The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-01-01

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tween the two principles is between benev-
olence and justice on the one hand, and
roguery and tyranny on the other.
To carry the view of this oppressive
feature farther, what right has the Legis-
lature Of Ohio, while banks are to be tole-
rated at all, to confine them to certain
districts? Has not the Legislature the
same power to say that there shall be only
one store or one tavern in district, as to
say there shall be but one bank? After
making bank law. Belmont county has
no more right to bank than Monroe;
provided the citizens of Monroe conform
to the rules or law. Belmont has advan-
tages in commercial point of view that
Monroe has not; therefore no advantage
should be given her.
In reference to the subject OF banking,
am opposed to all banking that deprives
some citizens of privileges and profits that
others receive. But system of free bank.
ing, by securing all the issues before made
by unencumbered real estate, mortgaged
for the redemption of the issues, is the only
kind Of banking would vote for. This
would supercede the quibble of the bank
er's liability, for he would have to secure
the people on his indebtedness before be-
ing allowed to inundate the country with
his promises to pay. Bankers make bor-
rowers secure their loans by freehold secu-
rity. Can any honest man object to the
banker in turn giving security?
There is bill now before the Legisla-
ture for free banking. If its friends would
secure the note holder in the way limited
at, | would vote for il; but as it now stands,
it ought to be called free swindling, as it
will be shown when it comes up. Fol
one, I shall claim equal rights to all, by
that rich lbaton of blood SO profusely
poured out by our common ancestry on
the battle fields OF the Revolution, and
above all, by the eternal principles of JUS
tice. flour boasted and glorious consti-
tuition has secured to us those great prin-
ciples of freedom and equality of rights,
let US boldly demand them. Let the word
pass round the line, and by united and
fraternal endeavors in the name of equal
rights, liberty, union and the holy cause
of freedom, as band of brothers, let us
labor until oppression Of all kinds be over
thrown, and its Juggernaut be crushed to
the earth, never again to rear its brazen
head.
A movement will be made to instruct
our Senators in Congress to repeal the
Fugitive Slave bill. am opposed to that
Ilawi in many particulars. Some of its de-
tails are wrong in principle and oppres-
sive; yet doubt the policy Of these in
structions, and shall vote against them.
Disbelieving in the expediency Of the in.
struction is my only reason for voting
against it, for | recognize the right. We
should do nothing to endanger this glorious
Union, but stand by the Constitution,
and carry out the work of our fathers.
The truly American citizen loves his
country's fame. He is jealous of her
honor. In the hour of her prosperity he
rejoices; in her peril he flies TO her rescue,
and seeks to strengthen her bands. He
never permits himself TO breathe jealousies
against her. He knows no East, West,
North, or South, only as being parts of
one grand, united, inseparable whole.
Such men have lived and died in this
country. Such men, thank Heavens
King, now live to defend it. Let the bright
examples and holy precepts Of our heroic
fathers still continue the cloud by day and
the pillar of fire by night, to guide us on
in the path Of knowledge. usefulness and
truth. BELMONT.
THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.
The proceedings and debates of this
body are deepening in interest. As the
various questions approach their final de-
csion, the sense Of their Importance felt
by the people increases in strength.
The result Of this Convention will arouse
much more public attention, than its foes
are willing to confess IF we do not mis-.
take the ominous hints daily thrown out
in high quarters in the ranks of those who
have opposed new Constitution, sys-
tenn of determined resistance. to reform is
being gprepared. Well, we say to you all,
that if the new Constitution presents the
features that the people have demanded,
and have d right to expect, come on with
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