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SENATE.]

Treasury Circular.

which drafts are at a premium; and this is the indulgence of receiving notes instead of specie, and a proof that the Secretary of the Treasury may refuse all notes! Logical reasoning, this.

But I beg to inquire, if the law of 1820, the resolution of 1816, or any thing else, required specie only to be received, how could Mr. Crawford, in eighteen hundred and twenty-three, direct notes of Eastern banks to be received at the land offices in the West? The argument must cut both ways. It must prove that the legal currency, only, "ought generally to be permitted," and yet that the Secretary has the right to direct, by way of indulgence, the notes of any banks he selects to be received. We are thus brought to the law of 24th April, 1820. To construe it correctly it is necessary that we should recollect the previous legislation.

The old Congress, on the 20th May, 1785, had directed certain of the public lands to be sold, and fixed the price at one dollar in specie, or loan office certificates reduced to specie, or certificates of liquidated debts of the United States. The provision was necessary, because there was then no other currency but specie and depreciated paper. The sole object was to secure a specified value or the land sold.

Several changes were made, but none affecting the question under discussion, until Congress, after the establishment of the Federal Government, on the 18th May, 1796, passed a law directing sales of certain parts of the land, and the terms; but it uses the expression, money purchase-money, without designation of kind.

The act of 3d March, 1797, establishes the rates st which the evidences of public debt shall be received in payment for lands.

[DEC. 29, 1836.

lands had been sold on credit; evils had resulted from it, and Congress declared that no more credits shall be given, but complete payment be made on the day of sale. The object was to reduce the price to $1 25, and to require cash sales; and they say nothing of specie or lawful tender, or currency of the constitution. This matter they left as it was before; and this we have seen was payment in specie or notes known to Congress, long practised and justified by the resolution of 1816. If they had intended to change the mode of payment they would have so said. They did not, and the practice continued until the 11th July last uninterrupted.

Does the 4th section alter this general provision for the sales of all the public land, and prescribe a different rule for the sales of the forfeited lands? It would be extraordinary if it did so. It merely provides that these forfeited lands shall not be sold for less price than the other lands, $1 25 per acre, "nor on any other terms than that of cash payment." In other words, that they shall be sold at the same price and on the same terms as all the public lands. Cash payment, in this section, means precisely what is meant in the 2d section by the words "shall on the day of purchase make complete payment therefor." It means payment at the time of entry. No lawyer, at least no judge, would put a dif ferent construction on them; and the Executive never did, until last July, when an apology was to be hunted up to justify an interference with the currency of the country, and to cover over the purpose of defeating, as far as possible, the operation of the distribution bill.

But even if the 4th section does require specie for the forfeited lands, it does not justify the order. That relates not to forfeited lands, but to all the public lands within the Union.

The only remaining precedent or authority to which we have been referred is the instruction of Mr. Rush, in 1826. He came in in 1825; found the notes of specie

The law of 10th May, 1800, says that "payment may be made for the same by all purchasers, either in specie or in evidences of the public debt," &c., according to the provisions of the act of 1797. These acts are similar to that of 1789, respecting the customs, and were under-paying banks constantly received; fell desperately in love stood and practised on in the same way. Thus far sales had been on credit; and, notwithstanding the phraseology, the Secretary, with the knowledge and approbation of Congress, received notes of banks as equivalent to specie; the terms being regarded as fixing the amount to be received, not the kind of money.

Next came the resolution of 1816; and, whatever may have previously been the construction, it expressly au thorized the receipts to be in notes of specie-paying banks. And this resolution, and the practice under it, were in full force when this act of 24th April, 1820, was passed.

Did this act repeal the resolution of 1816, and require the payments to be only in specie?

It is so suggested by the Secretary, and so argued by several Senators.

The Secretary says that directing payments to be made in "cash," countenanced the idea that such coin alone should be generally permitted to be received. And two Senators argue that cash payments can mean only payments in the lawful tender.

