Page:Nullification Controversy in South Carolina.djvu/107

 CHAPTER III

THE FIRST TEST OF STRENGTH (1830-31)

At various times early in 1830 a state convention had been suggested. Its advocates gradually gained in number, until in May it bade fair to become the main issue. A number of Charleston citizens, though they were opposed to the tariff, raised an objection to a convention, thereby evidencing continued disaffection between the upper and lower sections of the state; for the Charlestonians feared that if a convention were called it might not confine itself to the national issue, but might change the legislative representation within the state so as to destroy the weight of the lower country in the legislature. This raised the question whether a convention could be restricted to the consideration of specific subjects. To this was soon added the query whether a convention's action upon federal relations could be dictated, or whether the alternative between nullification and secession must be left to its discretion. It was replied that the legislature might, in the