mittee of Ways and Means, as well as the report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the same subject? And now, sir, when the bank takes the Chief Magistrate of the Union at his word, and sends a memorial to this House, praying for a renewal of its charter, is it to be objected that the Committee of Ways and Means is incompetent to make a thorough investigation of the subject—is incapable of discharging its high duties in a manner that will be either proper or satisfactory, because a favorable report has heretofore been presented by a Committee of Ways and Means? This, sir, is not only disrespectful to the existing committee, but unjust--inequitable, towards the memorialists. At the moment when this committee can act 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. [H. of R. would have undue weight in the national councils; these opinions had always been freely canvassed in this House. He for one was glad that the present President had not departed from the practice of his predecessors in this re spect; and whether the House coincided in the views expressed by the President or not, the firmness and candor with which he had made them known, deserved only the approbation of the House. Mr. J. proceeded to remark that the matter in debate involved two inquiries of a wholly different character. The first inquiry involved the constitutionality of incorporating the bank: the second, which, although subordinate in importance, was yet of great moment, was the expe 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 con stitutionality of granting the charter had been settled by the practice of the Government-ours not being a Govern ment 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 could by no means assent to the force of this remark, yet one moment to glance at any effect it might produce on that it furnished strong reason for those who wished a close 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. 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 gentletreasury 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 majothat 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 every important question a party complexion, and he did not expect to hear any great political subject discussed in this House, from this time until the Presidential election, which would not be more or less affected by that all-engrossing contest. been made to prevent the investigation, which was so much desired by many members here. Are the bank and its friends afraid of the scrutiny of its adversaries? Are they alarmed lest disclosures might be made which would prove fatal to their application? Mr. F. had supposed 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 adstanding 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. OF 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 politiother 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 from Virginia, [Mr. JOHNSTON,] and the gentleman from table, by which act all investigation would have been pre- Maryland, [Mr. HOWARD.] The honorable member from cluded. Has the President changed his opinion upon this Virginia (if he understood him correctly) said that this subject? Or, does he send messages here, urging the memorial should be referred to a select committee, beaction of Congress upon a measure, and give instructions cause it involved a question of constitutional power--the to his friends to vote against it? It is easily seen to which power of this Government to incorporate a bank. If, party the charge of an attempt to suppress discussion is said Mr. H., this be still an open question, is not the Comjustly liable. mittee 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 tionally. He had admitted that the Committee of Ways the power of naming that committee, is not controlled and Means were equally competent with any select comnecessarily 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. mittee 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, H. OF R.] Bank of the United States. [JAN. 9, 1832. consider all the details necessary to effect that object, and of the shares in the bank owned by the United States, and report a bill, with such conditions, limitations, and restric-now yielding an interest of seven per cent., is recommendtions, as they may deem expedient. And will this House ed, to enable the Government to pay, among other debts, have more confidence in any select committee which can one bearing an interest of three per cent. only, and thus be appointed, than they have in the Committee of Ways to present the great "moral spectacle" of the reimburseand Means? We have not heard from its chairman that ment of the public debt before the 4th of March, 1833! they are so burdened with business that the time necessary | If such a recommendation was to receive the action of the to a careful examination of this important subject cannot House, it was certainly proper that it should be well conbe devoted to it; nor that they are unwilling to discharge sidered, with reference to all its important bearings on the the trust, if committed to them, with promptness and interests of the country; and as the Committee of Ways fidelity. If, then, this committee are competent to per- and Means had been charged with the duty of examining form the duty proposed to be imposed on them, and can into the propriety of this suggestion of the Secretary, it was and will discharge it, what reason can be urged why it obviously proper that to them should be confided the duty should not be confided to them? of examining into the merits of the memorial to renew The gentleman from Maryland [Mr. HOWARD] had sug- the charter of the bank, with which such recommendation gested another reason why this subject should be referred from the treasury was most intimately connected. Will to a select committee. It was, that they might take into the House refer to one committee every matter connected consideration a proposition, which had heretofore received with the renewal of the charter of the bank, proceeding some countenance, for the issue of treasury drafts or from the Executive and the head of a department, and notes at the seat of Government, predicated on the funds to another committee the application for its renewal? In in the treasury, and which would be a substitute for the what situation will such a course of proceeding place us? bank as at present organized. Mr. H. said he believed Mr. H. said he need not enlarge on this point; nor would the present generation would be in their graves long be- he go into the merits of this application. This is not the fore any committee of this House would recommend such time for such a discussion, nor would it be in order. Mr. a project as this to its favorable consideration, or enter