They all look to the 4th section, and to the word cash, as their guide, and overlook the 2d section, which is more important, to fix the meaning of the law. It relates to all sales of the public lands: the 4th only to resales of lands forfeited for non payment. It provides that, in all sales, no credit shall be allowed after the 1st of July of that year; "but every purchaser at public sales shall, on the day of purchase, make complete payment therefor, and purchasers at private sales shall produce to the register a receipt from the Treasurer of the United States, or from the receiver, for the amount of the purchase-money," &c. It is perfectly apparent that this section relates only to the time of payment, and not at all to the currency in which payment should be made. The

with the Bank of the United States; lauded it highly,
and desired to make it the sole instrument of the Treas-
ury in its operations; and he directs the receivers to re-
quire specie, or notes payable in specie on demand,
and otherwise in good credit; and not to receive notes
which would not be received as cash where they were to
be deposited, or which the receivers thought it not discreet
to receive. Mr. Rush did not, in this, directly violate
the resolution of 1816; because that resolution could not
reasonably be construed to require the receipt of notes
where they could not be turned into specie at full
amount. But he did place in the hands of the receivers
a discretion which might be wielded to oppressive re-`
sults, where there was a desire to injure particular
banks. The correct action, under that resolution, would
have been to receive notes of State banks, which could,
on demand, or near the office, and without loss, be
turned into specie-to make the demand for payment
promptly, and whenever that demand was not answered
to refuse at once other notes of the bank.

Upon this review of the laws, resolutions, and practice, I have not been able to discover any thing which can justify the Executive in changing the mode of payment for the public lands-demanding specie and refusing all notes of all banks. It is an assumption of legislative power, and a violation of the plain meaning of the acts of Congress.

There is another feature in this order which deserves decisive reprobation. It forbids receiving any thing but gold and silver, "provided that until the 15th December next the same indulgences heretofore extended, as to the kind of money received, may be continued, for any quantity of land not exceeding 320 acres to each purchaser, who is an actual settler or bonafide resident in the State where the sales are made."

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The meaning is, that actual settlers or bonafide resi dents of the State may buy 320 acres, and pay for it in any money they please; all others must pay in gold and silver. I wish the Senator from New Hampshire had persuaded himself to bend his mind to this proviso. He seems to have examined the order with some labor, and to have been prepared with reasoning and references to sustain it; but he entirely overlooked this most extraordinary feature. After his argument was closed, his atten tion was called to it by the Senator from Ohio, but he was quite unprepared to give us a constitutional view of the difficulty which it presents. He, however, referred us to the exposition of the Senator from Mississippi; and 1 suppose that exposition is all that we are to hope for to relieve our consciences and satisfy our judgments.

The objection to this part of the order is, that it makes a distinction between actual settlers and others, and between the citizens of the States where the lands lie and all others, and allows advantages to the former which are denied to others. The argument in support of it, and to which we are referred, amounts to this: it is no violation of right, nor of the constitution, because the constitutional provision does not confer on the citizens of one State all the rights of citizens in every other State, such as voting, &c.; and there is a distinction recognised by law and practice in favor of actual settlers and against speculators, as in case of the pre-emption laws. The Senator will find it difficult from his premises to show the right of the Executive to create and establish distinctions between citizens, such as this order creHe will discover that he must make great leaps in his process of reasoning, and surmount more than one sturdy non sequitur-quite as troublesome as that resulting from the logic of figures.

ales.

The constitution, article 4, section 2, says: "The citizens of each State shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several States."

This is one item in that article which provides for the relative rights and duties of the Federal Government towards the States and towards each other, such as

Giving faith and credit to judicial proceedings; Delivering up fugitives from justice, and from service or labor;

The admission and rights of new States;

The security of representative forms of government to all the States;

And the power to dispose of and make rules respecting the territory and property of the United States.

The association of it with these subjects shows the spirit in which it ought to be construed, and the object which it sought. This object was entire equality between the States and the citizens of all the States, freedom of intercourse, and interchange of privileges; and the article itself is the most important in that great work to accomplish some of its avowed ends, "to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity," &c. Its construction, by every principle of legal and philosophical reasoning, should be liberal to attain these objects.

The terms are clear, and were intended to be a substitute for that article of the confederation which relates to the same subject, and which was most confused and inexplicable. The citizens of each State"-all the citizens of every State-" to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several States"-to all the immunities and privileges which the citizens of those States enjoy under similar circumstances.

