The Columbia Democrat

SPECIE-THE BANKS.

In 1828 there was but twenty millions of dollars of specie in the United States, but owing to the wise policy of Gen. Jackson's administration, it had increased last year to the enormous amount of Eighty millions of dollars. This sum was in the vaults of the different Banks when they suspended specie payments about a month since; and if we examine their last report to the Auditor General we find the fact recorded under oath, that they had more specie in their vaults at that time than at any previous period of their existence. Then why stop specie payments? Is it for the benefit of the farmer, the mechanic, or the Working man? Far from it. The object of the Banks is of a different nature entirely. As monied concerns, they wish to render all classes subservient to the influence of wealth; and, as a political party, they are attempting to force the charter of a National Bank by Congress, to re-enact the scenes of bribery and corruption which we can all recollect distinctly, and to control our markets and our ballot boxes by their circulation of rags. A short time hence, and their intentions will be disclosed. The Congress which assembles in September will be called upon to carry their designs into effect; and if the bargain and sale principle which procured a re-charter of the United States Bank by our legislature be not adopted, it will be owing to the previously ascertained integrity of the democratic representatives.

Let the people examine the villainous system of Banking-let them elect none but instructed representatives to carry out their determinations of reform in that quarter; and we shall no more hear of bribery and treachery-of embarrassment in the monetary concerns of our country--of suspension of specie payments-or the illegal circulation of shin-plasters. Look at the concert of action among the Banks from one extreme end of the Union to the other-all pursuing the same oppressive policy at the same time—and all attributing the cause to the operations of one another. Were they not instructed in this matter by the Thirty Five millions Monster? Can FREEMEN bow to such dictation? If so, then must they suffer the consequences; but we know that the same imperious tones which were pronounced by the voice of the country against the Monster and its Satellites, will again be reiterated with double force and effect. The Monied Oligarchy must be put down, or our civil institutions will be at the mercy of their enemies.