Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-02-11
from the United States Gazette. I


From the United States Gazette.
We ask the attention of our readers to the fol-
lowing letter, Of a recent date. IL Is from
gentleman whose name, if mentioned, would give
sanction at once to the opinions which he ex-
presses-possessing, as lie does, the most am
pie means for gaining Information. The letter
comes to an estimable citizen Of Philadel phia,
whose patriotism prompts him to seek from the
highest sources all information as to the best in
terests of the nation, and how those interests
are to be sustained by those most able TO give
them support. We once more ask our readers
to give the letter careful perusal:
Eriruci of a letter from gentleman in Fash.
ington, dated February S. 1888.
The papers are filed with speculations az to
the course Of conduct likely to be pursued in the
present state Of affairs, by those to whom the
country looks to take lead. These speculations
are often made without the slightest kowledge Of
the individuals whose course is so confidently
spoken of. and frequently seem to proceed from
persons incapable of comprehendins the interests
OF the country, and ignorant of the principles
and position of parties or men. Thus we see
the most vehement denunria,ion of Mr.. Webster,
as an ally Of MIR Van Buren, in a war of perse
cuion against Mr. Calhoun. This is the lam
guage of the JefftrsOnisn, Mr. Cahoun's press
at RIchmnnd.
That NJ. Webster has entered into any ALI.
ance With Mr. Van Boren. for the purpose stated,
o. Tor any other pu ,ns", must be, as you well
know, the idiest gossip, to give it no wos,e name.
You can Judge Tot sourse.i OF my means of know
ipg his opinions add pui posrs;-if indeed, it be
necessary 10 r, sort L. any other means of infur
nation. than s4rssy Of the position Of the ceun
try. a. imposing in i,selfa line o. duty on Wery
patriotic statesman Mr.. Webster has a duty
to perform to the country and to himself, as q
champion of great constitutional principles,
which are now to De sustained or Frustrated.
/ In discharging this duty, he wages no war
against men; he enters into no alliance; he fol-
lO,os no lead H. will sustain the admlnistra.
ton. in preserving the Constitution, and in exc
cutting the law, He will support all measures
necessary to supply the defects in the present
system, and to counteract the proceedings Of
South Carnlina-nOt from hostility TO Mr. Cal.
houn, but from attachment to the Union. He is
for limiting those measures. and his support of
them, to the fair purpose of executing the laws
with moderation and temper, but with mistaken
6rmness; and he will take his full share Of the re-
sponsibiIily of this course, to his country to the
friends of constitutional liberty throughout the
world. and to posterty. in common with all who
will pursue the same patriotic policy, in the adj
minisraiion or out of it. No recollection Of for
mer differences, no talents Of new associations,
will deter him from this course.
AS to the great question now agtating Con-
gress and the country, M. Webster will neither
give up nor compromise the principle Of protec.
tion. nor enter into any pledge, personal or poll
teal, that 1t shall at any future period, be COM
promised or abandoned. But he is willing that
the Act of the last Session should be revised,
with close scrutiny and in perfect candor; and
to reduce duties, in all cases, where such reduc-
ton can be fairly asked or safely granted; having
just regard to the necessities Of the country in
time Of war, to the faith pighted by existing and
previous laws, to the reasonable protection of ca
pital. and especially to the security of the inter-
ests Of labor and Uages.
1t would be nnqurstiona6ly better to devote TO
this object more time than possibly be appro-
prla,ed to it this winter, and other reasons make
it proper to postpone legislation. BIZ if the au-
thority of the law and the means Of executing it
are satisfactorily provided for, BY the passage Of
the Act before the Senate, venture 10 say that
Mr.. Webster and his friends will agree, that a
revision of the tariff law, such as has been describ.
ed. shall take place at any time when it can be
made with proper deiberatiun and caution.
From the New FORK Commercial.
The TARIFF DEBArE.-rhis subject. as the
reader will perceive, still continues under dis.
cussion in the House Of Representatives. Since
our last editorial reference to it, there have been
several moving scenes in that House. On one
evening, after the sitting had been protracted uh.