Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-06-29

tinue their opposition with a perseverance wor-
thy Of a better cause Awaiting themselves Of
the irritations and divisions incident to a late
contested election, and e~nlisting under the ban
ners of a distinguished name, they have taken
fresh courage. and assail the further progress of
our manufacture with renovated vigor. Prior
to that event, they had contented themselves
with controverting the policy of encouragement;
and no Statesman in Congress had been seen
| bold enough seriously to question the right Of
Congress to afford it. But now the Legislature
Of a distinguished State, after long deliberation,
and mature consideration, has solemnly resolv-
ed that Congress does not possess the po,0er TO
counleract foreign legislation by laws Of self
protection. From the very commencement Of
the Government, and throughout all the stages
Of lis existence, in peace and in war, the power
has been asserted and exercised. Ii is delegat-
ed by more than one clause in the Constitution
Under the authority to regulate with
foreign nations, we have seen the power exer-
cised TO suspend, for long and indefinite peri
DDS, commercial intercourse with all nations,
and especially with Great Britain and France.
The power to regulate our foreign m
is plcnary, clear, and explicit; and, if the clause
which conveys 1t is not adapted to the purpose,
human language is incompetent to supply the
appropriate terms. Under another clause, also
full and explicit, the power is granted 10 lay i'm
posts, without Limitation as to amount, and has
been exercised to an extent far beyond the wish
es Of the friends Of the America system 10 APP
ply 10 il.
i hope the vigor of this new attack upon the
system will be met by corresponding vigor in
its defence. Let us treat our antagonists with
the greatest respect, and be tender even of their
prejudices. But, faithful to measures, let us
c,~ol, .~n,o onl -o -n,t., ~ tko
other side, by concert and cooperation on ours
Let us oppose mind 10 mind. and e~xerlion to ex-
%ertion; and, if we must fail-if the bright pros
poets which lie before us are to be dissipated
and destroyed, let there be no occasion for re-
preaching ourselves. IF our opponents can
make themselves the majority, however much
we may deplore the issue Of the struggle, we
will bow with submission and Difference 10 the
will Of the majority. II, as ] hope, our system
is preserved and improved, ! will now hazard
the prediction, thai, in less than twenty years,
the value Of our exported manufactures will
exceed in amount that Of all the exports OF raw
produce from our country.
To me it has been a source of the greatest
satisfaction; that / have ever been an humble
CO operator with the representation from Penn
~sylvania in supporting the good cause. only
seconded the efficient and able exertions OF her
distinguished sons, some of whom represented
this city. Indeed, throughout a public service
in the National Councils, which commenced
more than twenty years ago, it has been my
happiness never to differ with that state on any
measure of national policy. / will notmake any
exception ofthe Missouri Question, because
agreed with her in the abstract on the subject
of slavery, and in all practical and constitution
al means of Kidding the country OF its evils, and
she ultimately hailed the amicable settlement
of that threatening question with patriotic joy.
.-;,l. -pc~~s"iyania
and that was 4 difference in relation TO men,
not measures. 1t was not among the most IN
considerable reasons which induced me on that
occasion TO make the selection which l did, that
I thought the measures which Pennsylvania ap
proved would be safer under the administrator
of our present Chief Magistrate. / knew his
opinions, and / have not been disappointed. l
did not certainly know the opinions OF his great
rival. l had my fears, and succeeding events
have not been Of a nature TO quiet them.
I differed from you only about men. We
did not disagree about the business OF the ma.
,ional family. You wanted one Foreman: !
| thought, under the guidance OF another, our
work would be better planned and executed, our
accounts better kept and settled, and all parts
of the concern would enjoy higher prosperity.
we QlUeTCu OulJ dOoul ~
commit the national ship to a gallant
er. / thought that was not his element, and
preferred another, who possessed, l believe,
more skill and experience; and under whose
command 1 thought the ship, and the crew, and
| the cargo, would be safer and happier.
You were ac,ua,ed by one Of the noblest OF
virtues. too acknowledge its sway. But
willis, military merit is no disqualification, but,
when accompanied by other requisite attain
men,s. may be a reason for civil promotion,
standing, as it appeared TO me, alone, ! did not
think we could prudentIy en,rust the Chief ma
~gis,racy of this great country to the distinguish
ed object of your choice. I felt with you the
obligations of Irrational gratitude. But thought
they should be fulfilled in other forms. Let fhe
public gratitude manifest itself in just and ade-
oua,e rewards drawn from the public treasure
Let inspired poets sing the praises oil our mill,
tary and naval commanders. Let the ehisel
and the pencil preserve their faithful images Tor
the qualification Of the present and future gene
%ratiens. Let the impartial historian faithfully
record their deeds of glory and renown, Tor tie
admiration and The imitation OF posteri'y.
say, too, in the language Of a departed sage