Gentlemen, I have had men watching you for a long time and…
““Gentlemen, I have had men watching you for a long time and I am convinced that you have used the funds of the bank to speculate in the breadstuffs of the country. When you won, you divided the profits amongst you, and when you lost, you charged it to the bank. You tell me that if I take the deposits from the bank and annul its charter, I shall ruin ten thousand families. That may be true, gentlemen, but that is your sin! Should I let you go on, you will ruin fifty thousand families, and that would be my sin! You are a den of vipers and thieves.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Jackson condemns corrupt banking practices that exploit public funds for personal gain, warning of widespread harm if left unchecked.
In simple terms: He calls out bank officials for misusing deposits and harming families.
Key Takeaway
Expose and stop financial corruption.
Themes
corruption
responsibility
justice
Mood
our
determined
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- legislative hearings
- financial audits
- public advocacy
- policy reform
Key Concepts
banking
political accountability
public trust
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens hold financial institutions accountable?
- What safeguards prevent similar abuses today?
A Different Perspective
Banks may argue they stabilize the economy, but misuse outweighs benefits.