Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1857-1858, 1857-12-24

on so slim house it is not for us to say.
But we may say that such course will
not conduce much to its appreciation by
the people. 1t is universally admitted to
be imperfect. Scarcely one Of its most
earnest advocates can be found who en-
dorses the entire bill. The General As
sembly seems thus to admit that is beyond
their power to frame measure to suit
themselves This admission cannot be
other than humiIiating to the party which
holds very large majority in that body
| especially when it is the constant boast of
that party that its principles and policy are
clear and well understood.
We have heretofore refrained from dis
cussing the difficult questions arising upon
the currency, because we have supposed
that our views would not materially aid
the dominant party in reaching their con-
illusions, ard because also, we had no dis
position to throw stumbling blocks in the
way of their action. We may be permit
ted, however, to say in this connection, that
the democracy have pursued a most unwise
and unfortunate course in their delibera-
tions upon this grave subject-it, indeed,
their aim was to arrive at just and whole
some legislation. The discussion of this
topic has been mainly confined to the
democracy. Their errors, it seems to us,
have been, first in proceeding to legislate
without adequate knowledge of the facts
and statistics of the banking operation in
the State; and secondly in conceding the
principal parts in debate, to men, who if
they knew the facts, are wholly incompe-
tent to devise a system of currency, in
keeping with the wants Of a prosperous
country and extended commerce. 1t is
manifest from the reported debates, they
have been conducted by those who have
looked quite specifically, and only at one
side of the questions. 1t is not to be ex-
pected, therefore, that the measures, 50 car
ried, will be either satisfactory or perma-
nent
In order to perfect a measure of solid
utility, such as will be uniform and durable
in its operations, qualities which are indis-
pensabIe to a circulating medium, or mea-
sure of exchangeable value, two things are
necessary-a correct understanding of the
true wants of the people, the just demands
of trade and commerce; and next per-
feet knowledge of the defects of the exist
ing system. In both these respects we
fear the Legislature is wanting.
If the banks of Tennessee are the re-
sponsible agents for the recent and present
financial calamities, let the fact be shown.
Or, if one, or a few, or all the banks are
responsible for it, let it be authortatively
known. 1t will not do for fanciful and
theoretc gentlemen to say that the banks
are swindling machines, and, by uncon-
scionabe and arbitrary expansions and
contractions, have precipitated our financial
troubles GiUe the honest banks a chance fer
a sho1oing and compel the dishonest banks to
make sholoing. Let US know 10hich have
been swindling, pilfering and stealing; and
which, If any, have acted uprightly and
honestly in ministering to the highest ends
of a healthy currency, and an enlarg
ed commerce. Let the General Assembly
exhibit its bill of complaint against each
and every bank in the State, and require
answers, under oath from every one of them.
They have made grave charges in their
speeches, against the banks; now, let the
banks have an opportunity of hearing on
the same forum. Instead of catechising
each other, let them unite in getting up a
bank catechisnl. Let the honest banks be
indicated: let the dishonest be covered
with disgrace. confusion and shame.
letter of Capt. ChatRTd, OF the Saratoga,
A citizen of Mobile, by whom it was received
has placed the service Of the Register The follow
Jog copy Of the letter of Capt Chatard, Of the
sloOp-o-war Saratoga, TO Genl Walker &C Punta
Arenas in regard to the Costa Rica and river mails,
under the seal of the English Consulate"
US. S. SARATOGA OFF GREYrowE,
Noy so, 1857.
Sir-I have been informed through Mr. Green
II. b. 81. Consul that YOU mediate seizing tn.
English mail from Costa Rica, with American, En.
ghsh, and letters OF other nations. Besides, there
may be money. Now / warn YOU not TO touch Il
and TO allow il TO come safely 20 band here II YOU
do not, viii proceed sgaiust you without hesta-
ton in the manner l sent YOU word the other day
that l., nth shot and shell In few DAYS the
American well as the EugIish commanders will
be here, and all your Of violence will then be
more particularly noticed.
Yours respectfully,
FRED'K CHATARD, Commander.
Commenting upon the above letter. the
Mobile Register the leading sham democratic
paper of South Alabama, says it ''disoloses a
disgraoeful and outrageous procedure on the
part of the officer commanding the United
States steamer Saratoga, which cannot fail 10
excite a feeling Of chagrin and indignation in
every bosom. We have noa space to-day 70
comment as freely As We should wish upon
this contemplate conduct, as unworthy the
dignity OF SD American officer as il is viola
tive Of every principle Of those duties to
American interests abroad for which we EN-
ploy and support 8 navy. Commander Cha
tard has exposed himself as being the tool Of
the British agents at and about Greytovn, to
offer every impeachment he can to the enter
prise OF Gen. Walker digniisd and worthy
position. truly, for an American Naval Com
manders ]"
The n. o. Crescent (AHasrie4a) copies the
a