But the beginning was made; and the English manufacturers and carriers saw that the power to levy ten per cent.

could at any time levy a hundred per cent.
if the interest of the new government should demand it.

The separate States had indeed possessed the power to levy imposts, but they had never exercised it in any comprehensive manner, and had usually adapted the rate of duty to English trade rather than to the protection of manufacturing interests at home.

The action of the Federal Government was a new departure, of portentous magnitude, and was so recognized at home and abroad.
It was not the percentage which aroused and disturbed England.

It was the power to levy the duty at all.