Now, this does not mean the right of voting, whether an inhabitant or not; nor those other rights to which the Senator from Mississippi refers. The citizens of Penn. sylvania have not the right of voting in New Jersey; and why? Because they have not the residence, and other qualifications, which are necessary. There are citizens

[SENATE.

of New Jersey, also, who, at particular elections, have no right to vote, not because they are not citizens, but because they have not resided in the county or township long enough, and paid taxes. The citizens of Pennsyl vania have no right to vote there, for the same reason; yet the citizens of Pennsylvania are on a perfect equality with the citizens of the State, under like circumstances. Let them reside there the time, and do other acts prescribed for her own citizens, and they will have the same right. They can acquire it in the same time and by the same means. The same rules govern with regard to both. One enjoys the right, because he has complied with the requirements; the other does not, because he has not complied.

So with regard to all other rights; any citizen of the Union may, in any State, enjoy the same rights as the citizens of that State, by doing what they have done, and placing himself in the same circumstances.

It is the common obligation of citizens in all the States to perform certain prescribed duties, in order to entitle them to the enjoyment of the common rights. If a citi zen of any other State will perform the same prescribed duties, he shall have the enjoyment of the same common rights. And this article gives to every man, everywhere, the high and sacred privilege of being a citizen on the same terms. The Senator need not be alarmed about the hosts of Xerxes or of Peteus, and lest Delaware should pour out her million of votes on this construction. The adjoining States can afford her many voters, and when they shall have done what her own citizens have, they will be able to add to her popular vote, but not till then..

So, also, the interest in even the exclusive common property of a State may be acquired by any one becoming a citizen, and it may be lost by ceasing to be a citizen. The rule is equal to all.

This principle as to States is nothing more nor less than that which is applied at every election in every State, in regard to their counties. An inhabitant of one county cannot vote in another, because he does not reside in it; and so an inhabitant of one State cannot vote in another, because he does not reside in it; but each may, at his own pleasure, and on the same terms, relieve himself from his disability.

But whether this construction of the act can be carried thus far or not, is it not distinctly true that if there be special privileges, such as voting, which cannot be equally enjoyed, the distinction arises from State laws and institutions, not from the laws and institutions of the Union? And if this be so, how does it relieve the Execu tive when he draws distinctions in virtue of the powers of the Union The States may make their own internal regulations, always regarding constitutional restraints; but does it follow that any such power has been vested in the General Government? and, above all, in the Executive of that Government? Does the constitution say that be may make distinctions in favor of a State-then may he not make them against a State? And is there not thereby a power erected which may trample upon the equality of the States--bestow favors upon favorites, and wreak vengeance upon opponents? Sir, I have not so read the constitution of, my country. I have not so learned the doctrine of State rights. The grounds of defence here are abhorrent to every principle contained in our insti tutions; and an authority is claimed, which, if sanctioned and practised, will create a despotism or sever the Union.

There are great fundamental privileges and immunities belonging, of right, to all citizens of free Govern ments, and which bave especially belonged to all the citizens of all the States since they became free, independent, sovereign, and confederated. Equal protection by Government; enjoyment of life, liberty; the acquisition and possession of property; the benefit of habeas corpus: passing through and residing in any part

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of the Union, for trade, agriculture, professional pursuits, or other occupations; the maintenance of actions for the defence of rights; the purchasing, holding, and disposing of property, real and personal, with many others-these constitute us one nation-these make the Union. And shall the Executive, at his will, deny us the enjoyment of any one of them all? And shall he do it, especially, in relation to the common property of allto the public lands? Do Senators remark the extent of the power which has been assumed? The common priv. ilege and immunity is to buy and hold land where the citizen pleases, without being burdened in the acquisition and possession more than others; more than the citizens of the State where he acquires and holds it. Can this privilege be violated by a State? Can Indiana forbid a citizen of New Jersey from buying and possessing her lands? or, if he do buy, compel him to pay for it otherwise than her own citizens may? Not while the 4th article of the constitution exists-not while the Union lasts. Can Congress do it? And does the executive power reach to that which neither the State nor Congress may touch? Yet this the Executive has done, and done more. He has forbidden the people of other States to buy the common property of the Union, within Indiana and the other States, except under a severe restriction. And if he may impose one restriction, where shall he be limited?

