The Madisonian. [volume], October 27, 1837, Image 1

About The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845

Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC

                
THE MADWOMAN.
THOMAS ALLEN.
HDITOI AMU P B O P KlBTOI.
Tiik MaDimnuk i* published Tri weekly during ihe
?iltin"* of CongreM, ?ih! Se.iii-wecklv during the te
, <??*. at $5 per ?nnuin. For *ix month*, #3.
No subscription will ho taken for a term ?hort of ?i*
month* ; nor unl*?? p*'d lor 1/4 udrance.
fill'It or AtlVBUriSINU.
Twelve line*, or les?, three insertions, - 81 00
Each additional inaertion, -
l-otiger advertisement* at proportionate rate*.
A liberal discount made to those who advertise by
tlii* year.
IT7 Sub*cribor? may remit by mail, in bills of solvent
hank*, umlaut pant, at our risk ; provided it shall ?|'
111'ar bv a postmaster'* certificate, that such remittance
Las been duly mailed.
A liberal discount will be made to companies of fire
or more transmitting their *ub?cripUoti* together
Postmasters, and others ?utlmrued, acting as our
a .ents, will be entitled to receive a copy ot the |>a|>cr
? rain for every five subscriber* or, at that rate per cent,
on subscription* generally ; tlie term* being fulfilled
Letters and communication* intended lor the esta
blishment will not be received unless the 1 *
paid.
P It 0 S P E C T U S .
The Maduonu* will be devoted to the support ot
the principle* and doctrine* of the democratic party, as
delineated bv Mr Madi-ou, and will .11111 to consummate
that political reform, in the theory anil practice of the
national government, which has been repeatedly indi
cated by (lie general sufferage, asassential to the peace
and prosperity of the country, and to the perfection and
perpetuity of its free institutions. At this time a singu
lar st.ate of allairs is presented. The couiinercial in
terests of the country are overwhelmed with embarrass
incnt, its monetary concerns are unusually disordered ;
every ramification of society is invaded by distress, and
tlio social edifice seem* threatened with disorganization;
every ear is filled with predictions of evil and the mur
muring* of despondency ; the general government is
boldly assailed by a large and respectable portion of the
people, as the direct cause of their difficulties ; open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and a
spirit of insubordination is fostered, as a necessary
defence to the pretended usurpation* of the party in
power; some, from whom better things were hoped, are
making the "confusion worse confounded,' by a head
long pursuit of extreme notions and indefinite phantoms,
totally incompatible with a wholesome slate of the
country In the midst of all these difficulties and em
barrassments, it is feared that many of the less tiftn of
the friends of the administration and supporters ol
democratic principles are wavering 111 their confidence,
and beginning, without just cause, to view with distrust
those men to whom' they have been long attached, and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exulting in the anticipa
tion of dismay and confusion amongst the supporters of
the administration as the consequence of these things,
t ie opposition are consoling themselves with the idea
t i.it Mr Van Huron's friends, as a national party, aie
verging to dissolution ; and they allow no opportunity to
j ins unimproved to give eclat to their own doctrines.
Tiiev arc, indeed, maturing plans for their own future
government of the country, with seeming confidence of
certain success.
This confidence is increased by the fact, that visionary
theories, and an unwise adherence to the plan for an
urlustrc mrliilhc currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy of the govern
ment ; and, by impairing public confidence 111 the credit
system, which ought to be preserved and regulated, but
not destroyed, have tended to increase the difficulties 1
under which the country is now labouring. All these j
seem to indicate the necessity of a new organ at the 1
seat of ?government, to be established upon sound prill- i
cipleS, and to represent faithfully, and not to dictate, the
re al policy of the administration, and the true sentiments, j
measures, and interests, of the great body of its sup
porters. The necessity also appears of the adoption of
more conservative principle* than the conduct of ihosc
seems to indicate who seek to remedy abuses by de
stroving the institutions with which they are found con
nected Indeed some measure of contribution is deemed |
essential to the enhancement of our own self-respect at
home, and to the promotion of the honor and credit of
the nation abroad.
To meet these indications this undertaking has been j
instituted, and it is hoped that it will produce the effect 1
of inspiring the timid with courage, the desponding with |
hope, and the whole country with confidence 111 the j
administration of its government. In this view, this
journal will not seek to lead, or to follow any faction, or
to advocate the views of any particular detachment of
men. It will aspire to accord a just measure of sup-,
port to each of the co-nrdinate branches of the govern
ment. in the lawful exercise of their constitutional
prerogatives. It will address itself to the understandings
.ol men, rather than appeal to any unworthy prejudices ;
or evil passions It will relv invariably upon the prill- |
ciple, that the strength and security of American insti- j
tuiions depend upon the intelligence and virtue of the j
people.
The Maoisonian will not, in anv event, be made the
instrument of arraying the north and the south, the cast
a id the west, in hostile altitudes towards each other,
upon any subject of either general or local interest. It
will reflect only that spirit and those principles of mutual
concession, compromise, and reciprocal good-will, which
so eminently characterized the inception, formation, and
subsequent adoption, by the several States, of the con
stitution of the United States. Moreover, 111 the same
hallowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
of that sacred instrument, characterized irs 11 munch
bv tub PK01M.E, our press will hasten to Us support at
every emergency that shall arise, from whatever quarter,
mid under whatever guise of philanthropy, policy, or
principle, the antagonist power may appear
If, in this responsible undertaking, it shall be our
good fortune to succeed to any degree in promoting the
harinonv and prosperity of the country, or 111 conciliating
jealousies, and allaying the asperities of party warfare,
bv demeaning ourself amicably towards all ; by indulg
ing personal animosities towards none ; by conducting
ourself 111 the belief that it is perfectly practicable to
differ with others in matters of principle and of cxpe
lenc v, without a mixture of personal unkindness or loss
reciprocal respect ; and by " asking nothing that is
not clearly right, and submitting to nothing that is
wrong," then, anil not otherwise, will the full measure
its intention be accomplished, and our primary rule
for its guidance be sufficiently observed ami satisfied.
