SENATE.]

Restoration of the Deposites.-Harrisburg (Pa.) Memorial.

[JUNE 3, 1834.

into its proceedings, and to ascertain whether it had vio- cias could be issued, to cover any more ground than was lated its charter, he would make a proposition, if he could embraced in the finding of a committee. obtain any encouragement from the opposite side, which should effect that object. He proposed to offer the following, as a substitute for the resolutions, to follow the word Resolved:

"That a scire facias be issued by the proper officer, to try immediately if the charter of the Bank of the United States has been forfeited:

"1st. Because the corporation has advanced money to a foreign Government, without being previously authorized to do so by act of Congress.

"2d. Because the whole power over the management of the institution has been placed, by resolution, in the hands of a few persons, and has not been exercised by the board of directors, as required by the charter.

"Sd. Because the bank has failed to perform its duties under the pension laws, not having transmitted money placed in its possession to pay pensioners, when required by proper authority.

4th. Because the corporation has refused, under various pretexts, to submit to an examination of its books and proceedings, by a committee of the House of Representatives of the United States, specially appointed for that purpose.

After a few words from Mr. FORSYTH in reply, both resolutions were ordered to be engrossed for a third reading. The Senate then adjourned.

TUESDAY, JUNE 3.

HARRISBURG (PA.) MEMORIAL.

Mr. McKEAN said, a committee of thirty citizens, of the first respectability, from various sections of Pennsyl vania, all of whom, he believed, were now in the lobby of the Senate, had honored him by putting into his charge a memorial to be presented to the Senate, signed by more than 200 delegates from the different counties of that State, who assembled at Harrisburg, the seat of Government, on the 27th ultimo, to consult as to the cause of public distress and mode of relief. And though, he said, a difference of political opinion, as well as on questions of abstract expediency, existed between a portion of the memorialists and himself, it was nevertheless his desire to represent them fairly; and it was no less his pride than his duty to say, that this convention comprised as much respectability, talent, and weight of public and 5th. Because the money of the corporation had been private character, as any convention of men that had asloaned to individuals and expended in disseminating sembled any where within his knowledge, and whose expamphlets and speeches throughout the United States, to perience entitled their opinions to the most respectful influence popular elections, and to procure a renewal of consideration. He had been furnished with a statement showing the 6th and lastly, For any other causes operating as a for-general, as well as political, complexion of the convenfeiture that can be established by evidence, in the belief tion, and he took occasion to say, that the latter was corof the district attorney of the United States whose duty roborated by his own knowledge of the facts as stated. it is to issue the said scire facias." The whole number of delegates present was 209; of this Mr. CLAY said, if the gentleman would bring forward number, 75 were original Jackson men, about 30 of whom a distinct proposition for issuing a sire facias, to try whe- supported General Jackson in 1832. Delegates were ther the bank has or has not violated its charter, he would appointed from 48 counties, and delegates were in acgive the gentleman a carte blanche to fill it up as he pleas- tual attendance from 44 counties, including the city of ed. All he desired was to sustain the law and the con- Philadelphia, accidents having prevented the attendance stitution. But he could not take the resolution as a sub-of the other four. He had been particularly instructed stitute for these resolutions. to say, that the entire proceedings had been distinguished

its charter.

Mr. WEBSTER signified his assent to this statement. for harmony, unanimity, and zeal, and the whole characMr. FORSYTH then made a few observations, explain-ter of the convention furnished the strongest evidence of ing that he had not intended to press for a scire facias. He a great political change in Pennsylvania, and a growing would not move it distinctly, but was willing to make it opposition to the recent measures of the present adminisas a substitute. The issuing of a scire facias would be tration of the General Government. The memorial was productive of much distress, and he desired to share the written with great force and ability, and condemns, in responsibility of the act with the gentlemen on the other toto, the conduct of the Executive branch of the Government in reference to the bank; to which cause they ascribe all the present distress of the country, and ask Congress for relief.

side.

Mr. CLAYTON said, that whenever the gentleman from Georgia should present a distinct proposition for a scire facias, founded on the report of the committee of the House, he should have his vote. To send a scire facius not founded on the report of the committee, would lead to no result, as the court could not look at it.

Mr. FORSYTH admitted that the course indicated by the gentleman from Delaware was the regular one; but it was impracticable to have the previous report of a committee, when the bank would not permit any committee to examine the books. But would the gentleman agree to vote for this proposition as a substitute for the resolutions?

