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1827-s] The " Tariff of Abominations:' 377 that the Woollens Bill would be revived in the next session of Congress ; and that nothing but a firm remonstrance from the planting States could prevent the ruin of the South. The Chamber thereupon framed and sent to Congress a remonstrance declaring the proposed tariff to be unjust and unconstitutional, and warned Congress to give heed to the rising spirit of opposition. " Have you," said another memorial, " ascertained beyond the possibility of deception how far the patience of the people of the South exceeds their indignation, and at what precise point resistance may begin and submission end ? " In the North, meantime, the growers of wool were waiting for action. State con- ventions were held and delegates chosen to attend a national convention which met at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in July, 1827. After a session of five days, the convention appointed a committee to draw up an address to the people, and adopted a memorial to Congress which was duly presented to the House of Representatives when that body met in December. Memorials both for and against a revision of the tariff came pouring in from all sections of the country, together with resolutions of a very threatening kind from the legislatures of many States. Those from Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and New York approved of revision, and called for adequate protection to the cotton, wool, hemp, iron, and flax industries. North Carolina declared that the use of the taxing power for any other purpose than revenue was a usurpation of authority by Congress. South Carolina took the same view. Georgia declared for a strict construction of the powers of Congress, and would " submit to no other." Alabama held that power to protect manufactures had never been granted to Congress, had no limits, was dangerous, odious, productive of monopoly, tended to heap up wealth in the hands of the few, and spread poverty, misery, and vice among the many. Ohio and New Jersey were urgent for protection. Of fifty-seven memorials from the people, twenty-five favoured protection, while thirty-two were hostile. Towards the close of January, 1828, a Bill was reported which it was expected would never pass. Indeed, it was carefully prepared to invite defeat, for in 1828 a President was to be elected; and each party, fearing to pass the Bill, sought to throw the odium of defeat on the other. But the Bill, with all its excessive duties on raw materials and imported manufactures, passed both Houses of Congress, and was accepted by the President. It has ever since been known as the " Tariff of Abominations." CH. XI.