I have always, Mr. President, esteemed this provision, and the article of which it forms a part, as the most precious in the constitution of the country, and most necessary for its peace and prosperity. You may alter the executive powers, enlarge or limit the Judiciary, amplify or restrain the Legislature, and your Government may still retain its character and usefulness; but violate and destroy that article, and the fabric is shattered: we are no longer common and equal citizens of a common and glorious nation, made glorious by equal laws.

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[DEC. 29, 1836.

Now, I do not understand Mr. Hamilton as the Senator from Missouri does. He was proposing a plan for the disposition of the public lands. To effect the sales was the leading object-"as an operation of finance, it claimed primary attention." This, he thought, ought to be pursued in conformity with the convenience and interests of those who were to buy and occupy them, as an inducement to them to make purchases. His scheme, therefore, had these objects, and none other. They could be attained most effectually by suiting the scheme to the character of the several kinds of purchasers; and he gives a list of them-a mere description of classes of men: moneyed individuals and companies, who buy to sell; associations to form settlements; and single persons or families, who had or might settle there. And it is this description or list which the Senator converts into a distinction recognised in the nature of things, and sanctioned by laws."

This

But does Mr. Hamilton advise that any distinction shall be made between them—that the settlers shall be permitted to buy on other and better terms than other classes? This is the point complained of in the Treasury order; and the Senator must exercise both ingenuity and imagination before he will make the discovery of it in this paper. It requires optics keen to see what is not to be seen. On the contrary, Mr. H. expressly says: "Hence a plan for the sale of the Western lands, while it may have a due regard to the last, (the settlers,) should be calculated to obtain all the advantages which may be derived from the two first classes," (the moneyed individuals, companies, and associations.) language needs no comment. It was reserved for the Senator to see in it a preference of the settler over the speculator. But if Mr. Hamilton did advise such a distinction and preference, it was advice only--not legislation: a plan for the sales--not an execution of the plan. Congress did not make a law which sanctioned it. The act of 1797, nor any other of the acts, contains any such provision. And thus we learn the value of this evidence, which is offered to defend the eatablishment of such a distinction and preference by an order of the Executive, and at the executive pleasure. And it is by such perversions of documentary evidence that executive usurpations are sustained.

And, sir, how is this act of the Executive, which violates that article, defended? The defence ought to be clear, beyond cavil or debate. I understand the Senator from Missouri to assert that there has heretofore been a distinction drawn and maintained between actual settlers and speculators in the land, between residents and nonresidents; and that Congress has sanctioned the distinction, by numerous pre-emption and other laws, for above Again, Mr. President, the Senator insists that the forty years-from the first plan for the sale of the public same distinction between settlers and those who are lands, down to the time when propositions were made not-between residents and non-residents, has been for dividing the proceeds of the lands. The first evi- drawn by the pre-emption laws. These laws have never dence to which we are referred to sustain the allegation been favorites of mine. They have produced frauds is an extract from the report of Mr. Hamilton, Secretary and perjuries without number. Where they have faof the Treasury, in 1790. It is in the following words: vored one honest claim, they have covered hundreds of That, in the formation of a plan for the disposition those which are dishonest and base. They have offered of the vacant lands of the United States, there appear to rewards for the violation of law, and the plundering of be two leading objects of consideration: one, the facility the public property. But, bad as they are, they afford of advantageous sales, according to the probable course no apology for this assumption of executive power. of purchases; the other, the accommodation of individu- They give to the man who has settled on and improved als now inhabiting the Western country, or who may the public lands, under the circumstances stated in the hereafter emigrate thither. The former, as an operation laws, a right to buy at the minimum price. In considof finance, claims primary attention; the latter is impor-eration of settlement and improvement, Congress agree tant, as it relates to the satisfaction of the inhabitants of not to sell the land settled and improved to others, but the Western country. It is desirable, and does not ap- to give a title to it, provided the settler will pay the regpear impracticable, to conciliate both. Purchasers may ular price for it. They will not throw that land into pubbe contemplated in three classes: moneyed individuals lic competition, because he has it in possession, and by his and companies, who will buy to sell again; associations cultivation has added to the value of it, and of the adjoinof persons who intend to make settlements themselves; ing public lands. But, sir, this gives no preference to single persons or families, now resident in the Western one citizen over another, under the same circumstancountry, or who may emigrate there hereafter. The ces. It does not permit one man to buy at public sales, two first will be frequently blended, and will always want at one price, and forbid others, similarly situated, to buy considerable tracts; the last will generally purchase at the same price. It does not prohibit citizens of other small quantities. Hence a plan for the sale of the West- States from purchasing on the same terms as the citizens ern lands, while it may have a due regard to the last, of the States where the lands lie. And if it did, it is a should be calculated to obtain all the advantages which distinction drawn by Congress, and limited to those almay be derived from the two first classes." ready on the lands. By what right does the Executive

