H. OF R.] Bank of the United States. [MARCH 1, 1832. Bage to Congress: "The charter of the Bank of the United A motion was accordingly made to refer the memorial to States expires in 1836, and its stockholders will most a select committee. In what spirit, Mr. Speaker, was probably apply for a renewal of their privileges. In this proposition met? Who has forgotten the agitation it order to avoid the evils resulting from precipitancy in a produced? Sir, the House was kindled into a flame. measure involving such important principles, and such The friends of the bank were rising in all quarters, and deep pecuniary interest, I feel that I cannot, in justice to protesting with uplifted hands against this motion. The the parties interested, too soon present it to the deliberate interests of the bank were not to be hazarded by being consideration of the Legislature of the people. Both the committed to those who might be unfavorable to it. An constitutionality and expediency of the law creating this honorable gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. COULTER] bank are well questioned by a large portion of our fellow-frankly told the House that he had no idea of sending this citizens; and it must be admitted by all that it has failed application to a committee of its enemies "to be stranin the great end of establishing a uniform and sound cur- gled." "Let it go to its friends," said the gentleman: rency." "let it be referred to the Committee of Ways and Means." Mr. FOSTER, of Georgia, said that from the com- Well, sir, the friends of the bank again prevailed; the remencement of this discussion the strong ground of op- ference they had urged was ordered by the House; the position to the resolution offered by his friend and col-investigation so anxiously sought was thus again virtually league [Mr. CLAYTON] was, that the investigation pro- refused; and in due time, as every body expected, a bill posed would have the effect to postpone the decision of providing for the renewal of the charter was reported. the question whether the United States' Bank should be And now, when this question, in which the great interests rechartered to the next session of Congress. And it had of this country are so deeply, so vitally involved, is been asked, over and over again, why this investigation about to be considered and determined, another gentlehad not been sooner proposed. Now, said Mr. F., Iman, who has but recently become a member of this body, have never heard such an objection from such a quarter, and who has obtained such information as to the manage with less grace; and for the correctness of the statement ment, or (rather) mismanagement of the bank, as to feel I am about to make, I appeal to the candor and to the re-it his duty to ask for a formal examination into its affairs, collection of every gentleman present. We have just comes forward, and moves for a committee for that pur been reminded by the honorable gentleman from Connec- pose, and, to obviate every pretext for shunning this exticut [Mr. ELLSWORTH] that this subject was presented amination, he exhibits specific charges as to the abuses to the consideration of Congress, by the President, two practised; and what do we behold, sir? The gentleman years ago; and we all remember how much he was re- is met at the threshold, and told that he is too late; that proached for it, when the charter had yet six years to run. the investigation ought to have been had sooner; to inBut the President thought there should not be too much stitute it now would produce such delay that the bill delay in this matter. Foreseeing that an application would which has been reported could not be acted on during the be made for a renewal of the charter, he conceived it due present session. to the bank, as well as to the nation, that the policy and Really, Mr. Speaker, it is somewhat amusing to refer to propriety of the measure should be fully investigated, the various objections which are made to every proceed and calmly and deliberately determined. That part of ing affecting in any way the interests and prospects of this the President's message relating to this subject was re-institution. When the President invited the attention of ferred, without opposition, to the Committee of Ways Congress to this subject two years ago, it was said he was and Means; and a report made by that committee, dis- premature: the bank, its friends, and dependants not only tinguished for as much ability as any report ever laid upon complained, but the Chief Magistrate was denounced in the tables of this House, sustaining both the constitution- most unmeasured terms. The suggestions in his se ality and expediency of the bank. No further proceed-cond message were received and treated in the same manings were had on the subject during that session. At ner-it was still quite too soon to agitate the subject. Now, the succeeding session the President again presented it the adversaries to the bank, after having so repeatedly to our consideration, and a motion was then made by my tried in vain to have an investigation into its affairs, are colleague [Mr. WAYNE] to refer it to a select committee, gravely told they have waited too long. The President for the avowed purpose of investigating the affairs of the was too early, and we are too late! Too late, sir? Are bank. Was this motion sustained? No, sir, it was suc- gentlemen serious? Can they flatter themselves with the cessfully resisted by the friends of the bank; a select hope of avoiding this investigation on such grounds? committee was refused. Does this look like a disposition But, I have not yet done with the delay which