The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1857-11-12
NOT EXACTLY TRUE.

The Ohio Stale Journal takes strong excep-
tons to the following remarks of Mr.. Banks,
quoted from his late speech in Faneui Hall.
Speaking of the heavy expenditures of the Fed
eral Government for the last three years, he
said:
Now, this expenditure, in a time of peace,
is wholly unwarranted and it proceeds from
one cause, and one cause alone. In these three
years. when the expenditures have ranged from
sixty five to seventyfive millions CT dollars an
nually the country has been rent with dissen-
sions on the slave question; and when man,
| in Congress or ont of Congress, stakes his in
diyidual or political existence upon an affirma-
tive or negative vote on the question of Slavery,
be has no power to make an issue with the
General Administration upon question of ex-
penditure or economy.
; The Journal thinks this a poor apology for
the consent, to use no harsher word, of some
Republican members of Congress to extrsvagant
appropriations for Federal expenditures. Does
Mr.. Banks mean to say that no member of Con-
greas can act efficiently, in matters of general
legislation, who takes positive position on the
question of Slavery? That decided action FOR
or against Slavery dvests a man of all power
in the maintenance Of rigidly economical pol.
icy by the Federal Government? If this be
true, the necessary condition to general effcen.
cy as q legislator, is, habitual non commital
ism in regard to Slavery. The most skilful
trimmer and dodger on this question will be the
wisest and most economical legislator. What
ever Mr.. Banks may have meant, his remarks
are liable to great nisapprehensions.
| We may admit that the agitation of the Sla
very Question in Congress has so engrossed the
feelings both of representatives and people, as
to have diverted their attention to considerable
extent from the financial conduct of the Gov
eminent; but it is not true thst..tbe fast IF g.
Slavery incapacitates him for efficient action in
regard to financial abuses. George w. Jones
never hesitates to give an affirmative Pro-Savery
vote and he is considered Justly one of the strict
est and most influential economists of the House
Joshua R. Giddings is himself perpetual neg
alive on every Slavery proposition, and yet, his
well known just and economical views on all
questions coming before him as a member or
the chairman of the Committee of Claims, have
always the greatest weight with the House. II
Mr.. Renson, of the Naval Committee, or Mr..
Campbell, ofthe Committee of Ways and Means.
did not choose to make an issue with the Ad-
mnistration on questions of expenditures, it
was not because their Anti Slavery position had
stripped them Of power to do SO, but because
their principles did not lead them to raise such
issuea. If we turn to the Senate, no Senator,
when liberal expenditures for great enterprises
are proposed, is more sought for as a coadiutor,
by their Democratic supporters, than William 81.
Seward; and, few Senators exerted more irfu-
ence than Salmon 2. Chase, when a member OF
that body, against ex!ravagant expenditures.
Their positive position on the Question of Sla.
very, SO far from impairing, enhanced their
power.
No legislator will lose influence by frankness
boldness, decision, and consistency Let him
be true to his convictions, and, though he may
offend, he will command respect for bis courage
and confidence in hia sincerity-while the trim.
mer and mere manager will be sure to excite
distrust if not contempt.