Gentlemen, it is the currency, the currency of the country,–it is this great subject, so interesting, so vital, to all classes of the community, which has been destined to feel the most violent assaults of executive power. The consequences are around us and upon us. Not unforeseen, not unforetold, here they come, bringing distress for the present, and fear and alarm for the future… its object was merely to increase executive power.
- Daniel Webster, March 15, 1837; Works 1:362