Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-03-08
RESOLUTIONS.

into Committee of the Whole on the Resolu-
tons from the House Of Delegates on the sub
iect Of the Tariff, and Internal improvement
MIR. Chapman Johnson delivered an elaborate
argument against the first resolution, which de-
clares the tariff imposed by Congress for the
purpose ofencouraging domestic manufactures
was unconstitutional We did not hear his
speech, but understand that he opposed the re-
solution on the ground that II denied to Con-
gress power which they certainly possessed un-
der the constitution.
On yesterday, the consideration of the same
subject was resumed by the Senate on the mo-
ton Of Mr.. Clopton.
MIR. Page moved the indefinite postponemeDt
of the whole subject. He delivered his views
somewhat at large, in support Of his notion
Entertaining the opinions he did, it was impos-
sible for him TO vote for the resolutions He
declined entering into the discussion Of the con-
stitutional questions. But commended that il
the subject was one Of the great importance
that had been attached to il, it ought to have
been brought forward at an earlier period OF The
session. If the federal government had abused
its powers, the remedy was in the elective prin-
ciple. The acts now complained OF were not
of recen, origin. Since the tariff, and the sys-
tenn of Improvements had been recommended
and determined upon, successive elections had
been held and the majorities in Congress in Ia
vor of these measures had been constantly in
creasing. This was an expression of approba-
ton on the part of the people of the Union, not
without claims to consideration. Where was
the necessity for Virginia to show evidence of
the public will? The resolutions were nothing
less than an act Of hostility against the govern
ment for measures which her own presidents
had recommended. He commented on the in
cxpediency and impolicy of course which
would virtually deny TO ourselves participa-
ton in the benefits which we might otherwise
derive from the proposed Improvements on the
part of the general government
Mr.. Clopton opposed this motion, and sus-
tanned the resolutions at great length. The
greater part Of his remarks were in reply to
those made by Mr.. Johnson Of Augusta on the
day before On the tariff question he attempt
ed 10 show that the republican authorities Of
the country sustained the resolution. For this
purpose he had reference to, and read parts Of
the report of MIR. Hamilton on the subject OF ma
nufactures, and read the arguments OF MIR. Ma
dison's report in 'ee combating The principles
of that report. He also read part OF the mes
saees of Messrs. Jefferson and Madison to Con-
press. in which he insisted that they went no
farther than to recommend the encouragement
of domestic manufactures, by an exercise OF the
constitutional powers Of Congress. He also
had reference to the very able speech OF Mr.. F.
Barbour, in Congress, to show that tariff
imposed for the purpose ofprotecting manufac-
lures was in violation Of the spirit OF the con-
stituton On this branch of the subject as we'll
as on the question of roads and canals, he re-
capitulated the doctrines maintained by the re-
publican statesmen Of the country, and applied
them with ability TO the questions under con-
sideration.
MIR, Chapman Johnson opposed the motion
to postpone. He had been opposed to acting