The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-03-22
WHY is NOT SOMETHING DONE?

The course pursued by Congress with refe-
renee to the currency of the country, is calcu-
lated to excite the most painful surprise in every
reflective and patriotic mind. Nearly four
months have elapsed since the meeting of the
National Legislature, and Notwithstanding the
sufferings Of the country which is bleeding at
every pore, nothing has been done to alleviate
the distresses that call for remedy from
every quarter of the land Can it be possible
that in country like ours, Astounding in re-
sources, there is but one measure which can af-
ford relief, and that, during a time of profound
peace, there can be found no expedient which
shall restore the Frustrated energies Of the body
polite? If hundreds of millions were required
to meet the exigencies ola desolating war there
could not be, Judging from what we see, a
more utter restitution of ways and means
to provide for the emergency, than at present
exists. 1t must be admitted that the ordeal 10
which the business interests of the country have
been subjected, has been fearful one, but sure
ly with apopulation of seventeen Millions noted
for its enterprise and intelligence, something
might be effected that would infuse new life and
strength into the People, and place them on a
footing of comparative ease. The bill charter
ing Bank has failed to receive the Executi We
sanction, for reasons which even the most zeal
Gus advocate of such an institution must respect,
inasmuch as they have their origin in a consci-
entious conviction that the exercise oflhe power
claimed is not sanctioned by the primary and
fundamental law of the land. Surprising, how
~ ,l,o ovictnI tho # tha
dent no scruples of conscience in the premises,
is there an individual, and who has had an oppor-
tunity of observing the manifestations of public
sentiment on the subject, who can bring him
self to helieve that such institution would re-
,ceive the confidence Of the mass of the constitu-
ency of the country? We think not; aad there
fore we regard the Bank question, whether it be
of Whiggish origin or not, as permanently and
irrevocably disposed of. Judging from the va
rety of plans suggested by members of Con
gress, each of which has its little clique of advo
Gates, and differs in some point or other from
the scheme presented by the President, there
might, fproper exertion were used, be some
thing compiled that would meet with general
federation, if not appreciation. We say tolera
ZION, DeCduSe we luluh tilttl Ai"t'Sio N"'Ai>
to such pass, that any scheme which could BIT
borne with, would be infinitely preferable to the
absence of all provision whereby the fiscal con
Germs of the Government might be conducted
and the currency regulated. Whatever may b'
the preferences of gentlemen for their own pro
jects, is their pride of opinion great that the!
cannot mutually yield something for the good o
the country, and unite upon plan that shall
embrace the prominent features of all. To this
however, an insurmountable difficulty seems t.
present itself, in the backwardness manifesto
by the orgnators of these plans, to assume tn
responsibility of testing the opinion of Congress
on their respective schemes. They profess t
think that their plans are good, andyet are afrai
to make any formal movement in their behalf
and the consequence is, that the whole mai