it is alon the part of the opponents of the bank to delay an in-leged this investigation may occasion. Admit that there vestigation into its concerns? But, sir, twelve months may be some delay. Is the inconvenience to which this more rolled round; a new Congress is convened; and the moneyed aristocracy may be subjected by the procrastinaPresident renews his suggestions as to the bank. My tion of a few weeks, or even months, to be put in compe colleague [Mr. WAYNE] again proposed a reference to a tition with the vast interests of the whole people? Suppose select committee, repeating his intention of procuring an that the charter of this bank was about to expire, and the investigation into the affairs of this institution. But the bill for its renewal was now before us for final decision, advocates of the bank adhered to their former course; and the grave and serious charges now exhibited were it was well understood that a majority of the Committee of brought before us at the very last hour: would it not be Ways and Means were friendly to a renewal of the charter, the bounden duty of this House to pause and inquire into and no hazard was to be run by suffering a committee who them, rather than rush on, and, by one single act of rash might entertain different opinions to inquire into the ma- legislation, commit the dearest and best interests of this nagement and operations of this great corporation. country for twenty years to come? But here, sir, this The subject being thus disposed of, no other movement extreme case does not exist: this charter has yet four years was made, and no other proceeding took place, until some to continue, and, I fear, the country four years to suffer. time in January, when the memorial of the directors of Whence, then, the pressing necessity for this hasty dispothe bank praying for a renewal of their charter was pre-sition of the subject. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, I should be sented to the House. The opponents of the bank, still glad to know at what time the directors of the bank themanxious for the investigation which had been so repeatedly selves discovered the very great importance of having refused, conceived that the reasons for it were now this matter determined on at this session of Congress. The greatly increased; nor indeed was it imagined on what stockholders did not seem to be aware of it at their meet. ground the advocates of the bank could longer resist. ing in September last, when they gave the directors MARCH 1, 1832.] Bank of the United States. [H. OF R. discretionary power to apply at this session or not, as they to whom the destinies of this mighty institution can be conmight deem advisable. Had the necessity of a speedy ap- fided. Sir, I have as much confidence in the ability and plication been so very obvious, the order for it would integrity of that committee as any member on this floor; have been peremptory. And, sir, if the directors, in the but when the majority of the gentlemen composing it are exercise of this discretion, conceived it their duty to make known to be friendly to the bank, and when the chairman the application at this session, why was it not done at the has already declared his utter disbelief of the charges precommencement? Whence the necessity of first throwing ferred against it, and has argued so ably and earnestly to out feelers to ascertain the interests of Congress? Why show that they are not well founded, can we believe that was an envoy extraordinary sent on by the bank to this this investigation would be prosecuted with the same scrucity in December last, to consult and advise as to the pro- tiny, zeal, and persevering energy by the Committee of priety of making this application? And why did the di- Ways and Means as by a committee selected for the purrectors wait for his despatches or report, before they could pose, and who believe the charges to be true? But the decide whether to exercise the powers with which they gentleman from Pennsylvania, [Mr. WATMOUGH,] in order were clothed? Was it the intelligence they received from Washington that convinced them of the urgent necessity of making immediate application? to obviate all difficulty, to show that the bank dreads no investigation, and that he himself is anxious for it, proposes by his amendment to instruct the Committee of Sir, I confess there is something strange in all this; and Ways and Means especially to inquire into all the various most assuredly, after the bank has suffered six weeks of charges made by my colleague. How is this, sir? The main the session to elapse before presenting its memorial, it ground of opposition to this investigation has been the decomes with very bad grace from its friends to charge its lay it might occasion. Will not this same delay occur adversaries with having delayed, for one short month after whether the examination be made by a select or a standthe memorial was presented, before they demanded an in- ing committee? Has the gentleman explained to us how it vestigation into its concerns. is that this business could be despatched with more rapidAs additional evidence of the determined resistance ity by the Committee of Ways and Means than by a select which has been made to a thorough investigation of the committee? Either would have the same charges to inaffairs of the bank, I beg leave now, Mr. Speaker, to recall vestigate, the same means of obtaining the information rethe recollection of gentlemen to the proceedings which quired, the like power to send for persons and papers; the have taken place on the resolution of my colleague, [Mr. same time would be consumed, whether the