Journals, according to the adopted plan, will be kept at all the military stations of the United States; and the secretary of the Navy has given orders for the same to be done at the naval stations and ships of war on our coast. Forms also will be sent to all the lighthouses and floating lights, and many of them will at least keep journals of the wind and weather. Governor Reid, of Bermuda, has promised to send me journals from that island, and I have the promise of various journals from Canada, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia. too, who notice great storms, may be of much service, the prejudices that existed amongst his coloured by mentioning the time of greatest violence, and the brethren to the colonization scheme. He determin- VIEWS OF THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS direction of the wind and time of change, and sending ed to risk the change, and embarked some years ago WITH REGARD TO SLAVERY. a paper containing the account to the surgeon general's for Cape Palmas. So well was he satisfied with the office, Washington city, with the world "meteorology" result, that he considered it a duty to return and enThe yearly meeting of the society of Friends, held marked on the corner of the envelope. All papers deavor to induce such of his connections and others at Lombard street in the city of Baltimore, a few and journals thus directed will come to my hands, as 1 as might have confidence in his statements, to better weeks since, adopted the following testimony. am now attached to that bureau, and after being care- their condition also. Many knew him, and were "The meeting being introduced into much exercise fully collated with each other, will be deposited in anxious to learn the result of his enterprize. Forty upon the deeply important subject involved in our the archives of that office, to aid the future meteoro- odd heard and believed, and agreed to accompany testimony against slavery, in order that our friends logist in developing laws which the present state of him back to Cape Palmas. A few of the number and brethren may clearly understand the views of the science may not enable us to detect. Let none have been prevented from doing so. The others are this meeting in relation thereto, a committee was apthink their mite too insignificant to be thrown into this now on board the Globe. This plain old man, pointed to prepare an address to our members, concommon treasury. though evidently having good strong common sense, taining an expression of our feelings and sentiments seemed to have little education-no pretensions to thereon, who produced the following, which was tact,--or gift of the gab. It was the simple influ- united with by the meeting, and directed to be printed ence of truth-the obvious matter of fact which he in the extracts, viz. preached from his own experience, that produced more effect than the sermons of all the salaried agents that the colonization society ever employed. As illustrating in his simple way the change which had been remarked in his own appearance and manners by a transition from a servile state to a sphere where he had expanded into the dimensions, and regained the upright attitude and independent mein which distinguish a free man, from a servant-"I thought it would never do 'mong my old acquaintance to keep up my head so, when I got back 'mong 'em. They would think I had got above myself, and was a fool. So I got down again,-and down so low too, that I must hurry home, for I never could get up again here--I never expect to leave Liberia again-never want to. That's the place for colored people. There I can be a man, big as any body. We have a country of our own there, same as white people have here,-to take care of, and to defend, if necessary-I have my gun there, and in tend to have my dog, too. See, there is one Mr. gave me, I'm taking out. The last thing our people charged me when I came away, was to bring some dogs to catch the game for them when they The tide seems at length to be changing. The if we wound him he escapes in the thickets. Plenty wound it. We must kill a deer or we never get him, opposition which the Colonization Society has had of deer there. We have trouble to keep them out so long to encounter, from those unfriendly to the of our crops. Shoot them any day. Always have benevolent object of the association, and which for fine sport with them after we've done mustering." many years seemed absolutely to have enveloped the His account of their system of education, and of whole colored population of this state, in an invete- their obedience to the laws was truly grateful. rate delusion, appears at length to be dissipating, before the mild, peaceable, persevering efforts of those The Baltimore American says: "Among the emiwho have never intermitted in their zeal nor slack-grants to go out in the expedition now about to sail ened in their confidence in the ultimate accomplish is a very respectable colored man named Lauder, There are many of the colleges of the United States from whom I have not yet had such promise; but I now appeal to them all with confidence to unite in their efforts to perfect this most interesting science. There are one hundred and three colleges in these United States and very many high schools, and as it is known that barometric fluctuations accompany storms, it is manifest that the direction in which storms move, and their velocity, may be ascertained by observations on the barometer alone made at these various institutions. The number of observers cannot be too great. JAMES P. ESPY. Surgeon gen's. office, Washington, December 2, 1842. EXPEDITION TO LIBERIA. ment of their object. from St. Mary's county. He is advanced in years The barque Globe, a fine large vessel this day leaves the port of Baltimore for Liberia, having on board about one hundred and fifty emigrants, thirty of whom go to Monrovia, under care of the American Colonization Society, and the remainder go to Cape Palmas, under care of the Maryland Colonization Society. This is the largest expedition that has ture of the expedition. ever left for that destination, and this would have tion of the many trials to which, as a religious so- "In extending this caution to our members, this meeting feels no abatement of its concern for the advancement and prosperity of our well-known testitionately desire that this testimony may continue to mony against slavery. On the contrary, we affecbe supported with uprightness and integrity; and that duty, which, in the light of truth, may be opened to us we may be faithful to every clear manifestation of in relation to it. "When this concern first arose in the society of Friends, it was the offspring of love to God and love to our fellow-men. It originated in a feeling of compassion for the poor oppressed slaves, as well as of benevolent regard to those who held them in bondage. "No hostility or even unkindness was entertained towards those who claimed to be their owners; a very large proportion of whom, from long-established habit, and almost universal example, had been very much blinded to the iniquity of the system and its awful consequences. With such, our faithful predecessors in the cause of justice and humanity were concerned personally to labor; and in the spirit of meekness, by affectionate remonstrance, endeavor to convince them of the impolicy as well as injustice of the practice. The address of Dr. McGill, colonial physician at been larger, could all who were desirous to go, have Cape Palms, now in this city and who went from been accommodated and the means had been ade- Baltimore, a lad, some sixteen years ago to Liberia, quate for their outfit. There is now distinctly a was listened to with much interest by an attentive growing disposition to emigrate in that direction. auditory in the crowded galleries of the Light street "Our Lord and Master has declared, 'when ho The superiority of that region as a home for the church some weeks ago at a public meeting held putteth forth his own sheep he goeth before them, colored people will soon be too obvious for longer there. The speaker afforded in his own person one of and the sheep follow him; for they know his voice, question. The colored people are at length awak- the best illustrations that could be given of the be- and a stranger will they not follow, and will flee from ening to those advantages; they are beginning to neficent results of colonization. His discourse was him, for they know not the voice of strangers." This look for a home where they too may enjoy the advan- marked by intelligence, propriety, and self-pos- blessed state of preservation and safety has, in all tages of freedom-and where they may have a session; and the accounts which he gave of the ages of