The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1859-03-02

n Il
money himself. as 70 permit bank to use il;
and the effort Of concealment on the part OF the
oank-of the payment of interest 70 the Treas
nrer--or Of the use of public money Tor itself,
IS as much to be censured as simila" conduct
On the part of an individual. Because the pro
tecting shield Of a "charter" surrounds bank,
Il does not lessen the turpitude Of transaction,
by its officers or managers. When they hold
out INDUCEMENTS to Treasurer to violate eth
er the law, or any safe rule OF action, they
should receive their share OF condemnaton'-
They are more dangerous to the safety and lnte-
rests of tue State, because their charter gives
them legal facilities for eoncealment, and to a
certain extent protects their managers from in-
diyidual punishment. We do not consider that
it is the security or safely Of deposit, or the
fortunate termination of an adventure, that re-
lieyes it from criminality. The crime consists
in the use for their own benefit, OF that which,
by law, sound morals, and correct principles OF
public policy, they have no right to use, wheth.
er that use results in loss or otherwise. And
he who induces Treasurer, by offer to become
his security or by bribe in the form OF interest
for his benefit, or otherwise, to use, or to per-
nit others to use, moneys which they, in their
consciences, know fright do not belong to HIM,
and which were, in no way, however remote, to
be treated and used as private property; or who
sneefS Ut Tue SHCTeuu6SS WIN hnlCu VI uAJ hO1~
est man regards the public money; or who as
sists in concealing such practices, and scouts at
their illegality or immorality,-should be sub
ected to the same condemnation.
Among the evils of these uses of the Treas
ury is the inducement to draw from the people,
in the way of taxes, greater amount than is
necessary for the public service, and then to de-
lay the expenditure for the purpose of profit
Hence, these men are not unwilling to incur
large expenditures because of the necessity OF
additional taxation, (from which they claim an
immunity by virtue of bank charter,) especial
ly as they have the temporary use of the money
for their benefit These banks and bankers
Offices become, therefore, tollhouses in the tran
sit of public money from the people to the Treas
ury, and again in its payment from tho Treasury
into the hands of those by law entitled to il.
When Mr.. Breslin was elected and took pos
session of his office, public opinion was to great
extent as we have described it. To correct this
vicious public sentiment, had been one of the
great purposes sought to be accomplished by the
discussions which resulted in the election OF
Mr.. Breslin over Mr.. Bliss, who was again a
candidate for the post he had held for the prece-
ding five years. Mr.. Breslin's friends every
where called attention to the wrongful use here
tofore made of the public money. The loans OF
Messrs. Sill, Bliss, and Woods, from the Sinking
Fund to the various railroad companies, were
the theme of open and persistent denunciation,
These denunciations were virtual pledge from
Mr.. Bresln to the public, that wrongful practices
in this regard would find no favor or countenance
at his hands in the event of his election. I'm
fortunately for the State, and for himself, the
wishes and designs of those who supported him,
in the belief that change of men would bring
a change of practice in the Treasury, were less
p,tent in influencing his action than were the se'
ductive wiles Of patronizing class, who were
then, as ever, prompt in suggesting modes by
which the idle money of the Treasury could be
used to the mutual advantage Of himself and
the various "public institutions" (such as banks,
railroads, &c.,) whose success it was their reli
gon to believe, it should be one OF the highest
objects of public officer to promote, by any in
cidental advantage he could give them.
+" He was at once, upon his induction into
office, as appears from his own statements and
the proofs, surrounded by those who had thereto
fore enjoyed the benefits of the use Of funds in
the Treasury. He was not SO stupid as not tc
know his predecessor had the reputation of "ma
king money beyond his salary" nor SO fixed il
his principles of right, not to endeavor to fol
low the example, That the interes to which VIZ
have adverted, had no imaginary existence, bu
was an active, persistent and powerful interest
commanding influence in all directions for the
accomplishment of its purposes, in inducing Mr.
Bresin, who was perhaps, not an unwilling vic
tim, into its snares, is clearly evidenced by the
means resorted to in approaching him. Men are
often unconsciously made the instruments, in the
hands of the designing, to accomplish their OBJ
jects of profit or plunder. The hidden purpose
is not disclosed, and an act of apparently dlsin
terested friendship is solicited and extended, BY
which the way is opened that leads ultimately
To fba pafu sNfa
With no other design but to illustrate our posi-
ton, we trust we will be justified in alluding, il
this connection, to letter of Gov. Chase tc
Mr.. Breslin, which was published in 1857, the
authenticity of which has never been authorita
lively denied, advising him to make deposits il
the City Bank, and Mechanics & Traders Bank
of Cincinnati, two institutions which were theI
rotten to the core. Gov. Chase was then in the
United States Senate, and, certainly as mucl
beyond the reach of any eorrupting influence al
any man in the State. Yet this unseen power
reached him, and drew from him no unimportan
communication. Mr.. Brsslin had been hi
friend, and one of those who aided in his elec
tlon to the Senate, aud must have been suppos
ed, by those whose far.reaching sagacity prompt
ed the request, then subject to his infaence. The
following is a copy of the letter:
"PRlvATE /" CINcINsATI, Dec. 80, 1851.
"MY DEAR SIR:-I enclose Mr.. Heaton's let
ter, which speaks for itself. | take it for grant
ed, that so far as the Treasury makes deposits
in Cincinnati, they will not be continued with
the Trust Company. The City Bank is, have
no doubt, safe institution, and is managed By
excellent and liberal men, speak the more
impartially, as | never borrowed dollar from
them. za~ls.iT E4
presume that your arrangements as to de.
posting here, are already made. If not, though
am bound In Justice to say what Il have for The
City Bank, should feel still more bound to ask
your favorable notice of the Mechanics & Ira
der's Bank, with which do all my own business
but in which have no interest as stockholder OF
otherwise. Yours, truly,
| sgs 5EfH S. 2. CHASE.
"P. ST. suppose it rather too late to con
gratulate you on your election, which, never
theless, do most cordially, as | did also wha
lay in my power to secure it. May your impor
tant duties be SO faithfully and ably discharged
as to justify the confidence of your friends, AMI
add to theirs that of the whole people,"
Wedoubt not, that similar letters were writ
ten to Bresin and other Treasurers, from equally
influential quarters. but they have not yet seer
the light of day. The most common mode tC
secure deposits, was personal visit, accompa
MED by all the appliances of tact and talent
and imposing personal appearance, seconded b.
fiattery, deceit and certain social influences, tt
which Breslin was but too ready to yield.
That precisely the same influences reached
and controlled Mr.. Bliss, we have no hesitation
in saying. FF tl9E gy5
At the inauguration of the first adminatra
tion, in 1862, after the adoption Of the new Con
stitution, the facts we have stated were 80 glar
ingly apparent, and the suspicion existing, tha
MIR. Breslin was placing himself and the fund
0f the State in 1a nfrapt ttf tho ina