investigation CLAYTON.] When this resolution was submitted to the were confided to one committee or another. The genHouse, its postponement for a few days was requested, tleman from Connecticut, [Mr. ELLSWORTH,] also, while and readily assented to. It subsequently came up in its warning the friends of the bank that the examination askorder in the business of the House; and when the mover ed for would almost certainly have the effect to postpone was about to explain the reasons why he had introduced it, the bill for the renewal of the charter to the next session, he was suddenly intercepted, and the question of conside-earnestly urges an investigation by the Committee of Ways ration made by the honorable gentleman from Pensylva- and Means. With all his anxiety for immediate action on nia, [Mr. WATMOUGH,] a question which, had it been this bill, he has brought himself to consent to expose it to entertained by the Chair, placed it in the power of a ma- all the hazards of delay. Sir, I shall not question the genjority of the House to prevent all debate the very object tleman's sincerity; nor shall I charge him with inconsiswhich the gentleman will no doubt candidly own he had tency; but I must be permitted to say that this has very in view. Yes, sir, had not this question been declared much the appearance of a design to defeat the proposed out of order, all discussion upon this resolution would have investigation by a side blow. been prevented; every tongue would have been hushed Mr. Speaker, it has been several times broadly intimatinto silence; and not only would the proposed investiga-ed that the object of this investigation was to postpone tion have been refused, but even the privilege of giving a the question of rechartering the bank beyond the present single reason for it would have been denied. session of Congress; and the motive for this postponeMr. Speaker, the resistance to this investigation, taken ment has been too plainly insinuated to be misunderstood. in connexion with the application for a renewal of the For one, sir, I claim to be exempted from these imputacharter, is to me extraordinary beyond expression. The tions. I do not desire the postponement. I wish the bill bank comes forward, and asks us to reconfer on it these which has been reported to be fully and fairly discussed, extravagant, alarming, and, I fear, ultimately ruinous pri- and the vote of every member, if possible, to be recorded vileges; and when we wish to know in what manner it has for or against its passage. No one can object to this: managed heretofore, we are not to be indulged; the credit there is certainly no gentleman here who dreads the reof the bank is too delicate to be hazarded by an examina- sponsibility which may attach to his vote; at least, I know tion into its concerns. You may call upon every officer of no one who is liable to such an unworthy suspicion; of this Government, from the President down to the most and let me tell gentlemen, notwithstanding their insinuasubordinate; every department of the Government is liable tions, they will find another department of this Governto the searching operations of this House; but this great ment, which shuns no responsibility, and fears no consecorporation must be held sacred, and its secrets secure from our scrutiny. Sir, if this course is pursued with this institution wielding such an immense influence, and controlling the property of such a vast number of people, is it not time for this whole country to take the alarm? And will it not be our solemn duty, if this investigation is finally refused, to warn our constituents of the danger to which they are exposed, from this overgrown, this almost irresponsible power? quences. But, sir, I deny that the proposed investigation will produce the delay which has been alleged. We have now three months, the whole length of a short session, before us; and a committee can go to Philadelphia, make the proposed examination, and report the result, in ample time for us to decide on the bill for rechartering the bank before the session closes. Mr. Speaker, the charges which have been exhibited against the bank by my colleague have been called a bill But, Mr. Speaker, there is, by the amendment now of of indictment. I prefer they should assume the shape of fered, an apparent yielding on the part of the friends of a bill in equity. I wish not only that the books and papers the bank to the investigation so anxiously sought. The ho- of the bank should be produced and examined, but that norable gentleman from Pennsylvania, [Mr. WATMOUGH,] the consciences of the directors should be appealed to, after having invariably resisted this proposition heretofore, and their answers to these charges obtained. As to the now proposes to institute the inquiry through the Commit- charges, I express no opinion at present; indeed, as to tee of Ways and Means. Yes, sir, this is the only committee some of them, I have formed none. It is sufficient for H. OF R.] Amendments to the Constitution.