29. lion, and, consequently, cannot be exercised without.violating that instrument. And. with a perfect knowledge of this fact, with, a full and perfect understanding, that the convention purposely -withheld .from Congress the power to “emit bills of credit,v'or paper -money, any possible case . “that they also prohibited the granting of charters of incorporation of every kind and description p I cannot,J say, with all that information before me, consent to vote in favor of any” incorporation, and especially a bank charter, which stands doubly condemned by the framers.of Uhe.constitution. No, sir : were I to do $0, with the evidence before me,-I should consider that I had sinned against light and knowledge—sinned past recovering and past forgiveness, and should ever regard-myself as a ■perjured man—perjured both in the eyes of God and of my country. r ■ But, sir, the American peopleware -opposed to-a national bank,. The knowledge of this fact—arid no man can plead ignorance with regard to it—I should suppose would be a sufficient reason why the peoples’ representatives should oppose it. For my own part, sir, were I to support any ' measure which has been so generally, and-emphatically condemned by the people, I should consider that I had grossly outraged public, opinion, insulted the majesty of the people,1 disregarded their express, wishes, and be- “trayed their best interests? Andj sir, Icannot conceive-how any honorable gentleman, who claims to be a republican—-who professeshhentertain a due regard for public opinion, and a willingness to act in obedience to.the expressed will of thdmajority— can possibly , yield his ;support to, a measure that has been sb recently, so repeatedly, and so signallycondemned by that majority. Shall I be told that-'-the people woulaUake.this new institution into favor, provided it were established, and that they would cherish and sustain it hereafter ? -Letmot gentlemen Jay the y flattering unction to their souls.” No, sir,! the history of dhe late bank is too .fresh instheir recollec- 1 tions; The peopleof this country aretoo prudentand too»wise, not Jo be admonishedand profitted by the teachings ©flhe pash. Th eyare too; jealous of their rights—too much enamored'■ of-liberty^ .to regard, .with .favor, a ' monster that might,- at its pleasure, -violate1 tjiose^rights and ..crush that liberty. ’ And gentlemen who act upon the supposition,, that.the American pebple will ever become the-friends -and -willing supporters o.Lan .institu- tiori'so hostiledo the spirit- of freedom, err as widely as would have erred : the'frieridshf hhe infant Bacchus, had- they commended, him to the. arms of lJuno.for succot1 and protection.'' Hu.,<s-^- j.n ' But^ sif,” we are toM the hoard of 1 trade,'' andothers friendly to. a na- ; tional bank, that the’generabwelfare of the country. requiresmt, our hands the establishment of such an institution. For one, sir, I am disposed to ... doubt the correctness ofsthis--proposition.» I am ustrongly, inclined.,to the ‘opinion that- modest pdfa^ not quite‘suwelk^ualifled;a§ they imagine,to decide what - would,or what* would not, promote thepubhcgood. I have yet to learn, that those gentlemen are more deeply skilled in the science of government and of political economy, and that they cherish a warmer regard for the public weal, than those of other pursuits and of a different political faith. I have yet to learn that they are benevolent and patriotic beyond their generation, or that they have been anointed with the oil of wisdom above their fellows. Sir, whence comes their authority to decide what measures shall, or shall not, be adopted in reference to the general welfare ? When, and how were they constituted and appointed conservators and guardians of the public interests, that they thus ape the
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM4ODY=