the church, been graciously vouchsafed to country of their own. flourishing community on the coast of Africa, where his truly dedicated and humble followers. Our worHow it has happened, that they have so long been colored men lived in freedom, administering their thy predecessors in the Truth, by devoted attention blind to their own interest, might be accounted for, own laws, and enjoying the fruits of their indus- to the voice of this true Shepherd were signally prebut we refrain from that topic. The proper means try, were in the highest degree interesting as com-served from the agitations and excitements which of undeceiving them, were obvious, but required time. ing from a respectable and observant man who had distract and unsettle the flock, and always tend to The dawning of that day is beginning to gild the himself witnessed and experienced the things which break and destroy the peace and harmony of society. horizon. Time has been afforded to test the scheme he spoke of. He asked his colored friends in the By learning to distinguish, and certainly to know, his of colonization-and now, those of themselves who galleries what benefit they had derived from the agi- voice from that of the 'stranger,' they were enabled, have experienced the benefits of the change, come tations of the abolitionists? Had not the police laws in great unity, to maintain and advance the various from Liberia, and show them the truth-and they that become more rigid on account of the abolition move- testimonies given them to bear, and none more conhear and see, have hard work indeed to remain ments? When riots took place in New York, Phi- spicuously than our righteous testimony against endoubtful, with the aid of all their prejudices and ladelphia, and Cincinnati, growing out of aboli- slaving the African race. misdirected determination. They may have resist- tion excitements, had not the colored people al- "Our blessed Lord in addressing his followers said: ed the testimony of one or two-but a tide of testi-ways been the victims? So it would ever be. The "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom mony-a stream of light and truth, will penetrate colored race must not expect at any time an equal were of this world, then would my servants fight." and convince even the most obdurate, participation in social and political rights in this (John xviii, 36.) Accordingly, the promulgation of country. The freedom of those who were called the glorious Gospel dispensation was committed to a free amongst them was only a nominal freedom. few unlettered fishermen of Galilee, by whose faithIn alluding to Canada, and the British West Indies, ful labors, under Divine influence, it was, without the as places to which the free colored people had been aid of force or violence, extended to the utmost bounurged to go. Dr. McGill observed that in both of those daries of civilization. The arduous duty of those of quarters the white race was in the ascendancy, and this society who, under the same Divine influence, would keep it; in neither place could the black man were called upon and commissioned to bear testimoenjoy actual freedom. Africa was the only spot for ny against the injustice of reducing, by force, our them. There they were in a country occupied only by fellow-beings, equally as ourselves the offspring of people of their own color. The climate itself was a the universal Parent, and objects of his love and reprotection to them; for, while the colored man enjoy-gard, to a state of unconditional bondage, was in like ed excellent health there, it was not favorable for manner faithfully performed. The instruments most conspicuous in this labor were also plain unlearned A few days since we came up the Chesapeake bay in a steamboat, on board of which were some thirty odd of those emigrants on their way from Dorchester county, Md., to take passage for Liberia in the Globe. They consisted of as fine hearty looking, decently dressed, intelligent, and well behaved colored people, as any part of the state could parade, men, women, and children, several of the former of whom appeared to be far more intelligent than the elderly man who was the instrument in the hand of Providence to induce them to make this movement. His name we know not, but learned from his own lips that he was amongst the first to break through white persons, men, who, believing themselves required by the head of the church to devote themselves to this work, went forth in great humility and meekness; and, in the spirit of love, with kindness and much forbearance, labored for a reformation. "With what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again," was the language of our divine lawgiver; and the declaration is found to be true in the experience of all those who faithfully follow him as the captain of their salvation. "Love worketh no ill to his neighbor" In its exercise under the divine government, it awakens no angry passions; it "suffereth long and is kind;" it taketh its kingdom with entreaty and not with contention, and keepeth it by lowliness of mind; and while it bears its testimony to the truth, it opens the ears of the hearers to receive it; under its divine impulse the doctrine of the equal rights of the African race with ourselves to the enjoyment of personal freedom, has spread through all the civilized nations of the earth. Founded in injustice and supported by violence, slavery cannot exist forever in a Christian community. It is not only opposed to the comfort and true enjoyment of mankind, but it is equally hostile to their temporal interests; and we confidently believe that the holy efficacious spirit of christianity is silently but effectively removing every barrier to the progress of these important truths; and that the day is approaching when, by means that are irresistible, the arm that is mighty to support injustice will be rendered powerless, "for He that is omnipotent is rising up to judgment, and will plead the cause of the distressed." "He seeth their affliction, and the exaltation of the oppressor is not hidden from him. He turneth the channels of power, humbleth the most haughty, and gives deliverance to the oppressed at such periods as are consistent with his infinite justice and goodness." Under this conviction, the fruit of the divine operation on the mind, "he that believeth maketh not haste." The concern is in the hands of Omnipotence, and his faithful confiding children have no cause to distrust either his wisdom or his power. They know that of themselves they can do nothing; and having fulfilled the divine requirement as he has given them strength, they commit the cause to him that judgeth righteously. Their mission terminates when their message has been delivered, according to the requiring of their Master. If they to whom it has been directed will not hear, or hearing will not obey, the responsibility rests with them. The laborer, having done his duty as far as ability has been afforded, and to the extent of the call to him, will stand exonerated in the divine sight; he will be clear of all responsibility for the consequences; the guilt of the transgressor will be upon his own head. To the ardent laborer in the cause of the oppressed African the progress of the concern may appear slow and tedious, and there is a danger that he may become impatient. But it becomes us to consider that the unfoldings of truth in the development of religious duty are generally gradual; perhaps always so in relation to communities. "First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.' "So," said our blessed Lord, "is the kingdom of God." (Mark iv. 26, 28.) Like the morning light, faint at the first, but gradually and very gently increasing until the day dawn, and the sun rise to enlighten the whole earth. So is the divine government in the hearts of his rational family; and we have need of patience and of charity, lest in our zeal for the truth we act indiscreetly; requiring the effects of a full illumination and knowledge from those on whom the rays of light may not have yet fully risen; expecting to reap the corn while it is yet only in the blade. to him, wherby mercy and truth, by the force of The of the colored people, we find an alarming disposition to abridge the few rights that have been granted to them: instead of a general feeling of commisera For more than one hundred years after the rise of tion and kindness, we find in many instances a disour religious society there were amongst our own position of acrimony and bitterness engendered members many slaveholders-sincere hearted men against them without any provocation on their and women, who were conscientiously desirous of part. Even in the free states great and many erumaintaining all the testimonies of the