The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1842-12-23


profitable to look further into this anoma-
lous state of things; but cannot con-
clude without adding, that, for a govern
ment which has paid off its debts of two
wars with The largest maritime power OF
Europe, and now owing debt which is
almost next 10 nothing, when compared
with It's bOundless resources--a govern.
ment the strongest in the world, because
cmanating from the popular will, and
firmly rooted in the affections of great
and free people-and whose fidelity to It's
engagements has never been questioned
for such government to have rendered
to the capitalists of other countries an OPP
porlunity for a small investment OF It's
stock, and yet 10 have failed, implies
either The most unfounded Gisrust in lis
good faith, or purpose, 10 obtain which
the course pursued is the most fatal which
could have been adopted. 1t has now be-
come obvious to all men that the govern
ment must look 10 its own means for
supplying It's wants; and it is consolIng
10 know that these means are altogether
adequate for the object. The exchequer,
il adopted, will greatly AID in bringing
about this result. Upon what regard as
a well-ioundcd supposiiion, that lis bills
would be readily sought for by the public
creditors, and that the issue would, in Il
short time, reach the maximum Of $l5,-
000,000, it is obvious that $4,000, 900
would thereby be added to the available
means Of the treasury, without cost or
charge. Nor can fail TO urge the great
and beneficial effects which would be
produced in aid Of all the active pursuits
of life. It's effects upon the solvent state
banks. while it would force into liquida
Non those Of an opposite character through
lis weekly settlements, would be highly
beneficial and, with the advantages of
sound currency, the restoration Of conf
dencc and credit would follow, with a
Numerous train of blessings. My convic-
lions are most strong that these benefits
would flow from the adoption Of this
measure but. if the result should be adj
verse, there is this security in conneXion
with i,--thai the law creating it may be
repealed at the pleasure Of the Legislature,
without the slightest implication of its
good faith.
recommend to Congress TO take into
consideration the proprieiy Of reimbursing
a fine imposed on General Jackson at
New Orleans, at the time Of the attack
and defence Of that city, and paid by him.
Without designing any reflection on the
judicial trlbunsl which imposed the fine,
the remission at this day may be regarded
as no, unjust or inexpedieut. The voice
of the civil authority was heard amidst
the glitter of arms, and obeyed by those
who held the swoTd-ihercby giving all,
ditional lustre to memorable military
achievement. If the laws were offended,
their majesty was faly vndlcaied; and,
although the penalty incurred and paid is
worthy Of lille regard in pecuniary
point of view, it can hardly he doubted
that it would be gratifying to the war
WON veteran. now in retiremen, and in the
winter Of his days, to be relieved from the
circumstances in which that judgment
placed him. There are cases in which
public funciionaries may be called on TO
weigh the public interest against their
own personal hazards; and, if the civil
law be violated from pralseworthy mo-
tives, or an overriding sense Of public
danger and public necessity, punishment
may well be restrained within that limit
which asserts and maintains the authority
Of the law, and the subsection Of the mill
tary to the civil power. The defence of
New Orleans, while it saved city from
the hands Of the enemy, placed the name
of General Jackson among those of the
greatest captains Of the age, and ilusra-
ted one of the brightest pages Of our his
tory Now that the causes Of excitement
existing at the time have ceased to ope.
rate, it is believed that the remission of
this fine, and whatever of qualification tina,
remission might cause the eminent man
who incurred and paid ii, would be in ac-
cordance with the general feeling and
wishes of the American people.
have thus, fellow citizens, acquitted
myself Of my duty under the constitution,
by laying before You, as succinclly as
have been able, the state of the Union,
and By inviting your attention 10 measures
Of much importance TO the country. The
executive will most zeaIously unite its el-
forts with those of the legislative depart.
meni in the accomplishment Of all that is
rpnuireI IN ralieye the wants of n 60 Tihon