This enterprise has not been undertaken without the
approbation, advisement, and pledged support of many
ot tin leading and soundest minds in the ranks of the
deiiioeractic republican party, in the extreme north and
in the extreme south, 111 the east and in the west An
association of bo'h political experience and talent of the ,
highest order will render it competent to carry forward
the principles by which it will be guided, and make it
un lul as <1 political organ, and interesting us a journal
n( news. Arrangements also have been made to lix the
est ablishment upon a substantial and permanent basis,
Tlie subscriber, therefore, relies upon the public lor so
much ot their confidence and encouragement otih as the
fidelity of his press to their great national interests shall
prove itself entitled to receive.
THOMAS ALLEN.
Washinoton City. It (' July, 1837.
KXCIIANCK IIOTKL.
'pHESt HSCItlHERS. having leased the Exchange
L Hotel, (late r.miVs.) und haunt! fitted it up III first
rate st\le, will tie predated In receive visiter* on Mo.N
I > A N the fitti 1 nst. The In .?|mn ol thi- lions.', lieum " itli
111 a lew minutes walk ot the, depot ol the Halttttmrc and
1 lino, Wimhuiuton anil Hall iiimre, and l"> ladelp! 1 K 111 -
roads, as well as the Steam suit tu I'hihub l|ilnii. Norlolk,
and Charleston, S ('.. makis it a desnai.b' |il ici- :,? u11
traveller* $01111? to Cilher seetion ot lie- eu'oitrv This
III > 1' KI. attached to tin Exchange Huilililies in i|n< ,? nv,
has been erected and tin nished at a ureal c.ini bv'iu pro.
pileliir*. and is designed to lie a first rale hotel. It i<<
tlie intention of the subnet pier* to make it lor cnmi.irt, re
Spi ?-t ;it III it v. iVc iVc., equal to ally house ill the I niti'd
Stales, The undersigned flatter themselves that they
need only promise to all who may patronise the establish
ment, that their In-st efforts shall be exerted to please, and
at chart'cg which the) h'.;ie will meet their approba
lous.
JEW KIT At HE 111 I I S
ll.illimoie, Oct. T, 1^3? IA - I
TfOI'SK Ft'RNlSHIMi WOOHS We have for
51) pieces 1 intra in carpeting, which we will sell low.
Mi do Brussels
l>?' do I, ?>-1. 10-4, and 12- t Linen Sheeting*.
Inn i|ii 7 I, n I I tarns K |)iai? rs
k t. KM and '.'il l title Table Cloths.
\ e 'nllis t.l til itl'll
I ??!.? R.is.i., |l,:,;.. r
I .1 ? ????!. I'ras ,
Also, ;,0 Maisi illt.a Quilti
UUADLEY i CATLKTT.
3? u 9?Jtw'.w
THE MADISONIAN.
VOL. I. WASHINGTON CITY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1 *3 7. . NO. 27.
rvm SALE, oil BARTER, for property
J7 in the citv of New York, or lands in I Hi
nois, the follow nig valuable property iu the
village ot Oiwmo :
IL7* The rapid growth of Oswego, its un
surpassed advantages and great prospects, art- loo Mel!
and too generally known to require a particular descrip
tion.
Il.y A very minute description of the property is deem
ed unnecessary as it i* presumed that purchasers living
t a distance will come and see, liefore they conclude a
aargam. Suffice it lo say, thai il is among the very liMt
liu the piiu v
JLr '.voiib out lands ?r me fir it quality, with a perfectly
near title, and free of incumbr ?tce, wilt be taken 111 e?
t ti
ttj" L.etieis poat paid, addressed to the subscriber, at
Oswego, will meet with prompt attention. An ample de
scription of the property offered in exchange is requested.
Is K v*T Osweuo.?The Eagle Tavern and Store ad
joining, o-i First street, with a dwelling house and stables
on Second street, being original village lot no, ISO, titi feet
on First street, running east 'JtXI feet lo Second street.
The south half, or original village lot no. It, lieing 33
feel on First street, running east '.DO feet to Second street,
with the1>uildings erected thereon.
The north-east corner of First and Seneca (late Tau
rus) streets, being 00 feet oil First, and l?M) feet on Sene
ca'streets. willi the buildings erected thereou?comprising
part of original village lots nos. 11 and 12.
Three lots, each w ith a dwelling, fronting Second street;
i the lots' are 22 feet wide by 100 deep, being part oforiginal
| village lot no. 41.
Lot, with dwelling house, [original village lot no. 2ft,]
j !<eing titi feet on First street, running west about 230 feel,
I acry.ia lUe canal IHUI the rimr, so that it has four fronts.
In Wkst Osweuo.?Lot corner of Fifth and Seneca
(late Taurus) streets, opposite the public sipiare, being on
Seneca street U3, an<l on Fifth street 10H fe< l, w ith dwell
ing, eoaeli house, stabling, and garden. The latter is well
stocked with the best and rarest fruit, ornamental shrub
In ry, flowers, tVc.
