The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-04-07
SPEECH OF MR.. PROFIT,
)F INDIANA
Delivered in the House Of Repr sentapes on The loh o.
March, on the Loan Bill.

slpered in the House Of Repr senfatipes The loth o.
March, the Loan BiH
The House being in Committee of the Whole, and
having under consideration the Loan Bll-the pend
ing question being the motion OF Mr.. FILLMORE
under direction of the Committee OF Ways and
SIeans) to add after the third section of the bill the
following as section NO 4
s4nd be it further enacted, That the provso to the
second section of the said act is hereby repealed and
the Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized
to cause the stock hereafter to be issued to be dis
posed Of at the highest price which he obtain for
the same, its being advertised reasonable time
for proposals but no stock whatever shall be sold
under par, except upon, and in pursuance of spe-
cihc advertisement and in virtue hereof
MIR. PROFFIT said MIR. Chairman, to say that
am deer'y mortified at the course which this debate
has taken, and that it is painful in the extreme to find
myself compelled to participate In IT, Is but eeby to
express the feelings with which rise to address the
Committee.
That parties must exist in republic, as under
other forms Of Government, none will deny. 1t may
be that it is not desirable entirely extnguish them
The Jealous vigilance they engender, acts guard
against supineness in the public mind, and prevents
aught like indifference and neglect the part Of the
People to the correct and pure administration Of
their Government.
An occasional display of party feeling is excusable
in the national councils. An indulgen and in
telgent constituency ex ects not perfection and in
elements necessarily attendant system of almost
universal popular elective franchise
But, sir, it is objectionable, eminenty ungrateful,
in selected as representative, to sink the high
character conferred H. on him into that OF party
mercenary-a political soldier of fortune, proud
only of the professional honors of the camp in which
for the time being he serves, and forgetful that he
has had country entitled to his devotion and
his services. And no dazzling display OF talent no
brilliant gladiatorial feat-no ready ruse can conceal
disguise or ennoble the wreched calling of the
who thus unmindful alike of the dictates of honor
Of patriotism prostitutes the station to which he has
been elevated.
Lookup, sir on the political struggles which have
and still continue to agate this country names Of
tener than things causing the rally 1t Is painful TO
wi ness the bitter fruits Of error committed. No ques
ton of domestic policy settled, particular principle
finally established, every thing seems to be the spor
of the hour, OF the majority temporarily in the as
cendant. The national vessel, tossing on the waves
of a rough sea- makes political headway rocking
and pitching the mercy of the clements the roar OF
waters and the bowling of the tempest dlown every
voice; and the gallant crew who have weathered
many storms, and still ready 10 stand by the ship
to the last plank, astounded find all effort
vaing, all devotion futile for mutiny and dssension
stalk her quarter deck, and through jealousy or hate
paTayze the experience and energy Ut the man called
the command by her conhdlng and patriotic people
But, to drop the IL cure which evil times have but
too much faniiiarzed to our minds, ask, where are
the ripe and rich fruits which were promised to the
people in return for their confidence w here are
the evidences of that devotion to their interests and
their honor freely and SO frequently protested
Where is the fulflment of the pledges wulch party
from time time promises in he heat of contest
forgets in the hour of triumph2 Where are the mo-
raj and legislative reforms, the adherence to principle
the correction of abuses the strict application to legt-
legislation, repeatedly and solemnIy promised
Do consistency and steadiness maintaining
their sway in the rush for Office, in the dusty
of the ambitious Where, | ask, is the standard
H., l.,
at the Capitol The ensign that each day floats
it's Halls, and calls up the eloquent blood to the
cheek of every American who gazes at its stars
and remembers what triumphs 1t has won, waves
alas, arena where personal feuds overpower
public considerations expedlency party OBJ
jects results in remote district, attachments
to distinguished but interested leader, animate
debate and decide every question: where the great in
tests of The public lost in private anlmoses, and
the sacred, social bond of Union becomes the
paythng OF the fanatic or the Careless sport OF an I'M
occupied hour.
THIS, sir, is lamentabe picture, but appeal to the
country for its truth. fearful responsibility rests
upon this Congress, and if mistake not the signs OF
the times strict accountability will be demanded
The startling fact cannot be concealed that we have
been in nearly four months, and as yet scarce
ly any measure of importance has en- acted upon
The voice of the people crying for relief has passed
unnoliced nothing has been done for the permanent
maintenance of the national credit; no steps taken to
repenish exhausted Treasury; the threatening as
pect of foreign relations and the almost defence
less condition OF tue country UNDECIDED or forgot
tn.
Who, sir, is accountable for this criminal neglect
w ho il responsible for this wanton waste of time
The Chairman of the Committee of Ways and
Means, (Mr Fillmore, has thought fit to charge this
want of action upon the friends of the Admnistra-
ton. He has accused US OF delaying the public
business by factious opposition.
This, sir is grave charge, and l. for one, must
emphatcally deny it. | will take, for instance, the
debate upon this bill. | will anayze it, and ascer-
tain clearly and fairly who is responsible for its i'm
propriety and then leave the country to judge be-
tween the friends of the Administration, and the
jority in power on this floor.
said in the opening of my remarks, that was
compelled to participate in this discussion repeat,
sir, that am actually forced into defence of my
self and of the friends with whom it is my pride to
act For months have in silence suffered personal
malignity seemingly to exhaust itself. The display
of party bitterness which, with disgracetul distinct
ness records the RIGHTEOUSNESS Of assailants has
passed UNDECIDED 1t would now be met with the ST.
lent GOODNESS of contempt, had not the Chairman OF
the Committee Of Ways and Means, in his convul-
sve effort to avoid responsibility, presumed to prefer
charge against us, amounting to moral treason to
the country, in Withholding necessary supplies, and
embarrassing the action of the Government.
What is the question now before the committee
The Secretary of the Treasury, pressed by the de-
ploraue condition of the national finances, and by
letters from the collector OF customs at New York,
had sent a communication to the Committee of
Ways and Means, proposing that he be empowered
to sell Government bonds for what they would
bring, SC. The Chairman (Nlr. Fillmore) has with
held this communication from the House, until a
final vote upon the Loan bill was about to be taken,
although it had been his possession from the 18th
instant. He then proposed an amendment IN unison
with the views of the Secretary.
This proposition changed the entire character of the
Loan Bill. 1t was grave question whether Con-
gress, under any emergency should in time of peace,
.lx th.- ,th he, h,i
rather at any price they might bring in deranged
money market. 1t was a question b" h CHI admitted vi
serious Investigation, and which deserved statesman
like consider alton 1t was question, and one