JAN. 9, 1832.] Bank of the United States. [H. of R. not but express his regret at some of the observations which had been made, but he would only so far allude to them, lest it might be thought the friends of the Executive were apprehensive on the subject of the recent occurrences at Baltimore, adverted to by the gentleman from Georgia, [Mr. WAYNE.] mittee must be instructed to prepare it, and when reported the whole ground would again be traversed. ago; and from this it is inferred that all the members of for having recommended to their attention, in his message, the committee have been committed on the question now the subject of the approaching expiration of the bank presented. But this is a mistake; it is true that, at the charter, and the question of its proposed extension or resession referred to, a favorable report was made, and the newal. So far from this being matter for censure or condistinguished gentleman from South Carolina [Mr. McDur- demnation, in his [Mr. C.'s] opinion, it formed cause for FIE] was then, as he now is, the chairman, and made the commendation. He hoped his friend from Georgia would report. But since then the committee had been reorganiz-not move to lay the memorial on the table. Let the meed; three new members, new in reference to the commit-morial be referred, and a bill, if the committee thought tee, had been put upon it, and what their sentiments were, proper, reported on the subject, and then it might be disthe House had no means of knowing; at least, for himself, cussed in a spirit of manliness and frankness. He could he could solemnly declare that he knew not their opinions; they were certainly as likely to be against the bank as in favor of it. A majority of the committee, he presumed, were favorably disposed to the institution: take away the chairman, and there will be three of the former members left who might be considered as friendly to it, unless their opinions have undergone a change within the two years past, Mr. WILDE, of Georgia, said, great inconvenience would and three others who had not, to his knowledge, express- probably result from a reference of the memorial to a Comed any opinion about it, one way or the other. But wher-mittee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, as ever you may send this memorial, whether to a select or proposed by the gentleman from South Carolina, [Mr. Daa standing committee, it will be admitted, as a matter of vis.] After a full discussion of the subject in that comfair legislation on all sides of the House, that those whose mittee, both as to principle and detail, if it be the pleasure province it may be to report a bill, should, at least a ma- of the majority to order in a bill, a select or standing comjority of them, be in favor of the bank, that it may come before the House from the hands of its friends, rather than its enemies; this much he understood to be conceded by With respect to the appointment of a select committee, every gentleman who had spoken on the subject. What, the preference avowed for it was placed on this reason. then, will you get, that you have not now, by sending the Gentlemen wished the question presented in another memorial to a select committee, when you admit that that aspect than that in which it had been reviewed by the committee is to have its majority made up of the friends Committee of Ways and Means in their late reports. He of the bank? He would not permit himself to believe was at a loss to conceive how they could be gratified withthat some after movement was contemplated, by which, out a violation of parliamentary rule and usage. As far through another committee, the petition should be put to as his observation had extended, it was customary to refer sleep on the table, and thus effect indirectly what was at all matters either to the standing committee, within whose first suggested, though not pressed by the gentleman from peculiar province they were, or a select committee favor. Georgia. But we are asked for a mincrity that will re- able to the measure, or a committee known to entertain present the sentiments of those adverse to the bank: there opinions in conformity with those which had heretofore is no need of raising a select committee for that; there is been expressed by the votes of a majority of the House. no doubt such a minority in the Committee of Ways and It would undoubtedly not be in the ordinary course of proMeans, and, if so, they will not shrink from the perform-ceeding to refer this memorial to a committee so arranged ance of any duty, however they may differ from their col- as to ensure an adverse decision. It was urged as an obleagues. Looking, therefore, at the question in the differ- jection to the Committee of Ways and Means that they ent lights in which it had been presented, he could see had expressed an opinion. He trusted every member of no good reason for the proposed change of reference, that committee was capable of calmly reviewing his own though he should acquiesce cheerfully in any disposition opinions, when called upon by public duty. But the of the subject which the House might see fit to make. committee was not an individual. Its members were not Mr. CARSON, of North Carolina, said he had before the same now that they were when the former reports attempted to get the floor on this question, with the ob- were made. He did not intend to express any opinion ject of appealing to his friend from Georgia [Mr. WAYNE] how far the time selected for this application was appronot to move to lay the memorial on the table. He trusted priate or otherwise. that course would not be taken with it, but that it would The present condition of the currency was comparameet the respect which the importance of its subject de- tively sound, and