Alabama state intelligencer., 1831-08-27
From the PendIston Messenger. MIR CALHOUN'S SENTIMENTS.
CoNCLuDED.

Tariff of protection, there are certain political con sequences flowing from the present, which none can doubt and all must deplore. It would be in van to attempt to conceal that it has divided the country into two great geographical divisions, and arrayed them against each other, in opinion at least, ii not interest also on some of the most vital of political subects on it's finance, its commerce, and its indus try; subjects calculated above all others in time oi peace to produce excitement, and in relation to when the Tariff has placed the sections in question in deep and dangerous conflict. If there be any point on which the q was going to say Southern section, ont to avoid far as possible, the. painful feelings suci discussions are calculated to excite sha say )Weak- CT of the two sections is unanimous it is that its pros perity depends in great measure free trade light taxes economical, and as far possible equal ds- bursements of the public revenue and unshackled industry, leaving them to pursue whatever may appear most advantageous to their interests from the Potomac to the Mississippi, there are few indeed however divided on other points, who would not, II dependent on their voiton and if they regarded The interest of their particular section only remove from commerce and industry every shackle, reduce the revenue to the lowest point that the wants Df me Government fairly required, and restrict the appro- prations to the most moderate scale, consistent with the peace the security, and the engagementso of the public; and who do not believe that the opposite system is calculated to throw on them anhneqnal burthen to repress their prosperity, and to fncroach on their enjoyment.
 On all these deeply important measures he oppo- site opinion prevails, fnotwith equal unanlnty' win at las, q nraaiu n!nI'"""'"rinS n"gof''y' 'f" 1a 1 and stronger section; so much so, that no two dis tnct nations ever entertained more opposite views of policy than these two sections do on the all mpor- tant points to which have referred. Nor Is 1t ess certain, that this unhappy conflict flowing directly
 from the Tariff, has extended itself to the halls of
 legislation, and has converted the deliberations of Congress into an annual struggle between the two fn Intn md hp superiority it has already acquired, and the other to throw off, or diminish its burdens; struggle ill which all the noble and generous feelings of patriot
 ism are gradually subsiding into sectional and selfish attachments Nor has the effect of this dangerous conflict ended here. It has not only divided the two sections the important point already stated, but on the deeper and more dangerous questions the con stitutionality of protective Tariff and the general principles and theory of the Constitution itself the stronger in order to maintain their superiority, giv ing construction to the instrument which the other believes would convert the General Government in to consolidated irresponsible Government with the total destruction of Liberty; and the weaker seeing no hope of relief with such assumptions of powers, turning its eye to the reserved sovereignty of the States, the only refuge from oppression. shall not extend these remarks as might, by shew ing that while the effect of the system of protection was rapidly alternating one secti0n 1t was not less rapidly, by its necessary operation distracng and corrupting the other; and between the two, subject ing the administration to violent andsudden changes. totally inconsistent with all stability and wisdom in the management ofhe affairs of the nation, of which we already see fearful symptoms. Nor do deem ii necessary to inquire whether this unhappy con-
 lici grows out of true or mistaken views of interest," on either, or both sides Regarded in either light, it ought to admonsh us of the extreme danger 10 which our system Is exposed, and the great modera- ton and wisdom necessary to preserve it. Hit comes l. Al. z -l, tions as affected by the Tariff. be really the same, and the system instead of acting unequaily, in real- ty dIuses equal blessings, and imposes equal bur dens on every part it ought to teach us how liable those who are differently situated, and who view their interests under different aspects are to come
 o different conclusions, when their nterestsare strictly the same; and consequently, with what ex- treme caution any system of policy ought to be adopted, and with what spirit of moderation pnr- sued, in country of such great extent and diversity as ours. But if, on the contrary, the conflict springs really from contraety of interests if the burden be on one side, and the benefit on the other, then are we taught a lesson not less important, how little regard we have for the interests of others while in pursuit of our own, or at least, how apt we are to consider interest the interest of all others; and of course how great the danger in country of such acknowledged diversity of interests, of the op- presslon of the eeber by the stronger interest and in consequence of it. of tue most fatal sectional con fiicts. But whichever may be the cause, the real or supposed diversity of interest it cannot be doubt ed, that the political consequences of the prohibitory system be its effects in other respects beneficial or otherwise, really such as have stated nor can be doubted that conflict between the great sec tions on questions vitally important indicates condition of the country disempered and danger ous, as to demand the most serious and prompt at tenon. It is only when come to consider of the remedy, that under the aspect am viewing the subject, there can be among the informed and con- siderate, any diversity of opinion.
 Those who have not duly reflected on its danger ous and nveteratc character suppose hatihe disease will cure itself; that events ought to be left to take ther own course; and that experience, in short tlme will prove that the interests of the whole com muny Is the same in reference to the Tariff, or, at least whatever diversity there may be- time will as- slmllate Such has been their language from the beginning, but unfortunately the progress of events has been the reverse. the country is now more di- vded than in 1921, and then more than in 1SlG- The majority may have increased, but the opposite sides are beyond dispute more determined and excit- ed than at any preceding period Formerly the sys- tenn was resisted mainly as inexpedient but now unconstitutional, unequal, unjust and oppressive Then relief was sought exclusively from the Gene ral Government but now many driven to despair, are raising their eyes to the reserved sovereignty of the States the only refuge. If we turn from the rasi and present to the future shall find nothing 10 lessen but much to asgrayae the dunger. me increasing embarrassment and distress of the staple States, the growing conviction from experience, that they are caused by the prohbory system prin- clpay, and that under its continued operation, their present pursuits must become proftIess and with conviction that their great and peculiar agricultural capital, cannot be diverted from its ancient and he- redltary channels, without runous losses all concur to increase, instead of dispelling the gloom, that hangs'ov the future. In fact, to those who will duly reflect on the subject the hope that the disease will cure itself, must appear perfectly usory The question is, in reality, ,one between the exporting and non-exPorting interests the country Were there no exports. there would be no Tariff. It would be perfectly useless. On the contrary, long as there are States wch raise the great agricultural staples