Mr. MCKEAN then presented the memorial, and moved that it be read, referred to the Committee on Finance, and printed, with the names.

The memorial having been read—

Is

Mr. WEBSTER immediately rose, and addressed the Senate. Is this, sir, (said he,) the voice of Pennsylvania? That is a question of very great interest at the present moment. The whole country has a concern in it. this the voice of Pennsylvania? If this be her voice, then we may hope that the day of relief and of safety is approaching. If this be her voice, it is a voice of health, and of rescue. The work of relief will prosper, it will procced, if her heart be in it, and her strong hand be put to it. Pennsylvania is one of those great central States, Mr. FORSYTH admitted that the President had the on whose determination, and on whose conduct, every right, but he could not advise the President on the sub-thing in regard to the future condition of the country seems ject, as he had no connexion with him.

Mr. CLAYTON replied that there was a report of a committee, on which a scire facias might issue; or the President could of himself issue a scire fucius.

to hang. If this centre moves with intelligence, union, Mr. CLAYTON then said, that if the gentleman would and patriotism, nothing can resist its force. For one, I put his proposition in a form which would not interfere believe that the sentiments expressed in this memorial with these resolutions, and would take the whole respon- are, to a very great extent, the sentiments of Pennsylvania. sibility, he should have his vote. But he must be under- believe this is her voice. The proofs, I think, are satisstood as not giving, himself, any sanction that a scire fa-factory. They come in numerous expressions of opinion,

JUNE 3, 1834.]

Harrisburg (Pa.) Memorial.

[SENATE.

in a thousand forms, from all parts of the State itself, and state of things, and uniting to pray relief from Congress. they may be gathered from the workings of public opin- I have the honor of knowing several of these gentlemen ion, in other portions of the country. In this hall, and personally, and many others by reputation. The conthe other, I see evidence, if I mistake not, that those who vention was not composed altogether of delegates from know Pennsylvania best, believe her to entertain the any one political party. Various parties, various descripopinions expressed in the paper which has now been read, tions of polical men, united in its proceedings. and believe, also, that she will soon show herself in earnest It is known that there exists in Pennsylvania a large, in maintaining them. She has been an ardent friend and a active, and zealous anti-masonic party; and I see, among steady supporter of the present Chief Magistrate. Among the members of the meeting, many distinguished names the very first to espouse his cause, from warm gratitude belonging to that party. These gentlemen came to the for his great services, a strong conviction of his honesty convention, not to lose their own distinct character, not and patriotism, and a confiding trust in his ability to ad- to give up their own principles of association, but to sigminister the Government, she has adhered faithfully to nify that, in this crisis, and on the great questions which her attachment. Three times she has given him her vote now agitate the whole country, they think as others for the Presidency, and she has not faltered in her sup- think, and as Americans ought to think, and that they port, heretofore, although there have been measures, hold fast to the constitution and laws. touching her vital interests, in which nearly every one of Sir, I am happy to say that I know no party or body of her delegation here, and a vast majority of her own Le- citizens in the country, whose principles and opinions, on gislature, have been constrained to differ from the Presi- all its leading interests, are more thoroughly sound and dent. She has seen and regretted what she thought er- patriotic than those of the anti-masons of Pennsylvania. rors; but she has remembered great services and great I know no gentlemen more worthy of trust, in every reexploits, and has gone on with her characteristic steadi- spect, than those who are placed in the public councils ness. It is not wonderful that she should be slow and re- here by their influence and their votes. It is true that luctant in withdrawing confidence where she had bestow- the party has a distinct object of its own, which it keeps. ed it in such bountiful measure. I would not suggest constantly in sight, and which it pursues with steadiness that, even now, Pennsylvania abates her personal kindness and zeal; but it is equally true, that it shows itself, always, and regard for the Chief Magistrate who has been so of unwavering and steadfast in its attachment to the constiten the man of her choice. No doubt she would desire to tution, in its maintenance of the authority of law, in its see him go through his career with success and honor; but love of liberty, and in its support of the great interests. I believe, sir, that her citizens perceive the true character and true policy of the country. and feel the disastrous effects of those measures which the administration has been recently led to adopt, and that they are convinced that it is their duty to oppose those measures, by every thing which belongs to their interest, and to their character, as Pennsylvanians. In all this, it is possible I may be deceived. The sentiment of Pennsylvania may be fixed the other way. My hopes, my earnest wishes, may mislead me; but I shall not give up these hopes while it is possible to retain them, because they are intimately connected with all the expectation which I cherish for a return of the prosperity of the country.