society. But elties have been exercised towards them. of the enormity of the evils consequent upon slavery progress of emancipation has been checked, and a they had not then become sensible, and were quietly mutual feeling of jealousy and suspicion has taken resting under the system, as many now are, without place of the reciprocal confidence which to a great exany manifestation of uneasiness or apparent convic- tent had subsisted between the master and the slave. tion that they were doing wrong. But in the course For all this there must be a cause. Can "the good of time, under the enlightening influence of the same tree" produce such bitter fruit? We earnestly and divine principle of life and truth in the soul that had affectionately entreat our friends and the brethren manifested to our dedicated predecessors, many evils every where to pause and deeply reflect upon the that then abounded in the world, the injustice of the consequences before they commit themselves in any African slave trade and of slavery was clearly open- degree, by countenancing or entering into associa ed to their understanding. They saw that the whole tions founded upon principles or governed by motives system was in direct violation of that positive in- inconsistent with the mild, forbearing, and peaceable junction of the Divine Master, "whatsoever ye spirit of the Gospel. We may rest assured that would that men should do unto you, do ye even so all attempts to effect the liberation of the slaves by unto them." Their minds being thus drawn to the coercive measures will be met, as they already subject, they were led to trace this system through have been, by a counteracting force, and if persisted all its stages, from its commencement to its termina- in, will finally lead to violence, perhaps to bloodshed. tion; during which examination they perceived that the annals of human barbarity furnished no instances of greater cruelty, outrage, and oppression, than were inflicted on the African race by this trade, and the system that supported it. The consequence was, that friends came to the solemn conclusion that, so far as we were concerned, it was our duty to sepa- "The wisdom of this world is foolishness without rate ourselves from any participation in such accu- God." (1 Cor. iii. 19.) As a religious society we mulated guilt. First, by withdrawing from any con- profess to have been called out of the prevailing nexion either with the foreign or domestic slave trade; maxims, policies, and systems of the world to a de and, secondly, by manumitting and discharging from pendence on the immediate manifestation of divine servitude whatever slaves might be in our possession. wisdom in ourselves. This wisdom leads out of all The society of Friends, in thus taking up a testi- strife, contention, and violence; under its blessed inmony against slavery, publicly and openly, did not fluence the mind is brought into a state of calm and desire to invade the privileges of their neighbors, nor quiet repose, in which the still small voice of divine in any way improperly to interfere with them.-instruction is heard; and to this alone it is that we With us it was purely a religious concern, unconnec-look, with full faith and confidence, for direction in ed with any political or temporal consideration; and, all our religious duties, under a solemn conviction valuing above all earthly privileges the inestima that, as men and Christians, without it we can do noble blessing of liberty to act freely, according to the thing which shall either promote our own progress dictates of divine light, the society, felt no disposi- in the knowledge of divine truth, or in any degree tion to invade the sacred right of others to the same advance the cause of righteousness in the world; and enjoyment. that whatever may be the avowed purpose of any movement to effect these ends, unless we have been called and qualified by the immediate impulses of the holy spirit to labor in it, we shall in the end accom The prophet in the vision of light, beholding the state of the church in the "latter days," declared that the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be numbered among the nations;" and our blessed Lord in reference to his followers said, "they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." (Jon. xvii. 16.) We have neither in the example nor precepts of our Lord and Master any authority to compel people to do what we may believe to be right. It is our privilege and our duty to act according to the dic-plish no good. tates of conscience, and therefore for the relief of May we, therefore, beloved friends, retire to the our own minds we gave freedom to the slaves under divine gift within ourselves, and seek after that "wisour control. Having thus borne our testimony against dom that is from above, which is first pure, then peaslavery, and set an example of justice to those around ceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of merus, we so far had discharged our duty, and others cy and good fruits, without partiality, and without were left to the free exercise of their own judgment hypocrisy." May we study to be quiet and mind our in the case. No ill feeling towards our neighbors own business; and may we carefully avoid putting who still continued to hold slaves was entertained. forth our hands to a work to which we have not been They were only doing what we ourselves had divinely called, less, like one formerly, we bring death very recently done, and with hearts filled with upon ourselves, and be the means of bringing destracgratitude to the Source and Fountain of all Good tion upon others. for his great mercy in opening our eyes to see the enormity of this evil, and giving us strength THE INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS OF THE to relieve ourselves from it, we looked with feelings of tenderness on those who were still entangled in it, and with fervent desires that they might find relief. HUMAN RACE. The London Atlas contains the following notice of an address delivered by Lamartine. from the oration will inspire a desire to see the whole The extracts address. Nevertheless, the society being deeply impressed with the injustice of holding in unconditional bondage our fellow men, and believing that slavery, as it existed in the United States, was a great moral, social, and political evil, increasing in magnitude and voice to be heard by the industrious classes of his Whilst Brougham has in England been causing his threatening the most disastrous consequences to our own well-loved land, the noble-minded, pure, intel country; that in the mean time it was beneficial nei- lectual, imaginative De Lamartine has been uttering ther to the master nor slave; and, finally, that in the one of his magnificent orations in France "on the Criminality can only arise from our shutting out system there was not one redeeming quality to justi-industrial progress of the human race." This is a the light, or wilfully refusing to comply with its dis- fy or palliate it; did from time to time, when they feature of the age in which we live; great minds are closures. It is when conviction enters the mind and felt themselves religiously called upon, address to the more practical in their tastes and studies than at any we disobey the clear manifestations of duty that we legislative bodies of our country, and occasionally former epoch. The master spirits of our own days incur guilt. "That servant which knew his Lord's to the people of the United States, such views of the are no longer engrossed by profitless theories and will and prepared not himself, neither did according subject as, under the influence of that love which useless disquisitions. Now it is that they descend to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes; but he breathes "peace on earth and good will to men," into the arena of action and daily life, and associate that knew not, and did commit things worthy of might lead to a solemn consideration of the matter, themselves with our working classes and our middle stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes; for unto and be a means of removing this enormous evil. ranks, teaching the one and raising the other in the whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much These movements of Friends, influenced wholly scale of intellect, taste, and feeling. We should de required." (Luke xii. 47, 48.) Instead then of by kindness and benevolence, produced in the mind light to be able to publish the whole of the speech of joining with others in contriving or supporting a sys- of the slaveholder no hostile feelings either towards De Lamartine, as pronounced by himself; but al tem of coercion, whereby the slaveholder shall be us or towards the colored population of our country. though this pleasure is denied to us, there are some compelled to perform an act which he may not ap- They created no dangerous excitement in the public extracts from his oration which we cannot dare to prehend himself called upon to do, we believe it mind, ending in tumults and riots. On the contrary, omit or postpone. On the occasion when the pot would be more consistent with the mild and benefi- our appeals were received with respect and listened and the statesman De Lamartine delivered the speech cent spirit of the gospel, and with the example of to with patience. Many were brought to reflect very which we cannot sufficiently praise, the venerable the holy and immaculate pattern of all perfection, seriously on the subject, and thousands of slaves M. de Lacretelle-whose works are as familiar in the language of kindness and conciliation to call were voluntarily liberated. Laws were passed pro- our colleges and schools of learning as they are in the attention of the slaveholder to the unerring tecting the rights of the emancipated and mitigating France, and whose voice has for fifty years resound standard of righteousness in himself; to urge him to the condition of those still retained in bondage.