the state of the money market not unserved at their hands. He wished to know, he observed, favorable, perhaps, to a deliberate examination of this what had been the former course in relation to the mat- important question. He believed the charter of the Bank ters connected with the chartering of the bank. Did the of England expired a little before that of the Bank of bill which granted the charter emanate from the Finance the United States; and, considering the great commercial Committee? If so, there surely could be no impropriety intercourse between the two countries, and the influence in referring the memorial to that committee. If it origi- simultaneous changes in their currency must exercise on nated in a select committee, he [Mr. C.] was perfectly the trade of both, but particularly on our own, it might disposed to let the matter pursue the customary order, be wise to come to an early decision. Whether the bank and send the memorial to a select committee, in which was to be rechartered or not, it might be important that case the Speaker would be fully warranted in placing it the country should be prepared in time for either event, in the hands of its friends. Mr. C. went on to say that and enabled to provide against any emergency that may he also disclaimed introducing party politics into this grow out of it. discussion. He was disposed neither to put down one Mr. MITCHELL, of South Carolina, said that he conman, or elevate another, in reference to such a matter. curred entirely in the views of his friend from Georgia, The member from Virginia [Mr. MERCER] had said that [Mr. WAYNE.] He did not think that the bank question he was one of the last persons in that House who could be ought to be taken up at all this session; but if it were, it justly charged with mingling party politics with subjects ought most unquestionably to be referred to a select com. of high national importance; and yet he regretted to say mittee. He saw no reason, however, for its being referthat that gentleman had been imperceptibly drawn into red at all. The member from South Carolina [Mr. Mcexpressions of a strong party nature. Whilst he disclaim- DUFFIE] tells us, said Mr. M., that it involves the vast ed all party spirit, he expressly condemned the Executive amount of fifty millions of dollars; that this is dispersed 1511 GALES & SEATON'S REGISTER H. OF R.] Bank of the United States. [JAN. 9, 1832. to every class of people in our widely extended country; With these views, he was fully of opinion that the memo and if the question of rechartering it were not decided rial should go to the Committee of Ways and Means. Mr. DEARBORN, of Massachusetts, said he was denow, it would hazard these great and complicated inteA reference to the Comrests. Mr. M. said he attached no importance to this cidedly opposed to a reference to any other committee argument. The stockholders who met lately at Philadel- than that of Ways and Means. phia thought differently, for, by a solemn resolution, they mittee of the Whole on the state of the Union would have left it discretionary with the president of the bank to pro- no other effect than to induce a protracted debate on It would be a waste of time, a pose the question to Congress when he saw fit. If they hypothetical points, as there would be no report, no bill, had thought that a postponement would have endangered nothing on which to act. their interests, would they not have said so? This fact profitless discussion, neither beneficial to the House or the does away the argument of the member from South Ca- country; it could not, and would not, lead to any result. As to a select committee, gentlemen who advocated that rolina. The bank question was decided by the strongest party question which could be put to this or any House. course could not expect to gain any advantage by its ap It has been twice discussed within a few years. It was re-pointment, if parliamentary rules were strictly observed jected once in the Senate by the vote of the Vice Presi- by the Speaker, or the uniform practice here taken as a dent, and it afterwards passed this House with a major ty guide. He understood that it had been the invariable of two. It would divide the whole country, and excite custom, ever since the organization of this Government, on that floor feelings of the most exasperated bitterness. in this House, as was notoriously the case in the British Not a party question? Does not the member from South Legislature, to appoint, as members of such committees, Carolina [Mr. MCDUFFIE] remember that this question a majority, at least, of those who were favorable to the divided the country into federalists and republicans? It measure proposed. In the House of Commons, the memwas a great constitutional question, and he hoped all those ber who presented a memorial, or offered a resolution of who thought with him would rally against it in all their inquiry, was not only appointed chairman, but had the strength. But why refer it to the Committee of Ways privilege of nominating all the members of the commitHe, therefore, could not perceive how the gentle. and Means? It was committed before to a select committee. If the question was merely man from New York [Mr. CAMBRELENG] could expect tee on national currency. financial, as whether we should sell our stock, and, if we did, to obtain from a select committee a report which would whether we should sell it to the bank, he would not object present such a view of the subject as comported with his He said to its being referred to the Committee of Ways and Means. own predilections, or one adverse to that which had been It was one of po- made by a former Committee of Ways and Means. But it was not a question of revenue. Mr. CAMBRELENG here rose to explain. licy