A lot adjoining the above, being 78 feet on Fourth street
by .r>8 feet in depth.
Six lots on First street, each 22 feet in
front, running east 100 feet to Water
street, with the buildings thereon.
The VVharl' and Ware houses on Wit
ter street, opposite the foregoing, being
132 feet on Water street, and running
east about 110 feet to the river. [ This
wharf has the deepest water in the inner
harbor]
Lot cornerof Seneca and Second streets, being 21 feel
on Seneca, and tit) feet on Second streets. Five Lots ad
joining the foregoing to the east, each being 22 feet on
Seneca street, by t>0 leet in depth. The above being pari
of the original village lot no 30.
The north half ol block no (53, being 200 feet on 1'tica
[late Libra] street, by 198 feet on Third and Fourth
streets.
On Van Hi rk.n Tract.?Lot no. 1, Montcalm street,
oejiig 200 feet deep, and running north along Montcalm
street several hundred feet into the Lake.
Lots no. 2 and 3, Montcalm street, each 06 by 200 ft.
12 '? 13
13, 11, and 13,being 315 ft. on Bronson st.
210 on Van Duren st.
300 on Eighth st.
North 3-lfhs of lot no. 25, cornerof Van Uuren
* ,i<1 Eighth si reels, being 200 leet on Van Uuren, and 118
teet on Eighth streets.
Lot 82, south-west corner of Cayuga ami Eighth streets,
66 by 198 feet.
l^ots 83, HI, H3, HO, 8?, on Cayuga st (10 by 108 ft.
88, s e. corner of Cayuga and Ontario streets, 108
by KM feet.
80, s. w corner of do, 198 by 195 ft.
70, on Seneca St., 66 by 198 feet.
58, s. w corner of Seneca and 8th sts., CO by 19H ft.
50, n. e corner of Ontario and Schuyler streets, 198
by 101 feet.
59. on Seneca street, 66 by 19H feet.
75, s. e". corner of Seneca and Ontario streets, 198
by 101 feet.
7ft, s. w corner of do. 198 by 130 ft.
61, n e. corner of do. 198 by 101 li.
40, 17, 18, 19, on Schuyler st., ftft by IMS ft.
The incumbrances on the w hole of this property do not
etcccd sixteen thousand dollars, which ihay either re
main, or if desired, can be cleared off.
J C. Ill RCKI.lv
Oswego, N. Y., Aug. 22, 1H;|7. 2mO
PI.I MBER'S 111'SI NESS.?The subscriber, Iroin
Baltimore, takes ihis method of informing the citizens
of Washington and vicinity, that he w ill remain a few days,
and make arrangements for undertaking any of the follow -
ing kinds of work in lus line cti business, viz The erect
ing of Water Closets, Force or Lift Pumps, Baths, hot or
cold, fitted in a superior manner, the conveying ot water j
from springs to dwellings, and through the different apart- :
inents, draining ijuarries or any kind of lead work. lie ,
can be seen at Mr. Woodward's,
DAVID BAIN.
N B.?He has with him,a few Beer and Cider Puinps, ;
to lie seen as above.
CLE >1E N T WOO I) W A111>,
Berween lOth and 11th sts., Penn. Avenue.
Oct. 18?23
CHINA, (JLASS AND QUEEN'S WARE.
MOSES POTTER,
?16 South Chaib s St., Baltimore,
HAS just received and is now opening, Hrr humlrrd
? anil forty p<i< kagr* of the alsive description of goods,
adapted for the Southern and Western markets?Con
stantly on hand, English, Iron Stone, ami (iranite China,
suitable lor extensive hotels and steamboats?all ol w hich
will be sold on as favorable terms as can be bought many
citv in the I'nion.
Oct. 10 tf22
SAMIEL IIE1NKCKE informs bis friends ami the
public, that he has taken a room four doors north ol
Doctor Gunion's apothecary store, on ninth street, where
he will carry on his business. He feels confident, from
his long experience in cutting all kinds ol garments, that
general satisfaction will be given to such as may favor
him with their custom. sep 23 3taw3w
TI7TLLBE Pl'BLISHEDon Monday next. No 1 of
YV the I NIT F.I) STATES MAGAZINE AND DE
MOCRATIC REVIEW, with a full length engraving in
copper of Col Benton addressing the Senate?after a tine
sketch by Fendench.
TABt.F. OF CONTENTS.
1. Introduction. The Democratic Principle?
The importance of its assertion, and ap
\ plication to our political system and lite
rature.
2. The Battle-Field. By Win.Cullen Bryant.
3. Nathaniel Macon. - ...
I Autumn. By Mrs E L Follen.
Ti. The Constitution Oak. ....
li The Toll-Gatherer's Day, a Sketch of Tran
Mtorv I.lie By the Author of "Twice
Told Tales." .....
7 The Worth of Woman. From the German
of Schiller. .....
j 8. Mexican Antiquities of Pnlempie and Mit
Inn, in the Provinces of Chiapa and
O.izaca. ......
9. Palestine, An Ode. By J. G. Whittier.
10. Miriam, a Dramatic Poem.
11. Storm Stanzas. .....
12. Glance* at Congress, by a Reporter, No 1.
?The Extra Session ?the American 1 riion
?the I lull of the House?the Speaker?
Henry A W ise?Eli Moore?Caleb Gush
ing-??John ljuincv Adams?C. ('. Cauibrc
lentr?Ogden lloffm an
13. Enigma. By A 11 Everett, Est) . Boston,
Massachusetts.
, II Pol.tical Portraits,with ihe,pen and pencil.
