The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1814-02-14
THE SUBSTANCE OF Mr.. CALHO UNoS
SPEECH ON TILE .iRNY RILL 30

He did not rise, he said, to examine what terms
the President had asscnted negotiate with the British
government because he conceived it neither pertinent
TO the present question, proper at this time. He
deemed II however, his duty that he wholly dis
seDted from the construction which opponents gave
80 the documents connected with this subject If pro-
per opportunity should hereafter occur, he would be
happy to present the reasons for his opinion on this
point.
He was induced occupy the time of the committee
at present, essential which gentle
men In the opposition avs introduced into the discussion
OF this question; and although diately
ed with the merits of the bill, he thought it proper that
they should be answered because, from all he had
heard, as we'll this former occasions, seemed
70 him that they constituted the basis which the mi
norty rested their justification He alluded to the cha
racter which they gave the and the claim up
IN political and constitutional point of view justify
their opposition Gentlemen contend that this is
fensive but offensive and under that character
undertake its denunoia,on without c0ndescendne
TO state, what in their opinion constitutes the character
Istc difference between them He claimed attention
of the committee while he examined this pon, and hi
hoped that would be considered verbal cri
ticIsm since opponents have made the distinction
foundation of much defamation against war; The
inquiry, in another point of view he believed would be
useful The people in this country have aversion
an offensive war; which he supposed interpreted the
meaning of the vehemence of the opposition on this sub
ect; while they readily acknowledged the possible ne
eessity and justice of that defensive. 1t is there
fore proper. that ideas this point should be Fixed
with precisonand certainty He would lay as an
universal ciiterion that offensive defensive
not by the mode of carrying it which is an inmate
rial circumstance, but by the motive and cause which
led to It, ii has its origin ambition avarce or any
of the like PASSIONS then is it offensive: but if on the
contrary repel insult injury it is of an
opposite character and defensive The truth of this
position would not require much discussion. He con-
ee'ved shat at might safely rely either the ahari.y
she best writer's the subject, internal evi
Hence. is only in this view that the prevalent feelings
this subject be explained If the distinction tax
is correct one-if the two species of are dis
tingnishable In their and motve then aversion
tothe and appreciation of the other snolongera
sery is founded in the of things But it, on The
contrary it is true that they distinguished by the
accidental circumstance of the mode of carrying
them that the of action should make them he
the other, then the feelings of this country by
which 1t condemns approves of either Species is
profound mystery, never to be explained In the view
which he had presented the difference between an Offer
sive and defensive war, is of the kind and the
American sense of justice for their feelings
Their exemption from ambtion and love of Justice pre.
them from the former while their manly spirit
and good sense viii always make them cheerfuiy meet
the other, whenever is necessary What then is the
character of the in which engaged? Was
dictated by avarce love of conquest He appeaed
opponents for decision. They have already de-
cded When the resolutions of the gentleman from
New Hampshire, under discussion the last se
son j, repeated till the fatgued by eyerv
that side of the house who took any part in the
debate, that the repeal OF the Berlin Milan DEGREES
had been communicated in time to the British govern
nent the orders In council would have been repealed
and had the last event happened the would not have
been declared They then have acknowledged that the
shey pretend, the OF the wars and it would
be idle inquire, whether resist them, in its ma
sre offensive defensive. 1t would be to inquire whe
aher they were or were not injury commerce.
point he had never heard denied by the obstinate
debater 1t would be equally examine the
OF continuing the protect seamen from
9mpressment is of an offensive defensive character
Very few have the hardihood to deny that it is an in
fury of the serious kind, both it regards the 90
vernmen and the unhappy subjects of its operations
IL involved the most sacred obligation which bind the
body polite the citizenhe meant that of protection
due alike to ALTO the beggar in the stree-much more
If susceptible of degrees, saiorstha class of
the community who have added much to the wealth
and renowD OF this country Having thus established
the character Of the in its origin continuance he
would lay 1t down as rule less clear that defeD-
sve does not become offensive by being carried be-
yond the limits of our territory. The motive and cause
viii ever give character all the uuessen-
fal incidents When declared, the only question
even IN defensive is how carried on with
she greatest effect The Of this, involves the
most glarng absurdy. It Supposes that had deter
mined to compel our enemy respect rights and at
The game time Voluntarily Teuosnced what is acknowl.