and the constitution--one of vast magnitude and of the greatest complexity-requiring a committee of the he did not expect that a select committee would be so ormost distinguished abilities on that floor. It was a party ganized, as to be hostile to the bank; but he wanted to question in reference to men and things out of doors. hear both sides. Those who deny this, must be blind to every thing around them we hear it every where--we see it in all which we read. Sir, we have now on hand a topic which must engross every thought and feeling--a topic which perhaps involves the destinies of this nation--a topic of such mag nitude as to occupy us the remainder of the session; I mean the tariff. I hope, therefore, this memorial will be laid on the table, and, if not, that it will be referred to a select committee. Mr. DEARBORN resumed. Well, sir, I do not per ceive why the object of the gentleman would not be as well attamed by the Committee of Ways and Means, as through a select committee. I have not the honor of per sonally knowing any of the members of that committee, but presume some of them, at least, are opposed to re chartering the bank, and that the minority can prepare a contre projet, which will exhibit the adverse side of the question. Thus there will be two pictures presented to the House, and gentlemen can select that which they most admire-which best quadrates with their own perceptions of propriety. Mr. ROOT, of New York, said the quest on before the House was not at present of a party character, unless it might be considered as appertaining to that party to which I like not, sir, any effort to dodge the subject. Let boldly and indepen the gentleman from South Carolina [Mr. MITCHELL] alluded, as the constitutional party. The question was, to there be no subterfuge; but let us which of three committees the memorial should be refer- dently meet the main question, without delay or postponeIt has been urged as an objection agamst a refer red--to a Committee of the Whole on the state of the ment. Union, to the Committee of Ways and Means, or to a ence to the Committee of Ways and Means, that a report select committee. If it is to be made a party question, had been once made by that committee, some two years and that on a great constitutional principle, it became since, favorable to the bank, and therefore it is disqualifi them to examine more particularly as to the powers of ed from again entering into the inquiry of renewing the Congress on the subject of incorporating a great national charter. It is true, sir, that such a report was made; but bank. Mr. R. went on to say that it was acknowledged I do not understand that the present committee consists of by all those who advocated that institution, that the pow-the same members, although the chairman is the same; ers of Congress were incidental in the matter, inasmuch but that several of the gentlemen who now belong to that as the bank was necessary for the management of the fiscal committee, have been placed there, during this session, concerns of the nation, and the proper establishment of for the first time. The many powerful reasons in favor of a reference to its currency-Congress deriving its power, Mr. R. said, from the necessity of a bank as an instrument in the hands the Committee of Ways and Means, have been so ably of the treasury, for the collection, preservation, and dis- urged by several gentlemen during the course of this debursement of the revenue, and to give us the benefit of bate, that it is unnecessary again to press them one uniform currency throughout the nation; and upon attention of the House. But it is not a little extraordinary, these two grounds alone the power was founded. If that, after what has been done, objections should be raised the rechartering of the bank were to turn the question of to a reference to the only committee within whose peculiar constitutionality, the mode of reference was still more im- province this House has so repeatedly decided whatever portant. What committee then could most appropriately related to the bank properly belonged. Has not the Premake the inquiry? In his judgment, certainly the committee which managed the fiscal affairs of the nation--the committee that prepare and digest the scheme of revenue, and exercise a general supervision of the public finances. upon the sident of the United States, for three consecutive years, called the attention of Congress and the nation to this subject? and has not so much of his annual message as related to the bank been invariably referred to the Com JAN. 9, 1832.] Bank of the United States. [H. of R. mittee of Ways and Means, as well as the report of the would have undue weight in the national councils; these Secretary of the Treasury on the same subject? And now, opinions had always been freely canvassed in this House. sir, when the bank takes the Chief Magistrate of the He for one was glad that the present President had not Union at his word, and sends a memorial to this House, departed from the practice of his predecessors in this repraying for a renewal of its charter, is it to be objected spect; and whether the House coincided in the views exthat the Committee of Ways and Means is incompetent to pressed by the President or not, the firmness and candor make a thorough investigation of the subject-is incapa- with which he had made them known, deserved only the ble of discharging its high duties in a manner that will be approbation of the House. either proper or satisfactory, because a favorable report Mr. J. proceeded to remark that the matter in debate has heretofore been presented by a Committee of Ways involved two inquiries of a wholly different character. and Means? This, sir, is not only disrespectful to the ex-The first