The whigs, sir, were also represented in this convention, and it will be seen, by its proceedings, that they have avowed sentiments and principles worthy of their name. Nor are these all. It appears, also, from the memorial itself, that nearly one-third of the whole convention was composed of friends and supporters of the present Executive. Seventy-five Jackson men,. as they have been. called, are on the roll of members. Will not this striking fact produce its effect on gentlemen here? Will it not cause them to open their eyes to the progress of opinion, and their minds to the force of truth? You will observe, sir, that this convention did not call itself a whig conMr. President, the immediate difficulty in our condi- vention, a national republican convention, nor an antition is to convince the friends of the administration here, masonic convention; but it called itself a "convention of and the President himself, that the country is either dissat- delegates from the citizens of Pennsylvania opposed to isfied or distressed. The pertinacity with which men here Executive usurpation and abuse." It adopted a name, cling to this "experiment," exceeds all former experi- or used a description, broad enough to comprehend all ence. They can see no proof of distress, they can hear those who, however they might differ in other things, no sounds of just complaint. All the excitement which united in the objects of this meeting. Now, sir, how is exists in the country, they insist upon it, is produced by it possible, that so numerous and respectable a conventhe bank, by panic-makers, by party politicians. All the tion, thus composed of gentlemen belonging to distinct memorials come, they say, from the President's enemies. parties, and to different political associations, could be If we stand up here to present the petitions of the people, brought together, and be found adopting this memorial, and to press them on the attention of the Senate, we are with entire unanimity, if there were not some strong called panic-makers! If we speak of the multitudes who conviction, common to all; some general and concurring flock together, at public meetings, to memorialize Con- sense of public distress, and public danger? gress, we are told they are all bank agents. Farmers, mechanics, laborers, traders, manufacturers, and merchants, come here, by hundreds of thousands, but we are told they are all but a few noisy political partisans. Sir, an end to this delusion must some time come. It cannot last forever; and, if any thing short of an overwhelming defeat at the ballot-boxes will ever convince the supporters of the present measures that the people are against them, they might be, in some degree, satisfied by the character of this convention at Harrisburg, the circumstances at tending it, and the result of its proceedings. It was a convention consisting of two hundred and fifty delegates, coming from forty-four counties, out of fifty-two, which tions and its opinions. the State contains. These delegates assembled, sir, from I perceive, sir, that there was placed in its chair, a places some of them three hundred miles apart, at a very Washington county farmer, Joseph Lawrence; a man, busy season of the year, in obedience to the will of their sir, well known in this Capitol; a man of the simplest reconstituents, for the purpose of consulting on the present publican habits, and the sternest republican virtues; a

Sir, they have acted wisely and patriotically; they have remembered that they have a common country, a common liberty, and, in times of danger, a common duty. They have felt that, whatever else they may be, they are yet all Americans, all Pennsylvanians, all lovers of liberty and the constitution. The administration is deceived, therefore, sir, the President himself is deceived, greatly, if he supposes this convention to have been assembled by the agency of the bank, by any mere party operation, or by any desire to create panic. Let us look to individuals, let us see who composed the convention, that we may judge the better of the weight due both to its declara

SENATE.]

Harrisburg (Pa.) Memorial.

[JUNE 3, 1834.

man who has served his fellow-citizens in distinguished delusive; that numerous establishments are closed, and public stations with much credit, and has gone back to others crippled; that the loss of property has been afflictthe cultivation of his own farm with real Roman simplici-ing, and that the suspension of business deprives labor of ty. Sir, all the banks in the world, and all the panic wages, and of bread. Is this true? Is this representamakers and political partisans in the world, could not tion fact or fiction? Have two hundred and fifty gentle. bring him over the Alleghany to Harrisburg, there to men been sent to Harrisburg, by their friends and neighput his name to a paper containing these sentiments and bors, that they may raise a false cry, put statements upon these statements, unless he fully believed them all to be paper which are not true, and send thirty of their own number to Washington, to impose on Congress with a pretended but false story of distress?

true.