H., in conclusion, said that he hoped that, inasmuch as the into any details connected with it. It had never been re-general subject of the Bank of the United States had ceived, so far as he [Mr. H.] knew, with favor from any already been referred to the Committee of Ways and quarter, and had ceased to be remembered, except as a Means-as that committee were fully competent to exsubject once recommended to notice, and instantly pro-amine it, and would do so, if required by the House--as nounced by all impracticable and inexpedient. A Go-it was the most appropriate committee to make such exvernment bank, to discount notes or drafts, or create amination--and as there appeared to him to be no suffia circulating medium with the funds of the Treasury De- cient reason why it should go to a select committee, he partment, would, he trusted, never be countenanced, in hoped the motion to refer it to the Committee of Ways any shape, or at any time, by this House; and, even were and Means would prevail. such a subject proper for consideration, it could receive it as well from the Committee of Ways and Means, as from a select committee. Mr. WAYNE said he was answerable for this debate, and the character which had been given to it, and that he was ready to take its consequences, whatever they might [Mr. HOWARD explained. His remark was, that one be, in or out of the House. But, sir, said Mr. W., as my object of a national bank was to preserve the public position has been assailed by some friends, as well as by wealth, and another the transfer of its funds; and he had enemies, or, I ought more properly to have said by polionly observed, in regard to the latter object, that he was tical opponents, I shall be discreet in making any motion, desirous some friend of the mode which had been sug- and will abstain from using any expression, which has not gested, to separate the public funds from those belonging been duly considered. Discretion, however, and direct to individuals, in the form to which he had alluded, should action with plain speaking, are not inconsistent; and I will be placed on the committee, to present a plan connected venture to rely so much upon my own sense of propriety with it and its details; but he had not said he was of opinion that such plan was either proper or practicable.] as to use them together upon this occasion, without any apprehension that I shall make a trespass upon what is Mr. HUNTINGTON resumed. He said he believed right in itself, or upon the feelings of any gentleman. I he had not misunderstood the member from Maryland. His have no idea, however, that there is impropriety, or that remarks were based on what he [Mr. H.] understood the it will be so considered by the world, in my having dishonorable member to have stated as the object he had in closed to the House the political attitude which any indiview, and what he now repeats to be his object, which is vidual or party had assumed to effect party objects, and to have this petition referred to a select committee, that by my attempt to array against it party feelings-when it some friend of a proposition once, and but once, recom- is intended by a minority to urge a particular measure, mended to create a species of national bank at Washing-with the view of making itself stronger by the accession ton, might have a place on that committee, and thus be which it hopes to receive from the discontent which may be enabled to furnish the House with the details of a plan to given abroad by the course which the minority anticipate promote such an object. Mr. H. said he would only add, the administration will pursue upon the subject proposed to what he had already said on this point, that he believed for the action of Congress--when the design of that mithe Speaker would be obliged to go out of the House to nority is to put in opposition to the administration a giganselect a friend to such a proposition. He did not think tic pecuniary interest, represented in every part of the there was a member on the floor who would avow himself country, and advocated by the hundreds who live upon to be its friend. Mr. H. said he would not repeat what its means, and profit by its discounts. The charge is, that had been said in favor of referring this memorial to the I have awakened and sharpened the spirit of party by call Committee of Ways and Means. He would suggest, as an ing upon party to put down such a scheme; and some genadditional reason for such a reference, that this subject tlemen with whom I am accustomed to act, so much mishad already been referred to that committee. That part take what should be our position upon this occasion, as to of the message of the President, transmitted at the open-disclaim all intention to aid my efforts, and think I will ing of the session, which relates to the Bank of the not avow such intentions. Indeed, one gentleman from United States, after debate, and on much deliberation, had Pennsylvania, [Mr. COULTER,] who I am not at all surbeen referred to that committee. So also had the report prised should be the supporter of the bank, though we of the Secretary of the Treasury, embracing the same ordinarily act together, has not only deprecated the re subject. In that report, a proposition to authorize a sale sults which may follow the attempt, should it be success JAN. 9, 1832.] Bank of the United States. [H. OF R. ful, upon our representative form of Government, but he charter as a party question, and that their conduct has wishes to shield me from what he imagines will be an im- provoked the spirit with which I would meet the memoputation, by expressing his belief that I had not been ac-rial presented to-day. Are not the people in that address tuated by such feelings, though my remarks had that asked if they are ready to destroy one of their most useful tendency. Sir, my remarks and their tendency are one establishments to gratify the caprice of a Chief Magistrate? and the same; and to whatever conclusion the former may Why are the enterprising and high-minded merchants of lead, though it shall, in the apprehension of some, involve the Union addressed as a body to discountenance the reme in an attitude of doubtful propriety, I will not shrink jection of the bank charter? And why that dulcet and disfrom the conclusion,but will place between myself and those interested solicitude for the cultivators of the West, who who misconceive me, the judgment of others who hear are told that their interests are so essentially connected and shall read the report of this debate. My appeal is with the capital of the bank that they will surely never now to the public. That and other gentlemen have, in- lend their aid to dry up the fountain of their prosperity? deed, mistaken my design; and now that they can