381 1: CIRCULAR LETTER or CHITTENDEN LYON, n TO HIS COXSTITtJEXTS, Xn tftr Couflvcsfiifonal Bintvitt COMPOSED OF THE COUNTIES or Caldwell, Calloway, Graves, Hickman, McCrackin, Livingston, Union, and Trigg. IN THE STATE OF KENTUCKY. TF^SnijYGTOjy: Printed at J. Elliot's Office, Pennsylvania Arenae* 1835 To the Cilijit'iis oniic first Coiisressional District ol Kentucky. FELLOW CITIZENS: The political relationship of repre- sentative and constituent existing between us, being again about to lerminate bv the expiration of the constitutional term for wliich I was tlio^en to represent you in tlie 23d Congress, (ami perliaps forever.) 1 feel it my duty to address you in this manner, and give you some account of the pro- ceedings of that Congress. And at the outset permit me to congratulate you and the nation on the total extiIlgui^hment of tlie public debt, an event which has rarely occurred in the history of nations. \V|jen I had the honor of addressing you last, (two years ago) the country was threatened with civil war, iNulliiication and disunion: happily before the meeting ol the present Con- gress all danger from that source had for the present subsided, the discontents of our brethren of the south were allayed by the passage of what was commonly called the compromise bill. Hut amither subject of exciting interest had occurred, the government deposites had been removed from the Bank of the United States and its branches, and placed in the state banks by order ot the Secretary of the Treasury. This subject oc- cupied the attention of Congress during the whole of that session, to the exclusion of almost every other imporlaiit sub- ject, our tables were loaded with panic meiuorials, our halls resounded with panic speeches, which were printed at the expense of the Bank, and sent ofl by thousands, and tens of thousands, at the expense of the Post Oflice department, bear- ing the frank of members of (^ongrei«, prnphesving gencial ruin to the country, from this act of the government. And for a time Iiad a baneful eft'ect upon the commerce of the country, destroying confidence in man and man to the ruin of many. At that time I thought the removal of the deposites premature, but inasmuch as liiere was no prospect of the United States Bank being rechartered, I voted against a res- toration of the deposites, believing it would not remodv the evil complained of, and that the friends of the Bank ur^ed ... o this measure in the hopes to obtain a recharter of that institu- tion: subsequent events have satisfied my mind that the re- moval (if the deposites, was a prudent and patriotic measure. The refusal of the president and directors to permit an exam- ination into its affairs, by a committeeappointed by the House of Representatives to investigate its concerns, and the with- holding a portion of the dividends, due the United States, on her seven millions of stock, on pretence of damages incurred on a protested bill of exchange, ilrawn on the French govern- ment, fjr which tlie Bank had in fact not paid a dollar, with- out the sanction of law or usage: And the (levelopements made by the committee of finance of the Senate in the recess of Congress, a majority of whicli committee were known to be friendly to that institution, and who for tliat rea.son were per- mitted to make a partial examination, by which it appears atimng other abuses, that the bank had expended large sums for printing speeches, essays and reports for the purpose of influencing the elections, subsidizing the public press and perpetuating her charter, has confirmed me in that opinion. I will give you a few of the items of extraordinary expendi- tures, taken from Mr Tyler's report. Senate document No. 17. 2d Session, !23d Congress. The Bank of tlie United States expended for other than ordinary printing for the year, 18-29, S 105 50 1830, 5,876 67 18.31, 11,153 2-li 183-2, 18,490 79^ 1833, 3,193 03 1834, 20,184 01 Tolal expenditure from Jan. 1, 18-29 to) j.^ _ ._„ ^^ Sept. 30, 1834 for extraordinary printing 5 '' 29,005 00 SG4,r08,25 To which if there be added tlie expend!-"^ tines by (he President til" (lie liaiik on ! his own order, uilhout vt)uchers, un- C der a resolution of 11th (d' March 18S1.J The extraordinary expenditures fion> the 1st Junuaiy ISxl'J to 5Uih S^eptember 1834 will amount to the sum of among the items j^iven for the extraordinary printing the first iralf of the last year ending SOth of June 1834 will be found the following: (It would exceed the limits of a circu- lar to so into detad of the whole,) To UulVGreen, for print- 'ng 50,000 copies of Webster's Speech; 25,000 Copies ol Clay's Speech 100,000 Calhoun's Speech, and 65,000 Mc- Duflie's Speech, 9,200 dollars. To Gales. & Seaton for print- ing Clay's, Binney's, Soutiiard'ri, Huatiiigton's, ^^^ebster's, Poindexter's, Spr.igue's, Frelinghuysen's Ewing's, Archer's, Adams', Allen's, of Kentucky, Uixon's, and Ilanlin's Speech- es and copies of sundry reports, Paper, Seals, envelopes &c. the sum (d 815,632 51 cents Instead of the general ruin and dismay which was prophesied would pervade the Country in consequence of the removal of the deposites and which the above mentioned Speeches, were calculated to impress on the minds of the peo[)le, we have seen it followed up by a greater degree of prosperity than was ever before witnessed. 