Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-09-26
COMMUNICATED.
THE TARIFF QUESTION.

Mr. Editor:-I send you the following extract
of letter received from an esteemed friend, a
native of South Carolina whose statements may
be relied on, as giving faithful picture of the
state public sentiment on the Tariff question.
1t comes from private source, and was not writ
ten in the expectation that 1t would meet the pub
lie eye:
As Southerner and friend, wish to
thank YOU for the spirit in which you have touch.
ed upon the grievances of the South, and parti.
culary for the stress you have laid upon the un.
Kindness Of the Tariff men in refusing to South
ern representations respectful hearing. Believe
me that it is this very feature in the conduct of
the Tariff majority that has wrought our excite
ment to its present height. The depredations
which have been committed upon our property,
enormous as they have been. fall far short of the
ndlsnities offered to our feelings; and this is the
reason why South Carolina contented herself so
long with petitions aud protests. 1t somewhat
more than ten years since public opinion in our
State set itself decidedly against Tariff of pro-
tecti.n; but it was not until within the last three
or four years that men began to talk OF State IN
terposition Up to that time the system had not
clearly developed itself, and twas supposed that
the progress of things would at length open the
ewes of those at distance as well as Of those in-
mediately suffering from it. to perception OF ITS
linjusticc. But, contrary to expectation, the pro-
gress of years only brought with it increased OPP
preston. and when complaint was made, 1t was
treated with indifference, and at last with con-
tempt. Now, indigntv like this Is what ne
State in the Union should submit to-none that
have a proper self.respect will submit to il, and
accordingly you have seen that South Carolina
has shown fresh repnsnance to every successive
insult What renders the circumstance still
more CALLING is, that the very men who affect to
be so increduous about the correctness of our de-
cIarations, not only refuse to inquire into the
Operation of the system for themselves, but are
all the while pocketing large amounts BY means
of it. and raising the cry of {" Faction and Urea
son. - IN order to blind the eyes and divert the
attention of the public, and at the same time to
furnish themselves with'a plausible excuse for not
listening to our complaints. Thus they drive US.
by their own injustice, into taking what they de-
nounce as reasonable ground, and then very pa
trioticaly refuse to hold communion with the
traitors! But this state Of things will soon pass
bv-Congress. I presume, will not be troubled
AGAIN with our unseemly remenstrances. 1.-THE
question of Convention is laid before the Legis-
lature in November, it will be carried without
doubt, and then we shall have hearing, whether
Congress will it or not. Indeed, am anxious
to see Modification fairly tested. There is no
doubt on my mind that We are wronged-that
the wrong has been attended with insult, and
that further remonstrance will be followed by an
Of both. Nor have the least idea
of procuring redress Of either by appealing to
the magnanimity of those who imposed them.-
Under these circumstances, we have strong
warrant for proceeding on our own responsibility