Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-08-19

er respect, and vet the pressure OF the system,
relatively, on the two sections, be rendered very
unequal by the appropriations OF distribution. II
each section receives back what it paid into the
treasury, the equality if it previously existed Will
continue; but if one receives back less, and the
other proportionally more than is paid, then the
difference in relation to the sections will be to the
former a loss, and to the latter gain; and the
system in this aspect would operate to the amount
of the difference, as a. contribution from the one
receiving less than It paid to the other that re-
ceives more. Such would be incontestibly its ge-
neral effects, taken in all its different aspects even
on the theory supposed to be most favorable to
prove the equal action of the system, that the con-
sumner pays in the first instance the whole amount
Of the tax.
TO show how, on this supposition, the burden
and advantages of the system would actually
distribute themselves between the sections,
would carry me too far into details; but | feel
assured, after full and careful examination, that
they are such as to explain what otherwise would
seem neXplcable, that one section should con-
slider its repeal calamity and the other bles-
sing; and that such opposite views should be taxi
en- by them, as to place them in a state OF deter
mined conflict in relation to the great fiscal and
commercial interests of the country. Indeed,
were there no satisfactory explanation. the oppo-
site views that prevail in the two sections, as to
the effects of the SYSTEM ought to satisfy all OF
its uneaua action. There can be no safer, or
more certain rule, than to suppose each portion
of the country equally capable of understanding
their respective interests; and that each is
much better judge of the effects of any system OF
measures On its peculiar interest, than the other
can possibly be.
But whether the opinion of its unequal acton
be correct or erroneous, nothing can be more
certain than that the impression is widely ex-
tending itself, that tie system. under all its mo-
dilications, IS essentially unequal and if to that
be added conviction still deeper. and more
universal, that every duty imposed for the pur-
pose Of protection, as not only unequal, 6M also
Unconstitutional, it would be fatal error to sup
stated can heal our political disorders.
In order to understand more fully, the Difficult
ty of adjusting this unhappy contest on any other
ground, it may not be improper to present &c
neral view of the Constitutional objection, that
it may be clearly seen how hopeless it is to eA-
pee, that it can be yielded by those who have
embraced it.
They believe that all the powers vested by the
Constitution in Congress, are not only restrict
ed by the Limitations expressly imposed, but also
by the nature aud object of the powers them.
selves Tins though the power to impose duties
on imports be granted IN general terms. without
any other express limitations but that they shall
be equal, and no preference shall be given to
the ports of one State over those of another, yet
as being portion of the taxing power, given
with the view of raising revenue, it is from its
nature restricted to tina, object, as much so as If
the Convention had expressly SO limited it; and
that to use it to effect any other purpose, not
specified IN the Consultation. is al lnfractiOn Of
the instrument in its most dangerous form; an in
fraction by peryersion, more easily made, and
more difficult to resist, than any other. The
same view is believed to be applicable to the
power of regulating commerce, as well as all the
other powers. To surrender this important prin-
cple, it is conceived, would be to surrender all
aud despotc; and to yield it up in relate" to the
particular power in question, would be i'll TACT
to surrender the control Of the whole industry
and capital of the country to the General Govern
ment; and would end in placing the weaker Sec
ton in colonial relation with the stronger. For
nothing are more dissimilar in their nature, or
may be more unequally affected by the same
laws, than different descriptions of LABOR and
and if taxes, by increasing the amount
and changing the intent only may be perverted.
in fact, into system Of penalties and rewards,
it would give all the power that could be desired
to subject the labor and property OF the minority
to the will Of the majority, to BE- regulated with
out regarding the interest of the former, in sub
serviency to the will of the latter. Thus think
ting, 1t would seem unreasonable to expect, that
any adjustment based on the recognition of the
correctness OF a construction of the Constitution,
which would admit the exercise of such power,
would satisfy the weaker of the two sections,
particularly with its peculiar industry and pro-
perty, which experience has shown may be so in
iurously affected by its exercise. Thus much
for one side.
The just claims Of the other ought to be equal
ly respected Whatever excitement the system
has justly caused, in certain portions of our
country, hope and believe all will conceive that
the change should be made with the least possible
letriment to the interests of those who may be H.
able to be effected by it, consistently with what
is justly due to others and the principles of the |!
Constitution. To effect this, will require the
kindest spirit of Cancellation, and the utmost
skill; but even with these, it will be impossible
10 make the transition. without shock sreateror
ess; though trust. if judiciously effected. it !
will not be without many compromising advanta-