Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-02-11
From the Baltimore american. |

The DEBATE ON THS REVENUE COLLECTION
BILL proceeds in the Senate slowly.
IL is worthy of remark that, hitherto. the
course of argument, in general, Of those who are
opposed to the bill. covers, in substance, while
it disclams in terms, the whole ground OF nullifl-
cation. We do not mean that this particular bill,
and all its provisions, aud all the arguments by
which it is defended, must necessarily be adopt
ed bv all who do not recognize the South Caroli-
ma doctrine-for We can very we'll understand
objections to nany Of them, independent OF that
doctrine. Bot such is not the nature OF thy op-
position. The Senators who have resisted the
passage Of the bill, oppose themselves broadly
20 all federal measures for securing the revenue
to all action of the federal government, which
NAV meet the action of South Carolina-in short,
20 every thing which can make up the issue which
South Carolina has rendered, except an unqualih-
ell concession OF her claims, and surrender OF the
question in dispute.
They will, in lawyers phrase, advise nothing
but co g7,oui in favor Of the plaindf-with jury
10 assess her damages They offer no support to
the laws, no aid to the general government, no
rebuke, or 50 light one that it is IN fact encour.
asement, To the State in her hostile attitude
All their sympathies are for the nuliihers. all
their denunciations against any. proposition to
oposse notification. This is, in fact a recognl.
ton of all that has been claimed for the 'eicien.
cy, OF that doctrine as State remedy. IL,
when Carolina or Delaware choose to place them
selves upon their "savereignty," and arrest the
law, those who deny their right to do 80 under
the constitution, refuse also 10 the other States
the right to enforce the law, who does not see
that the second denial annus the first, and redo.
ces il to a mere question OF expediency! Ii null
,,fication be unconstitutional, and yet when as
serted is not to be denied, questioned or resisted
il is beyond doubt efficient, and must triumph in
Delaware as in Carolina.
Thus the ncongraous and irreconcieable the
ory is maintained, that the same proceedings are
70 be respected, sanctioned and defended against
The constitution aud the laws, because carried in.
to action, which were denounced as illegal and
unconstitutional when merely threatened, and
that too, without any avowed change Of opinion
on their real nature. The intent is the crime,
which is absoved bY the act. To threaten Uur-
der is punishable, but the thrust which Kills ~ a
good plea in bar. Nothing, in short, is to pre-
vent the complete success Of any scheme OF vio-
lence, however lawless, except hesitation IN car.
rying il on. Cowardice in wrong is tn be the
sole object of punishment. Where are such prin-
cipies If Introduced INTO government TO end?-
Where are these who, opposing notification no
minaly, sustain it By withholding all opposition
to il, Ia stop-shOrt of unconditional submission
20 nulliiicaIan that is. unconditional adhesion to
il, as a prlncipIef There is IN fact. no other
ground upon which they can rest land to that
thay will cnme at last. II they continue to deny
thus result. II behaves them To show how the laws
can be maintained. the revenue collected, multi
fcation Frustrated, and the Uaion preserved. up
on their Own principles. and by other means than
those in the judiciary Bill.