DEC. 29, 1836.]

Treasury Circular.

[SENATE.

extend it to other settlers and bonafide residents? Where does he get his legislative power? By what authority does he extend a law made for one object to embrace another? Has he no limit; no restraint? Is he to be permitted to wrest any and every law from its pur-nary currency, was an act of gross oppression. To force pose? And is there to be no end of his trespasses on the legislative authority of the Union? The pre-emption laws did not apply to these sales; and he knew that Congress had refused to give those laws a further extension. During our last session the subject was before us, not only on private petitions, but on a memorial from the Legislature of the State of Indiana. (Journal, 97.) They requested us to continue the pre-emption laws for three years. A bill was reported on the subject. The Committee on the Public Lands expressed an opinion against it; and the bill was rejected by a vote of 23 to 17. Yet, -the moment Congress adjourned, the Executive issued an order more unequal than any pre-emption law; and we are now to be outraged by being told that because Congress has drawn some distinctions on former occasions, the President may draw more, and that the Executive has the power, without the authority, and against the will of Congress, to regulate the sales of your public lands as he pleases. Every argument in support of this order is an apology for executive usurpation.

There is but one other suggestion of the Senator that I deem it important to notice. He says, if it be unconstitutional to discriminate between revenue payments, then Congress cannot do it; and yet Congress has done it, and that in relation to the lands themselves; that in March, 1823, an act was passed to make foreign gold coins receivable in payment of the public lands. This was a discrimination and an exception, for an act of 1819 had illegalized the circulation of foreign coins.

And who, Mr. President, has said that it was unconstitutional to discriminate between revenue payments? Congress has an undoubted right to decide what shall be received for any or for all its dues, provided they require the same payment equally from all the citizens. They may receive foreign gold for customs, as they always have done. So they may for the lands. But does it follow that the President may, of his own authority, do this? Where does he get his power?

Besides, I do not understand what the Senator means by the foreign coins being illegalized in circulation. Their circulation has never been illegal. It has, at all times, been lawful to offer and to receive them. Their circulation has been legal, but they have not at all times been a lawful and compulsory tender between citizen and citizen, but all were at liberty to pay and to receive them. The act of 1819 did not illegalize their circulation, nor that of 1823 make them a lawful tender. So far as regards their circulation between citizen and citizen, the latter act did not affect them at all. The law of 1819 was one of the chain of laws which made certain foreign coins a lawful tender for definite periods. It expired by its own limitation. It was not the will of Congress to renew it; but subsequent to its expiration they authorized those coins to be received for the public lands. This they had an undoubted right to do; and the only legitimate inference from that law is the one to which I have before called the attention of the Senate; that there is a clear distinction between the lawful currency or tender, and the money which the Government has agreed to receive for its dues-a distinction which destroys the whole argument in support of the order of the Executive.

I now repeat again my inquiry, where is the apology for the discrimination between the kinds of money, and between the citizens of different States?-and what could have been the temptation to make it? May it not be found in the anticipated operation of the order itself? The contriver of it could not fail to see that it must act

