The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-03-22
From the Journal of {


PUBLIC MEETING AT THE EXCHANGE
held yesterday at the Exchange, in relation to the pre-
sent condition of the country
Alderman Wheelwl light called the meeting to
der and nominated Benjamin Strong, Esq for Presi-
dent.
The following gentlemen were appointed Vice
Presidents
ANsoN G. PHELPS, N. T. HUBBARD.
HENRY SUDAN, HIRAM kETCHUM,
HENRY WYcKoFF, WILLIAM CHURCHILL,
JOHN THOMAS.
SCHUYLER LIVINGSTON, co+u;.
WILLIAM B. deem,
Hugh Maxwell, Esq. then rose and addressed the
meeting as follows:
Mr. Chairman and fellow-citizens,
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 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 uncture, are incumbent on every man
that loves his country, and devoted to the interests
of his fellow-citZens.
object nor meeting of ordinary character
We are assembled this day in reference to politi
cal party or personal interest, nor to aid political
ambition.
try, points the public attention to far nobler and
higher actions than the advancement of particular
individuals or affording aid to mere paltry poll
ticans.
| apprehend, felow-ctzens, that the same senti-
ments ought prevail, which witnessed during
the war Of l812-at the time when common
country was in danger, and condition appealed tc
the patriotic sentiments of the people, who formed
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
oure in whose hands is the administration of the
country"
What is the condition of country at this mo-
ment9 We have not suffered by the calamties OF
war, we have not recently escaped from the ravages
of famine, or the suferings of pestence; and yet
ellow-citizens what is at this moment the sad state
Of common country
Let US look at the laboring classes of the commune
" and we shall see honest labor deprived of It's tai
conversation and prospect that 1t will receive thu
reward of lis honest enterprise. Ought such stat
of things exist ought to expect it in such go
rious and blessed country as ours +!
What is the condition of your commercial interests
speak to men of the commercial class, and | asl
them was there period in the whole history O
our land fraugt with commercial suffering and EN-
barrassment1 ls there at this moment either tn
prospect the h PEI of such reward or compensation
as honest enterprise industry have right to de
mand
What is the condition of your Government? VIVA
are its means pay the public credit The Treasur
notes given by The Government, and taken on tn
honor and good faith of the Government are dishon
ored by that Government from whom we had RICH
to expect some regard for lis character, and who ougt
TO expect that if the national honor disgraced
would meet with the replobation of the people OF th
country.
Such is the condition of the country at this mi
ment; gloomy and dshear.enng in every view
which il can be presented
And in addition to this we have before us the pros
pect of dangers and disasters which should alarm th
feelings of every American citizen, and call upon hi
TO exert every energy of his character TO bring abou
state of things which will deliver US from the dar
gers which now threaten us and which can only b
prevented by the voice OF the people, sounding lk
thunder in the of their sleepy legislators to awab
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 day
AGO. that during March, April and May, there ha
been deficiency of three millions Of dollars of th
appropriations fol our maratime and inland defencet
which was necessary to pay for the expenditure Incl
dent to fitting out vessels and paying men in the va
rious relations which must exist between the peopl
in the employ of Government
Is the mechanic, and others, who looked to Govern
ment for the uliment of their obligations, 10 be 'e
to starve