The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1842-05-19
BANK REFoRM-rHE wArCHwoRD.


Every man acquainted with politics, must know that
the watchwOrd Ofthe Democratic party has been. for
years Bank Relorm'-a thorough reformation OF the
Banking System in every particular. This was the is
sue between Shannon and Vance. The wings went
against it, and we all know the result Shannon was
conducted to the Executive chair and stood pledged to
a reform in the Banking System. His first message
told the people that the System had closely connected
itself with every interest Ohio, require The Ut
most care in reforming its abuses; nevertheless all his
efforts should be directed to accomplish the object The
Legislature adjourned, after having appointed a Board
OF Bank Commissioners, 10 investigate the Banks and
probe their abuses. In his second Message the GoveD
nor told them of the Frauds and corruption, that had
been BROUGHT light by The Commissioners, and recon
mended further search, hoping the Commissioners
might find the core of the great pesience that had in
ocualed the morals and business of the people. Mean
time several banks whose CorruptOns had been expo
sed, went by the board and the rest united together
and shut their doors against investigation of any kind.
They were seconded by the Wings, and for period
paralyzed the efforts Of Democracy.
While things were In this position, the hard cider
campaign commenced, and continued. Shannon and
his party were stigmaised as humbuggers, and man
was brought out for Governor, whom the wings SAID
was 'reformer' and the moment he was elected, we
were to have Good money and Plenty oft" The
true Democrats stuck to their Shannon and Bank Re.
FORM but it was of mo use; principles were not ads
vocated by the opposition; they went farther. Promi.
of Better times, high wages, and high prices,
held out by them, which with the Ilurrah for Harrison,
captivated number sufficient to elect Wing Cover
n or aud one Branch of the Assembly. Time went on
the Legislature met held session of months and adj,
journed, without donga thing except annuIling the D.
commissioners. Not promise fulfilled prices instead of
rising, fell; money instead of getting good and plenty,
got scarce, and what there was worthless: State stocks
deprecated 80 per cent the hands the public works
unpaid the State credit impaired; Banks all suspended
and universal stagnation oc business over the State.
Such was Ohio's predicamen in the first months of
Wing rule. Another election on; The people had
become SOBER and worse state Of things than ev-
er. Democracy again raised the flag of Bank REFORM
the people rallied round it, and Whlgery fearing the
the result jbed in also for Bank reform. But we
ceeded in both branches ofthe Legislature. Their first
act was 10 re>establish the Bank Commissioners whig
cry opposed them 10 mar. The next was, to repeal
the charters of several banks that had exploded, after
deraudng the people ofa million of dollars Whiggey
went against repeal man. The third act of the dem
ocrac egslature to bring about reform, was the Re-
sumption Bill to make Banks pay specie. Every wbg
but two went dead against Resumption The fourth
act was to Danish shinpasters: whiggey voted against
ito man. The filth and last act was, Bill to Reg
uate Banking IN Ohio; whggery united, and voted
gainst it. a..
We have endeavored to be as brefas possible, in
bringing up the action ofboth parties on Bank Reform,
since its first agitation. As the facts we challenge
contradiction. What then do these facts establish Why
that the Wing party have universally went agains, Bank
Reform and in favor of Bank corruption. While the
Democratic party have universally went against Bank
corruption, and in favor of Bank Reform.
The benefits already resulting from the acts of the
last legislature are manifold, and fully appreciated
by all honest But there is much yet to be done.
We have Wilson Shannon up as the true Bank Reform
candidate for Governor. him we again 20 into
the contest, adopting the watchwords and battle cry of
the PeopIe,-"Buk Reform, ,'-and shall never give
up until the work is finished us,