Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1860-11-22

The whisky In.urrec.isu.

In rSmsrking on Tuesday that Shay's rebel
lion was the only instance Of organised rebel
lion that had occurred in the history of this
Government, we were probably correct, but
those who should forget the whisky insur
reetion in Western Pennsylvania, -woald lose
sight of one Of the most remarkable events of
our national existence In 179< occurred an
instance-not of organised rebellion to the
General GOvernment-yet of more decided In
surrection and disobedience than fortunately
has trsnspirsd amid any other circumstances
since We have been a nation. In neither
Shay's rebellion nor the whisky insurrectien,
however, was there any grave national ques-
tiOn mooted-in neither case did any political
question Of national significance arise.
The whisky insurrecti0n originated in an
objection to the excise duty. Thirty warrants
were issued against dis,illers in the western
apart Of Pennsylvania, which the marshal Of
the district undertook to serve. Twenty-nine
were served, but the thirtieth was resisted by
q party Of armed men, who fred upon the au-
thorfties Upon the application Of the Mar
shal for aid. and the coming to his assistsncs
Of detachment Of eleven men from Pittsburgh
500 assistants appeared, several Of whom were
killed or wounded, and public meetings we're
held. These were attended by as many as
1000 armed men. This remarkable concur
renee Of course attracted the attention of the
Governor Of the State, who, however, was in
efficient, and as the Federal authorities were
washington at once acted with his usual de-
cision In putting down the insurgents.
Meanwhile, the rebels, although they had
no object further than a resistance of the ex-
else laws, were active in their opposition. They
burned houses, destroyed property and NAL,
treated officers of the Governments; and il was
supposed that their conduct had q wider sig
nidcance than it now seems reasonable to at
tach to it. Their deeds were undoubtedly ag-
gressiye and Objectionable, but their aim seems
less serious than was then supposed. Thirteen
thousand men, and subsequently Is. 900 men
were raised; proclamstions were issued and
Washington with his cavalry proceeded from
Philadelphia westward. Commissioners were
appointed who proceeded beyond the troops
towards the Ohio. These had dealings with
the insurgents, and in two or three months
from the outbreak of the disturbance accom-
modated the difficulties. OF COURSE some dis
cussion meanwhile occurred; but the upshot of
IL all was an indemnity for those who had been
concerned in the uprising. The Governor and
legislatures it is true, came to the aid Of the
federal authorities, and troops from the neigh
boring States were summoned; but this was
because of the decided notions Of Washington
The outbreak was remarkable solely because
OF the number Of persons engaged in it. and
not at all because it originated In any import
ant disafection towards the principles OF the
Government In this respect it differed wide
ly from the unfortunate feeling now existing
in the Southern States. The promptness Of
the President succeeded at once in subduing
the rebellion; two Of the leaders were found
guilty Of such offences as arson and robbing
the mail; but even they were ultimately par
doned- An attempt was made TO give the
whole affair character Of more portent than
we have here accorded to IT, but the nation re-
fused to consider the matter in any light but
that represented; and we are warranted in
stating that, in consequence and possible dire
ful result, neither Shay's rebellion, nor espe.
clally the w hiskey 1nsurrectiOn, was compar-
able with the troubles that now agitate this
Union, and shake the federation TO its basis,
with threats Of severance.-N. \. Erpress