Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1843-05-20

the Bdnf OF the u. D., dPHocTe1 w "'o
Senate of the United States, 1911.
Mr.. President: When the subject in
volved in the motion now under consdera-
ton, was depending before the other branch
of the Legislature, disposition to acqui-
esce in their decision was evlnced. For,
although the committee, who reported this
bill, had been raised many weeks prior to
the determination OF that House on the
proposition to recharter the bank, except
the occasional reference TO it OF mcmorl-
ais and petitions, we scarcely ever heard
Oft The rejection, it is true, OF mea'
sure brought before either branch OF Con-
gress, does not absolutely preclude the
other from taking up the same propositions;
but the economy of our time, and just
Difference for the opinion of others, wouI
seem 10 recommend delicate and cautious
exercise ofthis power AS this sublec', at
the memorable period when the charter
was granted, called forth the best talents
of the nation-as it has, on various occa.
sions, undergone the most thorough inves-
tipation, and as we can hardly expect that
i, is susceptible of receiving any further
calculation, it was to be hoped that we
should have been spared useless debate. -
This was the more desirable, because
there are, | conceive, much superior claims
upon us for every hour Of the small por-
ton of the session yet remaining TO U.s.
Under he operation Of these motives,
had resolved to give a silent vote, until
felt myself bound, by the dofying manner
of the arguments advanced in support OF
the removal, TO obey the paramount du-
ties owe my country and its Constitution
to make one effort, however feeble, to avert
the passage of what appears to be most
uniustifiabie law. After my honorable
friend from Virginia had instructed and
amused US with the very able and ingen-
Jus argument, which he delivered on yes
terdav, should have still forborne to tres
pass on the Senate, but for the extraordI-
nary character of his speech. He discus
sed both sides of the question, with great
ability and eIoquence, and certainly de.
monstrated to the satisfaction of all who
heard him, both that it was constitutional
and unconstitutional, highly proper or I'M
prouer, to prolong the charter OF the bank.
The honorable gentleman appeared 10 me
in the predicament in which the celebrated
orator OF Virginia, Patrick Henry, is said
10 have been once placed. Engaged in a
most extensive and lucrative practise Of
the law, he mistook, in one instance, the
side of The cause in which he was retained,
and addressed the Court and jury in a
very mastery and convincing speech, in
behalf of his antagonist His distracted
client came up TO him, whilst he was thus
employed, and interrupting him, bitterly
exclaimed, "You have undonc me you
have ruined me !" "Never mind, give
yourself no concern" said the adroit ad.
voca.e, and turning 10 the Court and ju.
nv, continued his argument by observing
"May it please your honors, and you gen.
tlemen Of the Jury, have been stating 10
you what | presume my adversary may
urge on his side. l will now show you
how falacious his reasoning, and ground.
less his pretensions are" The skilful ora
tor proceeded, satisfactorily refuted every
argument he had advanced and gained
his cause!-a success of which trust the
exertion of my honorable friend will, on
this occasion, be crowned.
1t has been said, by the honorable gen.
tleman from Georgia, that this has been
made party question, although the law
incorporatinge the bank was passed prior
10 the formation of parties, and when Con.
gress was not BIASED by party prejudices
(Mr. c. explained. He did not mean
that it had been made party question
in the Senate. His aliusion was else.
where | do not think it altogether fair
to refer to the discussion in the house o
Representatives, as gentlemen belonging
10 that body have no opportunity of de
Tending themselves here. 1t is true tina
this law was not the effect, but il is no les
true that il was one Of the canses, Of po
lltcsl divisions in this country. Aud, il