inquiry involved the constitutionality of incorpoisting committee, but unjust--inequitable, towards the rating the bank: the second, which, although subordinate memorialists. At the moment when this committee can in importance, was yet of great moment, was the expeact efficiently, is it to be deprived of the opportunity of doing so? Is it to be deemed inadequate to a faithful discharge of the duties devolved upon it, notwithstanding the repeated expression of an entire confidence in its ability, and that this very subject was within the peculiar province of that committee? I trust not, sir. diency of rechartering the bank, or renewing its present charter with all its existing conditions. He could by no means yield to his colleague, [Mr. MERCER,] that the constitutionality of granting the charter had been settled by the practice of the Government-ours not being a Government of practice or precedent, like the decisions of the There was one remark of the gentleman from Georgia, courts of common law, but a Government regulated in its [Mr. WAYNE,] which I heard, not only with astonishment, action by a written constitution. For the examination of but deep regret. He appeared to think that this measure this question, one committee was as competent as another; had been precipitated upon the House, by the recent perhaps the Committee of the Whole House on the state movement of a political party. He had sought at a great of the Union was more appropriate than any other for the distance for the cause, when it was to be found more near; investigation of great principles. For the investigation of yes, sir, within the walls of this House; on the records of the second inquiry, a select committee was much the most its proceedings for three successive sessions. If blame appropriate, since much time and much laborious and miwas to attach any where, as to this matter, it was to the nute examination would be necessarily required. Chief Magistrate of the republic. He had elaborately The bank has been of late distinctly and repeatedly urged upon Congress the importance of an investigation; charged with using its funds, and the funds of the people he had thrice made it a special subject of comment and of these States, in operating upon and controlling public advice, in his messages to this House; and now, sir, when opinion. He did not mean to express any opinion as to at last the memorialists had come here, merely in self-de- the truth or falsehood of this accusation, but it was of suffence, to put an end to the fluctuating state of their stock, ficient consequence to demand an accurate inquiry. The which had been constantly rising and falling in conse-bank was further charged with violating its charter in the quence of the continually agitated and yet undecided state issue of a great number of small drafts to a large amount, of this subject, are they, sir, to be rebuked for precipitancy and payable, in the language of the honorable member or presumption? They had no other alternative. As to the Baltimore convention, I am not aware that it had any connexion with the bank question, or that any measures were considered or adopted in relation to that great and important subject: a far different object claimed the attention of that assembly. from New York, [Mr. CAMBRELENG,] "nowhere:" this charge, also, deserved inquiry. There were other charges of maladministration which equally deserved inquiry; and it was his [Mr. J.'s] intention, at a future day, unless some other gentleman more versed in the business of the House anticipated him, to press these inquiries by a series of Mr. JOHNSTON, of Virginia, said that the great ques- instructions to the committee entrusted with the subject. tion which had been brought before the House, had for a Mr. J. urged as an objection to referring this inquiry to long time divided and agitated public opinion, and he was the Committee of Ways and Means, that so much of their of the number of those who were willing to meet it fairly, time would be occupied with the regular and important and to dec de it without further delay. The grave import-business connected with the fiscal operations of the Goance of the principles involved in this question, and the vernment, that they could not spare labor enough to acinfluence it was calculated to produce on the operations of complish the minute investigations wanted at their hands. this Government, demanded for it the calmest and most We had been further told that all the members of that mature deliberation. He deprecated the introduction of committee were friendly to the project of rechartering the personal or party feeling in this debate: the question was bank, and the honorable gentleman [Mr. MERCER] had retoo weighty to be affected by personal politics: as to himself lied upon the fact as a fair exponent of public opinion in he was prepared to look straight forward to the merits of favor of the bank. He [Mr. J.] added, that although he the measure under discussion, without suffering his mind one moment to glance at any effect it might produce on individuals. Having once made up his mind on those merits, he would at all times be willing, if need be, to sacrifice himself, or any one else, to his clear convictions of duty. could by no means assent to the force of this remark, yet that it furnished strong reason for those who wished a close scrutiny of the administration of the bank, to wish some gentlemen placed on the committee of inquiry, who would be actuated by the zeal of fair opposition to the bank: he conceded that a majority of the committee should be composed of its friends. He concluded, by hoping that the memorial would be referred to a select committee. Regarding this question in this temper, he had heard with regret remarks from