Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-03-28

oeSree OF pcrIeCuon WHICH they nave already
attained, under the fostering care Of Govern
ment! And yet he must be an inexperienced
or sleeping mariner, who does not see gather
ing storm that threatens, at no distant day, to
destroy that system under which the mechanic
and manufacturing arts have so greatly pros
pered. IL would be folly and madness TO shut
our eyes and conceal from ourselves The fact,
that great, and fear doubtful struggle is
just at hand. The Hall of the House OF Rep
resentatives will be its theatre; and at the next
session of Congress the tug Of war will be there
exhibited.
/ hope the American System may survive the
impending contest. Sustained, as in my humble
Judgment it is, both by the Constitution and
by the soundest policy, it ough, to prevail. But
il, in its origin, it had been doubtful; if it had
been even wiser to have disregardeG the e1pen>
rience Of all great nations, and TO have suffered
the infan, arts to make their unassis,ed way, a.
gains, the overwhelming competiti on from the
prac,ised skill and lorg accumulated capitals oil
riva! nations, the question which is now pre-
scented is totally different. The policy OF pro-
lection has been soiemnly adopted and pro-
claimed BY the Government, not once only, but
again and again. Under faith oft, capital has
been invested, large establishments formed, and
the industry Of thousands OF our fellow citizens
applied To abandon, at this time, the policy
thus sanctioned, would manifest an unsteadi-
ness and caprice discredirable TO Government.
II would inflict the greatest injustice and cruz
city on individuals, and be proauctiv. OF ca
family 20 the nation. In the affairs Of Govern
ment, there is a vast difference between the in
stiiution and the abolition of measures OF ma
tional policy. When a scheme to advance the
general prosperity is first proposed, il may be
conscientiously opposed by statesman who,
after il has been carried into practical opera,
ton, would no, feel himself justified in voting
its repeal.
We have, fellow cirizens, just terminated
long arduous, and embitiered contest Tor the
ofh,e of Chief Magistra, of our country, l,
ragged with violence which we ought to hope
will no, be often exhibited. During its contin-
vance, society was shook TO It's cer,re, and the
most intima,e ties Of come xion were rent as
sunGer. The will ofthe majority has been ex,
pressed, and he will Of the majority should be
respected. In our free institutions, popular
elections are happily frequent. But unless we
mean to perpe,uate feuds, and render immor-
tai aDimosi,ies excited in the heat Of the $ rug.
gle. il should be the wish and the aim of all to
tranquilze society, end 10 restore lis harmony,
after the decision Of the majority has been fair
w pronounced. MS eHOrt 10 10 Hedi WOunuS
and re. unite brethren who have been separated
by passion or misconception is perfectly con-
sisten, wi h the duty Of watching, in future, ov-
er our rulers, and of bringing their measures to
the stand ard Of reason.
Happily, the past Administrations VI our
country are sure guides to The present, if i;
choose TO follow them, and furnish TO the
People unerring tests by which TO Judge the
conduct Of the new Cabine'. II the peace Of
the nation is preserved with Foreign Powers,
willis, its honor Sc its rights are firmly maintain
ed; and il the domestic policy whi,h has been
hitherto pursued shall be sill continued, the
country may have no cause to regret the re-
cent change. But il we should be involved IN
unnecessary war, or any OF our rights should
be abandoned, or Cur honor ,arnshed; it the
interests of our navigation or commerce shall
be sacrificed, or if the protection of our MAJ
nufacture. shall be abandonedS the improve
m~n, OF our country be neglected, and the
public treasure misapplied, those, who did
not concur in that change will fad some
Of their wors, fears realised If misrule shall
be accompanied by a spiri, Of relentless pros
cription, expelling from public employmenls
men Of tried capacity and integrity, and filling
their places with others devoid OF the reQui>
site attachments; and If all these evils shall
flo~ from the counsels Of secret, unseen, unwor-
thy, aud irresponsible advisers, then those who
co-operatsd in bringing about the late event
will have jus, cause to lament their success
Above all, the People of this country are no,
prepared, and trus, in God will never be pre-
pared, 10 Sc, up any human idol TO be worship
ped, nor to consider all the duties Of patriotism
as comprehende in blind devotion TO such an
idol. If an edict shall be sen, forth requiring
that, instead Of great and enduring principles Of
liberty and policy, attachment 10 the name of
an individual shall constitute the sole passport
10 public confidence, and that all who Go not
profess it shall be excluded from public si,ua-
lions; my lie upon it, such an ediet will new
e. be registered in the hearts Of American free
men.
Fellow>citizens, thank you, from the bot
tom of my heart, for your enthusiastic reee?.
ton of me at this place, and with fervent wish
es 70. your success and prosperity in your va
rious vocations, request leave to offer as q
toast,
"The Constitution, has been, and as it ought to
be always expounded, aording protection to our arts
Al