Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-10-30

IL
ing for. This would be truly throwing away
the kernel and Keeping the shell. Neither the
people nor the legislature can be deceived ~
such shallow pretences. There is no more pro-
liability tina. the Southern States will adoPt
such prohibitions, ban~ihere is that they WIZ
issue declaration Of war against the inhapf.
ants OF the moon. But To return to The excise.
TO Judge OF the future by the past, il is not
violent presumption 10 assume that our citlzens
will not turn informers, even TO execute an ex'
else upon their fellow citizens. To what other
expedient will the supporters OF this system re :.
sor,?-Will they create an army OF excise men!
DO so; the larger the numbPr, the greater Will
be the hosannas to their wisdom: provided they
give them good ia, salaries. But who are TO
pay them? The answer TO this question will
scatter these cormorants that perch on the
treasury Of every country" II has been also
suggested that all retailers must be licensed,
anc an oath required Of them that will enforce
The system. believe this is as poor staff 10
depend on as any other. This is making Sc
rious subiec, Of il. would write oft gravely;
but it will answer no goDd purpose TO shut our
eyes, in order that we may be more readily de-
ceived Every one, whose du'y or engagements
have made him familiar with the details OF
commercial life, has had ample reason 10 regrei
which are 10 be found in every other profession,
exists in this. II from the sacred desk mentiave
been elected, because OF their vices, i: Is not
rronouncins a stigma on The retailers 10 say,
some of their number also may be base Whrn
avarice, or an inordinate desire Of wealth, seiz
es the mind. oatbs serve rather 20 augment than
70 chase away guilt. Oalhs then ATE bu poor
aids. when intrres, forbds the truth, or profit
Invites TO fal,rhnod. Thele will be some who,
under every circumstance, will tell the whole
truth, whether they speak or swear; others will
scorn 10 Ui0laie but will value themselves OF
their skill t. Grade the law: while Others again,
will swear falsely without wink. In this view,
therefore, the very measure relied on 10 en-
force, b. comes a substantial objection 10 the
sy stem Itself because The same oath which
dpprives the highly honorable OF business, is
an enormous bounty 10 The rogue.
Bot wherefore shall we examine the irieze
and cornices, the arcEitrave and stucco Of d
building when we know that It's foundation IS
rotten and sinking under j.? hold, that 10 ex-
cud> domestic fabrics, Or other articles OF mer-
cbaudise, for The purpose OF counleractiDg the
tariff, is, in spirit and intent, as mach ,iola-
ton Of the constitution as the tariff itself |
ADM, freely that The Legislature may impose
an excise on those articles, for specific, bona
fGe object, not inhibited by the constitution;
but surely the professed object Of this system,
is no, such one. Every law OF the U. States,
as Of this State, is o! force until altered or re-
p aled, according 10 the methods provided in
the constitution. reed no, say the Tariff Jaws
are Of force, il is The sub jec' Of all our COM
plants, that they are. The Legislature may
: think that they are Unconstitutional; but II has
mode Of getting rid oil them except by Con-
gress, or a decision Of the United States Court.
speak of constitutional rights, and no: Of the
power which may be e1erted, with Or without
rights, by a sovereign State. Blu, The Tele-
scope has said Mr.. M'Dufie spoke advisedly
on this subject; and his great name and talents
are brought forward, to bear down all opposi.
ton Of great men, have learned one fact
from experience; altho' they err much less fire.
quenlly than common men, when they do, their
errors, like themselves, are great also. Al this
place, cannot look at the case Of Brown VS.
Maryland, which seems TO be relied on. am
under an impression that il is in the argu-
menl of Judge Marshall, not the decision Of the
court that reliance is mainly placed. BE this
as il may, the uniform decisions Of the United
States Court, on constitutional law, warrant
me in believing Vt will never hesitate 10 decide
any State law unconstitutional that goes 10 re-
peal, counterfeit or abb ogaie law Of the Unit
ed States which il considers unconstitutional.
The Legislature Of South Carolina enacls a law,
in letter, spirit, and INTENT to counter &C, law
Of Congress; for the purpose OF relieving its CT
tzens from its operation. Is there uris con-
suit 10 81 found, who does not believe, the court
will decide against the contemplated state law?
Whatever may be the decision Of the court,
The community believe the tariff is uncohsitu
,ional. However artifce may have concealed
the real ohjec;, and made it to conform, with
technical sublety, 10 revenue law. it still bears
on its front, to the disgrace Of Congre ssionai
legislation, the impress Of falsehood. Its this
that frets and worries us; and almost sets wise
men beside themselves. One declares, the Ia.
riff being unconstitutional, he has The right, as
an individual, to resist the law. shall no, seek
to disturb any gentleman, in the estimate he
may choose to put, OIL his indi, idual rights.
cannot help thinking, however, ,ha, thi, right
is about as valuable as mine 10 get d, unk: they
are worth very little in h,ory; and in practice
nothing. Again, ii is urged by another, that
the compact among the States being violated,