1 am not however so much blinded by |)arty zeal, nor so little acquainted with the pro- per causes of events and their natural consequences as to at- tribute it to (he financial operations of ttie Government alone. A gold and silver currency is rapidly coming into circula- tion, over winch every man has an ecjual control. It is that currency, which the framers of the constitution intended to estabrL>ii, one not liable to iluctuation and decay, but steady and unifoim in its nature. It oidy remains for the State Legislatures to restrict the issue, and circulation of bank notes of a less denomination than S5 or SIO, and then we have a currency on a sure and solid basis. The receipts into tlie Treasury, lor the last current year, are more than suflicient to meet all the expenditures of the government. TJie State Banks, which have been substituted in lieu cf the United States' Bank, as auxiliai ies to aid in the receipts and disburse- ments of the Treasury, have met the most sanguine expecta- tion?, and afford the most ample proof of their entire capacHv to discharge the same. A bill was introduced and passed tlie House of Representatives, at the last session, rej^ulating and defining the manner in which the public dcposites shall be made in the local Banks, with a view to their safety and transmission to such places as they may be required for dis- bursement, wliich faik'd in the Senate ; it has again been introduced at the present session, discussed and amended, and I hope will become a law. The expenditures of (lie government has greatly increased since the adoption of the present constitution, and must in- crease in some departments of the government, as we in- crease in population and wealth. The following table will shew the annual progressive increase in the public expenditures from 1791 to 1834, inclusive. i7 13,807,220 1824 - 31,898,538 1795 - 10,435.009 1810 • 13,319,980 1825 - 23,585,804 1790 8,367,770 1811 . I3,6t1l,808 1 1826 - 24,103,398 1797 8,626,012 1812 - 22,279,121 1827 - 22,656,764 1798 8,019,517 1813 • 39,190,520 1828 - 25,459,479 1799 - 11,077,043 1 1814 - S8,028,2S0 1829 - 25,044,358 ISOO - 11,9S9,739 1815 . 39,582,493 1830 - 24,585,281 ISdl - 12,273,376 1816 V 48,244,495 1831 - S0,O.S8,446 180-2 - l.?,27G,OS4 1817 . 40,877,046 1832 - 34,356,698 180,5 - 11,258,983 1S18 « 35,101,875 1833 - 24,257,298 ISOV 1 2,624,0 il) 1819 - 24,004,199 1834 - 25,591,390 18U5 - 13,r27,ll4 ^ 1 820 " 21,763,024 It may well be asked how it is that s;) mucli is annually consumed ? I answer it is owing to the improvident legisla- tion of Congress. We not unfrequently hear this Adminis- tration charged with being more profligate in its expemli- tures than any preceding one ; and this sin, is by interested partisans, laid at tin- dour of the Execulirc : v. hen every one who reads the coii-tilution knows full well that the Presid- ent, nor no other oflicer c f the government can expend one dollar until it has been appropriated by Congress. This charge has not been confined to out-door politicians, but has been repeatedly made on the fioor of Congress, and by those who wa's never known (o vote against an appropriation of money, whatever its extravagance might be. The President in all his annual communications lo Con- gress has recommended economy and retrenchmenl, and in some few instances from a solemn sense of duty, felt con- strained to interpose his constitutional veto to appropriation bills, and for which exercise he has been charged with usur- pation and tyranny, and trampling tlie constitution nnder- foot, by the very individuals, who now charge him and his Administration with wasting public money. I have uniform- ly voted against the increase of Executive patronage, against the increase of salaries to officers, and for the reduction of many, and against extravagant appropriations of money (un- less the appropriation for removal of Indians and for carry- ing into effect Indian treaties may be considered as such.) It depends mucii upon the people through their representa- tives to prevent this growing evil. The Post Office Department has l>een a subject of much abuse and detiaction, during the last three years. At the last session of Congress each House appointed a committee to sit during the recess to examine its affairs, and report to the present session, which has been done. These reports iiavc gone forth to the country, whereby an