No. I. Thomas Hart Benton. [With
an engraving ] ....
I.Y Epitaph. From the Greek Antholp^y
Hi. European Views of American Democracy.
|)e Tocijueville. ?
17. The River.
|h. The Moral of the Crisis ....
19. Retrospective view of European Politics.
(tritr<"lnrtorii Arhctr to ihr Historical Rrnittrr of /vimjirun
F.rrut* )
The system plirsiled at the Congress of Vienna?Its in
fluence on Fran "e?England III M15 and 1 S3.Y?
FRANCE Gain in Democratic Liberty since the Re
> 'I'ltion Louis Plnllipe ?lloerne on l.ibt itv. liF.R
M \NV Policy and effect of abolishing the Empire.
PRl'SSl \ Its policy .mil influence -The tariff union
and currency?Philosophy of the Germans?School
msIimi Military organization?Municipal government 1
Al s 1 R| \ 11s internal condition and political posi
ti" ' H i igari in diet and Baron WCssiieitv Ml
N??R STATES IN GERMANY The. Press?The
Polish Revolution. SPAIN AND PORTI GAL
IUM,!.\ND AND BELGII'M DENMARK AND
SWEDEN SWITZERLAND.. ITALY Austri
an influence ?Fortification* ol Brixen. RI'SSlA
Probabilities of collision wit'i England?Consetpience
; o( the ascendency ot the Democratic principle in Eng
land?Conclusion.
Office'of the I S Miv./ine and Democratic, Review
cumer of 10th and E strieis, Washington at ?
[N. Y. Eve. Pun; and Cu.n. Adv.]
' 1T7* Compris
l ing the original
(' v illagc lots no.
3 and 4.
8.'
90
from the Scrap liouk, a new Annual.
A C1NKS.
lie still, nail heart, he still;
The vigils thou hast kept so long alone
Hath iiuniU ret! thy pulse?every thrill
ilath loat its happy tone.
l? the still watch of night,
When tim stars pale d before thy waking eye?, ,
?'Till the first glumiM r of the morning light,
Rose on the early skies.
Thou with unwearied love,
Leaped to the faintest echo of ,a (read,
That came like music murmuring trough a grove,
With summer buds o'erspread.
How have I strove to greet
The averted gaze that coldly passed me by,
That had no answering look of love to meet
The glance of my fond eye.
How have I nurs'd each tono
Dreath'd in the quiet calm ol other years?
How have they to my very spirit grown,
Dew'd with art'ectiona tears.
Tones that have lured inv heart
Far from the pathway of my humble homo.
From the lov'd cot. my mother, where thou art,
To break in gilded dome.
Oh! let me hear the bird
That sang at evening at our cottage door!
Father, tny breast is with fond memories stirr d
To hear that song once more.
Sister, whose long fair hair I've wreath d
With dowers to deck thy sunny brow ;
Sister, sweet, blessed sister, tell me where
Are those pale blossoms now !
Brother, by whose proud side
I admired in thy childhood, wilt thou take
lJack to thy heart, the pale neglected bride,
For thy lov'd sister's sake !
Yea, through all storms of late,
Thy love hath been an ever watchful guard ;
But withering hopes have left ine desolate
With griefs, thou could'st not ward.
Pain to my peaceful home,
Mother, lov'd mother, would I turn ine back ;
Fain would my wandering footsteps gladly roam
O'er my youth's sunny track.
But that I would not bring
To the dear, liapnv dwelling whero thou art,
So loan, so blighted, and so sad a thing
As a fond, broken heart,?
One that hath kept its vow
Unpartner'd on, pure in its spotless truth,
As faithful, and as trusting, even now,
As in its early youth ;?
Ah! sacred, holy urn.
Where the pale ashes of'young joys repose,
Set by a feeble ray, whose glimmerings burn
Dimly upon its woes.
Dear and familiar forms
That nursed my infancy, with love's sweet spell,
But could not guard ine from life s bitter storms,
Belov'd ones now farewell.
There is a word of peace
That tells ine if I humbly kiss the rod.
The wearv shall have rest, and sorrow s ceasc ;
Be with ine, oh ' my God.
MEMORY.
Oh! why should Memory loVe to dwell
On pleasure which can come no more 1
And why should Fancy's magic spell
So brightly gild each scene ol yore ?
E'en Hope's delusive, glittering beam,
May cease to shed its cheering light;
And, "lull and cold, Time's onward stream
May llow before the aching sight.
But Memory, like a fairy dream,
Still haunts the pensive view,
And, like mild Evening's lingering beam,
Clothes fading scenes in loveliest-hue.
The Tast, with all its glittering train,
Ol loys, so sweet, so quickly fled,
At Memory's touch returns again,
To cheer the heart whose hopes are dead.
Fond Retrospection lingers near
Each look of bliss which could not last,
And links again that chain su dear,
Which Memory flings around the past.
Hones, Friendships, Loves?a seraph band?
Which Time scold blast had rudely loin.
As Memory waves her magic wand,
With more than f irmer bliss return.
They come, like Music's distant breath,
So soli, so sweet their whisperings are?
And fadeless is that lovely wreath
With which they bind the brow ol care.
Oh! Memory's joys will ahvnvs last
No cloud can dim their brilliant ray ;
Still bright and brighter glows the past,
As Hope's sweet visions fadeaway.
Mil. IUVKS AMU Ml*. T A I.I.M A I)(>K.
