Phenix Gazette

ALEXANDRIA, (D. C.)

WEDNESDAY MORNING, MAY 15, 1833.

"The price of liberty is eternal vigilance."

This truth, so often repeated, never deserved to be more warmly urged than at the present time. The nation is now reposing from the toils of party strife, but its repose should not be lethargic. In its present calmness and quiet, it should collect all its recuperative energies, and prepare for the exercise of its greatest strength, when the time of vigorous action arrives. That such a time will arrive at no very distant day we firmly believe; and it shall not be our fault, if we are not all ready and willing to meet the crisis.

We speak without intending disrespect, when we say that we feel safer now that the spirit of Jacksonism is dying away with the decline of its founder. We could not enjoy that confidence that we would wish to possess in the stability of our institutions and the virtue of our people, were man worship to still continue predominant. There is a moral degradation involved in this political sin, which prevents the mind from reposing any trust in those who yield submission to its influence. We willingly, however, admit the force of facts which go to show that we are soon to have no idol to which homage is to be paid—no Baal to which, under pain of denunciation, every knee is to bow.

The contest for men—the mere personal squabble for power and office, appears, just now, to be well nigh over. It may be commenced anew—circumstances may once more enlist our people under the banners of rival politicians seeking to gratify their own ambition or the views of interested partisans; but from present appearances, we have every reason to believe that the next great struggle will be for principles—for great fundamental doctrines—for the rights and interests of the people.

Nullification,—reprobated as it is, in name at least, by a vast majority of the people of this country, and by every State in the Union except one,—has nevertheless tainted a great number throughout the whole southern section of country. Whilst the time and manner of putting it in operation were objected to, South Carolina was still believed to have many just grounds for complaint, and even action. The ultra state rights men therefore, now that nullification, naked and simple, is put down, have called into their ranks all the adherents of that doctrine, and, under the name of protecting the rights of the states, are forming a party opposed, as it seems to us, to the true ends and designs for which this Government was formed. This party is already formidable. It will be more so. We are perfectly aware of the power which it can wield—the prejudices it can enlist—the jealousies it can excite—the heart-burnings it can create. We see its whole length and breadth, and height and depth. But, standing under the broad folds of the banner of the Constitution, we are not intimidated nor disheartened. We believe that the country will come out safe, and united from the fierce struggle which is to rage. In this contest—come when it may—we see our course straight and plain. We go for the principles of Washington. Under the authority of no other name will we exert ourselves, as we believe, in the cause of this blessed and glorious Union—this freest, happiest land on the globe. We repudiate and reject the contrary and excited dogmas of the statesmen and politicians who have come after the Father of his Country. We see in his writings, in his actions, and in his course of policy, all that is necessary to a wise, a vigorous, a prosperous, a happy, administration of the Government—all that will secure permanence and stability to the Union, and freedom and safety to the States. We take as our text book the Farewell Address: we take it in preference to the Proclamation, or any other state paper.

We conclude as we commenced.—"The price of liberty is eternal vigilance."

The sentinels upon the citadel of freedom, must continue to be faithful and fearless. When the alarm is given, we know the people will come to the rescue.