industry have right to de-
mand
What is the condition Of your Government What
are it's means TO pay the public credit The Treasury
notes given by the Government, and taken on the
honor and good faith Of the Government are dshon-
ored by that Government from whom had a right
TO expect some regard for its character and who oug
to expect that il the national honor dsgraced it
would meet with the repobaton of the people of this
country.
Such is the condition Of the country at this mo-
ment; gloomy and disheartening in every view in
, which il can be presented.
And in addition to this we have before us the pros
pect of dangers and disasters which should alarm the
feelings Of every American citizen and call upon him
TO every energy of his character TO bring about
state Of things which will deliver from the dan
gers which threaten us, and which can only be
prevented by the voice OF the people, sounding like
thunder in the Of their sleepy legislators TO awak
en- them to a sense Of their duty.
We have been informed by the Message of the Pre-
sident of the United States to Congress- few DAYS
ago, that during March, April and May, there has
been deficiency of three millions of dollars Of the
appropriations fol maraiime and inland defences
which was necessary pay for the expenditure Incl.
dent to fitting out vessels and paying men in the
rious relations which must exist between tho people
in the employ Of Government.
Is the mechanic and others, who looked to Govern
men for the fufment OF their obligations, be left
TO starve