-ed from the depths of science, from the majesty a solemn consideration of the position in which he But how different is the present state of things!-history, and finally from the philosophy of morals stands, that thus, happily for himself, he might be What a melancholy change has taken place in our and politics-was present. That same Lacreteile, at persuaded voluntarily to do justly to those in bonds country! Instead of laws meliorating the condition a humble departmental council at Macon, attend You say that England outrages the universe to to force its markets. I neither excuse nor accuse England. History listens not to the accusation of one people against another. Yet may I assert that a wide difference exists in the conquests made by the industrial principle-however violent or unjust they be-and those consummated by a brute and military system. Where conquering Rome trod, she left a desert. What have Tyre, Carthage, and England left? Colonies, people, civilization, new groupings of consumers and producers. Unjust as the Chinese war-the opium war-may be, if we raise our thoughts to the philosophic height of historic reason, is no compensation to be found? Who knows but the first shot fired by a Chinese merchant vessel which commenced the Chinese war, hath burst asunder the portals of a new world? Who knows but that it has linked, in one communion, four hundred million of active men with Europe? If so, how vast a future opens on us, gentlemen! POLITICS OF THE DAY. From the United States Gazette. HON. JOHN M. CLAYTON AND THE U. S. BANK. to instruct and delight the audience, and thence the thing to sport with the truth. From such men as whole of France. And although to his system the you are, all is considered serious. In scoffing at your assent of minds attached to liberal commercial views age, you run the risk of forcing an error on it. Indecannot be given, yet homage must be rendered to pendently of this, what is the truth? It is that the his worth, his activity, and his disinterestedness.-world is changing, and becomes more and more inDe Lamartine, on this recent and memorable occa-dustrial and democratic. The one must follow the sion, replied to the now nearly exploded views of other. Well, shall we deny the facts or shall we ab-gret to me, that there was no competent reporter at the school to which his opponent belongs: stain from solving those two grand and difficult prob- a late meeting in Delaware, to report a speech which "You have quoted, sir, (said De Lamartine) the lems which Providence itself hath placed before us? I heard delivered by Mr. Clayton. It was an excelgreat modern English poet to support your opinions. No; in place of stopping our workmen and destroy-lent speech in every sense of the word, full of instrucBut chance condemns you by the mouth of your own ing our machines, let us accept and triumph over the tion on great points of national interest, and teeming authority. You have not read all Lord Byron, or difficulties of our epoch. The great successes of ci- with expositions of subjects upon which the Ameriyou would have found this question answered against vilization are born by convulsive efforts. The world can people cannot be too well informed. The nationyou in his notes to his immortal pilgrimage of Childe becomes industrial. Give industry a soul which shall al bank was one of these subjects; and nothing could Harold. They once asked that illustrious writer which nullify its great vice-the hardness of heart begotten be more striking and impressive than his history of he considered the most poetic-science or nature?— in nations who make wealth their idol. You have the downfall of the United States bank and of the He pointed to the ocean. “I, in turn, ask you," said pronounced, in conclusion, a word for the language unfortunate institution which succeeded it,-the U. he, which is most poetic-that ocean, bare, desert- of religion destined also to become a political term-States bank of Pennsylvania. His account of this lated, crossed only by the savage in the bark of the "charity." That word is also ours, believe me. I ter institution removed some of the errors of belief, tree which he has felled, or covered with vessels, call to witness all my honorable colleagues in the perhaps some of the bitter prejudices of many of his shadowy with the cloud of their canvass, carrying in council-general of the department; they know that auditors, and did justice to a distinguished citizen, them thousands of disciplined men, curbing the sub- our sessions are filled with the sole thought of assist- whom it is now the fashion to stigmatize as the aujugated waves by the powerful and hidden power of ing the working classes. We are not of that impla- thor of the bank's ruin-I allude, of course, to Mr. their helm? Was not asking thus, to answer? cable school of economists who cast out the poor Nicholas Biddle. You accuse machines; they are the artificial hands from their communion, as insects which society of the laborer. All natural things are machines for should crush. We are well aware how, at another Jackson declared war upon the national bank, no At the period, said Mr. Clayton, when president man as soon as he can think. The animal invents no epoch, materialism produced this legislative egotism. one could be so ignorant as not to know that the peomachine; in this is its weakness. Man does, and in We have our faith by which we regulate our actions:ple of the United States possessed the best and most this is his force. They attest his perfectibility. we hold that society ought to act, heal, and vivify uniform currency in the world; it is scarcely to be Blaspheme not creation by accusing industry. Cor- that there is no legitimate source of wealth which is believed that human ingenuity could have devised a rupted and crafty civilization has not made man in-productive of any unmerited misery-in a word, that better one. We had a paper currency fully equal to dustrious, but God. (Applause.) policy should be led by science, and administration, in the same path along which religion is conducted by and such a currency the best political economists, a specie one, because it always commanded specie; virtue; that is to say, to the relief of all that can be with common experience to back them, tell us is a relieved, to the regulation of all that can be regulat- better currency than specie, because it has none of ed-in short, to the general equilibrium of all the the inconveniences of the latter; and the rate of exgreat industries." change between the remotest points of the vast terAfter having glanced at the obstacles which pre-ritory of the United States was actually less than sent themselves to the progress of the industrious that of the great cities of France-between Paris and classes, and to the triumphs of a pure and true phi- Bordeaux, for example. It was under such circumlosophy, he exclaims,stances that president Jackson, falling into a personThere is a ceaseless struggle between charity and cual quarrel with Mr. Biddle, the cause of which if well pidity. And for what do we ask? That political society known (Mr. Biddle refused to remove Mr. Mason should not stand by passively gazing on the struggle from the presidency of the New Hampshire branch that is going on between industry, wealth, and labor; of the United States bank, at the bidding of the Old that it should interpose, not by pushing itself arbitra- Roman,) astonished the world by making war upon rily between the manufacturer and his workmen-be- the bank itself, declaring that it had failed to effect tween the consumer and the producer-but that it the purpose for which it was created-that is, the should interpose with all the power which it pos- furnishing a good currency and an adequate rate of sesses, to afford assistance wherever there exists a exchanges to the country; and insisting that this obnecessity for its helping hand; to shower down aject would be better cllected by the state banks.