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most unequally, oppressively, and injuriously, on the West. The lands are the great and only source of debts to the Government there. To compel them to pay in specie, while others were paying elsewhere in the ordithem to gather up their gold and silver, and to deposite it in a few of their banks, so as to take it out of circulation, and compel all the rest of their banks to curtail their accommodations, was a refinement of despotism which would naturally excite the indignation of all who were not the humblest slaves of power. The effect was feared. The elections were approaching-the succession might be put in jeopardy. The force of the blow was to be weakened, and an exception was made in favor of those States. Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, have a temporary suspension as to them and their citizens. They are to be permitted to buy as they have heretofore done. But how long, sir? Until the 15th December-until the elections were over. And it had its effect. The succession was saved in almost all those States; while, but for the exception, they might have shared the fate of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio. Indeed, I believe that even the exception would have been insufficient, had it not been for an assurance from the very cabinet of the palace itself that the order should be revoked—an assurance deceptive and untrue, because there was no intention in the Executive to revoke it. If it be revoked it will be by the power of Congress; or, perchance, the policy of those who are preparing for the 4th March next. The amendment of the Senator from Virginia may serve, perhaps, to evade it--to escape from it-without the manliness to condemn it.

Mr. President, in this review of the laws and practice of the Government, I have been able to find no justification for this executive interference with the currency of the country. He has no constitutional right to regulate the currency; his duty is to execute the laws as Congress may make them. And I regard this order as a gross usurpation of power. The Secretary saw it; he had not the manliness to issue his order in the common form of instructions from his Department. He felt the necessity of calling in the magic of a name to sanction his oppression. He had experienced the power of that name, and its potency in silencing all complaints against trespasses on the constitution and the laws. And he thought, in this emergency, "the President of the United States has given directions" would be the best argument which he could use. And, sir, it may produce its effect. They who would have found no difficulty in condemning Levi W, will hesitate before they disapprove the act of President Jackson. I wish the Secretary could have contrived to bestow upon it the name which its real paternity demands. The records of the Senate furnish the heraldic guides which would not have misled him. But is the act less a violation of law and duty, and are we the less bound to speak the truth in regard to it? I regard it as inferior to no infringement upon the rights of Congress, no stretch of executive authority, which we bave heretofore witnessed. It is the greatest, and I hope it will be the last; and, as it is said to have been proclaimed as the "crowning glory of my administration," no fu'ure effort for glory will be essayed, and that the hour approaches when we shall have a name less potent, and a disposition less presuming, with purposes more consistent with the constitution and laws, to save us from at least unnecessary encroachments.

A few words as to the amendment, and I will cease to fatigue the Senate. The Senator from Virginia has, by his amendment, created some embarrassment with me. I am not unwilling to express the opinion that the order must be rescinded. I desire to do so. I feel it to be a

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duty to do so. Yet I should prefer his amendment to doing nothing but submitting quietly to this assumption of power. But, as I prefer the original resolution, must vote against the amendment; and then it is possible that, by defeating it, we may also defeat the resolution. But be it so.

The amendment may be regarded as having three ob. jects:

[JAN. 2, 1837.

should as soon think of digging open the grave, and violating there the maxim, nil de mortuis, as of casting annecessary censure on the decaying idol. But, sir, when I believe that the great interests of our common country have been injured, the constitution and the laws disregarded, and I see no imperative obstacle to the expression of my opinions, I cannot refrain from the decisive vote which those interests and that constitution 1. To declare that the dues of the Government may require at my hands. I believe that the order was unbe received in specie or specie-paying notes. Thus far authorized; that it has been injurious; and I cannot conit is a mere reiteration of the resolution of 1816, in almost sent to evade the direct and proper expression of my precisely the same words; and it leaves the authority of opinions. If, in doing so, the amendment should be dethe Secretary exactly where that resolution left it. Passfeated, and the order remain unrevoked and unaltered, it, and the Secretary has the same right to refuse every thing but specie that he had in July last; and he will, of course, exercise it in the same way, for Congress will have expressed no opinion against it. It is intended as a repeal of the order. It may operate as such, but it evades, it does not directly and straightforward compel the repeal.