do so We are told that the President is three times pledged to no longer, I call upon such of them as act with me in a put his veto upon a renewal of the charter, and that such common cause, to review, to throw aside their apprehen- and other disastrous consequences will be produced if he sions of my purpose, and to give it their aid. It is my should be re-elected. And yet, that which I am disposed wish to bring party feeling into action, to put down what to meet in the spirit in which it has been presented to us, has been introduced here at an improper time, to effect is not a party movement. The stockholders of the bank, party purposes; and I wish my power to effect it was or their representatives, to solicit a renewal of the charequal to my inclination. Such were my motives when I ter, and the convention, have no correspondent feelings; first addressed the House; such is still my intention, be-and the former are altogether ignorant of the pledge given cause no other course can be taken which will so effectu- to them by those who desire power, in the anticipation ally counteract the designs of party. If parties exist, may that the pledge will be paid for by their co-operation. not the common principles which have brought men into Nay, more, sir; such is the bitterness of party in that adclasses be invoked, at times, to arouse those who think dress, that the Secretary of the Treasury, notwithstanding alike to act together against a movement which is intended the avowal of his sentiments in favor of a bank, is ungrato weaken that common cause? Gentlemen are in error, ciously taunted with what the address terms an intimation because they confound party with faction; and it is the of his readiness to modify his sounder notions to those great difference between them which makes mine, upon of the President, and that he was prepared to sacrifice the this occasion, the meritorious stand. Some may think to independence of the department over which he presided, gain credit by those amiable generalities in which parti- and for which he is responsible, by doing what no cabinet culars are so often disguised, that no one can tell where minister in the corrupt and servile courts of Europe would those are to be found who use them. But a high price is concede to any Executive. Sir, do I not now stand vinpaid for the reputation of being amiable, by making one-dicated for what I have urged to-day? Is not this memoself equivocal; and it is a weakness not to use a principle rial a party movement, though it has been presented to the which may be correctly used, and with honor, because House by one unconnected with those with whom the mean and vitious men may attempt to make it a common movement had its origin? I do not make it a ground of principle of action. Demerit is connected with the abuse moral reproach against them, for it is within the allowable of party; but some of the happiest and most glorious re-limits of party warfare; but when the stratagem is known, sults in the history of free nations, and in our own, have and the enemy is on his march, he may be met and subbeen produced by the combined action of a number, un-dued in the spirit of retaliation. I do say, and speak it der some denomination, in opposition to others differently confidently, that the bank has been induced to present its distinguished. I will not bring party spirit to bear upon memorial at this time, in the expectation that public opithe bank question, when it shall be before us upon its nion may be directed by it to operate upon the next elecmerits; but it is proper to urge party action, to counter-tion of the President, if any thing shall occur at this session vail the design to introduce it here at this time-when the unfavorable to a renewal of the charter. Gentleman may time has been chosen as most favorable either to coerce discountenance the application now as inexpedient, without legislation to a renewal of the charter, or to use which being supposed to have in any way indicated what will be may be done unfavorable to it, to bear upon the Presi- their position when the question shall be before us upon dential election. Nay, sir, I will go further, and say, if its merits. Those of us who are opposed to the bank are, those representing the bank have now come here in good however, prepared to meet the question, if the House faith, but with an entire disregard of the fact that there shall determine that the memorial shall be referred to the is a party in the nation which has already used this ques-Committee of Ways and Means. And I am sorry to have tion to influence public opinion in their favor, and who been misunderstood by the gentleman from North Caroliintend to use it further, it will be right to make the post-na, [Mr. CARSON,] by his supposition of our unwillingness ponement of its consideration a party vote. Will any one to do so, from our fear of consequences to the cause, or say that efforts have not been recently made to make the to the administration. renewal of the bank charter one of the questions by which [Here Mr. CARSON explained.] the administration of the Government may be put into other Mr. W. resumed. I thank the gentleman, for I suphands? Is there any one of the opposition in this House posed I had guarded myself against any such misconstrucwho will deny the fact? Will not the gentlemen from tion. Sir, I have but a word more to say, and it is that Massachusetts and Maryland [Mr. DEARBORN and Mr. the public, who are attentive to our proceedings, will not JENIFER] admit that what has occurred within the last four be satisfied if this memorial shall not be referred to a weeks at Baltimore may have brought the bank memorial select committee, as it always has been in our legislation, into this House sooner than it would have been? and is not from the first application for the establishment of a bank, one of the principal objects in the address of the conven- and in every other for the renewal of a bank charter, and tion an argument to persuade the stockholders in the bank not to a committee which had prejudged the question. to make a common cause with those who term themselves Mr. SUTHERLAND said it would be expected of him, national republicans, and to embark the influence of their by some, that, coming from the State of Pennsylvania, he capital in the campaign which had been begun against the should say a word or two on this subject. He was sure President? I call, sir, the attention of gentlemen to the his constituents would find fault with him if he should be address of that convention, to establish the fact that the altogether silent upon it; and he was quite sure the genparty in opposition have treated the renewal of the bank (tleman from Georgia [Mr. WAYNE] might very well sup VOL. VIII.-96 |