Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-12-18
For THE Wing.
THE TIMES.

"The times are sadly out of joint. The excel.
lent gove.nment bequeathcd to us by virtuous
and patriotic ancestors, which until the Introduce
ion of the American System, proved on anchor and
shield IS about to be converted by ambitious and
vengef1l men, into horrible scourge. That sys-
TEN has long been an instrument of oppression,
der the guse of protection. The protection that
pa pable injustice to the meanest citizen, is
subversive ofeyery principle OF just government,
and has been considered where private
rights were respected. This doctrine has always
been acted upon in this country, when private
property has been impressed for public
In every such case, the individual whose property
is impressed, receives ample equivalent from
the Government. This prime pie, founded in eternal
Justice is utterly subverted by the protective sys
tenn and, without the plea of necessity to
security or happiness. Our poor, but virtuous
forefahcrs, who staked their little all for freedom,
would have frowned into confusion the cupldy
which created, and the ambition which fostercd
such system. Is it patriotism like THEIRS that
supports this system? love of that country, and
vcneration for those rights for which they fought
and bed-and endured cold and hunger? sys-
TEN fraught with injustice! Believe H. who will
AS well may the robber who thrusts his hand into
my pocket and clutches my purse, claim to be my
knsman and friend, and tell me he intends to pro-
tcct me In the possession of my hat. 1t is against
such protection this, that the whole South has
protested in vain. 1t is against such protection
this, that South Carolina raves. Would that she
had more discretion with her madness-wo ud
that she had not imbbcd so much OF the spirit of
Calhoun. She ought, with her sisters in suffering,
to have made one more trial of remonstrance--by
that means she would have united the whole South.
But the deed is done--she has ordained, and if
she stand to her ordinance, the people are to be
drawn out against each other, at the bidding of
rival aspirants after honour and glory; and for
the sake of the protective system, to
be thus dupcd. VIII the people of the South,
tho West, and South West, for interests are
similar, inbrue their hands in the blood of
their brethren at such behests, and for such
cause? With the powers assumed by federal
authorities, the General Government can at will,
Dbcratc slaves.
Many Of the doctrines Of the Presidents grand
ssanifcsio arc as obnoxious Notification it.
self Besides it breathes too much of personal
bitterness towards men, whom South Carolina che
rishes her most precious jewels. 1t makes civil
inevitable, unless mediator can be found.
If, instead Of achieving coolly, Justly, magnani-
mOusly--if, instead of alternating the burdens of
the Executive in carrying out the doctrines of his
manifestation we may exclaim, 1.-THE glory is
departed" Our will sci in blood.
When the strongest tie that binds these States
in Union, the affection Of the people, is severed,
all the power on earth will not restore them TO
union and freedom. The bloody pages OF the his
tory Of civil wars crowd upon my recollection.
Alas! my country! is this to be thy destiny! Scarce
Iy has the grave been closed over the last Signer
of the Declaration Of your Independence, when
an cdict is signed, and sent forth TO crush you,
by that strong arm which created Tor your
protection.
Is Congress too proud to do righ3 Then all
hope is lost. Indeed without General Conyen-
ton, it is vain to hope for peace happiness and
Union. The Constitution is gone. The discrc-
ton Of the Executive and the will of Congress,
when they concur, are the supreme law When
they conflict, have neither Constitution nor
law. HAMPDEN.