In the preliminary arrangements of the meeting, and also in its subsequent proceedings, I observe that General The memorial speaks of Pittsburg. It is now within a Frick, of Northumberland, acted a conspicuous part. If few days of twelve months since, for the first time, I I have been rightly informed, this gentleman has been a visited that city, so interesting by its position, by its rapid distinguished friend of the present Chief Magistrate, and growth, by the character of its inhabitants, and by the has supported him and his measures, with ability, both history of early occurrences in its neighborhood. It was in and out of the Legislature of Pennsylvania. Is it panic, then all animation, activity, and cheerfulness. If the is it party spleen, is it ill-will to the President, which smoke of numerous manufactories and work-shops somebrought this highly respectable gentleman, and others what darkened the air and obscured the view of the charmlike him, to the convention? Certainly it is not. Nobody ing scenery around, it gave evidence, still, that occupa can believe it is. They were brought thither, and could tions were prosperous, and that labor was well paid, and only be brought thither, by that sense of duty which is happy in its daily toil. Of thirty thousand inhabitants, it stronger than personal preference; by that true love of is said two-thirds of them owe their means of livelihood country which places principles above men. Would they to manufactures; and it may be asked, with emphasis, and not stand by the President if they could? Popular as he with alarm, unless activity be restored again to the loom still is, powerful as he is, would they not go on in their and the forge, what is to become of this mass of human support of his measures, if insurmountable obstacles were strength and industry, thus thrown out of employment? not in the way? The memorial goes on to say, that the great staples of the There is another circumstance, sir, in the character of State are without a market; that many of its mines are, this convention, worthy of especial notice. Among its more or less, abandoned; that the manufactures of iron members were several who belong to that highly respect- and cotton have fallen off one-third; and the products of able portion of our fellow-citizens, the society of Friends. the field sell only at reduced prices, when they sell at all. With one of them, a member of the committee who "Turn where we will," say the memorialists, "your brings this memorial to Congress, a most worthy and re- memorialists perceive one universal scene of present or spectable gentleman, I have the pleasure of some person-impending ruin, depressing the energies and darkening al acquaintance. He is advancing far into age, and yet, the prospects of the citizen."

sir, he never attended a political meeting in his whole Now, sir, if these statements, put deliberately on paper life, until he went, with others of his society, last week, by this convention, and brought hither by its committee, to Harrisburg! When, sir, were the society of Friends will not convince the administration and its friends of the found to be political agitators, ambitious partisans, or fact of dissatisfaction and distress among the people, all panic-makers? When have they disturbed the commu-effort to produce conviction must fail. We are, indeed, nity with false cries of public danger, or joined in any I fear, attempting a hopeless task. All fact and all reaclamor against just and wise and constitutional govern-soning seem to fall powerless on the unimpressible, impeument? Sir, if there be any political fault fairly imputable etrable surface of party opinion. Every blow, however to the Friends, I think it is rather, if they will allow me to often repeated, rebounds from it as from the face of an say so, that they are sometimes a little too indifferent anvil. Men have become so committed, they have so far about the exercise of their political rights; a little too stepped in already, all their hopes are so entirely pledged ready to leave all matters respecting government in the and staked on the success of this grand "experiment," hands of others. Not ambitious, usually, of honor or that any change of purpose appears to be out of the office, but peaceable and industrious, they desire only the question. safety of liberty, civil and religious, the security of prop- I can only repeat, therefore, sir, what I have so often erty, and the protection of honest labor. All they ask said, that I entertain faint hopes of relief, till public opinof Government is, that it be wisely and safely administer-ion shall produce it, by some change of public agents. ed. They are not desirous to interfere in its administra- The authors of this experiment have made up their minds tion. Yet, sir, a crisis can move them; and they think a to share its fate, to float with it, if they can keep it above crisis now exists. They bow down to nothing human water, and to sink with it, if it must go down. They still which raises its head higher than the constitution, or cry out that all is well, all is safe, all is prosperous, all is glorious; and argument, experience, the importunity, even the supplications of the people, have no more influence than the idle wind.

above the laws.

