5 represents this matter truly, and the-election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency was achieved through bank officers or bank influence, what an important lesson does it teach us ? And How forcibly does it illustrate the dangers of the banking system? If banks band together in one political contest, they may in another, If they unite their energies in behalf of one individual, they also may unite in behalf of another, without any regard to his merits, his virtues, or his qualifications, provided he will lend himself to their interests. This is a fruitful theme, but I will not pursue it at- present. I now turn to the subject of political changes, on which my colleague has said so much. If I mistake not, he took occasion, to rebuke the chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means for certain alleged political somersets, which he is said to have made some few years since. My friend over the way (Mr. Cambrel eng) is fully competent to defend himself from the charge, and I shall, therefore, leave this part of the subject in his hands. On the general topic of political changes, my colleague (Mr. Hoffman) has all the advantages over me which practice and experience can give. It would, therefore, be manifestly imprudent for me to enter the lists with so old and so experienced a tactician in this branch of political science. Did I desire instruction on this subject, my colleague would be the very first man to whom I would apply. He should be my preceptor above all others; for I am satisfied that none can be better qualified than himself, to descant on the facility with which political changes can be made; none have the power to speak more feelingly and understandingly on the subject. It was but a short time since, sir, when my colleague and myself stood foremost in the ranks of the democracy; when the old wigwam resounded with our respective voices; when we advocated the same measures and the same men; when we sang the same political hosannahs* and worshipped at the same political altar. But, sir, that time has passed ; and my colleague, instead of joining with me in the old rallying cry, chooses to lift up his-musical voice in a political palinode; and we now find ourselves planted foot to foot as political opponents, instead of standing shoulder to shoulder, as political associates, as we were wont to stand. In the course of his remarks, my colleague discoursed right eloquently on the calamities of the times and on the sufferings of the people. But on this topic he is not singu- Jar nor alone. - All his whig brethren have strenuously emulated each other in their extraordinary professions of peculiar love for the patient people. When I reflect on the wonderful solicitude manifested .by the members of the opposition for the welfare of the nation, I cannot withhold an expression of admiration at the patriotic and benevolent spirit which pervades and warms and expands their benevolent bosoms. We have heard gentlemen from the East and the West, from the North and the South, mingling their notes of lamentation over the sufferings of the unfortunate wherever found. Every fibre of their heads and hearts, every feeling of their souls and bodies, appears to be attuned to benevolence, and to vibrate with deepest sympathy at the calamities which they assure us have befallen our common country. Sir, these are honorable feelings, and highly creditable to human nature. Patriotism so exalted, philanthropy so generous, sympathy so sincere, benevolence so pure, holy, and disinterested, cannot fail to challenge our warmest admiration. When we heal men sincerely deplore the misfortunes of their fellows, we cannot but admire, honor, and respect them. But how are these feelings of respect and admiration strengthened and augmented when we behold them exerting
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