Th" opinions lately expressed by the Senators just
named, are referred'to by the opposition papers as
evidence that the democratic party will be speedily
divided We have no fears on that point. 1 he
friends of correct principles tolerate dillerences ol
opinion. , e
There is not, however, such a contrariety ol opi
ni m in the democratic ranks, as the whig politicians
seem to imagine. We all wish to save the State
bmks, to reform them gradually, and prevent frauds
on the merchants and operatives by increasing the
specie' basis of the banks. On these points demo
crats generally eo ettr. Some, it is true, go larther
than others. Some think no bank notes of a less
denomination than one hundred dollars should be
issued ; others only desire the suppression ol fives
and tens. Some b" lieve the Government should be
forever divorced from banks; others b 'lieve theGo
vernrnent mav exert its power to regulate the banks,
and guard to some extent, against the ruinous revtil
sion produced by paper expansions. Some believe
the Treasury should not b ? contaminated by a con
nection with' the banks, when properly regulated and
rontroled, may continue to !>? used, as depositories ol
the public money. A compromise of opinions on
nil inese points maybe effected without the least
sacrifice of principle, and we arc confident such a
?compromise will t ke.
The country expected the resuscitation end refor
mation of existing b inks, either by direct or indi
rect ae'i .n on the part ol the Government?and we
da not doubt that it would lv preferable to accom
plish the object in view without again placing ihe
public m.rnev under the control of ine .rporations ?
It a portion id' the banks are too rotten, or too lar
gone to b- restored, they cannot b: loo suddenly an
nihilated.
The question whether the public money shall be
taken care of, or b pi iced in the custody of execu
tive officers or b ink officers, is one of minor impor
tance. Laws mav be enacted by < 'ongress to insure
safety on ihe part ol civhercustodians. A bankrupt
law for instance, to reach corporations, the moment
they fail to redeem their notes, or to pay the checks,
dra lis or war rail's of depo-iiors, might have the de
sired e fleet.
The point oil which ihe great battle will h- fought
1|,,N . jrfirlhrr I If inmu ? />?ir<:r of tJlf rountry fh/ill
br so onrsntralcd <"><1 combined irilk th?t <</ othrr
rmnili-i < fM III nil i this nation; and, on this great
question '.Messrs. Rives and Tallmndge will act as
Americans and patriots should act Thcv know
th'.-re is no such thing as competition in bulking?
that Ihe banking interest is - one and indivisible. ?
They see, too, thai it only wants an ?efficient head,
placed by its chartered privilege*, beyond the reach
lit ordinary legation and t.b .ve popular oofnion,
toen .ble It to control elections and wield lhe Go
vernment.
Virginia and New York are equally hostile to the
supremacy of money (or rather credit) lenders, and
w<* feci di irely confident Ihor (M.wi Iltil States will
b - faithfully represented, in this icspeet, by their
Scualoi'i in Congress.?Adc.
CIIU'l'IiAtt.
uv
W I L L I A M L . MAY,
OP ILLINOIS,
TO HIS CONSTITUENTS.
Fki.iow Citizen's :
1 um prevented by the want of time, be
tween the close of the extra session ol Con
gress and the regular session in December
next, from mingling personally with you, and
hearing from your own lips the expression ol
your unbiassed sentiments and opinions in
regard to the very novel and important men-1
sures to which the President of the I nited
State* in his late message has lelt it his duty
to cull the attention of Congress. 1 regret
this the more, because newspapers and the i
proceedings of partial conventions do no!
generally furnish a fair index of the feedings
and wishes of the body o! the people. I here ?
are, however, other means, by which the sen
timents of constituencies may be more accu
rately ascertained, and it is my ardent desire ,
that those means shall be employed in such
a way us to leave me in no doubt, as to the
course you desire me to pursue, in regard to
the important topics which have engaged the
deliberations of the Congress just closed, and
which are likely to occupy much of the time
ai.d attention of the Congress that is to con
vene in December next.
Since I left you a new order of things has
arisen. The President of the 11 nited States
has proposed, lor the lirst time since the or
ganization of this Covernmeut, to change the
mode ofcolliding safe-keeping and disbursing the
public revenue. It is proposed to separate the
Government ?from all hank*, State and Nation- j
il ; to cast aside their paper and dispense w ith
iheir agency ; to collect the public revenue i
in nothing but gold and siver, and to deposite
it in the hands of individual agents and receiv-1
ers for safe-keeping and disbursement. 1 his,
it will be perceived opens a new question,
unknown to my constituents at the time ol my
election, hut of such vast importance as to re
quire our most serious consideration.
1 propose to state to you as briefly as pos
sible, my own views of the subject as it is
now presented, in order that you may under
stand the position of your representative and
take such action thereupon as to you may
seem lit and proper.
[ regard the proposition, as oris calculated
to nave as extensive an influence upon the
des'inies of this country, either for good or
evil as any that can be presented to the pro
per consideration ol the \merican people.?
It his been recommended by the President,
and Secretary of the Treasury, and received
the support of a large body of their friends in
Coniireas. Mv political and personal asso
ciations would incline me to yield to it my
support, could my judgment be satisfied that
a proper regard for the interests ol my con
stituents and the country at large would justify
its adoption. I have examined the subject
wild an anxious desire to arrive at a just ap
preciation of its true bearing, and 1 am con- j
strained to dissent altogether from the opi
nions expressed in its lavor by the President j
and many of his I riends. He antb ipated this
diversity of sentiment, and although he had
discharged his duty in giving to Congress in
performance of his constitutional duties, the
result of bis reflections, lie referred the whole
matter verv wisely to Congress, and stated, !
that whatever plan might be ultimately esta
blished, his own part should be so discharg
ed as to give it a fair trial and the best pros
pect .of success. The " subject deserves a
lull and free discussion and cannot fail to be
benefitted by a dispassionate comparison of
opinions."