Such, sir, is the character, the composition, of this convention. I beseech gentlemen not to deceive either themselves or others, by referring all its proceedings to Sir, I am happy to believe, as I do believe, that the citparty influence and bank influence. Depend on it, sir, izens of the great State of Pennsylvania are awaking to a it had its origin, and owes its character, to a deep feeling just sense of the condition of the country. Since all our of dissatisfaction with measures of Government, a con- fortunes are so much connected with her own; since all viction of much public distress, and an honest alarm at that she does, and all that she omits to do, may affect the Executive claims of power. And depend on it, sir, if happiness of every man, not only within her own limits, these and other admonitions are not taken in time, if but in all the other States; it is natural that the whole nothing be done to quiet apprehension, and to relieve the country should regard her with interest. I doubt not, country, the sentiments of this convention will become, sir, she will examine the conduct of Government, and take and must become, more and more general among the counsel with her own thoughts, about the security of the people. constitution, and the preservation of the authority of the laws. I doubt not that she will well consider the present, and look to the future; and if she finds all well, and all safe, if she feels no evil, and perceives no danger, she will

This memorial, Mr. President, declares, that the cherished policy of Pennsylvania, consisting of an encouragement of her manufactures, bas become impracticable and

JUNE 3, 1834.]

Harrisburg (Pa.) Memorial.

[SENATE.

repose in her accustomed tranquillity. But if she feels tration is now desirous that Congress should adjourn and that evil, and great evil does exist, and if she sees that go home. For one, sir, I feel that Congress has not done danger is before the country, it is not to be doubted that its duty; it has not fulfilled the objects of the session; it she will bring to the crisis her intelligence, her patriot- has done nothing to relieve the country. ism, and her power.

In acquiring the liberty which we enjoy, she had her full share, both of the sacrifice and the glory; and she knows that that rich possession is holden only on the condition of watchfulness and vigilance-God grants lib. erty only to those who love it, and are always ready to guard and defend it. In establishing our admirable constitution she bore a leading part, and contributed, to the councils which framed it, the wisdom of Franklin, and Morris, and Wilson. None can have a deeper stake in the preservation of this constitution than the citizens of Pennsylvania, and I verily believe that none are more truly attached to its true principles. It is natural, therefore, that those who think that high principles, or great interests, are in danger, should look to her for succor.

The responsibility, sir, must rest where it ought to rest: and we must prepare ourselves, as best we may, to account to the people for the disappointment of their just hopes, and the disastrous consequences of rash, unlawful, ill-advised measures of Government.

Mr. President, I hardly intended, when I rose, to occupy more than a moment of the time of the Senate. I know how many important subjects are upon the table. But this one subject-the general condition of the country-is so superior to all, it is of such overwhelming im portance, that every thing else necessarily gives way to it. it has been so through the session; it will be so next session; and it will continue to be so, till the constitution shall be vindicated, the violated law redressed, the public treasures restored to their proper custody, and general If, as this memorial alleges, the manufacturing industry confidence re-established. How soon this may be done, is depressed and suffering, if it be discouraged, crippled, it remains with the people themselves to decide; but until and threatened with ruin, who shall save it, if Pennsylva- it is done, and all done, we shall look in vain, either for nia shall not aid in its rescue? Where will it find sup- an end to distraction in the public councils, or an end to port, if she abandon it? We have followed her lead, in embarrassment and suffering among the people. fostering manufactures, and sustaining domestic industry, Mr. FORSYTH said, he had no doubt that the distress believing this to be a part of her settled policy, interwoven of which the honorable Senator from Massachusetts had with her system, and that her purposes in regard to it spoken, and which had produced this memorial from were fixed and settled. I still think so; and, therefore, Harrisburg, would continue until the remedy which the I cannot readily believe that she will approve measures gentleman had suggested was carried into effect--that which undo all that has been done, or counteract its good was, until the agents of the people were changed. The effect. honorable Senator had referred to this document as eviAbove all, sir, I cannot believe that the political doc-dence to satisfy Congress, to whom it was addressed, that trines of the times can stand a chance for adoption in it spoke the sentiments of the great State of PennsylvaPennsylvania. I cannot believe that men who have been via. How, he (Mr. F.) would ask, did it differ-and he educated in that school which has been called emphati- asked the honorable member with perfect franknesscally the democratic school, and who hold their politi- from the memorial which had been presented to the Sencal opinions in common with McKean, and Snyder, and ate yesterday, and then laid upon the table? Did the William Findlay, will have a relish for the sentiments of gentleman admit that to be a true statement of the senti the protest. When they are asked who ought to hold ments of the people of New Jersey? It was presented the public purse, I think they will not agree with the here as coming from all the people of New Jersey, of a protest in their answer. Nor has it ever been taught for doctrine, in the school of which they are disciples, that the Executive power is the natural guardian of liberty, and that it is not for the representatives of the people, or the representatives of the States, to question its acts, or to proclaim its encroachments. Sir, Pennsylvania is deeply interested in that in which we are all interested, the welfare of the whole; and if she be true to herself, as I trust she will be, she cannot be false to the country. Now, the impression intended to be made in Congress Mr. President, we are approaching to the end of a long was, that the whole people of Pennsylvania, or of twentysession, and we are likely to leave off where we began. five congressional districts, had appointed delegates to We have done nothing, and I fear shall do nothing, for take into consideration the present condition of the State. the relief of the people. The Government has nothing He would not say, because the statement was erroneous, to propose which even its own friends will support. On that the authors of it intended to make a false impression. what does it rely? A proposition is before the other He would not impute any such motive to them. From the House, which has been represented as the only scheme statement of the memorialists, one would be led to supof the administration. It is a law for keeping the pub-pose, that they professed to represent the voice of Pennlic treasures in the State banks. It was offered here, the sylvania, not only of that portion of the people who beother day, as you remember, sir, by way of amendment lieved that the President had usurped power, but also of to a bill, and was rejected by more than two-thirds. It those who entertained no such idea, and that they were is put to rest here, nor is its sleep elsewhere likely to be all suffering from the recent act of the Executive. disturbed.