—temporary supply of funds wherever there be a con- This was the point, the great point, on which the gregation of the working classes out of employment; whole war turned; Mr. Biddle (with nearly the in a word, let it be a visible, enlightened, active Pro- whole American people, at that time agreeing with vidence, shedding its healing balm upon the suffer- him,) argued that no currency could be safe, unless ings of the population; let it strive to imitate that controlled by the general government, and that the In 1768, I believe, they for the first time brought invisible Providence which is sometimes hidden from destruction of the national bank must be followed a few grains of tea as a curiosity to the governor ge- the sight of the unfortunate, in order to endow socie- by a great increase of state banks; which, left to neral of the Indice, and to-day entire fleets are em-ty with the glory and honor of supplying its place for themselves, uncontrolled by a national bank, must ployed in furnishing its consumption to England, a moment. (Applause.) speedily destroy themselves, and the whole currency Russia, Germany, Switzerland, &c. the mighty ex- And will the means ever be discovered for realiz- of the country; while the Jackson administration, change of two worlds. ing this desirable object, which has been lately in- on the contrary, insisted, that the state banks offered Another fact is this. Forty years since they pre-volved with such hopeful earnestness by the illustri- a sufficient, and safer means of accomplishing all the sented a cotton plant to the Egyptian pasha, and now ous philosopher to whom I now reply? For my part, purposes of a national bank. It was under presione-half of the Mediterranean navigation bears the I have no doubt upon the subject. Society has never dent Jackson's auspices-under his direct advice cotton of the Nile into Europe. This is nothing. His failed to invent aught that was necessary for its wel- and exhortations to the states to charter new banks, eyes are opened by his new wealth to political wisdom fare or support. Genius is not the grand discoverer and to the banks themselves to increase their busiand he has suddenly bethought him that the isthmus and inventor in the ranks of society. This grand in-ness, throwing off all the trammels of, and all reof Suez, so long forgotten by trade, is the shortest ventor is love; genius is but a faculty, whereas the spect for the United States bank, (go back to the road to India. He is about to open the path be- love of man is impassioned virtue, and for our honor Jackson official paper, the Globe, of 1833, where tween the two continents. or excuse let it be said that this passion for the im- this ruinous course is so strongly urged,) and the provement of any class of human beings is the cha- timid are encouraged by the declaration that "Ohio, ex-racteristic passion of the present age. It is to this Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky, are repassion that we owe the invention of so much that solved to take care of themselves, and no longer posterity will appreciate better than we could have depend on the kind guardianship of Biddle, Clay and What results, gentlemen, from these three coinci- done. It was this passion that invented French revo- Co.;" that the number of state banks and branches dent industrial facts, occurring in the same age? A lution-dispassionately and morally considered, the rose from 230 to 823, (and afterwards to a much second creation of the geographical, political, moral, audacious application of the principles of the frater- greater number,) and their circulation from sixtyand commercial world. The extremes of the earth nity of men, drawn from the scriptures and philoso- one millions to one hundred and forty millions of dolhave approached; languages, races, interests, reli-phy, and introduced into political legislation-it was lars. The consequence of this was, as had been pregion have been fused. The result for all humanity this passion which borrowed from religion that sub-dicted, suspensions-bankruptcy-ruin. And who was has been an increase of force and unity that God lime word "equality," and which will shortly, I hope, the cause of this-Mr. Biddle, or president Jackson? alone could compute. In short, these result from a borrow from the same source that still sublimer word, certain and perhaps nigh future, the realization of "the union of all classes." Ah! the present age, that chimera of all conquerors and of all creeds which has been so loudly blamed, but which all phiuniversal monarchy; but at the time the monarchy of losophers should bless, has made rapid strides in intellect, commerce, industry, and thought." political science. This science was wont of yore to look upwards only, but now it descends to look downwards. Of yore, it founded its claims upon force alone, and now it founds them on rational grounds, and, above all, on that religious reason which is not the problematic product of science, but which the mininsters of divine law-those stepping-stones between God and mankind-received and inculcated with the very dogmas of their faith." To prove how cautious we should be in predicting consequences, even from the most trifling facts, I will mention three changes, yet providential ones, at the commencement of this age. Again, a last fact. Fifty years since an English machinist discovered the incalculable force of pansion possessed by the compressed vapor of boiling water. The steam engine was invented. How captivating is such eloquence as this! How it expands the mind, warms the heart, lets loose the feelings of affection and sympathy for the whole family of man. and cheers us by its promises of a coming period of improvement and lustre! It is impossible to refrain from adding a few more passages to those already selected from this truly magnificent speech: "Industries (says De Lamartine) are the degrees of rising civilization. Will you dare to curse, to check, and to destroy them? But I know such a thought is far from you. I know that your complaints are only jests. But, sir, it is a dangerous Thus terminated his captivating and matchless address. These are the sentiments which sustain man in his conflicts with the remembrance of the past and the sufferings of the future, and which bid him "thank God--and take courage." The conversion of the United States bank, after the expiration of its charter, from a national to a state bank, Mr. Clayton had himself always disapproved of and lamented. But was Mr. Biddle the cause of its ruin? The radical evil was that, as a state bank, its capital was too vast to find employment-legitimate banking employment-no commer cial business; and accordingly, it was induced-or, rather it was compelled-to invest its means in state stocks; and, of course, it lost, like other purchasers, when these stocks fell. It was this loss, it was this depreciation of state stocks, which ruined the bank-one of the first and greatest victims of that deliberate bad faith, now grown into virtual or systematizcd repudiation, on the part of the states, which has ruined so many other victims-institutions or individuals-and covered the American name with dis honor. 