unbiassed and impartial community Mill be able to judge for themselves.: there is a report from the majority and minority of each com- mittee differing very materially as to the result of certain facts. It is not my intention to enter upon the defence of the Postmaster General, I think the extra allowances, in some instances have been extravagant, for the extra service render- f.d,, but I believe I may venture to assert, that there is no charge of moral turpitude against that officer, for those who know him best, believe him incapable of doing any act which would compromise his honor and integrity, as an officers or as a man. My opinion upon this subject, is, that there is, and has ever been a loose manner, and want of regular system in conducting the financial affairs of that extensive and daily increasing department ; and tiiat no one individual whatever may be his abilities or industry, is capable of examining min- utely into its various concerns, and that he must depend greatly on the information afforded him by subordinates, by wliom he may have been deceived, and that most of the*ated assurances, that the subject should again be presented to, and urged upon the considera- tion of the Chambers at their first meeting, which took place in July last, and the 29th of December having been fixed on as the day of their next meeting, the president in his an- nual message at the commencement of the session, after re- viewinj; the cause of disa^-reement between the two countries* recommended to Congress to pass a law '"authorizing reprisals upon French property, in case provision should not be made for the payment of tlie debt at the approaching session of the French Cliambers." Tlie subject was referred to tlie appro- priate committees in both houses of Congress: subsequently to the reception of the President's message, information reached tliis country that the French Chambers had been con- voked to meet on the first Monday in D ecember the day on which Congress assembled. The convening of the Chambers at an earlier day, and the probability tliat they would act at once upon our claims and make the necessary appropriation, materially changed the aspect of affairs, and the committee on foreign relations in the Senate, made an elaborate report which ended in a resolution declaring, that "It was inexpe- dient at present, to adopt any legislative measure in regard to the state of allHirs between the United States and France,"' which was unanimously concurred in. In the House of Rep- resentatives the committee have not yet reported. Hopes were entertained that the next arrivals from France would have brought information that the government was about to do us justice, that the appropriation would be made and our difficulties amicably adjusted, and friendly relations restored. The president's message reached Paris about the 8th of Jan- uary, (at which time no steps had been taken in relation to our claim,) and created considerable sensation. Mr Serrurier the minister trom France to this government, was instantly recalled,and our minister at that court, Mr Livingston, notified that his passports were at his service, and an open rupture seemed probable, more recent advices have been received, 10 that the French minister of foreign affairs had presented to the Chamber of deputies a bill to provide for the appropria- tion of the 25 millions of francs, and that there was a fair prospect of its passage into a law, and further that Mr Lir- ingston woulil not leave France unless ordered so to do. No oflicial dispatches have been received from Mr Livingston since the message was received in France, we are in dailj expectation of another arrival with despatches from him, but they cannot now be received in time to be definitively acted upon by the present Congress which must terminate in a few days. It is to be hoped that there will be no occasion for fur- ther action on our part, for war is at all times to be depreca- ted, more especially with our ancient friend and ally, and should not be resorted to on slight provocation, our institu- tions of government are essentially pacific, the sum in contro- versy is but 23 million francs, less than five million dollars, the debts of the revolutionary and late war amounting to more than a hundred million, have just been paid olTto the last cent, and unless for very cogent reasons we should not create another debt of like magnitude. Should we be forced into a war witii France, it will, in all probability, be entirely a maritime one, and would greatly interrupt our trade and commerce, but it would bear equally hard on France, if not more so. I for one would not be wil- ling to go to war merely for the paltry sum of five millions, bu^ when naticmal honor is concerned and our government in- sulted, wore the sum in controversy, not one dollat, I would say, "go ahoadi*' and Avliere