particular party, assembled in convention. Well, how was it with the memorial now before the Senate? The memorialists said that, "in assembling together and adopting the present measures, they are obeying the instructions and uttering the voice of their suffering fellowcitizens of every section of this wide-spread commonwealth. Out of twenty-six congressional districts, twentyfive are represented in the convention."

As a memorial representing the voice of Pennsylvania, The administration will not consent that the deposites it was worth nothing. It was, however, worth as much be restored; it will not consent to give the present bank as any other coming from 218 individuals, united together time to collect its debts and wind up its affairs, without to produce a great party effect in and out of the State, distressing the people; it will not consent to prolong its and not a whit more. It was worth nothing more, except existence a single day; it will not consent to any new so far as the facts which it contained were true, and the bank; it will not suffer the public money to depart, in any deductions from the reasons were logical and just. He way, from Executive control. It sees employment cut off, but it does nothing to restore it; it sees confidence destroyed, but it does nothing to revive it; it sees the revenue diminished, and dwindling, but it does nothing to improve it. And yet it would appear, that the adminis

begged to call the attention of the gentleman to some facts, connected with the President's conduct, and which were set forth in this memorial:

"As other memorialists have been denied access to the Executive, we cannot hope for succor from the quarter

SENATE.]

Harrisburg (Pa.) Memorial.

[JUNE 3, 1834.

where we should otherwise most naturally have looked orable Senators put the Chief Magistrate in the same sitfor it, to which we have undoubtedly ascribed the suffer- uation, as he (Mr. F.) had supposed Congress to be in, ings of our constituents. We, therefore, make our appeal there would then be made out a case exactly identical directly to the Legislature." with that which he had been endeavoring to illustrate in regard to the President. The Executive, in the course which he had chosen to adopt, was actuated by just motives. He did not wish the public to be deceived as to his opinions.

"As other memorialists have been denied access to the President!" When, where, how? He had yet to learn that any body of citizens of the United States had ever united and sent a memorial to the President on the subject of their distresses, who had not been treated Now, the object of these individuals, like all others with proper respect. He knew well that individuals had who were representing the state of public affairs, was to been appointed in different portions of the country, be- have the distress removed, and a change effected in the ginning with the city of Philadelphia, to come here as a public councils. Now, these movements were perfectly committee to present memorials to Congress; that these well understood; and it remained to be seen whether the delegates, whose duty to their constituents was to present same means which had been heretofore resorted to for them to it alone, called on the President, not by the au- like purposes, would effect the object in view. He trustthority of those who sent them to Washington, but of ed in God that Pennsylvania would repudiate any such attheir own good will and pleasure. They had a conversa-tempts. He was sure the people would do what they tion with the Chief Magistrate, and he treated them with thought right, and be guided by their own wisdom and courtesy and respect; and they went back and mis-report-councils, and for their own best interests. Should he aned what he had said. That committee was followed up ticipate what that would be? He could not. He thought by another from some other place, who chose to act in he saw a light ahead, and that no change would take like manner. place; but if there were any, it would be favorable to those with whom he (Mr. F.) was united in the present condition of public affairs, and in favor of those now administering the Government.