232 censure. LETTER FROM MR. WEBSTER. The ruin of the state banks of the United States | States bank of Pennsylvania, and to the predictions | expense to the state of not less than half a million, was the act, not of Mr. Biddle, no single individual of still further calamities to follow, (as inevitable and requiring an annual appropriation of twenty-four M. a military depot, they necessarily occupy an imporwas, perhaps, competent to such a deed of destruc- consequences of the present state of things,) which thousand dollars, for their care and supervision, as tion) but of the states, the free sovereign states, which many will think of sufficient importance to be remem-well as for the indispensable police duties incident to tant position of the solicitude and attention of the borrowed its money, dishonored the debt, and left bered hereafter. The fol- executive, to whose control they are almost excluit to sink under a load of worthless state scrip, for which it had given up its gold and silver. Let us remember, when we charge this loss, resulting from this investment of the means of the bank in state lowing letter from Daniel Webster published late-sively subjected. Under this responsibility, I instisionate inquiry, soon satisfied me of the fallacy of stocks as the crime of Mr. Biddle, how many other in the Boston Courier, is one of two written by tuted an investigation to ascertain if no part of this persons committed the same crime; let us remember him to influential whigs in Boston, at a period prior annual burden on the treasury could be judiciously this expectation. And after an investigation, conwhich nominated Henry Clay for the presidency. ducted in all the zeal and spirit of reform, I am ira fact which has never yet been properly brought be- to the assembling of the convention at Faneuil Hall dispensed with. The result of a minute and dispas[PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL.] fore the country, that the United States government resistibly led to the conclusion, that a wise or pruWashington, Aug. 24, 1842. having the Smithsonian Fund and several millions DEAR SIR: My advice to the whigs of Massachu- dent retrenchment is practically impossible. Under of dollars to invest for the Indians, Creeks, Cherokees, &c. invested it, in pursuance of an act of congress, in state stocks; and, now the United States setts, (which fear they are not likely to have great this impression, I have contemplated the expediency have lost more in proportion upon their investments respect for), would be, by no means to commit the of combining the original duties and purposes of in state stocks, than the bank of the United States state, at this moment, to any body. Events of mag- these institutions, with a system of education, which on the whole of its wide spread concerns, as appears nitude are constantly unfolding. Next year at this in the attainment of two objects of such primary from the report of the bank investigating commit- time will be quite in season, and nothing appears to importance to the safety and prosperity of the state, tee of 1841. This is a fact which ought to disarm me to be necessary now but to make a strong rally would amply compensate for the liberal and munififor the state government. Such is Mr. Clay's pre-cent expenditures which she has hitherto incurred, There is another fact, said Mr. Clayton, which I sent position, that no one can fail to see the awk-in maintaining one only. I am more especially enmention in justice to Mr. Biddle, and which, in jus- wardness of pushing him at the present moment. couraged to hope for your co-operation in promottice to him, ought never to be forgotten. In Janua- Such a proceeding can do him no good, and I fearing this view, from the favorable manner in which ry, 1841, the banks of Philadelphia, which had been would be sure to give the state to the locofocos. It it was received by your predecessors-from the alforced into suspension, were compulsorily directed is not to be disguised, that these premature nomina- most universal approbation of our fellow citizens— to resume specie payments, just at the moment when tions have not helped the whig cause, in states in and from the very satisfactory success of the short the legislature wanted to borrow, $800.000. Mr. which elections have been held, such as North Ca- and limited experiment, which it was within my Biddle, then only a private citizen, exhorted the banks rolina, Indiana, Illinois, &c. My own opinion is: official discretion to institute. not to resume; he assured, and endeavored to con- that equally bad effects would follow the same polivince them, they were wholly unprepared for re- cy, if adopted in Massachusetts. I write this in sumption; and especially he advised them not to lend confidence, but you may show it to one or two of the the money to the states, unless allowed to postpone committee. I never had a stronger opinion upon I pray you preserve this letter as I keep no copy the resumption; for he argued and solemnly declared any political question. Yours, truly, (what his long financial experience enabled him to foresce) that if the banks lent the money and resumed, both they and the state must inevitably break.But the banks, driven by popular clamor, both resumed and lent the money; and now we see the end of it-many of the banks gone, the state of PennsylSOUTH CAROLINA. The last and very long mesvania bankrupt. Had Pennsylvania done what Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee did,-had she allowed her banks, to defer the return to specie pay-sage of Governor John P. Richardson was transmitments until July, 1842, the banks might then have ted to the legislature at Columbia, on Nov. 29. It resumed with a prospect of safety, and the state and calls the attention of the legislature firstly to the the city of Philadelphia might, perhaps, have been spared the vast calamity under which they are now militia system of the state, and warmly approves of the law passed in relation to it at its last session. We Buffering. extract from it the following: There were other causes which contributed to the ruin of this unlucky state bank. The bonus, and the whole amount paid for its charter in annual contribution to the School Fund, subscriptions to public improvements, &c., amounted to the enormous sum of twelve millions of dollars; in exacting which, Pennsylvania deprived the bank of its very lifeblood. An additional feature of the bonus was the obligation laid on the bank to lend the state an immense sum of money at the pitiful and ruinous rate of four per cent. interest. Well! Pennsylvania was not content with demanding and receiving this loan. The money was scarcely in her treasury, before her legislature repealed the tax, laid for the purpose of meeting and paying the interest on the loan, and thus the credit of the loan was destroyed, and the bank made the loser by the whole amount of depreciation. Add to these causes the return to the state bank of the 22 millions of circulation of the national bank, which the former was obliged to redeem; and you have the true elements of the destruction of the bank; beyond which it is unnecessary to go to seek an additional cause in any supposed mal-administration of Mr. Biddle. John P. Healy, esq. DANIEL WEBSTER. MESSAGE OF GOV. RICHARDSON. [MILITIA.] Requiring no additional appropriation-I cannot it is now proposed to introduce. The experience of conceive any possible objection to the change which other states, under great disadvantages, and at a very considerable expense, has not only conduced to the continuance of their fostering patronage of similar institutions, but to the gratifying conviction, that they are among the most useful and instructive of their seminaries of learning. But were the benefits derived by the state, from the former and the proposed mode of performing the police duties of her arsenals, precisely equal in and propriety of adding the advantages of a liberal other respects, who can hesitate as to the wisdom and moral education, to the military services which she requires, when both may be accomplished at the nual expenditure of thirty-six thousand dollars, same expense? If the education of our indigent poor be indeed an object commensurate with the anwould it not be unwise to omit this opportunity of adding (without burden to the people, or draft on The now complete organization of our militia, the treasury, and with the most gratifying assurance of much more useful results), twenty-four thousand The discretion now vested in the executive by accompanied by a judicious and intelligible digest of all the acts regulating it, together with the restora- more, to promote the objects of that benefaction? tion of the practical opportunities of improvement afforded by the camp drill, has more than realized its law, is deemed sufficient to effectuate the arrangeanticipated benefits, and presents us in an attitude of ments to which I have alluded. But other legislaexecutive discretion, and perhaps to impart that defence, to command the respect of the world. Its tive provisions are necessary to perpetuate them, influence has aroused the spirit and the emulation of beyond the fluctuating contingencies arising out of our officers, inspired a sense of duty in our soldiery, strength, permanency, and dignity, which state conand animated the patriotism and confidence of our fidence and patronage always confer. The interesting reports of commandants in charge people. Built upon the experience of more than forty years since the first organization of our militia system-educed from the accumulated labors and of those posts, with the views of the adjutant geneopinions of many of our ablest and most efficient ral, are herewith submitted. officers-the deliberate result of the popular will, and reflected by the firm convictions of two legislatures, it ought to be regarded with sacred