Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-08-18


divided on other points, who would not, II depen-
dent Oil their volition, and if they regarded the
interest OF their particular section only, remove
from commerce and industry every shackle, re-
duce the revenue to the lowest point that the wants
Of the government fairly required, and restrict
the appropriations to the most moderate scale con-
sistent with the peace, the security and the en-
gagements of the public. and who do not believe
that the opposite system is calculated to throw Oh
them an unequal barthen, to repress their prospe-
rity. and to encroach on ther enjoyment
On all these deeply important measures the
opposite opinion prevails, If not with equal unan-
unity. with at least great preponderatlng maJo-
ritv, in the other and stronger section; SO much
so, that no two distinct nations ever entertained
more opposite views of policy than these two sec
tons do, on all the important points to which
have referred Nor is it less certain that tins un-
| happy conflict, flowing directly from the Tariff.
has extended itself to the halls OF es,siatlon and
! has converted the deliberations OF CongresSinto
an annual struggle between the two sections; inc
stronger to maintain and increase the superiority
! it has already acquired, and the other to throw
of, or diminish ITS burden; a struggle in which
all the noble and generous feelings Of patriotism
are gradually subsiding into sectional and selfish
attachmentss Nor has the effect OF this danger
Gus conflict ended here. 1t has not only divid-
ded the two sections on the Important point al
ready stated, but on the deeper and more danger
Gus questions, the Constitntionality OF protec-
tive Tariff, and the general principles and theo
nv of the Constitution itself; the stronger, III or
der to maintain their superiority, giving con-
s,ruction to the instrument, which the other be-
| Heves would convert the General Government IN
to consolidated, irresponsible government, with
the total destruc ton of liberty; and the weaker
! seeing no hope of relief with such assumption OF
movers. turning its eve to the reserved sovereign
" of the states, as the only refuge from oppres
| sion. shall not extend these remarks, as
might. by shelving that while the effect OF the
system OF protecti0 was rapidly alternating one
section, it was not less rapidly, by its necessary
| operation, distractng and corrupting the other;
| and between the two, subjecting the administra-
ton to violcut and sudden changes, totally incon-
sistent with all stability and wisdom IN the ma
nasement of the affairs of the nation, OF winch
| we already see fearful symptoms. Nord deem
it necessary to enquire whether this unhappy con-
| ilict grows out of true, or mistaken views "' M
tcrest on either or both sides. Regarded IN FL
Their light, it ought to aImOnlsh us OF the extreme
| danger TO which our system is exposed, and the
| great moderation aud wisdom necessary to pre-
serve 1t. If it comes from mistaken views. u
the Tariff. be really the same, and the system in
stead of acting unequaily. in reality difuses equal
blessings, and imposes equal burdens on every
part. it ought to teach US how liable those, who
are differently situated, and who view their inte-
rests under dferentaspects, are to come to diner
ent conclusions; even when their interests are
strictly the same; and consequently. with what
extreme caution any system of policy ought to be
adopted, and with what spirit of moderation
pursued, in a country of such great extent and
diversity as ours. But if on the contrary, the
conflict springs really, from coptariety OF int
rests, if the burden be on ops side,and the benefit
on the other, then are we taught lesson not less
important, how little regard we have for the IN
terests Of others, while in pursuit OF our own, or
at least, how apt we are to consider our own IN
terest, the interest of all others; and oil course
how great the danger in a country OF such &C
kuowledged diversity of interests OF the opPres.
sion Of the feebler by the stronger interest, and
in consequence of it.aof the most fatal sectional
conflicts But whichever may be the cause, the
real. or supposed diversity of interest, II cannot
be doubted, that the political consequences of the
prohbitory system, be its effects in othefespects,
beneficial or otherwise, are really such, as have
stated: nor can it be doubted, that conflict be-
tween the great sections on questions so vitality
important. indicates condition OF the country. SD
distempered and dangerous. as to demand tho
most serious and prompt attention. 1t is only,
when we come to consider OF the remedy, that,
under the aspect am viewing the subject, there
can be, among the informed and considerable, any
diversity OF opinion.
Those who have not duly reflected on its dan
gerous and inveterate character, suppose that the
disease will cure itself; that events ought to take
their own course; and that experience, IN short
time, will prove, that the interest of the whole
community, is the same, in reference to the Ia
riff, or, at least, whatever diversity there may
now be, time will assimiIate. Such ha, been
their language from the beginning, but unfor-
tunately the progress of events has been the re-
verse. The country is now more divided than
in 1924, and then, more than in 1916. The ma
iori,y have increased, but the opposite sides are
beyond dispute more determined and excited,
than at any preceding period: Formerly the
system was resisted mainly as inexpedient, but
now, as Unconstitutional, unequal. unjust and
oppressive. Then reliefawas sought exclusively
from the General Government; but now many
A. az.