Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-08-16
TUESDAY, AUGUST l6, 1891.
From the Peadleton Messenger.
MR.. CALHOUN'S SENTIMENTS.

known nv sentiments on the deeply important
question, of the relation, which the States and
General Government bear to each other, and
which is at this time subject OF so much agita-
ton.
tbs one of the peculiarities Of the station oc-
cupy, that while It necessarily connects its in
cuinbent, with the politics of the day, it affords
him no opportunity officially to express his sent'
ments, except accidentally on an equal division
of the body, over which he presides.-He is thus
exposed, as | have often experienced, to have
his opinions enormously and variousy represent
ed. In ordinary cases conceive the correct
course to be to remain silent, leaving to time
and circumstances the correction OF misrepresent-
atoms; but there are occasions so vitality import
ant, that regard both to duty and character
would seem to forbid such course; and such
conceive. to be the present The frequent allusiOn
to my sentiments, will not permit me to doubt,
that such also is the public conception, and that
1t claims the right to know, in relation to the
question referred to, the opinions Of those, who
hold important official stations; while on my part
desiring to receive neither unmerited praise, nor
blame, feel, trust the solicitude, which every
honest and independent man ought, that my SEN
timents should be truly known, whether they
be such. as may be calculated to recommend them
to public favor, or not. Entertaining these i'm
pressions, have concluded that 1t was my duty
TO make known my sentiments: and have
adopted this mode, which on reflection seemed to
be the most simple, and best calculated to effect
the object IN view.
The question of the relation, which the States
and General Government bear TO each other, is
not one Of recent origin. From the commence
ment of our system, it has divided public senti-
mcnt Even in the convention, while the con-
stitution was struggling into existence, there
were two parties, as to what this relation should
be. whose different sentiments, constituted no
small impediment in forming that Instrument
After the General Government went into opera
ton, experience soon proved, that the question
had not terminated with the labors OF the Con-
vention. The great struggle, that proceeded
the political revolution of 1901, which brought
Mr.. jefferson into power, turned essentially on
it; and the doctrines and arguments on both
sides were embodied and ably sustained; on the
one. in the Virginia and Kentucky resolutions,
and the report to the Virginia Legislature; and
the other in the replies of the legislature OF Mas
sachusetts and some Of the other states. These
resolutions andthis report, with the decision OF
the Supreme Court OF Pennsylvania about the
same time, particularly in the case OF Goblet,
delivered by Chief Justice M'Kean and concur
red in BY the whole BENCH contain what believe
;ect.-I refer to them, in order to avoid the ne
cesity Of presenting my views, with the reasons
in support of them IN detail.
AS nv object is simply to state my opinions,
might pause with this reference to documents,
that so fully and ably state all the points lmne-
diately connected with this deeply important
subject, but as there are many, who may not have
the opportunity, or leisure to refer to them, and,
as it is possible however clear they may Be, that
different persons may place different iDterpreta-
tions on their meaning, will, in order that my
sentiments may be fully known, and to avoid all
ambiguity, proceed to state summariy the doc
trines, which conceive they embrace.
Their great aud leading principle is that the
General Government emanated from the people
of the several states, forming distinct political
communities, and acting in their separate and
sovereign capacity, and not from all OF the peo-
pie forming an aggregate political community;
that the constitution Of the United States IS IN
fact compact, to which each state is party, IN
the character already described; and that the
several states or parties, have right to Judge OF
its inractions, and in case of deliberate, Palpa-
bic. and dangerous exercise Of power not dele
gated. thew have the right, in the last resort, to
nse the language of the Virginia resolution, "fo
;ut,rpose for arresting the progress Of the eUii.
md for maintaining ,cithin their respect,re Inn
i,s, The authorities, ghts and liberties appertain-
ing to tkena" This right Of interpssition, thus
soiemnly asserted by the State Of Virginia, Be it
called what il NAV. state right, veto, nuilihca-
ton, or by any other name, | conceive to be the
fundamental principle Of our system. resting on
facts historically ascertained, as our revolution
itself, and deductions, as simple and demonstra-
tive, as that ofany political, or moral truth what
ever; and firmly believe that on its recognition
depends, the stability and safety Of our political
institutions.
am not ignorant, that those opposed to the
doctrine have always, now and formerly, regard
ed it in very different light, as anareh'eal and
he tendency, to me it would be no recommends
,,on. Iyield 20 none, TRUST, in adeep and sincere
to our political institutions; and the
Union of these States. never breathed an oP-
,osite sentiment,bui on the contrary, have ever
them tie CREST Of Preserv-