is the patriot and true lover of liis country that would not stand ready to defend her nation- al honor at every lia/.auir I'pon this subject there can be but one opinion — war, before dishonor ! It is known to you, tliit our present Chief Magistrate has repeatedly urged upnn Cr)nu:ress the propriety of so amend- ing the conslitutidn as to limit the tenure of the Presidency to one term — and to prevent in any event, the election de- volving on the House of Representatives. The recommen- >a(y of Greenville. I introduced a resolution instructing the committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to enquire into the expediency of establishing an agency IVu* p-ivi^-g pensions south of Green river — which resulted in a bill whicli establishes an agency at Russellviile, or surli place as a branch of the state Bank, may be located south of Green river, and provides that all pensioners residing in the counties, composing the three southern Congressional districts shall be paid there, after the first of May next, (if the bank goes into operation) instead of Lexington, wlien they arc now paid. 'J his bill has passed, and will be a great convenience to many of the old soldiers. Further appropriations were miule to continue (lie improve- ments to (lie naviijaiion of Oiiio and Mis'^issifipi rivers. A bill was introduced, providing for (lie purchase of the stock owned by individuals in (he Louisville and Portland canal, by the United States, a'ul reducing (he t(d!s to a sufiicicnt sum to keep the canal in repair — which bill faiied. 1 voted in favor of it, I consider the woik a national one. and I be- lieve the reduction of the tolls to a nominal sum, would ben- efit the commerce of (he west — and because I was requested to do so, by a joit^t resolution of the Legislature of Kentucky. I have thu=, fellow Citizens, called youi attention (o some of the most proinifient subjects of national importance, the limits of a circular will not permit me to do nuire. and in 12 doing this, my object has been to pursue brevity and candour rather than elegance of style or multiplicity of words. In a very few days the political connexion which has existed be- tween us for the last eight years will bedissulved: during the time I have had the honor to be your representative I have been an attentive member, not a noisy one: I have endea- voured to act up to the principles which brought me into Con- gress: I have given a uniform support to the leading measures of both administrations under whicli I have served, without playing the part of a sycopliant or that of a violent partisan, In high party times like the present I know it is impossible to please all, I trust however all will do me the justice to ad- mit that I have acted with honest intentions, for the good of our common country; I have ever been to a certain extent in favour of tiie republican doctrine of rotation in oflUce, and having served a full presidential term I beg leave to retire for a season from fioliticid strife and turmoil to private life — And however much I may regret our political separation at a time when our country may possibly be involved in a war with a powerful tiuropean nation, I must throw myself upon your indulgence, when I say that the happiness of a young and growing family, mainly dependant on my exertions for sup- port makes it necessary for me to pursue this course. The lime may arrive when my pecuniary aft'iirs (deranged by I'ong absence and inattention.) and other circumstances may permit me to serve you again, should that time ever an ive you may comniand my humble service?. Rest assured that, in whatever situation fortune may place me, I shall l0v)k back to the time spent in your service as tlie proudest em of my life, and that I shall always bear in grate- ful remembrance the honor conferred on me bv your unbouulit »uftVages, anil the conlidence uniformly reposed in my exer- ion to serve vou. Very Kespectfully, Your Friend an«l Fellow Citizen, CHITTEXDEN LYOX. TVaJiinglon Clti/, Feb. 2bth 1835, 13 P. S. Since the foregoing was written, odicial despatches have been received by our Government from Mr Livingston, to the iGth of January, confirming the information before re- ceived from France. The President in his niessage transmitting copies of the correspondence between Mr Livingston and Count de Rig- nv, after the reception of his message, and the correspon- dence between Mr L. and Mr Forsyth, ("in which Mr. L. gives as his opinion, that the appropriation will be made,) and between Mr Forsyth and MrSerrurier before his depar- ture, says, "It will be seen that 1 have deemed it my duty to instruct Mr Livingston to quit France with his legation, and return to the United States, if an a|)propriation for the fulfilment of the Convention shall be refused by the Cham- bers." The Committee on Foreign Relations in the House of