The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-07-16
THE CRISIS AND THE ISSUE.

THE CRISIS AND THE ISSUE.
The second issue made by some of Mr..
Clay's friends, after they failed in heading the
President on the Bank question, was to increase
the national debt and thus render a high rate of
taxation necessaTy-a higher rate even than that
of 1928, which shook the Union to its very CEN
tre In order to render the object more odious,
they forced into bill, having connexion
with the subject, an article distributing the pro-
ceeds of the public lands, when there was not
single dollar in the Treasury to meet the actual
wants of the Government. There could have
been no plea of ignorance urged on the part of
the ultra Wings in their action on this subject.
Intimidation, however, was to be resorted to in
this, as in other instances, and the dagger or the
bowl was presented to the President. Did he,
in this instance, prove himself g weak and
vaclatng" Chief Magistrate? Threate ,ed by
a blind majority of demagogues, he boldly pur-
sued the course pointed out by conscience and
principle, and threw hims before his only
judges-the People. This displayed "weak-
ness and vacillation" with vengeance God
grant that when the Constitution and Liberties
of our country are invaded, we may always
have such ''weak and vacillating" guardian
10 protect US
Ii is useless at this late day to talk about the
Tariff, or American system The leading ar.
gument in its favor has been proved paradox.
If increasing the duty lowers the price OF an ar
ticle, protection can certainly BE- OF no benefit
to the domestic manufacturer, and even if it
were, somebody must pay the difference. Ii
sew ntcen millions consume the article, no one
can deny but that the fen hundred who engross
the business of manufacturing alone receive the
profit, which the many pay. All the humbug
cries of American industry, &c. may do very
of reason and arg ument. Where law acts
un,qually, iii unjust and contrary to the spirit
and letter of the Constitution, and this is all that
we care alb ut saying in the matter General
Harrison pledged himself that the Compromise
act should be preserved. The ultra Wings
canno, therefore say, if Mr.. Tyler vetoes high
Tariff, that he has not "carried out the pflnc
pies of the Government"
Failing, as all these high-toned Federal mea-
sures as ,uredIy will, when present to The PEG
pie in their primary assemblies, we have only
to beg of our enemies that tn y will avow their
sentiments and let them stand or fall on their
merits. If the majority of the People decide In
their favor, we shall bow with Difference, as a
true Republican, knowing that it will require
tpo-thirds to take from us the charter OF our
liberties We cannot believe that such num-
Der will be found in this e a. in either House oil
Congress. In the Senate, as now constituted,
where several States are mlsrepresented, and
one not represented at all, we have but lit
tie faith Wherever Mr.. Tylers course has
been Brought before the People, it has been sup
ported by overwhelming majorities and until
we find that lie has been rebuked by those to
whom he owes his position, we must Judge HIM
by his acts. When they are right, we will sup
port-when wrong, condemn them 1t is all
that is asked by himself, and none but selfish
partisan or demagogue could refuse 1t TO hi
But, throwing aside any opinion on this sub
iect, we 60 back to the position from which we
started The CONSTITUTION is IN DANGER !
We will never stand silently by while secret or
open eTyrts are making to overturn 1t. Holding
it to be the sheet anchor of our safety. we would,
in the words Of the Father of his Country, pre-
serve it with jealous care. The tongue that
would breathe aught against it should be pal
sled. and the arm paralyzed that woald strike
one blow against its provisions Heswho has
attempted it will regret his course to life's attest
moment-t was damning deed, which will put
the mark of Cain on his forehead now and for
ever. In feeble manner we have exposed his
aims and ends, and of those with whom he acts.
If they are successful, and the proud fabric
should be RACED, we shall hive the heartfelt con-
ISOLATION of the patriots of DID, " Rome must
f1H WE ARE GuILTLESs OF THE RUIN -
PHOCION.