Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-12-11
EDITORS CORRESPONDENCE.
WAsH1xc1oN CRY, Dec.

DR. Sn0Wden-A most singular rum0r has
prevailed 10 this place during the day. An Ex-
press i, was said, had brought the intelligence OF
bloody collision. in South Carolina, between
the Union aud Free Trade parties, in which the
former had been entirely defeated, and their
leader, the patriotic Drayton. sacrificed. No
pen can describe the deep and pervading excite
ipenj which ensued ihi, appalling announce ment:
there was much In the posture OF men and
parties in thai unfortunate State, to render such
an event probable, that for tine no one doubt
ell the authenticity Of the news But at length
an enquiry was started, and the whole rumor
turns out to be mere imposition. Those who
delight to shock the sympathies Of community,
by the circulation Of such unf0unded reports, at
miseraby wanting in that respect for the feelings
of society which should characterize Christian
man. But, sir, do not communicate this IDLE
story with the idier motive Of a news.monser -
The simple idea Of such an occurrence at the
south has made me reflect painfully, and that
pain has been not a little enhanced by observing
the effect of the same idea upon all who are now
consregated here. FIRST, it is almost certain
that troubles of the iercest character must fol.
low upon the heel Of the public proceedings IN
South Carolina And, secondly, am convinc-
ed. from the manifestations Of spirit this day,
that the first drop OF blood shed IN this civil quar-.
rel will be the signal for general attack upon
the forces of the Nulliiiers. Nor are they want
ing in preparation for the unequal contest. The
Governors message shows the spirit and front
viii, h his fellow. citizens will offer.
What is to be done in this portentous crsis9
Let every man decide, in anticipation, as to his
action. when the time for action shall come
Doubtless, South Carolina stands lonely as des-
tha oF hpr
cannot be that her spiead,d errors will repel all
who dlffer;-there are motives of human conduct
which are more moving than the dictates OF judg.
ment and philosophy. Ii would, indeed, be
painful contest between our settled opinions and
a generous sympathy for the errins brave. But
there are many who will yield their considera'
tons of policy, and fly to the rescue OF gallant
and ou,numbered people. As tor me, would
rather see every measure of national expediency
waved until the returning lishtof Reason should
win over that rancor of opposition which threat
enes war. would rather see this than witness
an apreaI from argument to artillery.
DIFF from them as | may, will vet acknow.
ledge that the people of South Carolina are con-
scientious in their demands; and, until they are
convinced Of their error, they are bold men to
maintain what thew deem their rights. IT does
seem to me that the attitude of South Carolina
is one OF great moral daring and commanding
interest. She has boldly taken the lead IN
cause pronounced common by all the Southern
States. and single handed will she maintain eve
~ inch Of her position. There is only this diff
ference between South Carolina and all those
who are ready to secede in mass-,hat the hrst
has not cautiously felt her way by son'hern
Convention. but has dared to vndicate her rights
without counting the odds; while Georgia. Ala
bana and perhaps others. are willing to escape
the Tariff bv accession. provided they can form
sectional league. Never mind what may De
the means, the end is the same, and Null'hcatlon
is as good as secession. 1t is a quibbie about
words when men tell US they will not ,,ua!ty.
but will secede Again, if the arm Of Federal
authority is raised to crush the chvalry OF South
Carolna, there are many who cannot muster on-
der the motives which actuate the agent OF that
authority. When the President spares Georgia,
and chastises sister State, it Is matter OF
some doubt whether any good citizen is bound