President Andrew Jackson, who had always defended the right of states in past conflicts, this time, was on the side of the federal authorities in this conflict of interest, asking Congress to authorize him to use military force against South Carolina , if it becomes necessary. President Jackson sent ships to the ports of South Carolina to collect tariffs, at the time when Congress was already working on a new compromise bill, to lower tariff rates at acceptable prices. South Carolina accepted the new plan, and for a time, the whole issue of separation was forgotten.