You are aware, my fellow citizens, that
hitherto our Government has employed banks
as the depositories of the public revenue, and
that the wisest statesmen and sages of our
republic have borne testimony in favor of
their utility and superiority as fiscal agents
in that relation. The deposite system has
been in practice from the formation of the
Government lo the present hour, countenanced
by even' President, and regarded bv every
Secretary of the Treasury as the most safe,
convenient, and economical plan that could
he devised. Mr. Jell'erson, in 1791, in his
official opinion to General Washington, as a
member of his cabinet, resisted the incorpo
ration ol the lirst llank ol the IJ. States, on
the ground that the State banks would afford
the necessary facilities as fiscal agents of the 1
Government, and even intimated his opinion
that bank bills were more convenient than !
Treasury orders.
Mr. Madison, in his speech of the same j
year, ntrainst the incorporation of the I S.
Hank, -mid that "its uses to tlie Government
could I'c supplied by the other banks, over
which the Government would have equal
command, nay. greater, as it may grant or re-1
fuse to these "the privilege, made a free and,
irrevocable gift to the proposed bank, of using
their notes m the federal revenue.
Mr. Gallatin, by all admitted to be one ol
the most able financiers in the country, when
Secretary of the Treasury, officially stated his
belief that the bank system " affords one oj <he
best sicurities against delinquencies, lie stated, J
on another occasion, ''that the public moneys
are safer, by being weekly deposited in banks,
instead of accumulating m the h mils of col
lectors, ix self-evident. And their transmission,
w henever this may be w anted, for the purpose
of making payments in other plat es than those
of collection, cannot, with any convenience,
be effected, on a large scale, in an extensive
country, except through the medium 61 banks.
I or of persons acting as bankers.'
" State Hanks may be used, and must, in
case of a non-renewal ol the charter, [of the
Hank of the IT. S.) be used by the Treasury." j
1 I might quote numerous authorities to show j
i that the democracy of the days of .lelb rsou
and Madison, opposed with their whole force
tlie argument of the necessity ol a Hank ol the
I nited States, oil the ground that the State
banks were equally sale and convenient, and
preferable to any thing else then thought ol,
a> the fiscal agents of the Government.
Geti. Jackson, it is well recollected, came
into power with n determination to destroy the
la'. Hank of the ITlited States. Although
lli..I bank had received and disbursed, during >
its existence. 100 millions of the public money
without the loss of a dollar ; yet I supported
Gen. .lar kson in his opposition to that institu
tion. because I believed it to possess too
great a power to be tolerated with safety in
an elective government. Til# public deposite#
were removed from tli.it bank, and placed in
tin; vaults of the State Hanks, by tl?? fiat nl
th? President. The beat currency that the
wit of man could devise, a currency that was
receivable at pur, I was about to say, through
out the world, was broken up, the Hank of the
United States destroyed, anil the attention,of
Congress was invited by 'he President in lus
message of 1834, "to the regulation of the
deposites with the State Hanks. ? 1 lie I re
sident gave the country assurance of the suc
cess of his experiment, and further stated that
" the State Hanks are found fully adequate to
the performance of all services which u ere re
quired of the Hank * J the I tilled States, quite
as promptly, and with the same cheapness.
They have maintained themselves anil dis
charged all tltcir duties, while the Hank of
the United States was still powerful and in
the field as an open enemy ; and it is not
possible to conceive that they will find greater
difficulties when that enemy shall cease to
exist."
The House of Representatives responded
to the invitation of the President, and the
committee of ways and means reported " that
the State Hanks ought to be continued as the
place of deposite of the public moneys ," and
the report was spoken.of by the tilobc of the
5th of March, 1834, in the following remark
able language?rtmarkablr, as compared with
the present language of that paper.
" The committee (of ways and menus) gave their
opinions at large upon the subject ol the S ate.Hank
Agency, in the management of the public finances.
They show that reliance oil them was part of the
long-sighted policy which induced the fraineiS ol
the Constitution to reject the proposition to confer
the power, creating corporations, upon ('ongre-s,
and that it was in f.ct ihe result >i| the confederacy
before, as well as alter, the adoption of the Federal
Constitution."
In June, the idea of separating the Go
vernment from all banks, was suggested by
Mr. fiordon, a member of the Opposition from
Virginia. In the course of the ensuing att
tiinm, the principle of this "divorce bill,
which is now presented to the democracy ol
the country, was again developed in a speech
delivered at Petersburg, Va., by Mr. Watkins
Leigh, a Whig Senator of that state The
pro; isition at that time was considered ol so
dangerous a tendency, that it every where re
ceived the severest condemnation of the Ad
ministration, whose sentiments in regard to it
were thus officially expressed.
" The proposition is disorganizing and revoi.c
TION.MIV, Sl'BVEIISIVF. 01' THE I'l NDAMENTAI. PHIS' lI'l.Etl
op oi.R Government, and of it* entire practice, from
17fS<?. down to this day." tllnbc, Nov. -20, 1834.
" It is as palpable as the sun, that the e.'lcct of the
scheme would b" to bring the public treasure much
nearer the actual custody and control of the Presi
dent, than it is now, anil expose it to !>? plundered
by an hundred hands, where one cannot now reach
it." Phi/.