Now, with regard to the first memorial from Philadelphia, the committee by whom it was sent to this city, on their return, stated that they had performed their duty-had had a conversation with certain members of Now, with respect to the Bank of the United States, Congress, and that out of their respect for the President he thought he saw in Pennsylvania indications that were they called upon him to state what they knew about not to be mistaken. In both branches of the Legislature the distress of their constituents. Now, that was done of that State, the bank had been most popular, but now without any authority from their constituents; it was a there was but one opinion entertained in regard to the mere volunteer duty. Well, in those conversations, what re-charter of the institution, and that was against it. Inoccurred? Why, in the representations that were given dications of hostility towards it were visible in all parts of of them, the Chief Magistrate was unjustly dealt by; the State; and he could not perceive that the recent hismany things having been asserted which were untrue; tory of the bank, or of the Government and the bank, but, whether owing to misapprehension, or some other would either arrest or alter the change which has taken cause, injustice was done him. It was not his (Mr. F.'s) place. The people of Pennsylvania were unfavorable to intention to enter into an examination as to the truth or the institution; and he could not think that it had become falsehood of the assertions; but it was sufficient for him more popular by braving the representatives of the peoto state, that the representations were declared incorrect ple, and resorting to the hollow pretexts which it had by the President. And what did the Chief Magistrate during the last twelve months. He could not believe do? When other committees applied to him, what was that the bank would be justified or sustained by the peohis answer? He said, "Gentlemen, I cannot receive ple, when she set up pretensions at variance with all her you as a committee; I have received several gentlemen in past conduct, and asserted doctrines which were reputhat character, and they have returned home and misrep diated by those who had heretofore supported her. Now, resented what has taken place here. I will receive you he really could not suppose that the people of Pennsylwith pleasure as individuals, but as a committee I cannot. vania, or any other portion of the United States, were If you have any thing to say on the part of those you rep- so blind as not to perceive the great motives which, at resent, or for yourselves, let me have it in writing, and I this time, governed the action of the bank in the stand will answer you in the same way." And this (said Mr. F.) which it had taken against Congress. Its conduct had is the vindication of the charge made against the Execu- been sufficiently glaring to open the eyes of those in tive, by gentlemen, whose characters have been eulogi- both Houses of Congress who had heretofore supported zed, and justly so, by the gentleman from Massachusetts. her. What a strange spectacle was now exhibited. What They had insinuated, from the past conduct of the Presi-a change had taken place in all parts of the Union in redent towards those who wished to have conversations with gard to it. Some years ago it was thought that the Govhim, that he refused to receive memorials from his fellow-ernment had complete control over it-that the power of citizens, complaining of the public distress. Now, that the Secretary of the Treasury was sufficient to correct was not the fact. any abuse-that the power of the President was ample enough to detect every criminality-and that the power of each House of Congress was sufficient to control or check any abuse of its power, whether of a political character or otherwise. But how stood the matter now? What power, heretofore claimed by the Government, or the separate branches of it, to speak more accurately, is retained, which is not now denied by the bank and its defenders?

Suppose those thirty gentlemen, who had come here to represent the convention, were to apply to be heard at the bar of either House of Congress, in person, to detail the distress or suffering under which the people labor, and to give their views of the constitution and laws of the United States. They would be refused. The answer would be, "Our doors are open to you, but what you have got to say, let us have in writing." And, if they were to go back to the city of Harrisburg, and tell those In connexion with this subject, he begged to call the whom they represented, that the Senate and the House of attention of the Senate to a very singular inconsistency in Representatives had refused to hear their representations the proceedings of the board of directors. of the distress existing, and of their views concerning the In a recent attempt that had been made to examine the constitution and laws, would there be a man in this com- books and proceedings of the bank, for certain purposes munity who would not feel shocked at the injustice done indicated, the bank refused that investigation, upon two the National Legislature? and at their audacity in returning grounds. The grounds taken are, that no committee of to their constituents with such a statement? Now, if hon- either House of Congress has a right to examine the pro