The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-03-14


him when he was poor and unfriended stran-
ger in Kentucky, ought TO prevent him from this
selfdegrada,ion. The democratic party has
stronger weapons than abuse and calumny TO
employ against Mr.. Clay, and writers Of better
morals and reputation than Amos Kendall to de-
fend its cause and advocate its principles"
CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN MR. RITCHIE
AND Mr.. McDUFFIE.-NATIONAL BANK,
FREE TRADE, SC.
The Spectator of Tuesday evening contained
correspondence of some importance between
Mr.. Richie and Mr.. McDuf6e, principally upon
the subject of National Bank, which, from the
position occupied by the two gentlemen before
the country, is worthy of note.
Mr.. r. writes to Mr.. Med. letter, dated
Richmond, Va, February "a, 1874, from which
we make the following extract:
"The Wings of the city are now quoting your
former views in favor of a National Bank. MAY
presume to ask you. whether you still retain
well as in regard to the erpediency, of such an
institution? Of course, you cannot suspect me
OF asking you from any impertinent curiosity
Other gentlemen have changed their views on
this very problem. MI. Clay has been converted
from an opponent to champion. Mr.. Crawford
changed from bad to good las humbly con-
ceive.) Has Mr.. McDu&e varied in his views?
and will he be free enough to answer an honest
inquirer after truth? Let me frankly repeat to
you, Sir, that if you decline answering the ques-
ton, it is no more than an honorable man has
right to do. If you have changed your opinions,
may ask the favor Of you to state them in such
q form as may be meet for the public eve? If
you prefer that should not so use them, will
| cheerfully submit to such restrictions as you may
think fit to impose upon me-
| am almost tempted to touch another subject,
Of deeper importance than the one to which
dedicate this hasty letter. 1t relates to the
success OF the Republican party in the present
perilous struggle. But even Mr.. -- has de-
clined to address you upon it, and it does not be-
come me to "rush" where he " tears TO tread"
/ subscribe myself, with much respect. yours,
THOS. RICHIE.
To GEORGE McDUFrrE, ESQ.,, Senator from
South Carolina, Washington.
To which Mr. McDuffie returned the follow
ing answer
WAsHlNGToN, February 26, 1874.
DEAR SIR: can have no hesitation in an
swering your inquiries. As to the constitution
ality of Bank of the United States-as that is
question not depending upon circumstances
have not changed my opinion, unless very strong
doubts Of the power OF Congress to exempt the
stockholders from individual responsibility, con-
stitute change. Such exemption, however, is
not all-essential to corporation for banking, or
any other purposes. But should be totally blind
to the lessons of experience if, after the tremen-
dous explosion of the late Bank of the United
States, | could believe it expedient to establish
another. / supported that bank as national,
and not as party measure. / then so regarded
it. But we are admonished by every thing
around US, that any bank which may now be es-
tablished is destined to be a mere party engine,
and one of the great controlling powers of the
State. And will add, that unless the nature of
man be entirely changed, it will be as corrupting
and demoraizing, as it will be powerful. Such
an institution, in the hands Of bold and unscru-
pulous political leader sustained by well orga-
nized political party, by the great manufacturing
interest, secured in its allegiance by the bountes
Of Protective Tariff, and even by sovereign
States, seduced by the miserable delusion Of Civ
ing them the proceeds of the sales OF the public
lands. and assuming their debts--would be liter
ally more terrible than an army with banners"
do not believe the public liberty would long sur
vive such combination.
With regard to the other question to which
you allude-the union of the great Republican
party-there is but one motto under which they
can successfully raly--asd that is, " Free Trade
and uncompromisiDg war against the protective
system and its affiliated measures" If the tariff
should be sati factor ly reduced, as / now hope
it will, think the South and Southwest will
move in solid column and with an unfaltering
step.
am, very respectfully, your obedient servant
GEORGE McDUFFIE.
THOMAS RIrcHIE Esq, Richmond, Va.
1t would seem, from this reply of Mr.. McDuf-
fe, that the enpediency Of National Bank de-
ponds, in his estimation, upon which party is in
power In the hands of has political friends it
would be national institution, and e1pedient,
but, In the hands Of his political opponents, it
would be ga mere party engine, and one of the
great controlling powers of the State" This is
statesmanlike, truly.
How will the Democrats of Pennsylvania, of
New York, and other Northern States, like the
banner Mr.. McDuffie has erected for the party.
FREE TRADE AND UNCOMPRO missing