Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-10-29

!" nave hao wel-reguIated economy, in every de-
partfnent OF the Government-We have had harmo-
NOUS concert an general, between the Federal and
stare authorties-And last but not least the States
ana the people OF the States, were left to reap tho
fruits or their own toll, diminished only by the neces
sary amount OF the public dues-Of this last sdvan
tage 1t may well be said that is one of the prima
ny objects OF every good government. AS the natural
consequence of these, have had during their con-
t,nuance'a rapidly growing prosperity, and with one
striking exception, general quietude and content
men, among our people.
Under the ascendancy of the doctrine of ENLARGED
ana indefinite construction, mark, beseech you the
reverse OF this picture.
Under its reia,, we had al an early neroa Of ,
history an alien and sedtion law, upon which large
MAJORITY OF the American people, have Impressed the
stamp OF their decided reprobation
az a very late period, we have seen immense ex-
Pehditures OF public money, and which were every
year becoming greater characterized by the Injustice
OF being raised from the substance of the whole
community, and appropriated for the benefit of part
only, and that frequently the part which furnished
the least portion OF the contributions have seen
the constitution extended by construction so as to
enable congress to appropriate millions for internal
improvements matter Of police, which yery be-
belongs to the local authorities of the States
we have seen the power of laying and collecting
duties, distorted from it's constitutional purpose Of
raising revenue to that of regulating the labor of
the country-By force of this constructions under
the name OF Tariff of dutes the labor of one part
OF the country is severely taxed that that of another
may De successfully applied to manufactures-Though
IL is OBVIOUS that either, labor thus applied was less
profitable than other labor, in which aspect, it was
"'pot.c, or that manufactures did this aid,
In winch aspect 1t was oppressive and unjustIJ
This latter doctriue with all its evil conseuuRuces
IN Its train, is now the full tide of unjuss<and as
those who are interested say, unsuccessful experiment
we who are obliged to pay the price of this expert
ment have complained, we huve demonstrated we
have reasoned, have almost eutreated-But the
majority feeling their strength, have with firm and
steady step moved towards their beet which to
attain the end they have in view, must be finally pro
hibiton.
And what is the result, let me ask you as now ex-
hlbted amongst peoples 1t is melancholy truth
nay, IS matter of history, that deep and settled
discomfort per7ades very large portion of the coun
try-lndeed, some have thought that thew have per-
ceiVed IN the signs of the times, threatening indica
lions OF coming Storm which would scatter to the
winds this beautiful federative machine of ours, in
broken fragments.
Amidst the hitherto determined perseverance, of
the majority, and the murmurpg disauietude of the
mnority-good men nave seemed to be almost ready
TO give up all hope of successful issue to our great
political experimentation which, is not too much to
say that the best so in the event of its failure
would probably be the last nope of the world, for
selfgovernment.
They have feared, that too, like other nations
winch have gone before us, should first be involved
In civil war, then anarchy, and finally perish 90 a
people, and be boted from the map of the world as
to our independent political existence
IL would be the part of wisdom, even under any
extremity or circumstances to take counsel, and de
rive ray OF consolation, from the noble maxim of
the Romans, neoer to despair of the Repubhc
For my own part, although past experience does
not much countenance such an expectation, yet l will
not entirely despair OF some reeffrom the majority
trust In God that thew will in the school of that
very experience have learned lesson Of moderation
That they will have learned to estimate more highly,
the complaints of minority-To appreciate the NOR
al and political benefits of this Union. as of more
worth, than roads, canals manufactures of any other
70 fool If do Of hoor
alone, which would make them consider it defeat, to
concede to a minority-In fine, consider it. as IN
truth 1t is, not surrender to The mendces but con-
cession TO the remonSrances of minority who believe
themselves to be oppressed, and call aloud for relief
from oppression Nor are we without O memorable
example OF such magnanimous concession. Wit
ness the repeal of the Embargo as we are infor-
med by Mr. Jefferson HIMSELF from any change in his
opinion, as to Its policy-No my fellow countrymen,
1t was done in Difference to the complaints of New
England, and In the spirit OF Cancellation and har-
mony And why shall not New England, and other
manufacturing portions Of the Union in their turn,
emulate so distinguished example? 1t is for them,
not me, to answer this solemn inquiry.
Should however, the majority in Congress contra
ry to our just expectation, still press on in their
course, regardless ofhe voice off complaining people,
then we have the consolng hope that there is another
department OF the Government. whose moderation
will be interposed to save u.s. from tho appalne
evils, which many fear, and which all good men must
deprecate.
OhueI Che auspices OF inc present administration,
we nave seen some mitigation of the pressure of the
Tariff, upon some of the necessaries of fe-We have
seen check PIT by the interposlion of the Execu-
tive veto, to the of improvdent expenditure
In Internal improvement.
Let us indulge the hope, that this good work will 90
on, and that the principle ofwhich these late
sures grew will be expanded into extensive prac-
cal usefulness
Under this frightening prospect of better times,
which has recently burst upon vision under the
hopeful auguries of the future which we may thus de-
rive from the past let have philosophy enough yet
to bear, and or6ear; let remember, that if can
not feel patience under oppression, it behooves us,
we love country, yet to check impotence,
as to do nothing which might hereafter be the subject
ofregrct. Let us yet try further argument, further
remoDstraDce, had almost said entreaty. And is it,
can it, betoo saDguiDe hopeto be Ddulged that ftho
party shall practice moderation, which viii bear
with their brethren, though times offended and
the other shall remember, that there is point at
which forbearance to be virtue. we may yet
have happv Of all 7 truet