Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB
[blocks in formation]

"Where no ox is, the crib is clean; but much increase is by the strength of the ox."

NEW YORK:

PUBLISHED BY W. E. DEAN, 2 ANN STREET

184.2.

HG2529

1842

748

CVTTLOBHIV

INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS.

FELLOW CITIZENS :

You are aware that there is a difference of opinion amongst the people of the United States, on the subject of the Banking System of this country generally, and especially upon the subject of a NATIONAL BANK.

This difference of opinion has been made at times a matter of party distinction. Each of the two political parties, into which the country is frequently divided, taking opposite sides: one for, and the other against Banks, and one for, and the other against a National Bank. In this way the real subject of enquiry has been lost sight of. The question with both sides, having been more to know what will favor this or that party, than to know whether Banks are good in themselves, or not; or whether a National Bank be a benefit to the country or not.

It needs but a moment's consideration, however, to convince any one that, aside from all party views whatever, and even on the supposition, that there were no political parties in existence, it a matter of very great importance, to know whether Banks, such as our State Banks are, should be sustained or not :--whether they are a good, or an evil-whether, if a good, they require restraint, or regulation, and if they do require it, what kind of restraint this should be. So also to know whether a National Bank, such as we have had in the country, be useful or not; and if useful, how and for what reasons it is so.

No matter what political party be in power, or who may be at the head of the government, these are subjects to be treated upon their own merits. The interests of party is not to be taken into consideration in coming to a decision as to the expediency of these institutions. It is a case like that

of a question of war or peace, you will readily adinit that we should not declare war against another nation, merely because it would benefit this, or that party at home, you would say, that such a subject should be looked at separately, and that we should decide as the permanent well being of the whole nation might seem to require.

My object is to prevail upon you to take up the subject of Banks, and of a National Bank in this way. To allow it to stand upon its own merits. To discuss it, and to decide upon it, as a matter of importance to the whole body of the nation, and especially the great mass of the people, the LABORING CLASSES.

The moment is favorable. There are no important elections now pending and if there were, this is a subject about which persons of the same political party, may reasonably be allowed to differ in opinion. It is a subject, too, not of importance merely for the present moment, or for the present generation; but it is one, which will continue to be of importance for years to come. It is of importance not merely for you, but it will be of the same importance for your children, and for your children's children.

You have heard repeated declarations that Banks are evils; and that

M128563

« AnteriorContinuar »