I must leave the responsibility with those who sustain it,
and on whom that responsibility ought to rest.
[About the usual hour of adjournment, Mr. SOUTHARD
gave way for a motion for adjournment by Mr. EwING.
Before the Senate adjourned, however, Mr. RIVES
gave notice of his intention to modify his amendment to
Mr. EwING's resolution on the subject of the Treasury
order, so as to cause it to read as follows, viz:

"Resolved, That hereafter all sums of money accruing or becoming payable to the United States, whether for customs, public lands, taxes, debts, or otherwise, shall be collected and paid only in the legal currency of the United States, or in the notes of banks which are payable and paid on demand in the said legal currency, under the following restrictions and conditions in regard to such notes; that is, from and after the passage of this resolution, the notes of no bank which shall issue bills or notes of a less denomination that five dollars shall be received in payment of the public dues; from and after the 1st day of July, 1839, the notes of no bank which shall issue bills or notes of a less denomination than ten dollars, shall be receivable; and from and after the 1st of July, 1841, the like prohibition shall be extended to the notes of all banks issuing bills or notes of a less denom

2. It limits the notes which are to be received to the banks which do not now issue of a less denomination than five dollars, and shall not, after 1st July, 1839, those of ten dollars, and after 1st July, 1841, of twenty dollars. I have no great repugnance to this progression, although, I think, too rapid, and that the convenience and interest of the country will not be promoted by it. It is much more slow, however, than the locomotive progress of the proposed bill of the last session "to reestablish the currency of the constitution for the Federal Government." That brought us, in 1841, to the receipt of no notes of any bank which issued notes less than one thousand dollars, and no note after 1842. I prefer, for the present, the rule given in the deposite bill. Congress will retain the power of repealing this provision, if the circumstances of the country required it, I should not for it alone vote against the amendment. 3. I object also to the mixed discretion of the Secre-ination than twenty dollars; provided, however, that no tary and the banks which the amendment to the amend ment produces; and I prefer, when we legislate in regard to the currency, to do it directly, and in the ordinary forms of law.

But as

We are informed that we cannot agree to the resolution, because it will be a censure upon the Executive, but must take the amendment, which will avoid the action of the order, and not condemn the President. I should like to be informed what we can do, and what opinion we may express. We declared that we thought the act of the Executive in taking the public treasure from the legal depository was not justified by the constitution and laws, and we sinned so that our act is to be expunged. And now we may not, by legislative action, by law, repeal an order of the Executive which violates the laws, and regulates the currency and the sales of the public lands. What, I repeat, may we do? Under this doctrine the Executive has only to get ahead of Congress, do any act which his ambition or his caprice may dictate, and our mouths are closed, our legislative authority is gone, and we are powerless for any purpose but to approve the act of tyranny. It is a doctrine of servility and base subserviency. I cannot act upon it. Officially, I must do my duty; privately, I have no wish to censure or condemn. I can have no desire, sir, at this moment, to cast any censure there, which is not demanded by the obligations of public duty. When age and disease are obtaining their gloomy triumphs over the body and the intellect; when earthly honors are escaping with the rapidity of the passing hours; when sycophants and dependents are beginning to exhibit their conviction that their devotion is no longer required by their interests; and when a name which has gratified ambition and secured power is fast loosening its hold upon popular prejudice, credulity, and confidence, I

notes shall be taken in payment by the collectors or receivers, which the banks in which they are to be depos ited shall not, under the supervision and control of the Secretary of the Treasury, agree to pass to the credit of the United States as cash."

The amendment, thus amended, was ordered to be printed, and then the Senate, on motion of Mr. CLAY, adjourned over to Monday next.]

MONDAY, JANUARY 2.

Mr. KING, of Alabama, presented the credentials of the Hon. JOHN MCKINLEY, elected by the Legislature of the State of Alabama a Senator from that State, to serve for six years from the 4th of March next.

Mr. PRESTON appeared in his seat to-day.

LAND BILL.

Mr. WALKER, from the committee to whom it was referred, reported Mr. CLAY's land bill, with an amendment, striking out the whole bill save the enacting clause, and substituting another which restricts the sales of the public lands to actual settlers, and to them in small quantities, accompanied with many guards against its being evaded by speculators.

ADMISSION OF MICHIGAN.

Mr. GRUNDY moved that the previous orders of the day be postponed, for the purpose of considering the bill to admit the State of Michigan into the Union.

Mr. CALHOUN was opposed to the motion; the docoments accompanying the bill had but this morning been laid upon the tables, and no time had been allowed for even reading them over.

Mr. GRUNDY insisted on his motion. Of one point he was fully satisfied-that Michigan had a right to be

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