Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-10-17

government, and to pay the honest debts of the
nation.
am aware that the tariff is capable of various
modi:ications-:ha the duties may be lcsscncd on
some articles To be raised otbcrs-and that, III
some few cases, Il diminution of the duty may moi
lessen the revenue. Bat these arc minor consider
atoms, scarce worthy of CONTROVERSY among ndi-
viuals aud totally beneath the attention of
vcrciym state Bat in fact the objections To the
tariff, i'll the southern States, not its details,
where no doubt it is vulnerable, but TO the whole
together, system oitaxation, and we have seen
that no better has been proposed or can DC subsi-
tutcd.
When the public debt shall be paid of, the
will he altered; and then, if the duties required to
provide the necessary revenue OF ten or twelve
millions shall not be sufficient TO afford satisfactory
protection TO the manufacturing class, and that
class should insist either prohibition, on con-
tnuing duties to raise revenue that Is not wanted,
the absurd plan of returning the excess TO the
states, there will then be just cause of complaint
and opposition the part of the southern states.
But scheme, at once so novel and so pregnant
with mischief, will scarcely be vcntured on, though
political Protector has succeeded, it is said, iii
recommending II 10 the especial favor OF Gen. jack
son. So far then there solid objections to
the tariff, and admit that there many, there
cannot be much difference among any of the can
didatcs. The most considerable of these objections
may be removed, and probably will be removed,
when the debt is paid of, under any one of the
three candidates, and no President could remove
them 20 any great extent before that period with
out the sacrifice ofsomc higher national interest.
AS 10 the power of making roads and canals, MIR.
Calhoun has again and again declared that it is pos
scsScd by Congress. He has even allowed to the
power, that is an unlimited power of appropria-
ton Tor all purposes of general welfare not prohi
bitcd by the Constitution. Which doctrine, being
generally rejected by the politicians of Virginia,
makes objection TO Mr.. Calhoun that does not
apply to either of his rivals. The principle has
been expressly disclaimed by Mr. Clay on the floor
of Congress-, and no doubt Mr.. Van Buren, is ready
TO disclam it.
confess that view this question of the power
TO make roads and canals as of far greater import
ancc than that of laying protective duties, both
from the character of the mischefit produces, and
the greater difficulty of bringing popular sent-
mcnt to resist it. The disbursement of ten millions
of dollars annually, by the General Government in
works of such general utility roads and canals,
would seem better calculated TO destroy the balance
between the federal power and the power of the
States, than all the other disputed powers put togo
thcr; and unless some plan could be devised by
which the influence and patronage incident to the
power, could be divided between the General and
the State Governments, | should not wish TO
the power given to the former, even by amend
mont to the Constitution.
But, whatever may be the opinion of Virginia on
this contested power, as well as on that of laying
protecting duties, and however confident her citi
zcns may be that their construction of the consti
tuition Is the sound one, well the safest, yet it
both questions, and that adversarics have been
steadily gaining ground, comparison of the
votes given on these subjects since 1916, will clear
ly shew. So long, then, as these shall continue to
be the prevailing sentiments of the nation
must not expect that our prominent politicians will
think and speak differently.
Let inc not be here understood as partaking of
the vulgar prejudice that our leading men will al
ways adopt the policy that is popular. We have
some conspicuous examples to the contrary. But
he
these interesting topics, long they are inter-
oStIng, can never have prominent popularity in
the nation. AT this moment, man who boldly
and strcnuousy denies these powers to the federal
government, might as nationally hope to be popular
by advocating monarchial principles; English
divine expect to be made bishop by preaching
unitarianism.
TO verify the preceding remark, look at the O.
pinions OF all the men whom the people have held
up as fit for the Office of President for the last
eight years, when the old revolutionary stock was
exhausted. Messrs Crawford, Adams, Clay Gen
jackson, Calhoun and Van Buren,. Mr.. Crawford
flrst emerged above the horizon by opposing the
constitutional doctrines of Virginia, in supposed
victory over Mr.. Giles the Bank question And
on the tariff question. though he was too discreet
to offend his southern friends, he never failed in
his annual report, to mention the interests of
utactures IN terms of favor. If such was his bcr-
atty when he declared candidate for the pres
idcncy, ard when he relied for support principally
Oh ant-tarltf states what might not have been ex-
Pected from hLH, when lilS interest confirmed
and when It's continuance depended on the popular
favor OF tariff, as well as anti-tariff states.
Mr. Adams we know, has openly and decidedly
expressed his opinions on these powers; and by
singular i'll fortune, lost the States with which he
CHANGED to differ, without gaining those with
which he agreed. fits vote in Virginia in 1894
was greater than Gen. Jackson's, and had he decla
red himself opposed to the tariff of that year
(lS23-4,) as there is reason to believe he then was
lie might have secured Virginia and North Carroll
ma; but IN that case, he would have been no less
certain oil losing Ohio and Kentucky, and losing
them lie must still have lost his election
MI Clay's sentiments these points, are also
known lie has never concealed them, and they
IN fact constitute the only obstacle his receiving
at TINS time ninety nine out of every hundred votes
III Flrgmia-not merely because he is Il Vrginian
by birth, though that strongly recommends him to
their favor 1t ought, because he possesses in n
eminent degree, those qualities which they admire
and which they believe to be part of their own
character. He is frank, bold, fearless and indie
pendent. Sufficiently prompt to resent INJURIES
bat yet more generous to forgive them. For this
last quality, common characteristic of bravery,
he is peculiarly distinguished. Alas! how inanv
Office holders and tcmporizcrs, who now trembling
" await the result of the Kentucky Elections and
sec IN his success the punishment of their past
Inoanness and perfdy, would profit by this trait in
his character, if they knew Of it. Their own sor
did and vlndictvc spirits would never suggest it,
MIR. Calhoun's opinions on these subjects have
already been noticed, and Mr.. Van Burcn's and
Cen J"ckson's-if indeed he be supposed TO
have any-wjllbe noticed in the next number
WYTHE.
From the PENNSYLVANIA Whig.
Tnh FFEg TRADE CONVENTION or NuLrryrns are as mn.
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