Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1856-02-21

pie, and as would give the best security
for the safety of their issues and the pre-
vention of frauds upon the public. In
short, the Democracy have always been
more or less divided upon :nis question, so
much SO that they were, even among them
selves, designated as 'hards' and 'softs.'
These facts are the late history of the
times, and require only to be mentioned to
be remembered by all candid political
mon.
This is, therefore, in our opinion, the re-
al position of the Democracy in reference
to Banks The circumstances of the case
control their opinions and actions-in some
instances and for some reasons they are OPP
posed to Banks, and particularly danger
Gus political form of wrongly constituted
Banks In other instances, and fer other
reasons, they are frequently in favor Of
Banks The question Of Banks, or no
Banks is not, nor never was settled, either
pro or con by the democratic party. They
have frequently been divided in their bank
views, and prominent members of ths par
ty, in our State Legislation have taken diff
ferent sides of the question.
TIE views Of the State Sentinel OH ,he
subject of Banks, are these: We believe
the subject of Banks and Of currency is not
legitimate political principle, but dis
tinct, outside, irrelevant question, not in
cluded in the regular Democratic creed
Il is like any other question which materi-
ally affects the business enteres.s Of the
public. 1t stands in the same relation to
politics, that railroad charters and all other
corporate institutions do. 1t connects it
self with the business operations Of the
community and must be regulated by TIE
wants and condition Of trade and com
mcrce. 1t is an extrancous issue, with
which the Democracy have nothing posi-
lively to do, and which we hope they will
not suffer themselves to be divided upon.
The general resolutions and declaration
Of principles as laid down by the 9th of
January Convention are strong enough,
broad enough, and smooth enough for any
true Democrat to stand upon as a safe plat
form, without the introduction Of any 9TH
er plank. The mere abstract idea express
ed in Judge Lowry's resolution is harm
less, if properly construed and considered.
Why should any Democrat wish to make
new and additional issues with which TO
distract or divide the Democracy?
Indeed any attempt to array prejadice by
party drill againstRur Banks, either the
new State Bank, or those legi.imately or
ganized under the General Banking law, is
wrong, both as TO time and sound policy.
The laws creating them have already been
passed and under the charter, the sum of
two millions Of dollars of cash capital, will
have been paid in before the next Legisla-
ture shall assemble. These stockholders
ere citizens Of Indiana, have n chartered
privilege 10 bank upon their capital, and
unless they violate their charter, no civil
power can disturb them for twenty years.
What then shall we gain by contest Of
words mere words, with them. The Free
Banks which now exist are sound, safe and
reliable, as far as good securities and
prompt payments can make any bank SAT.
and reliable. They have about one and a
half millions Of capital, and upon it an is
sue of paper, less probab y ten per cent,
all Of which great moneyed interests the
Democratic party have no desire to in
lure or to drive from the State
If these Banks abuse their privileges,
violate the charter or the law, then lay
the hand of legal power upon them, and
bring them promptly to their duty.
The great business interests ola thriv-
ing, trading commercial people should
never be made subservient to party OPP
eratons, or to party success. The Dem
ocratic party is great conservative par
", taking general cognizance of all
the interests Of the people. and should
not let any measure of temporary expe-
diency drive it from lis great land marks
of reason and justice.
Again We repeat, let us ignore the Bank
question as having no legitimate connec-
ton with our Democratic platform, as
constituting no essential article Of our
faith, as one belonging to the business
department Of society, to be regulated
carefully to suit the commerce and trade
of our people, and keep politics within the
bounds of the political circle.
CANDIDATE FOR CONGRESS.