Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-12-19
SOUTH CAROLINA In 1882.


SOUTH CAROLINA In 1892.
Probably the best key to the hopes, inten-
tions and purposes of South Carolina, will be
found in the history of her action twenty eight
years ago. 1t is full of striking parallels.
Congress passed Tariff which the South
deemed Objectionable. While it was pending
intense excitement prevailed in the Southern
States. Public meetings threatened forcible
resistance. Senators and Congressman pre-
dictcd il. Governors and Legislatures en-
couraged it. The Virginia Legislature asser-
ted the principle of nuIlifcation. The Geor-
gis Legislature denied the authority of decis-
ions of the Supreme Court. South Carolina
stood ready to lead the way in collision with
Federal power. When the news reached Char
lesion that the bill had actually passed, the
Governor summoned the Legislature to the
Capital. It met on the 22d of October. An
act was Immediately proposed and passed,
authorizing Convention on the 18th of No
vcmber, 'to consider the character aud extent
of the General Government" The passage
of this act was hailed by the firing of cannon,
and music from a band stationed at the doors
of the Capitol. The Convention assembled on
the 10Th. On the Oath 1t adopted an Ordinance
declaring the Tariff Act null and void, making
it unlawful for the authorities, either National
or State, to enforce the payment of the du-
giving effect to the Ordinance, and forbidding
any appeal to the Supreme Court of the United
States. The Ordinance further declared, that
if any act was passed by Congress to authorize
the employment Of force against South Caro-
lima, such act would be null and void, and
from the time OF its passage the State would
consider itself absolved from further obiiga-
'ions to the Union, and proceed to organize
separate Government. This Ordinance was
to take effect Feb. lst 1888. In reply to this
Ordinance President Jackson issued his cele.
brated Proclamation, combating the doctrine
of Notification in masterly argument, and
declaring his firm determination to enforce
the Laws at whatever hazard. The Proclama-
tion was met with anathemas in South Caroli-
na. 1t was denounced as sea Declaration of
War by Andrew Jackson against the State of
South Carolina," the "edict of dictator"
The people we're exhorted to stake up arms''
as the ssonly course which honor and duty pre-
scribed." In the Legislature members styled
1t "the impotent missile of despicable malig-
nifty" They declared they sshurled back scorn
and Defiance" that ssthe country and the
world should know how perfectly we despise
and defy him. that before the doctrines of
the Proclamation would be carried out 'sthe
bones of many an enemy should whiten the
shores aid the carcasses of many caitif
blacken the air of Caroiina.' The Governor
issued 4 proclamation denouncing that of the
President. The Legislature Immediately pass
ed laws for carrying the Ordinance into
effect, prohibiting the collection of revenue,
and placing the militia at the command of the
Governor. Orders were issued for increasing
the military force of the State. The Cover
nor was authorized to accept the services of
Volunteers, many companies of whom had al
ready organized under the name of ssMinute
Men," This action of South Carolina was
communicated to Congress by the President,
and bill was proposed empowering him to en-
ploy the land and naval forces Of the Union to
enforce the collection Of the revenue, if resis-
tance should be offered. II gave rise to warm
debate, and was not passed until month af-
terwards. A number of the Southern Sena-
tors, on its final passage, withdrew from the
Senate Chamber. However. they came back
again in few days. But while these prepa-
rations were being made for a conflict, meas
ures were also in progress to avert it. Vir:
slnia offered to mediate. Resolutions were
passed in her Legislature asking South Caro-
INA to suspend the operation of her Nuilify-
ing Ordinance until the close of the first ses-
sion Of the next Congress; and also asking
congress to modify the Tariff. Benjamin
watkins Leigh was appointed Commissioner
70 lay these resolutions before South Carolina.
Dill, in accordance with their request, was
also introduced in Congress. This bill failed
topass. But Mr.. Clay introduced Compro-
a. IariH Dill, WHICH gave rise 10 ConSluera-
Ole Debate, Messrs. Webster, Dallas, Forsyth
Ana Wright, opposing it; because it abolished
specific duties and Messrsr. Calhoun, Ewing,
Slaston, Frelnghuysen, Mangum and Bibb;
supporting it as measure of pacification. It
was fnally passed, February %, 1885, though
not until after South Carolina had suspended
.' aet Nulliication Ordinance for che media
'on Of Virginia had the remarkable effect Of
soeoinplishing its object even before her Com
GH.ssoner arrived to deliver the Resolutions.
governor Hayne, of South Carolina, said that
ssoon as it was known that Virginia had ta-
tSa up the subject in friendly spirit, and
r. ,ua' Dill modifying the Tariff was before Con-
e.e's' "if was determined by common consent |
., suspend the operation of the Ordinance un-
S.r sher the adjournment of Congress-" The
s,S..ass s,."s Of the Compromise Rill, though not
tugetner acceptable, was gladly accepted as
f,a,uisning an osteDsible reason for retreating
hu,n hss the unenviable position South Carolina |
Sa. rashly assumed. The State Convention
tha Tre-assembied on the llth of March, and |
So..l .aulllfying Ordinance was finally repealed.
~ 'a carolina. nevertheless claimed the glory
IA triumph. Her people -wers congratula-
ana 'n having succeeded in defying Congress
tryi,p preventing the "broad usurpation" Of
"s 10 'coerce Sovereign State" The