Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-06-13


of the general character of Mr. AcDs oratory alter
nately ngeniousy speculative and eloguenty declama
tory From tho descriptions of it given by those who
have read through, should suppose that into this
particular speech had been infused than usual
portion of the caloric which generally abounds pro-
portion the tropics and flashes ont
upon the least Indictment II is pretty much thus in
Decd that the speech of Mr. Med. is characterized by
the writer of letter the subject, which has been
published in Philadelphia paper.
"Never," says the writer, shave listened to any
thng half SO magnificent in oloquence, half so pow
eriul In argument ! have heard most of the great
speakers IN the United States, but could form no con-
cepton, from their efforts of such display of might
OF mind and splendor of oratory as listened to on
this occasion. Indeed, Ms DDS can convey to you an
adequate idea of the electric power with which his
bursts of indignation expressions swept
with them the ontranced feelings of his hearers. Yet
the main current, and almost the entire of his
argument flowed on IN calm, clear, and dignifed
course of the most rigid and powerful logic which
have ever listened But, occasionally, tho indignant
spirit of the South would burst forth in the
scendent CLEANS of imprisoned eoquence; and the
effect of them was to overwelm, with almost of
admiration, his spell bound audience"
The experienced reader chuse but smile at the
exravagant but evidently sincere praise here bestowed
In TERMS the turgdity of which show the youth of the
writer whilst they betray the school of eloquence in
which he has been taught. The comments upon this
Speech by those of mature mind, who have read
IT, whilst they allow to the Speech the merit of elo
quence, concur without exception, in condemnng its
general scope and tendency. We speak of those
ments which we have in leading public journals.
We have not the "Southern Timesn since the
Speech appeared and never see the "Charleston
( Mercury the Telescope" of Columbia. With
the exception OF these three prints and it may be some
lesser ones of the South which pride themselves upon
their loyalty to the principle of Notification win
OF course applaud its champion, perhaps single
Journal IN the United States, of description of po
cs will sustain the Orator of the South in the ground
which he has taken on this occasion There be
stronger conclusion of than such universal dissent
from any proposition.
Even the Richmond Enquirer condemns the Speech
as violent in its tone, and ultra in its doctrncs"
Yes, even the Enquirer which, whilst giving in its
lnnrI Athnr e Al
creed of its political faith that, if the Tariff be not
greatly reduced there must be Convention Of the An
IarH States to bring about resistance of by
operation and action!" Whether this be going as
far as Mr. McDufie hmself whether resistance of the
laws by concert oftwo States, be
sttutiona as notification ofthem by single State we
snail not stop here to enquire We consider them both
so contrary to both the letter and the spirit
OF the Constitution that is worth while draw
| distinction between them. Ii Mr.. McDUFFIE be cen
sured the Enquirer School of politicians divide the
censure with him. Where it that the doctrine of
Notification was first limited at2 Where the ark of
the Union FIRST approached by sacrilegious hands II
was in the Richmond Enquirer that the proposition was
first made to resist the laws of the Uuted States by the
legislation of the State in this very case of the Tariff
before the Tariff of 1928 and if we recoect riohtv he
fore the Tariff of 1924. This propositions the En-
qurer will say appeared in its columns the shape
a communication and not edtorially. That does not
alter the fact; the communication published con
splcuousy, without word of exception, and was taken
every reader to express the sentiments of the editor
Tor IN tact 1t only reduced his theory
rate made its appearance in the Enquirer. We point
ed out the hideous abomnation the tne 81 condemned
then5 only, however, the very natural fruit those
heretica doctrines, concerning the Constitution of the
United States which were just then begun be cult
waited with SO much zeal by the Richmond propagan-
dsts.
Let not the soi-diSan exclusive Friends of State
flights" shrink from the consequences of their own
doctrines. Such timidity does become those who
profess to support the of struth without fear"
II the doctrines of the Enquirer rne if the Tariff
laws be an oppression calling for resstance f per-
missabe for any of the States invalidate them
within its limits for combination of several States
to do it, why is Mr. NcDUFFE singled out the object
same doctrines.
Let the Enquirer look well at home The root of the
evil is in the Old Dominion; tho excitement in South
Carolina is but scion from it, which, having shot up in
richer and warmer ground has arrived maturity of
product earlier than the parent stock May this
rankness portend for it decline early and as rapid
as have been its growth and spread