veneration, which no supposed perception of slight imperfections or inconveniences, should ever induce us to abandon, or to innovate. The unprofitable use of the annual appropriations of the state to establish a system of public instruction, constitutes another strong inducement to prosecute an experiment, which promises, by its fruits, tire and unmitigated failure of all her efforts, to to form one exception, at least, to the hitherto eneducate her indigent youth. [EDUCATION.] No sceptiscism in the morals, or patriotism, or the capacity of the people for self-government, is more In the meantime, I cannot too seriously repeat the Mr. C. having shown the superiority of the nation- dangerous or unjust, than that which depreciates and al bank system over the state bank system, and derides their ability for self-defence. If, in the ab- invocation of my last annual message, to remedy Is there nothing to traced the true cause of the explosion of the latter, sence of all constitutional power to retain a stand- some of the glaring defects, and unprofitable results predicted, with perfect confidence, that the currency ing military force, the states of this union possess no of our free school system. and the exchange of the country would remain dis-means but that of a polemical argument to main- awaken your attention, or dissatisfy your hopes, in tracted, in consequence of successive contractions and tain their rights as sovereigns, those rights would the facts, developed by the statistics of the late feexpansions by the states' banks, acting without con- indeed be found to be vain, shadowy, and unprofita- deral census, that more than twenty thousand of the cert and without check. He predicted that, so long ble before the arbitrament of an armed federal po- adult citizens of this state, have not even received tentate. In our late contest with federal power, it the advantage of an imperfect education? Is it noas the state bank system, now existing, should remain without the control of a national institution, the was not to the mere efficacy of its laws, or the sanc- thing, that this uneducated portion of our populacountry would be convulsed by alternate suspensions tity of its ordinances-to the justice of her cause, tion exceeds that of any other state in the union, and resumptions of specie payment, by frequent ex- or the strength of her arguments-but to the uplfted (except one), while at the same time our expendi plosions of state banks, followed by all their disas- arm of her citizens, ready to strike in her defence, tures have been proportionably greater? Is it notrous consequences, and by continual fluctuations that the state looked at last for protection. And thing, that after an experience of more than thirty and distractions of the exchanges. He considered the were the dangers of the past to recur, or the unfa- years, and an expenditure of more than a million party which favored the present state of things, and vorable forebodings of the future to be realized, it is and a half on free schools, their benefits should have opposed the national institution, as emphatically the to the bold hearts and nerved and disciplined patrio- been so unprofitably dispensed? that a research into bank party, a bank party of the most odious cha- tism of the militia, that South Carolina would again the statistics of the state exhibits so melancholy a racter, the whole tendency of their measures being appeal, as the first to feel and to sympathize with result-such a blemish on the age in which we live to fasten upon us the evils, without any of the benefits her wrongs, and as the only finally available source of defending her. of the banking system. But I have not time to follow Mr. Clayton any further in his remarks. My object in making this communication has been to invite public attention to his exposition of the causes of the failure of the United [ARMORY AND MILITARY INSTITUTE.] so benighted a condition of so large a portion of our population, and so depraved and extensive an abuse of the munificence and liberality of the state. I, therefore, respectfully reiterate the recommenda tion of the appointment of a supervising officer, whose wisdom and experience, after a year's exclu [BANKS AND CURRENCY.] sive devotion to that subject, will unquestionably it has been found by experience, unavailing to incul- scribed modes of election, as they exist in some enable him to present many valuable suggestions on cate religious tenets. They must be left to the vo- states, is perhaps to be regretted, as unnecessary and which to base judicious and efficient legislation. luntary impulse of the heart, and the moving inspi- inexpedient. But, conforming as it does, to cur prinOne of the greatest difficulties hitherto existing, to ration of their divine origin. ciples and practice, there can be no objection cousisthe successful operation of a uniform and practical tently arising out of the inconvenience of its applicasystem of free schools, has arisen from the inflution to this state. ence of climate and population, on the health, requirements and opportunities of different portions of the state. In the interior and upper districts, the establishment of a public school within the square of every six miles, would not only be generally practicable, but would perhaps be eminently expedient and useful; even if carried to the extent of substituting an entire system of education at the expense of the public treasury. The causes which would render it inconveniently impracticable on the sea-board, are too obvious to require enumeration. Contrasted with the just causes of dissatisfaction, as to the benefits and application of the free school fund, we may contemplate with pride and gratification proportionate to its eminent usefulness and success, the continued results of the liberal and enlightened patronage bestowed upon our college. All our projected works of internal improvement being now in a state of completion, it devolves upon you to consider the means of instituting some per. manent and necessary arrangement for their security and preservation. Whether the duties heretofore discharged by the superintendant, may not be devolved without detriment to the public service on district commissioners, the comptroller general, or the executive; or whether the interest of the state in these works cannot be advantageously disposed of, are subjects worthy of your deliberations. (RELATIONS WITH VIRGINIA AND NEW YORK.) a sister state. The legal proceedings which have been instituted by the direction of the legislature, against a portion of the banking institutions of the state, refusing to accept the provisions of "An act to prevent the suspension of specie payments," being still pending the decision of the judiciary, it would perhaps be improper and unnecessary to anticipate a resort to the more effective expedients and appliances of legisla tion, to correct evils which the ordinary jurisprudence of the state may prove adequate to remedy. In the meantime the judicial reference of that question ought not to be permitted to supercede the duty of instituting other regulations for the improvement and stability of our state currency. The experience of the last few years has proved, that bank investments are disproportionably large to the requirements of commerce, and the exigencies of the community-that their profits and business have diminished, as the swollen tide of speculation has subYet it has not, I trust, been altogether without its sided within the ordinary limits of a judicious econoeffect upon the counsels, or its moral influence upon my-that a very moderate and scarcely a reasonable the justice and the magnanimity, of the enlightened interest has succeeded to the enormous profits that people of New York. The principles of democra- were formerly so magically realised-and that the cy, about to be ascendant in her counsels, will un-inflated prices of bank stock have rapidly declined, questionably repudiate the injustice of enacting ag- to an extent as much below, as they were formerly gressive laws to violate the rights and institutions of above their original value. In this sudden dearth and The late decisions of the federal ju- abstraction of the ordinary modes and stimulants of In the charters of roads, bridges and ferries, usu- diciary too plainly prohibit and discountenance such business and profits, it is not surprising, that the banks ally granted to companies or individuals, I would daring and wanton outrages upon the guarantied and should have resorted to expedients, bordering on ususuggest greater caution and restrictions, to prevent sovereign rights of an independent member of the ry and extortion, and clearly not contemplated withthe enormous abuses and inconveniences to which confederacy. The confidence of her people has al- in the legitimate province of banking operations.the public are so frequently subjected by the negli-ready been shriven of the influence of the actors and Among these, are the extensive and perhaps I may gence and imposition of their proprietors. Instan- instigators of that unwise and illiberal proceeding; add almost exclusive and monopolizing operations ces of this kind are becoming of a character so fla- and the official aggressors themselves, rebuked, dis which they have conducted in domestic exchange.