--Bank of the United States. me that they have been preferred by a member of this House, with an averment of his belief that they can be established. Under these circumstances, it was reasona. ble to presume that the bank, if innocent, would have challenged its accusers to their proofs. But if, instead of this, it shrinks from an investigation, it subjects itself to a suspicion that all is not right, and it must take the consequences. [MARCH 2, 1832. Resolved, That the following amendments to the constitution of the United States ought to be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States for their ratification: The people of each State, qualified to vote for the most numerous branch of the Legislature thereof, shall give their votes directly for a person to be President of the United States; and the person having the greatest number of votes in such State shall be declared to have therein a There is, however, sir, one charge to which I beg number of votes equal to the whole number of members leave particularly to advert. It is that which relates to in both Houses of Congress to which such State may be loans to editors or printers of newspapers. The honor- entitled. The votes of the people of the several States able gentleman from Pennsylvania, [Mr. WATMOUGH,] in shall be canvassed by the Supreme Court of the United his amendment, proposes that the Committee of Ways States, and the person having the greatest number of votes and Means shall inquire" whether any loans or accommo- shall be declared President of the United States after the 3d dations have been afforded to any editors, &c. in any day of March then next ensuing. In the event of the highother way, or on any other account, than in the regular est candidates having an equal number of votes, the two course of business." Now, I object to this qualification. Houses of Congress, by joint ballot, shall determine and deI do not wish to inquire of the directors as to the pur-clare which of them shall be President of the United States. The Vice President of the United States shall be electpose or object of loans to persons of this character, I merely wish to ascertain the facts; and, therefore, if the ed in the same manner; but, in the event of an equal numamendment is adopted, I shall propose to instruct the ber of votes for the highest candidates, the Senate shall committee further to inquire "whether any loans amount- determine which of them shall be Vice President. The President and Vice President of the United States ing to the sum of five thousand dollars or upwards have years, but the President shall be been made within the last two years to any editors or print- shall be elected for ers of newspapers; and, if so, what are the amounts of said ineligible for the next term. loans respectively, and who are the individuals to whom And if it should turn out that there they were made." have been these accommodations made to editors of news papers of extensive circulation, who were previously opposed to the bank, but now favorable to it, it will be for the candor and intelligence of this House, as well as of the community at large, to determine as to the motive for the accommodation on the one hand, and the conversion on the other. BANK OF THE UNITED STATES. The House then resumed the resolution offered by Mr. CLAYTON, proposing an inquiry into the management of the bank. In sea Mr. CLAYTON, of Georgia, rose, and said, in the discussion of this resolution, a very singular contradiction had been presented. His motives had been arraigned in opposition to the express admission of gentlemen that Mr. McDUFFIE said his views remained unchanged by they believed nothing unfair, on his part, was intended by He its introduction. While I am honorably acquitted of any the debate. The charges had vanished into thin air. very humorously combatted that particularly which re- political design, said Mr. C., it is nevertheless urged that ferred to the case of alleged usury in Kentucky, illustrating the sole object of this inquiry is to defeat the renewal of the effect of a demurrer to a plea from a case in Tennes- the charter, and thereby save the President from the nesee of hog and turkey stealing. He concluded by asking cessity of meeting the question at this session. of Mr. WATMOUGH as a personal favor to withdraw his sons of strong political excitement, where men and not amendment. It would place Mr. McD. in a delicate situa- measures regulate the conduct of public functionaries, very little credit is given to the pledges of any one; and tion, and was, besides, contrary to parliamentary usage. Mr. WATMOUGH again rose, and stated to the House am aware that I place myself in a very delicate situation, that, in offering the amendment which he had had the when I attempt to vindicate my motives by such a resort. honor to submit, he had had no objects but those he had But I think the gentleman from South Carolina [Mr. He trusted he MCDUFFIE] will bear me out in the declaration that, long already fully explained to the House. should not be misunderstood. The firm conviction of his before I came here, my opposition to the bank was as deown judgment would still induce him to adhere to the cided and well known in the country we represent, as his In-own advocacy of that institution. I have been writing course which a sense of duty had prescribed to him. deed, the views taken by the distinguished chairman of against it for the last seven years; and, as he well knows, the Committee of Ways and Means, so far as the bank have not even spared his own far-famed report. It would He be something very remarkable, then, that, under the first was concerned, fully sustained him in that course. I could not fail, however, to feel a becoming diffidence in and only occasion where I could raise my official voice his own judgment, when he found it conflicting with the against it, I should be found dumb and unconcerned. From sound discriminating mind of the honorable gentleman the part I have heretofore taken, and the just expectafrom South Carolina. Besides, that gentleman had ap- tion which that course has inspired, I should, were I to pealed to him on personal grounds. He fully appreciated remain mute on this occasion, lay myself fairly obnoxious to the feelings and motives of that honorable gentleman, and however much the act might conflict with his own convic tions, or might ultimately affect the important question, he felt himself bound to accede to the personal feelings of the honorable member, and therefore withdrew his amendment. Mr. CLAYTON obtained the floor, and, as it was past four o'clock, moved an adjournment. The House then adjourned. FRIDAY, MARCH 2. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION. Mr. ROOT submitted the following resolution, the consideration whereof was postponed till Tuesday next: the suspicion that some sudden charm had spell-bound my MARCH 2, 1832.] Bank of the United States. [H. of R. But, sir, if gentlemen choose to consider the question shall relieve the South from its most intolerable burdens; as containing some lurking mischief, and will not believe and on that account I do not agree with the President on any thing else, I am willing to put it upon that footing; all points of policy. I regret to say the President is too and, foul or fair, we can have nothing to dread in the in- much of an American system man for me; but I take pride vestigation of the subject. Are gentlemen altogether in saying, I admire him for his independence, I honor him pure themselves in this matter? Is every thing fair and for his integrity, and I greatly venerate him for his serhonorable on their part? Have they no political designs vices; and for myself, though anti-tariff in principle, I am in urging the bank question at this time? They should willing to support the President's general policy, and in take care, in persisting to ascribe improper motives of con- this respect I am confident I express the general feelings duct to those who were favorable to the resolution, that of the South. they did not betray their own secret springs of action. So much for the political motives that belong to the The suspicion was much stronger against them, and I shall introduction of this resolution. Let us now inquire into take occasion to exhibit the proofs. If you will press into the views which so suddenly determined the friends of this subject the Presidential election; if nothing else will the bank to bring forward the measure of renewing its do; if the bank is anxious to measure arms with the Pre-charter at this time, since gentlemen court this discussion. sident, we meet you at once; and without mincing the In the month of September last, the stockholders of the matter, without palavering about disinterested views, and bank held their triennial meeting at Philadelphia, and honorable intentions, and all that sort of thing, which down to that time no cause appeared, though they had may suit any other Congress but this, we come directly to fully examined all the affairs of the bank, which could the point, and affirm that the friends of the bank are justly make it necessary to apply to Congress for a reincorpochargeable with the first movement in this matter, under a ration. On that occasion, if any good reason had prepolitical influence and for a political purpose; and we will sented itself to the stockholders for rechartering the defeat them, if we can, in that object, if for no other pur-bank at this session, does not every one believe so impose but to save the Government from the disgraceful con portant a matter would have been concluded upon? But trol of this dangerous idol. It has been distinctly avowed what did they say at that time? Let me read it to the that the only mode of saving the charter was to connect it House. Say they, "the charter of the bank will expire with the Presidential election, which this resolution was on the 3d of March, 1836, and there will consequently calculated to prevent by the delay it would occasion. It be but one triennial meeting after the present, and that seems to be the prevailing opinion of the friends of the at a point of time too near the expiration of the present bank that the President is afraid to meet the question, charter, to authorize measures in regard to its renewal. and therefore it is a great object with his friends to ward It is fit that, before that meeting, power should be given off the proposition for rechartering it at this session. Now, to the board of directors to prosecute them, if they think if this were true, it would be no more than just that cun- proper. This power should be large and definite; not ning should be caught in its own snare. merely to solicit a renewal, but to abide, if they think But I can assure gentlemen they are greatly mistaken, right, by the terms which Congress may impose. A board first, as to the firmness of the President; and, secondly, of directors, who have administered the bank in the manas to my own views in presenting this resolution. Does ner detailed in their recent communication, are safe depoany man flatter himself that the President wishes to waive sitaries of the entire power of the stockholders on the subthis question? The man who has for two years past urg-ject of a renewal of the charter." Down, then, to last ed the consideration of it upon Congress, that the people September, it manifestly appears no good reason presentabroad should understand something of the nature of an ed itself to the stockholders, aided as they were by their institution of such vast powers, before they gave it another" safe depositaries," to trouble Congress at this session being--the man who has never shrunk from any danger, about their charter; but, as if it might be necessary to either moral, political, or physical--will the man who has watch the signs of the times, and to make the most of favorrisked his life for his country, in a hundred shapes-who able