his honorable colleague, [Mr. MERCER,] inconsistent with the recommendations he had Mr. HOWARD, of Maryland, said that he concurred offered to others. That gentleman had censured the Pre- with the gentleman from Virginia, who had just addressed sident for the opinions which he had expressed concerning the House, in thinking that a select committee was the the bank, in his official communications to Congress. He appropriate body to which to send this memorial. The [Mr. J.] understood, from a careful examination of the standing committees of the House were appointed to conconstitution and the practice of the Government, that it sider such subjects as are likely in the ordinary routine of was one of the peculiar duties of the President to commu- business to come up for consideration; and the rule of parnicate to Congress from time to time his opinions on mea- liamentary law required that a majority of the members sures of general interest. It was not supposed in the theory should entertain opinions favorable to the propositions that of the constitution that the expression of those opinions would probably be referred to them; and the constant ob H. OF R.] Bank of the United States. [JAN. 9, 1832. servance of this rule showed the necessity of ascertaining ly resisted this reference, and the subject was again conthe opinions of individuals before appointing them upon fided to the Committee of Ways and Means, who, however, any committee, whether standing or select. It was upon made no further report. This winter the President, in his the belief that the customary observance of this practice annual message, again notices the bank, and reaffirms his would be followed up in the case now before the House, objections to a renewal of its charter. A motion is again that he founded his wish to refer the memorial to a select made for the reference to a select committee, the reasons committee, in order that whilst a majority would be friend- assigned last year repeated, and the motion again resisted ly to the proposition, the minority might be composed of and defeated by the exertions of the friends of this institumembers who would lay before the House the reasons of tion. Now, when the president and directors come fortheir opinions, and thus the arguments and plans of all ward, and ask for a renewal of their great privileges, thus sides be fully exhibited. There were three distinct classes presenting a question of deep and vital interest to the of opinions: 1st, that the charter should be renewed with country, and when a most anxious wish has been expressor without modifications; 2d, that the currency of the ed that the subject should be minutely and thoroughly incountry should be left altogether to the State banks, and vestigated by a select committee, we find the friends of the transfer of the Government funds from one part of the the bank rising in every part of the House, and exerting country to another be effected by the same means; and themselves to prevent this reference, and to send the me3d, that a plan should be devised for the latter purpose, by morial to a committee whose judgment has already been the issue of inland bills drawn by branch officers of the pronounced in favor of the application. Several gentle treasury or custom-houses, or some other department of men have stated that the committee is not now composed of the Government. If called upon to decide between the the same members that belonged to it two years ago, and two first propositions, Mr. H. said he should feel no hesi- that the opinions of some of the committee are not yet tation in preferring the former, but he had never, either known. Mr. F. was somewhat surprised to hear such from reflection or inquiry, been able to understand the suggestions thrown out. The committee has indeed undetails of the plan by which the last practice could be sus- dergone some changes, but the majority of them were on tained. Other gentlemen, whose thoughts had been more it when the report which has been alluded to was made; directed to the subject, might perhaps be prepared to sub- and does any one believe that a single gentleman who has mit a project to the House; and it was for the purpose of advocated the reference to the Committee of Ways and informing himself of the views entertained upon this point, Means, entertains the least doubt of the views of the majo that he wished a select committee appointed, upon which rity of that committee as now constituted? Would the would doubtless be placed some member who was favora- honorable gentleman who presented the memorial [Mr. ble to such a plan. In this stage of the matter, when in- MCDUFFIE] have moved its reference to that committee, quiry was the object, it was premature to express an had he not known that a majority of his associates are opinion upon the general question, and therefore he wish-friendly to the prayers of the memorialists? Sir, said Mr. ed to avoid it, but was willing to look to the report of a F., there is not a man in this House who has the least doubt select committee, as developing the relative merits and as to the opinions of a majority of the committee. advantages of the several plans which the component parts of the committee might sanction. But the opposition to the reference to a select committee was more unaccountable since the concession Mr. FOSTER, of Georgia, said it had been several times made by those opposed to the bank, that a majority of stated, during this discussion, that this application was con- the committee shall be composed of its friends. What, nected with the great political question which was now sir, said Mr. F., afraid of the investigation of a minority! agitating the country. He considered this a matter of Mr. F. was astonished to witness the