Re- presentatives have made a report which is annexed: Mr Cambreleng, from the Committee on Foreign AfTaiis, made the followintj — Mmssrt t Tlie committee on Foreign Aft'iiirs, to which was refLMTed so much of (he President's Message as concerns our political relations with France, and the correspondence between the ministers of the two Governments, REPORT : That, at an early peried of the session, the committee took into consideration the question of authorisintr reprisals, and continued from time to time to discuss various motions and resolutions sub- mitted by its difTerent members. Tliey could, however, concur in no proposition ; and in that condition, a majority deemed it expedi- ent t*o postpone their decision till further intelligence should be rev ceived from France. The committee had, within the week past twice instructed its chairman to report resolutions, but the arrival of additional intellitrcnce caused a suspension of these reports until au offijiial communication should be received from the Executive. — Tliat comuninii^ition places the relations between the two countries in a novel and interesting position. Wliile there is satisfactory evidence that the French Government earnestly desires that lh« ap- u propriation for indemnity should be made in pursuance of the stfp- ulations of the treaty, and while there is reason to hope that the Chamber of Deputies will adopt that measure, and faithfully dis- charge (he obligations of France to the United States, it is, on the on the other hand, to be feared that the conduct of that government has placed us in a posiiion at least embarrassing, even should it not produce an entire suspension of diplomatic intercourse between the two' nations. In this new position of our relations, it is deemed ex- pedient to dispense with further discussion on the subject of nonin- tercourse with, and reprisals on the commerce of, France, to which the attention of the committee had been directed, and to leave the question of our political relations with that government to the next Congress, whose action will, no doubt, be governed by the course which France may deem it expedient to pursue. We are not yet informed what may have been the decision of the king of the French as to the dismissal of our minister; nor can we conjecture what maybe the fate of the appropiiation in the Chamber of Deputies. — "While the committee is unwilling to anticipate any but an amicable and favorable result in both cases, it must be recollected that the king and the Chamber may decide adversely to the interests and harmony of the two nations. Such a decision on the part of France, however it may be regretted by the people of both countries, who have great and growing interests, commercial and political, to che- rish, may lead to a result upon which the committee, whilein doubt and while a hope remains, will not enlarge. The committee is therefore of opinion that, at such a crisis, when events may occur which cannot be anticipatid, and which may lead to important consequences in our external relations, it would notdis- charge its duty to the country if it did not express a firm resolution to insist on the full execution of the treaty of ll?31, and if it did not recommend to the House a contingent preparation for any emergen- cy which may grow out of onr relations with France previous to the next meeting of Congress. It is a gratifying circumstance that our means arc adequate to meet any exigency without recourse to loans or taxes. The bill now before the House, authorizing the sale of our stock in the Bank of the United States, would, if adopted, afford all the revenue necessary. The committee is of opinion that the whole or a part of ihe fund to be derived t'rom that source should bo appropriated for the purpose of arming our fortifications, and for ma- king other military and naval preparations for the defence of tho country, in case such expenditures should become necessary beforu tho next meeting of Congress. 'I'he committee, tlureforo, submit the following resolutions for th« consideration of tho Hou90; 15 Raolved, That it would be incompatible with the rights and honor of the United States further to negotiate in relation to the treaty en- tered into by France on the 4th July, 1831, and that this Uouse will insijrt upon its execution as ratified by both Governments. Resolved, That the Committee on Foreign Afl'airs be discharged from the further consideration of so much of the President's mes- sage as relates to commercial restrictions, or to reprisals on the com- merce of France, Resolved, That contingent preparation ought to bo made to meet any emergency growing out of our relations with France. And at the time I am writing (Iiis, the resolutions are un- der discussion — mav be amended, but the substance will pro- bably be retained and adopted. - Washington, February 28, 1835. c^