circumstances, these stockholders came to the concluwillingly exposed it at Taledega, Emuckfaw, and the Horse sion to vest unlimited powers in their directors to apply Shoe-study, at this late day, to preserve his popularity for the renewal whenever they thought proper; and to for the sake of an office that can add nothing to his fame? save appearances for conferring so great a trust, apologizWill the hero of New Orleans, who met the pride and ed, by declaring them worthy of all confidence on account strength of a triumphant European army, and as triumph- of former fidelity, and of course "safe depositaries of the antly laid it low--who made civil and military authori- entire power of the stockholders." Accordingly, they ties bend to that result, and defied all responsibility, now "Resolved, That if at any time before the next triennial tremble at the prospect of meeting a question, about which meeting of the stockholders, (September, 1834,) it shall half the people know nothing, and the other half care be deemed expedient by the president and directors to nothing? apply to Congress for a renewal of the charter of the bank, In addition to all these tests of his contempt of death, they are hereby authorized to make such application in when his soldiers in the Seminole expedition were on the the name and behalf of the stockholders, and to accept very point of starvation, so that they were compelled to such terms of renewal as they may consider just and prosubsist on acorns, and, in the anguish of their suffering, per." Thus ended that meeting, and nothing prepared declared they could hold out no longer, and would desert for Congress. On the first Monday in December, being him--will the man who, on that occasion, flung himself the time of the meeting of Congress, nothing was heard from his horse, and presenting his bosom to those famished about the bank but the thrice repeated voice of the Pretroops, declared, if they separated, they should first pass sident. Down to that time, or a reasonable time thereaf over his dead body, be afraid to meet such a mere popgun ter for the presentation of a memorial, the bank had seen as a bank charter? Depend upon it, gentlemen deceive nothing to make an application necessary; and so little was themselves--greatly deceive themselves, if they believe then thought of the matter, that when so much of the PreAndrew Jackson is composed of such stuff. Besides, the sident's message as related to the bank was proposed to opinions expressed by the President would be those of the be referred to the Committee of Ways and Means, the mass of the people, had not such infinite pains been taken chairman of that committee said it was unnecessary to to mislead them by dependent debtors, hireling presses, make such reference, for no report would be made at this and interested speculators. As to my own course, it is session on the subject, unless the bank applied for the reactuated by no party devotion to the President. I have newal of its charter; and there the matter rested. come here to attach myself to no party, except that which great objection to the resolution of inquiry, it is now urged As a H. OF R.] Bank of the United States. [MARCH 2, 1832. that it is all-important to have early action upon the sub-and as soon as I learned that it was favorable to the bank, ject of rechartering the bank-delay will be fatal to it. and I could introduce my resolution, it was done. Of the This resolution comes too late, it will defeat the bank of manner in which it was assailed, I think I have just reaits charter; nothing can be so important to stockholders sons to complain, though I may be mistaken as to what is, as to know what they have to rely on. And can it be pos- or is not, allowable by way of trick in this House. I will sible that gentlemen are serious in such declarations? repeat for the information of the people at large, how What! the stockholders not anxious about the matter in this plain, fair, and reasonable resolution was treated; and September last-left the whole matter to the directors--if there was nothing wrong in it--if it betrayed no want they unprepared and indifferent about asking this Con- of respect for such an important and useful measure-if gress for a new charter at its meeting in December-send it evinced no strong fears and suspicions of the rectitude an agent here, who remained six weeks without ever of the bank--if it amounted to no shuffling in the ranks, broaching the subject to Congress--who returned home, and a prodigious uneasiness about something which was and then sent on a short memorial that does not contain not suited to the public eye, why then it is all well, and I one solitary reason why this Congress rather than any other have no right to complain. But if the people should think should act upon the subject, that now it is all-important differently, and believe with me that I was badly treated, for early action! Wonderful! No; the truth is, the agent then I do complain. I have mentioned came on upon a reconnoitering expedi I introduced the resolution on Friday, and immediately tion, hung around the skirts of the camp, and would occa- a gentleman rose, and asked, as it was a very important sionally wait upon political meetings, commonly called resolution, that I would postpone it till the next day. I caucuses, and, after counting noses and concerting plans, readily consented, saying I had no wish to hurry a matter popped off to Philadelphia--and lo! on came the memo- supposed to be of such interest. He then requested that rable memorial which now requires such " early action," I would put it off until Monday. To that I also