efforts which had very little consequence; there was a proneness to give to been made to prevent the investigation, which was so every important question a party complexion, and he did much desired by many members here. Are the bank and not expect to hear any great political subject discussed in its friends afraid of the scrutiny of its adversaries? Are this House, from this time until the Presidential election, they alarmed lest disclosures might be made which would which would not be more or less affected by that all-en- prove fatal to their application? Mr. F. had supposed grossing contest. that, so far from shrinking from an investigation, the bank The question now before us, said Mr. F., is merely one and its supporters would have challenged it; that they of reference. The president and directors of the United would eagerly have caught at the opportunity afforded to States' Bank have petitioned for a recharter of that insti- expose all the facts connected with the management of tution, and the House must now dispose of this petition; their affairs, not only to a committee of this House, but to the only difference of opinion is, whether it shall go to the the nation. And Mr. F. could but yet hope that the ad standing Committee of Ways and Means, or to a select vocates of this memorial, on further reflection, would committee. Mr. F. had listened with attention to the ar- withdraw all opposition, and suffer the reference to a guments in favor of the reference to the Committee of select committee, from whom we should no doubt have a Ways and Means, but had heard none to convince him detailed report of facts, as well as reasoning, to aid us in that it should receive that destination. He begged to re- our ultimate decision of this important question. If, howmind the House of its proceedings on this subject the two ever, the opposition to this reference was persisted in, as preceding sessions. Two years ago the policy of rechar- the question had assumed additional consequence from the tering the bank was adverted to in the President's mes- character of the debate, he should ask for the yeas and sage; and when it was proposed to refer that part of the nays. message to the Committee of Ways and Means, no objec- Mr. JENIFER, of Maryland, said, when the memorial tion was made to it. That committee made a report sus- was sent, presented, and proposed to be referred to the taining, to the full extent, both the constitutional power Committee of Ways and Means, he had intended to give of Congress to incorporate the bank, and the expediency a silent vote, not deeming it material whether it was reof renewing the charter. At the opening of the last ses-ferred to that committee or a select one. The course the sion, the President again referred to this subject, repeating debate had taken, connected with the suggestion of the his former views. It was then proposed by my colleague gentleman from Georgia, [Mr. WAYNE,] that he should [Mr. WAYNE] to refer that part of the message to a select move to lay the memorial on the table, had induced him committee; and the reason distinctly given was, that an to rise. Mr. J. was not so fortunate as the gentleman investigation of the transactions of the bank, and its influ- from Georgia, in being advised at what period the memoence on the great interests of the country, was desired and rial would come before the House, nor was he aware that intended. The friends of this institution, however, strong-it had been forced upon it by the Baltimore or any other JAN. 9, 1832.] Bank of the United States. [H. or R. convention; but was inclined to believe that this was a interest of its stockholders, forbids the supposition that gratuitous supposition of the gentleman himself. It was they were actuated by any other motives than those which extremely to be regretted that a question so intimately appear in the memorial itself; motives which commend connected with the interests of the country, as the rechar- themselves to our understanding and our sense of public tering the Bank of the United States, should be discussed duty; and the honorable chairman of the Committee of and decided upon such principles as had been avowed. Ways and Means, whose relative position to this subject, It was to have been expected that a question so momen- and whose means of knowledge may be supposed to be tous in itself, in which so important an interest was at more ample than are possessed by most others, and who, stake, would have afforded ample room for debate, without with great truth, has said that he should be exonerated attempting to excite party feelings, or testing it by any from the charge of having any connexion with the politi other standard than its intrinsic merits. Mr. J. could cal movements referred to, with his usual candor and high not see what connexion the Baltimore convention had with sense of honor, has stated that he does not believe that the memorial now under consideration, and had imagined the directors of this bank have been influenced by any that the fact of its presentation by the chairman of the other considerations than those which have arisen from Committee of Ways and Means would have prevented what they have deemed the discharge of an imperious such a remark. This movement has been called a "party duty. Nor should he [Mr. H.] stop to inquire into the measure”—a measure of the opposition, and gentlemen effect which the action of the House, on this subject of are warned against it. What party does the gentleman great national concern, would have on an important elecmean? Is it the party for or against the President of the tion soon to take place in the country; though it would United States, or for or against the Bank of the United seem, from the manner in which this