The Arkansas advocate., 1831-09-28
On all these deeply important meas

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 urcs, the opposite opinion prevails, fnot with equal unanlmlty, with at least a greatly preponderating majority in the other and stronger section; so much so, that no two distinct nations ever enter- tained more opposite views of policy than these two sections do on all the im- portant points 10 which have referred. Nor is it less certain that this unhappy conflict, flowing directly from the Ia riff. has extended itself to the halls Of Legislation, and has converted the deiib- erations of Congress into an annual struggle between the two sections; the stronger to maintain and increase the superiority ii has already acquired, and the other to throw of Or diminish it's burdens; struggle in which all the no- ble and generous feelings of patriotism are gradually subsidine into sectional and selfish attachments Nor has the effect of this dangerous conflict ended here. 1t has not only divided the two sections on the important point already stated, but on the deeper and more dan. gerous questions, and the eonstitetional- ity of protective Tariff, and the gen. es al principles and theory of the Con- stitution itself; the stronger. in order to
 maintain their superiority, giving d con- struction to the instrument, which the other believes would convert the Gen. eral Government into a consolidated, irresponsible Government, with the to- tai destruction fliberty and the weak CT seeing no hope of relief with such assumption of powers, turning its eye to the reserved sovereignty of the States, as the only refuge from oppression. l shall not extend these remarks, as l might, by showing that while the effect of the s5 stem Of protection was rapidly alternating one section, 1t was not less ra- pidly, by its necessary operation, dis tracing and corrupting the other; and between the two, subjecting the admin istration to violent and sudden changes, totally inconsistent with ali stability and wisdom in the management of the af- fairs of the nation, of which we already see fearful symptoms. Nor do deem 1t necessary to enquire whether this un. happy conflict grows out oftrue, sor mis- taken views of interest on either, or both sides. Regarded neither light, it ought to admonish us of the extreme danger to which our system is exposed, and the great moderation and wisdom necessary to preserve if. If if comes from mistaken views, if the interests Of the two sections as affected by the Ia riff. be really the same. and the system instead of acting unequally, in reality diffuses equal blessings, and imposes equal burdens on every part, it ought to teach us how liable those, who are differ ently sitaatcd. and who view their in- terests under different aspects, are to come to different conclusions, even when their interests are strictly the same; and consequently with what extreme eau lion any system of policy ought to be a. dopted, and with what spirit of mod eration pursued, in country of such great extent and diversity as ours. But if on the contrary, the conflict springs really from contrariety of interests, if the burden be on one side, and the ben eft on the other, then are we taught a lesson not less important, how little re- gard s.e have for the interests of others. while in pursuit of our own, or at least how apt we are 10 consider our own in- terest the interest of all others; and of course how great the danger in a coun- try of such acknowledged diversity of interests, of the oppression of the fee bier by the stronger interest, and in con- sequence of if, of the most fatal sec flonal conflicts. H2t which evermay be the cause, the real, or supposed diyersi- ty ot interest, 1t cannot be doubted. that the political consequences of the prohi- bitory system, he its effects in other res. poets beneficial or otherwise, are really such as have stated; nor can if be doubted, that conflict between the great sections on questions so vitally i'm poriant, indicates a condition of the country,so distempered and dangerous. as to demand the most serious and prompt attention. 1tis only when we come to consider of the remedy, that, under the aspect am viewing the subject, there can be. among the informed and consid- crate, any diversity of opinion.
 he system, if continued, must end not only in snbjecting the industry and proper ty of the weaker section to the control of the stronger, but in prescription and po- lltical disfranchisement + n.