Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 182?-183?, 1832-05-11

mat ey StoHl, Inc ulmlnutlOn mas been more
than compensated in the additional demand
created at home.
6. That the constant tendency of the sys-
tenn, by creating competition among our
selves, and between American and Europe-
an industry, reciprocally acting upon each
other, is.to reduce prices of manufactured
objects.
Z. That, in point Of fact, objects within
the scope OF the policy of protection have
greatly fallen in price
8. That, If. in season OF peace, these
benefits are experienced, in season of war
when the foreign supply might be cut of,
they would be much more extensively
felt.
9. And, finally, that the substitution OF
the British colonial system for the Ameri-
can System, without benefitting any section
of the Union, by subiecting us TO foreign
legislation, regulated by foreign interests,
would lead TO the prostration of our manufac-
turers, general impoverishment, and ulti-
mate ruin.
And now, Mr.. President, have to make
a few observations on a delicate subject,
which approach with all the respect that
IS due to IFS serious and grave nature They
have not, indeed, been rendered necessary
by the speech of the gentleman from South
Carolina, whose forbearance TO notice the
topic was commendable, as his argument,
throughout, was characterized by an ability
and dignity worthy of him, and of the SEN
ale. The gentleman made one declaration
which might possibly be misinterpreted
and, i submit TO him, whether an expIana3
| tion oft be not proper The declaration, as
reported in his printed speech, is, "the IN
''stinct of selfinterest might have taught us
"an easier way of relieving ourselves from
this oppression. Ii wanted but the will TO
"have supplied ourselves with every article
embraced in the protective system, free OF
duty, without any other participation on our
part thana simple consent toreceive them. !"
Here General Hayne rose, and marked that
the passage, which Immediately preceded
and followed the paragraph cited he thought,
plainly indicated his meaning, which rela-
ted 10 evasions of the system, by elicit in
PRODUCTION of goods, which they were not
disposed to countenance in South Carolina I
am happy TO hear tins explanation But,
sir, 1t is impossible to conceal from our view
the facts that there is great excitement in
South Carolina that the protective system
is openly and violently denounced in popu-
lar meetings and that the Legislature itself
has declared its purpose of resorting 10 coun-
teractlng meaSures-a suspension of which
has only been submitted 10, for the purpose
ofallowing Congress time TO retrace its steps
With respect to this Union, Mr. President,
the truth cannot be too generally proclaim
ed, nor too strongly inculcated, that it is
necessary 10 the whole and to all the parts
necessary 10 those parts, indeed, in different
degrees, but vitality necessary 10 each and
that threats to disturb or dissolve it, coming
from any OF the parts, would be quite as in
discreet and improper, as would be threats
! from the residue 10 exclude those parts from
the pale of its benefits. The great princi-
| pie, which lies at the foundation Of all free
Government, is, that the majority must gov
ern from which there is or can be no appeal
but to sword. That majority oughtto gov
ern wisely, equitably, moderately, and CON
stitutionally, but govern it must, subject
only TO that terrible appeal. If ever one or
several States, being a minority, can, by
menacing dissolution of the Union, sue
coed in forming an abandonment of great
measures, deemed essential TO the interests &
prosperity of the whole, the Union, from
that moment, is practically gone. 1t may
linger on, IN form and name, but its vital
spirit has fled forever Entertaining these
deliberate opinions, would entreat the pat
riotic People of South Carolina-the land OF
Marion, Sumpter, and Pickens-of Rut-
ledge, Laurens, the Pinckneys, and Lown-
des-Of living and present names, which |
would mention ifthey were not living or pre-
sent-to pause, solemly pause and contem-
plate the frightful preciPice which lies di-
rectly before them. To retreat may be
painful and notifying to their galantry and
pride, but it is TO retreat TO the Union, &c
safety, and to those brethren, with whom, OF
with whose ancestors, they, or their ancestors
have won, on fields of glory, imperishable
renown. To advance, is TO rush on certain
and inevitable disgrace and destruction.
We have been told of deserted castles OF
uninhabited halls, and Of mansions. once the
seats of opulence and hospitality, now aban
doned and Wondering in ruins. I never
had the honor OF being in South Carolina but
] have heard and read Of the stories of its
chivalry, and of It's generous and open
hearted liberality. have heard, too, of the
| struggles for power between the lower and
upper country. The same causes which ex-
listed IN Virginia, with which J have beer
acquainted. presume, have had their in.
fluence in Carolina In whose hands now
are the once proud seats Of Westover, Curl
Maycox, Shirley and others, on Jane,
river, and in lower Virginia? Under the
operation oflaws, abolishing the principle o
prlmogeniture, and providing the equitable
rule Of an equal distribution Of estates a.
mong those in equal degree Of consanguinity
they have passed into other and stranger
hands. Some fthe descendants Of illustri
Gus iamilieshave gone TO the lar West willis
others, lingering behind, have contrastcC
their presentCOndition with that Of their ven
Grated ancestors. They behold tbemsoyc
excluded from their fathers houses, now il