— grant and numerous, as to constitute an evil of no honored, and distrusted, are about to be consigned Of all the deranging and sinister influences upon credit little magnitude and importance. to a merited and restrictive obscurity. and currency, this, when carried to the extent of abNo other legislative action is perhaps necessary at sorbing the entire business of bank capital, is perhaps this time, but to re-enact the provision of the law, the most fatal and vitiating. It presents the temptaleaving it discretionary with the executive to sus-tion to create, and to perpetuate that very state of inequality in the circulation from which it derives its greatest emoluments. It compels the borrower to receive his accommodation from, and meet his engagements with the banks, in currencies of different and unequal value. It supercedes a sound circulation with depreciated paper; traffics in the distresses and exigencies of the people; and converts banking capital into a system of brokerage and extortion, exacting from the necessities, rather than accommodating the commercial requirements of the community. It subjects enterprise and credit to the disastrons influences of sudden and unnecessary contraction for selfish and sinister purposes. contingencies arising, which would render it expe- Many gratifying, although unofficial, assurances, Much has been achieved by the deliberations of the last session to improve our system of road working. Some system of chartering our most public high-pend its operation, in the event of those favorable ways to companies or individuals, with cautious restrictions, to prevent imposition or abuse-connected with a small tax on every species of productive capital, (instead of being exclusively borne by agri. cultural,) to supply the deficiency of revenue, in those less profitable, it is believed would be the most effective and cheapest mode of improvement; and at the same time the most equitable distribution of the expense. Motives of economy would seem to suggest a compliance with the recommendations of the regents of the lunatic asylum, herewith submited to increase the accommodations of that institution, for the accommodation of a class of patients, whose profitable contributions would diminish, if not entirely defray, the general expenses of the establishment. [The message next calls attention to the correction of some of the harsher features of the criminal code of the state, recommends "some mode, less summary, less partial, less calculated to pervert the spirit of our benign laws, to the injury of property, and the sacrifice of life, in the trial of slaves for capital offences, than is enforced by the present imperfect and ignorantly administered forms of Justice as applied to cases of that character." He approves of the present punishment of petit larceny though it is much complained of as the most odious of all the inflictions of law.] The punishment of death, it is believed, may be Judiciously ameliorated, in many cases, by other and efficient penalties. But I would submit for your consideration, the expediency of substituting private for public executions, whenever the demands of a great state necessity render the exaction of the blooody sacrifice unavoidable. Our legislation should also be directed to discourage the rash and criminal indiscretions of youth; among the most frequent and fatal of which, is that which arises out of the toleration (if not the protection) which our jurisprudence, or the mode of administering it, has hitherto extended to the practice of duelling. Legal interference, to enforce the obligations of morality, is but too apt to be regarded by the people with jealousy and distrust, and often begets a disposition to evade and violate those salutary restraints, which a sense of their own interests might otherwise induce them voluntarily to assume, and sacredly to respect. The authority of the law, would be as inadequate to enforce moral habits, as [The message next recommends a geologic survey of the state, recommends the prosecution of the state claims against the U. States for services of the militia in Florida, and proceeds to the subject of That it is a practice which has obtained to a considerable, although I trust not to so immoral an extent, in the business and operations of some of our own institutions, may be inferred from the great disproportion which exists between their profits and circulation. Nor is it unreasonable to presume that from this cause chiefly, the monetary pressure and difficulties of the present year, (on the commercial class of our citizens especially.) have been unnecessarily ag gravated, and have derived their greatest and most unmitigated severity. Under ordinary circumstances, a small capital, with a liberal circulation, is usually productive of the most profitable results, as well as the easiest and most prosperous condition of the inonetary affairs of a community. But the practice referred to has reversed this natural relation between bank capital and uses. Our experience presents the fiscal anomaly of a large capital, with a stinted circulation. Upwards of twelve millions of bank stock, realizing an interest of more than six per cent. on the whole capital, with a circulation not exceeding a million and a half for the relief and accommodation of the people! From this view it would necessarily seem that the profits of the system are now chiefly derived from other sources that those which legitimately flow from the ordinary business of banking. APPORTIONMENT-CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS.] The increased ratio of representation established by the late act of congress, will demand your attention, to organize our congressional districts so as to conform to the diminished number of representatives to which this state will be entitled. That it will present to your consideration a question of some practical difficulties and embarrassments, is perhaps reasonably to be expected. But I trust it will be productive of no other feelings, than those arising out of a generous emulation to promote the interest and convenience of all, and a conciliatory sacrifice of sectional prejudicies and jealousies, is to the general good. The consolotory hopes and reflections to be derived from the important provisions of that act, are sufficient to reconcile us to much greater inconveniences and disadvantages, than any to which it can possibly subject us. In diminishing the number, it must increase the individual responsibilities of members, and perhaps their wisdom and qualifications,by extending the opportunities of a selection to their constituents. And while we may reasonably presume that the influence of electioneering expedients will be proportionably lessened, as it is diffused over a greater surface, and through a greater number, we In these remarks, however, justice perhaps requires may justly hope, that the measure will add to the that I should state, that the conformity of most of our federative strength and importance of the states, by minor institutions to a policy so fatal to the monetasecuring greater harmony and unanimity in the views ry interests of the state, is believed to be in a great and councils of their several delegations. If it in measure constrained by the autocratic influence, a3 any manner purifies the deliberations of congress of well as the seductive example of our larger monied its boisterous elements-if it can allay or appease corporations. Be this as it may, the almost entire the angry spirit, the clamors, confusions and excite- diversion of banking operations into new channels, ments; if it can expel those personal contests, which the sudden abstraction of the customary bank accoinso emphatically indicate a degenerate lapse from the modations from a community hitherto flushed and sage counsels and grave consultations of former days over stimulated with the facilities of a redundant cirit will have done enough to propriate the approba- culation, would of itself produce, as well as aggration and consent of every patriot and moralist. vate much of that distress, which has been so severeThat congress should have interfered with the pre-ly aud desolatingly experienced in our state. |