willingly and is doomed to destruction if it meets with any delay! consented. When Monday arrived, the intermediate time Oh, what ineffable modesty is here, my countrymen! This having been employed in settling a plan of operations, the is the key to the imputation of political management. first motion that was made, upon calling up the resolution, Gentlemen who have brought it forward against the side was whether the House would consider it. This, I underI advocate, are conscious of their own principles of action, and are carefully endeavoring to fasten upon me what belongs to themselves. I beg leave to be excused. I have been to no private political meeting about this resolution, and that is more than can be said on the other side in relation to the bank. Igo nowhere but from my lodgings to this House, and from this House to my lodgings; and, coming or going, I am never in a caucus, unless the promiscuous throng that attends this place may so be called. I have the further testimony of some six or eight honest, a quietus to a measure; for if a majority opposed to it true hearted State rights men, with whom I live, that will readily affirm they know all my movements; and so far from having secret meetings, our every thought and action is laid open to the world in terms of constant detestation of that plundering system that is so fatally destroying our constituents. stand, puts the matter to sleep at once, nay, strangles it in its birth: it carried in the negative. Fortunately for me, the Speaker decided that the motion was out of order, as the receiving the resolution on the previous Friday and postponing it until Monday was such an order as implied a determination to consider the proposition. As soon as the decision was announced, another motion was instantly made to lay the resolution on the table. The ar This, I understand, is also another method of giving can once nail the matter to the table, the same majority can and will keep it there forever. It can never again come up. The friends of the resolution looked at one another in astonishment, and then looked at the friends of the bank with surprise, mixed with a very large por. tion of indignant scorn; and their looks seem to say, can As to the objection made by the gentleman from South it be possible you will so rashly dare to insult an intelCarolina, [Mr. MCDUFFIE,] that this resolution comes too ligent community? Whether the fears for the bank, or late, and will, if its object is attained, defeat the rechar-shame for the act, or both united, overcame the coutering of the bank, it has been most ably answered by my rage which prompted such a procedure, it is difficult to colleague, [Mr. FOSTER,] yesterday. I will only add, that say, but so it was, the motion was withdrawn. this objection comes with a bad grace from the honorable gument then proceeded, and certain charges were prechairmain of the Committee of Ways and Means; for he ferred in such strong colors, and with such a powerful had not reported the bank bill ten days, before I introduc- claim to the consideration of the House, that notwithed my resolution. I arrived here, Mr. Speaker, on the standing the resolution was most violently opposed at 20th of January, and found the subject of the bank in the first, yet a gradual relaxation of resistance was manifestcare and keeping of the Committee of Ways and Means, ly perceived, till finally a proposition was made by the and there it remained until the 10th of February. In all friends of the bank to refer the inquiry sought by the time, it would have been very indecorous in me to agitate resolution to the Committee of Ways and Means-the a question that was then under the consideration of a stand- very committee that had twice reported in favor of the ing committee of this House, whose report, whether favor-bank, and had at this very session recommended its reable or not to the bank, could not well be known. There incorporation. Fortunately, the honorable member at might have been no use for my resolution, though I can- the head of that committee, and who has been a disindidly own I never had any violent misgivings on that point. terested friend of the bank, expressed his dissatisfaction So it was, I thought it my duty to wait for the report. And at that course--said it ought not to go to that committhis was the more necessary and proper in me, for, strange tee, and that it was contrary to all parliamentary usage as it may appear, I heard it whispered about, that, for a to send any proposition to a committee, a majority of new member, I had taken rather an early start in the way whom were opposed to the measure. Thus the matof debate. Let this be as it may, I care nothing about it, ter stands, and though we have been discussing this busiand should not have mentioned it, but I wish to show my ness for a fortnight, we hear nothing from the bankconstituents the aristocratic and monopolizing spirit of the whether she wishes an inquiry or not. I therefore infer times--the dangerous tendencies of this Government to she does not; and believing that all the opposition which exclusive privileges. I presume this is a part of the Ame- has taken place is with her knowledge and consent, I rican system, and new members are to have no share in the must, for the sake of putting this case in a still stronger discussions of the House until they have served a regular point of view, beg leave to use an illustration, free and apprenticeship! From this monopoly I also choose to familiar in its character, and founded upon such obvious dissent. On the 10th of February the report was made, and commonplace ideas as will bring the conduct of the |