" In such a case, we should feel that the people had
just cause for alarm, and ought to give their most
watchful attention to such an etfort to enlarge hxe
cutive power, and put in its hands the mein.s of
i riiiin ption." Jbiil
hi the message of the President ol the
ensuing December* the Sub-treasury scheme
of Messrs. Cordon and Leigh was not men
tioned ; but the country, as above, w as con
gratulated upon the success ol the experiment
with the State Hanks, and the Secretary ol tl.ie
Treasury, with the same proposition which
he now recommends, fresh in his mind, came
to the conclusion, that, " individual agents
w ill probably be found less responsible, safe,
convenient, and economical" than banks ; a
conclusion that could leave 110 doubt as to the
position ol the* Administration in regard to
this.very "divorce."
Again the doctrine was incorporated into a
bill, and presented to the Mouse of Represent
atives by den. Gordon, in February, 18J.>,
in avowed opposition to the policy ol the
Administration. It was contemptuously re
jected. Every friend of the Administration
then in the House, excepting one, and by far
the greater portion of the < )pposition members
voted against the scheme, there being only
33 votes out of-2.10 in its favor. 1 was among
the number of those who then voted against
the " ilivorc e," and the reasons whic h induced
me then, are stronger, il possible, now.
The Secretary of the Treasury referred to
"some countries in Kurope, where the pub
lic revenue was collected, kept, and trans
mitted through private agents and brokers,
and stated that, "this kind of personal agency, |
however, is to be avoided, in all practicablej
ami safe cases, under our present system of
selected banks, because it would render tlie-j
system less convenient, less secure, and more
complex, if not more expensive. Hence it
has not been resorted to."
Mr. Calhoun, the storm god of nullitic ation, I
who is now embraced by the administration
because he supports the "untried expedient."
said during these discussions, that "tiny sud
den and great change from our present t a even
a sounder condition, would agitato and con- (
vulse society In its centre, lie regarded the ;
"resort to tlie strong box " as a means " habit
to the objection of being fir less safe, econonn- j
cal and efficient than the present."
" 7*0 fupprrt* t/wm. (the bulks') H oner," he vtid,
" irouht if' it <r ''' piit'it'le, I1""1'' " r revolution. |
it u n nt >? rhiinc ' i'i t^ '? hihrr riinihtiiiii of the rnrmus
rlti.-sr< nf th. riimmuiiitit. th'i n irouhl the com/nest rt tk<
Ciri'iitni by 11 fi rawer new ;/ '
The proposition, and the arguments by
which its passage was urged, were regarded
at lint time, as a direct w ar upon the State ;
Hanks. Mr. lh.vn>\,
'? Pcprecnled the spirit which seemed to have
broken out ag linst the State Hanks; it w.-s n spirit
which augured b ullv for the rights of the States.
"At the commencement of this Federal Govcrn
mcnt there was no Federal Hank, and all thenublie
monh-?ere kept in Slate Banks, or drawn direct
and as last asthev were received out ol the hands ol
receivers and collectors General Hamilton, when
Secretary of the Treasury, kept the public monies,
for the liist \ ear of his jalministration, in ihc-e b inks,
and kept them sal'elv there. When the !?<? era I
Ivmk was piopo 'd in I7.M and the keeping ol the
public moneys was one of the services attributed to
ii Mr Jcllerson, then a inemb'r ol lrcsidint
Washington's cabinet, denied, the necessity ol ^ a
Federal Bank lot any such purpose, and ojienly de
el,i rod himself in IYvor of State Banks He said
that these bmks had already done this business |?r
the Government, and done it well, and would no
douh enter ia'o arrangements with the I reasurv lor
doing it permit it* nil*, and on better terms than it
could b ? ilonebv the Federal Bank
What Mr Jefferson atti 1'tried in 1V.M w as alter
wauls proved under his own administration and
thai of Mr Madison. During the whole <ii oe-u
admiiiisirniions. a large portion of the public m"ii?-vs
was kept HI the Stale Banks, and s.ilely kept theic
? Mr (i 11 .tin detailed a part of the public rrion.A
in the S-a'e Banks iluting the wh-'J' " 'a,
tiod that he was at lh" head ol tie' re-_ . ??
the dissolution of.he firs, n.mkelthet nml>ta^
he turned over all the publj. money* which h. held
"'?''?ri.Me b'ltlks Mete rrealed bvthe Staje*.:
the work* of the States outfht to be rcsjiected , the
stock in those biokw was helil bv American Citizens,
and ought not to b injuriously availed."
'I litis you will perceive, from the formation
of llie Government down to 1831, bank
agency wan always resorted to in the revenue
transactions, for good and substantial reasons.
1 lie system had always been recommended
and supported by every administration and by
e\ ery distinguished Republican, and no change
was ever suggested, until the divorce scheme
originated in (lie brain of an opposition mem
ber ol * 'ongress during tins panic session of
'31. Hut to show you still further that the
doctrine was condemned and discountenanced
by the administration of (Jen. Jackson, and
that our present chief magistrate iti this re
spect has deviated from the '? footsteps of liis
illustrious predecessor," I will quote a pas
sage from the President's Message of Dec.,
1H.J5, the session immediately succeeding the
discussion above alluded to. It was, no doubt,
in direc t reference to the Sub-treasury scheme
that Gen. Jackson addressed Congress in the
following language:
"In t) rr^ul i'i his ieMr\ Cttngrnu may prcsen/je
rrtp cUng cns'udu a) H, puMic urn wry, it is iiksi
K.tui.K tmvr ah urn.K uit:? uki'ion as m?v uk. deemed
< 'iNKIHTKVr WITH TIIKIH SAl'K KKKIMNfi, sllOI'l.p BE Ul VBN
T'? kxki i nvi: At.KVTH. Ni? one cftti b ? more deeply
impress ? I wiili tli ? soundness ol the doctrine, which
restrains and limi.s, by specilic provisions, executive
discretion, as far as it can b* d ine consistently with
the preservation of its cin^'iltiiional character. In
rrs/fd In M* control over the public mon*y,tkis doctrine
is peculiarly nppticaUe.