topic was treated, States? If the latter, I should have no objection to the that fears were entertained that it would have an inauspimemorial being tested by a motion to lay on the table. cious influence on the prospects of a certain individual. Mr. J. had no hesitation in avowing himself in favor of Mr. H. said he was deterred from commenting on this the bank, whether it operated for or against the Baltimore subject, from the consideration that it was entirely foreign convention, or the convention at the palace. to the question before the House, and because he believed Mr. J. did not consider this a proper time or place to that the members who compose this body were prepared, discuss the merits of the Baltimore convention, but he at the proper time, to act on the merits of the memorial trusted, whenever this question did come up upon an ap- presented to them, fearlessly and independently, without propriate theatre, its friends would be found both ready reference to the effect which it might have, or be supposand willing to join issue with the friends of the adminis-ed to have, under any circumstances, on the election of tration. Another gentleman intimates that the advocates any individual to the highest office in the gift of a free of the bank desire to arrest investigation, by referring the people. He should, therefore, proceed to consider the memorial to the Committee of Ways and Means. What question of reference, disconnected from any extraneous are the facts? The President of the United States, in re- matters; and he should occupy the attention of the House peated messages, presses this subject upon the considera- but a few moments, as the subject was nearly, if not quite, tion of Congress. The bank, in a respectful memorial, exhausted; and he had risen principally for the purpose applies for a charter: it is met at the threshold by a pro- of replying to the suggestions made by the gentleman position from the friends of the President to lay it on the table, by which act all investigation would have been precluded. Has the President changed his opinion upon this subject? Or, does he send messages here, urging the action of Congress upon a measure, and give instructions to his friends to vote against it? It is easily seen to which party the charge of an attempt to suppress discussion is justly liable. from Virginia, [Mr. JOHNSTON,] and the gentleman from Maryland, [Mr. HOWARD.] The honorable member from Virginia (if he understood him correctly) said that this memorial should be referred to a select committee, because it involved a question of constitutional power--the power of this Government to incorporate a bank. If, said Mr. H., this be still an open question, is not the Committee of Ways and Means as competent to examine it, My colleague from the city of Baltimore [Mr. HowARD] and express an opinion on it, with the reasons on which it is in favor of a select committee, because he does not wish is founded, as a select committee would be? Is the chairto "hazard" an investigation by a reference to the Com- man of that committee so little known to this House, as mittee of Ways and Means, and presumes, with the gen-to make it proper to commit the examination of this questleman from Virginia, [Mr. ARCHER,] that, according to tion to other hands? parliamentary usage, a majority of the committee would [Mr. JOHNSTON rose to explain. He had been enbe favorable to the bank. Is there any certainty that such tirely misunderstood; though he had no doubt, unintena committee would be appointed? The Speaker, having the power of naming that committee, is not controlled necessarily by the House. It is to avoid the "hazard" of an unfavorable committee, that I shall vote for a reference to the Committee of Ways and Means. tionally. He had admitted that the Committee of Ways and Means were equally competent with any select committee who might be appointed to investigate any constitutional questions connected with the rechartering of the bank; but he thought that, as the whole subject would require much minute investigation and laborious research, both as to principles and details, it was of sufficient consequence to require a select committee; and that the amount of business before the standing committee was such, that they might not be able, for want of time, to make this investigation.] Mr. HUNTINGTON, of Connecticut, said that he thought a part, at least, of this debate might have been omitted, upon the question whether this memorial should be referred to a standing or a select committee of the House. He regretted that his friend from Georgia [Mr. WAYNE] had deemed it proper or necessary to introduce into the discussion topics of a purely political character, Mr. HUNTINGTON resumed, and said he had misunnot connected either with the merits of the memorial or derstood the purport of a part of the remarks of the the question of reference; and he [Mr. H.] certainly member from Virginia, and the explanation given made it should not follow him in the course he had taken, He unnecessary to do more than, in reply to the remark that should not inquire upon what authority it had been inti- the inquiries connected with this subject were various and mated that the presentation of this memorial, at this time, numerous, to say that such inquiries could be made with was connected with certain political movements, which as much advantage by, and would receive as much attenhave recently been made, in a quarter not far remote from tion from, a standing committee, as from a select committhe capitol: for the character of those to whom was en-tee. The Committee of Ways and Means will, of necessity, trusted the management of the affairs of the bank and the if they believe it proper to renew the charter of the bank, |