against the Bankers by an action, still he has such confidence in their integrity and honor that he is willing to incur any risk, and take their paper freely, and without fear.

"His confidence does not weaken my argument, the validity of Bank notes must not depend on such a frail foundation. I want not the honor of any man, or any body of men pledged to me for such purposes. I will trust to the honor of no one, for it is not right that I should be referred to this, where I can better support my claims on legal rights, and legal abilities.

"Of the individuals who compose the Company I may probably be willing to speak in as high terms as that Honorable gentleman. With all of them I am sufficiently acquainted— at least to know the high character they possess—I shall certainly say nothing of any one which it would be unfit that he should hear. I would speak but of their conduct as bankers, and of the character of their paper and proceedings which are now subjects in which the public is concerned. I shall speak my sentiments with the boldness, and freedom which becomes a Member of this House, nor think an apology necessary. I am aware of their power, and influence, though I may not know the whole extent of them, and it is this very circumstance that makes it more necessary that this house should guard against their abuse. To leave with them the uncontrolled power of issuing such paper I consider to be highly dangerous. They may be above all suspicion, and be numbered among the honorable of the land, but cases may arise with respect to their notes in which even they may avail themselves of their exemption from a legal liability to pay them in any manner whatever."

He concludes—"In this as in other matters we may all lie under the influence of immediate interest, or personal friendships, or be swayed by some other indirect, and perhaps unknown views. I may be equally liable to this suspicion, but in a measure in which the public interests are concerned, I think we should all form an opinion without regard to private considerations and with a desire to promote the public good."