" B. the use of the Stu'," Minks which do not de
rive their charters ('mm the General Government,
and are not controlled by its authority, it is a seer
taiied t lull tkt m il It us of th?? t'nil'd SliUi s ran he cat
I cteii ami disbursed without hiss or ins.viireitfner, and
that all the wants of the co.iirnuncv. in relation to
exchange and earn n ?>-. are supplied as well as they
ever have b 'en before "
Mr. Van Htircn has been throughout his
whole life friendly to the banking system, if
we may judge by his writings, or by the dis
tinction in liis own State, of being the father
of the Sabty Fund. He was understood to
coincide in the opinions of Gen. Jackson
above quoted, and indeed promulgated similar
doctrines of liis own, on the eve of his elec
tion to tin; Presidency, as a pledge of the
course he should pursue, if the people favor
ed hint with their conlldeiicc. In his cele
brated letter to Shcrrod Williams, he said .
" I sincerely believe that the public funds can be
safely and conveniently transmitted from one portion
of the Union to another; that domestic exchanges
can I)- as safely and conveniently effected, and the
currency at least as sound tinder the existing system
of S ate 11 inks, as those objects couUl be accom
plished by a National Bank."
These authority s, sustained also, by the
decisions id the Supienic Court of the 1 nited
States as to the constitutionality of those in
stitutions, would seem to furnish sufficient in
dications without the a ill of other lights, that
the State Hank agency in the fiscal concerns
of the Government has always been the poli
cy of the Republican party, and one of the
soundest and best established doctrines in the
category ol its faith. I agreed with General
Jackson that the State llauks furnished " tub
om.v practical substitute for u liunk of the
United States."1 I supported him in his oppo
sition to the latter institution, in the hope that
the General Government would continue the
State Hank Deposite system, and seek to ren
der its revenue power auxiliary to the reform
in the system contemplated by the Iriends of
a good currency and a stable and virtuous
government. It was always customary and
lawful to receive the currency of the people,
the notes of spei ie paying banks in payment
of public dues, ittid the "supervisory powers"
of the Treasury Department in connection
with the practice were deemed ol essential
service to the general cturency of the coun
try. It was thought desirable by Gen. Jack
son and must of his friends to introduce a me
tallic circulation sufficient lor minor dealings,
and the measure was proposed to be lostered
by the prohibition of small hills. In all these
views (?f policy it was never for a moment
conceded that the Government had no control
over the general currency of the country.?
Mr. Madison held that, "the. Constitution has
entrusted Congress, exclusively, with the power
of creating an<l regulating a currency, of
equal value, credit and use, wherever it may
circulate." lien. Jackson practically assumed
this power, and promised the people of this
country a " better currency" than that which
existed under the rtgimc <>i the 1 nited States
Hank, and to the State Hanks, the Govern
ment deposites as a reward lor their co-ope
ration in putting down that institution. 'I liese.
hopes have not been realized ; these promises
never fulfilled. The whole subject is now
abandoned, and we are i oldly told that ' tho
(iovernment, like an individual, has nothing to
do hut to take care of itsell." I he whole
policy is changed ; tho Government has
turned upon its benefactors, proclaiming that
the " Dvnasty of banks, great and small, ap
proaches its i ml. 1 he hr.t official declara
tion of war upon those institutions, which it
now .appears have been made hut the tools ol
the executive to be abandoned alter its pur
pose was accomplished, is the " Divorce
Hill" recommended by the President in his
late message.
The proposition now made for the first time
since the establishment ol the constitution is
to separate the government lrom all banks,
state and federal; to collect the public re
venues exclusively it) ?<?hl and silver, and to
employ individual agents as the media of
collection, sale keeping, and disbursement.
I must take the liberty to say. my fellow
citi/ens, that in a crisis like the present, when
the country has been visited with one of the
most calamitous revulsions in its history, and
when ruin and distress pervading every rami
fication ol society, -loudly demanded as well
the best and disinterested exertions of every
patriot, as the cart ful interposition of a pater
nal government, I was little - prepared to hear
from a quarter fiom whence so much was
confidently expected, a measure urged with
the greatest effort upon ( ongress, w hie h 1
can but consider a virtual disinheritance of
the people from all pJirt or h>t in the legacy
of the ir fathers, the blessings of a good go
vernment. If a sirocco should sweep over
our country from one extremity to the other,
it, conseuuenccs could not he more disastrous
than those which I f- ? r would result from
the adoption of tins scheme. Was this ex
pe, ted from an administration set up by tho
people to aid and protect their interests in an
ciiicrgcucy like this ! The people ask for
bread, ami shall the administration give them
a stone f
'I lie apologv attempted for the recommen
dation is, that " the banks have tailed, that
" the people speculated IIJmmi the public (le
positcs", through loans lrom the banks ; that
the banks have been guilty of treachery, per
fidy and fraud , that the credit system is a
tax upon the poor, and as absurd as the south
sea bubble ' Strange and sad doctrine this,
my fellow citizen*, to receive Irotu a pattrnul