PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR 367 the nation's, and have as little right to be made the fiducial agents of the government. If it be proper to extend franchises to one class of our fellow citizens, comprehending generally but few in number, why may they not be claimed by all; and why throw impedini~nts in the way of any man's participating in them? If a few men may become bankers, and throw their equivocal and precarious paper currency upon the community; why not let every man be a banker, and abandon your circulating medium to the illimitable cupidity of private specu- lation? The planter, the mechanic and the laborer, are as much entitled to the immunities and privileges of the government, as the speculator, or the n;ioney dealer. Let all trades be free. Let all rights be equal. The constitution has so ordained it, and so let us carry it into practice. The fostering hand of legislation should be extended to all classes of society. Each individual of a patriotic people, cher- ishes, supports, and defends the government; and none have a peculiar and exclusive claim to rewards or privileges in the exercise of their industry. If banking be profitable, let that profit enure to the republic. If the people must pay an interest for the use of money to facilitate their legitimate operations, let them bestow their sacri- fices, not upon the mercenary, but where it will promote the public welfare, and in the process of time revert to their own advantage. I therefore solemnly adjure the honorable congress that they will withhold their sanction from all applications for banking privileges; and in no wise permit any private interests to be commingled in the great national institution to which I have invited their consideration. Ours is the age o~ mind, brought into active, and vigorous utility, as exemplified in the various inventions, improvements, and the gen- eral advancement of all the arts of peace and civilization. The pur- suits and habits of mankind, as well as the destinies of nations. are undergoing a rapid and essential change by the mastery achieved,over the elements, and the subjection of the herculean powers of nature ,o the purposes of life. Nor have the principles of free government remained stationary amidst this great intellectual progression; for our democratic institutions have spread, and are still extending their humanizing and ennobling influences over distant and benighted people, who have long been the victims of despotic sway, inspiring them with those elevated feelings of equality and justice so essential to the peace and welfare of the world, and which we fo~dly hope will continue to widen and strengthen with the growth of knowledge, until they shall be so consolidated against hereditary power as to form a strictly American continental policy, as contra distinguished from that of European dynasties. We should stand admonished by the spirit of the times, to push forward with becoming energy and zeal, in what- ever is connected with the stability and glory of government, and the dignity and happiness of man. Texas is the youngest among the family of nations, and may be justly pronounced the fairest, and the freest, inasmuch as she stands unblemished in her conduct, and is unencumbered with the checks and qualifications which neutralize the true principles of liberty.. To you, gentremen, the preservation of her honor, and the promotion of her interests, have been confided by the highest of all human authority, the sovereignty of the people.
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