ANNALS OF CLEVELAND

302
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1838
Abstracts 1825 - 1827
POLITICS & GOVERNMENT - United States (Cont'd)
1825 - H&G Jan. 26; ed: 2/3, 4 - The important move of the present session
of Congress has been made by the introduction in the Senate on the 16th
inst. of a Sub-Treasury bill.
"Of the merits (If the measure we might make as summary a disposition,
by saying, that it is Locofoco from the crown of the head to the sole of
the foot; that all, who have not this term branded upon their foreheads,
will so designate the bill in question, requires not the skill of a seer
to determine ..••
"The measure may be carried; indeed, there have been intimations to
this effect for some time past from those who have the means of information
••••
"Should success, however, crown all these efforts, let it be remembered
that it only seals the ruin of the party. The promulgation of the
scheme has already placed the administration in a minority even where
their strength was greatest - what then must follow an attempt to force
it upon the people." (17)
1826 - H&G Jan. 27; ed: 2/2 - The Richmond ENQUIRER says that the Sub­
Treasury bill, in Congress, which increases the executive patronage, may
be defeated.
"The loss of the measure or its adoption is not of much importance to
the Whigs, however, if to the administration. The only difference is
this - the passage of the bill legalizes the present unauthorized management
of the Treasury Department. The scheme is in full force at present,
and will continue so in any event until the coming elections shall
have cleansed the Augean Stable. Indeed we have beard it suggested that
possibly Mr. Van Buren in the depth of his cunning anticipates the loss
of the bi 11, in which event, the Conservatives may be reclaimed, and at
the same time the Locos kept in good humor by its presentation to Congress
as a measure of the administration. The cunning that prompts to
such a course must be shallow indeed." (6)
H&G Feb. 3; ed:2/3 - See Panics & Depressions
1827 - H&G Feb. 8; ed:2/2 - The amendment, introduced by Mr. Rives, to
the Sub-Treasury bill, proposes a continuance of the pet bank system
modified, and in many respects for the better.
"It remains to be seen whether the Locofocos, with Silas Wright at
their head, will compromise with Mr. Rives, and his brother Conservatives,
and accept their substitute, or persist in adhering to the bill
now on the tapis.... The Whigs, too, have now to determine whether it
is their duty to accept of Mr. Rives' measure as the best alternative
offered ••.•
"Were we to guess concerning the fate of Mr. Rives' amendment, our
impression is, that the more moderate of both parties will favor it, but
that their number will scarcely be sufficient to ensure its adoption.
Time will show." (8)