Virginia free press & farmers' repository. [volume] (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1827-1832, 1831-09-15


a. .nicr,ng into the Uaion; while the other
eide claims. for the advancement Of their
pTosperi'y, the positive interference Of the
Ga,eiHmrnt. In such cases. on every
principie q fairness and justice, such in
reference ought TO he restrained within
iim',s strictly compatible with the natural
advantages OF the other. lilo who, look
49, 10 all Of the causes in operation. the
rear spproarh Of the fnsi psy inent Of the
public debt; the growing disafiection
and resistance 20 the syst~m. in so large q
section OF the counirt the deeper prin-
cirles Gu which opposition 20 IL ,s gradual.
" turning mnst 10 indeed infatuated net
10 See great change IS unavoidable; and
that The attempt 10 Glade or much longer
delay II, mast Gna'ly but increase the
shock. and disastrous consequences wLie b
may follow.
la forming the opinions I have express
ed, have not been actual by an unkind
feeling owards our manufacturing inter
est now sm. and ever have been de.
cidedly friendly 10 them, though I can
not concur in all OF tho mea suIss wbich
have been adopted 10 advance them.
believe considerations higher than any
question o! mere pccunisry interest. for
bud their use. But subordinate Co these
higher views Of policy. regard The ad-
vancement Of mechanical and chemica al
Improvements in the arts with feelings
little short OF enthusiasm. not only rs the
prolific source Of national and in,liv idual
wealth. but az the great means Of enlarg
ing the domain OF man over the materia ]
world; and. thereby. OF laying the solid
foundation Ola highly improved condition
OF society. morally aud polite ally. | fear
not that we shall extend cur power too
far over the gree, agents Of nature but
on the contrary, consider such enlarge
ments OF our power. AZ tending more GER
tainly and powerfully To better the con
dition OF our race, than any ono Of the
many powerful causes now operating TO
that result. With these impressions. !
not only rejoice at the general progress
OF the arts in the world, but 10 their ad
vancement IN our own country; and, as
far as protection can be incidentally at
forded. in the fair and honest exercise OF
constitutional powers, I think now. as
have always done, that sound policy, con-
nected with the security, independence,
and peace Of the country. requires them
10 be protected. but that we cannot 20 a
single step beyond without jcopardixing
our peace, our harmony, aud our liberty
considerations OF infinitely greater i'm
portance 10 US than any measure Of mere
policy can possibly be.
In thus placing my opinions before the
public, have not been actuatcd by the
expectation Of changing tho public senti-
ment Such motive on a question 20
long aaitated. and so beset with feeling.
Of prejudice and interest, would argue. on
my part. an in.uffcrable vanity, and q
profound ignorance Of The human heart
To avoid. as far possible. the imputation
Of either. have confined my statemen,
on the many and important points on
which ! have been compelled TO touch
TO simple declaration Of my opinion
without advancing any other reasons to
sustain them. than what appeared to me
to be indispensable 70 the full understand.
inS OF my views; and If they should, on
any point, he thought 10 be not clearly and
explicitly developed. it will, I trust, be
attributed TO my solicitude TO avoid the
imPutatlons to which have alluded, and
not from any desire to disguise nv senti.
men's nor the want Of arguments and iIu.
traiions TO maintain positions. which 81 abound
IN both. that il would require volume to do
them any thing like justice. can only
hoPS ."ss tutuss WHICH U Tccl assured are
essentially connected with all that we ough,
TO hold most dear, may not be weakened in
the pub'I; estimation by the imperfect man
uer IN which have been. ny the object in
Sie~. compelled to present them.
With every caution on my part, ! dare not
hope. in taking the step have. to escape the
.npu'aiion of improper motives; though !
have. without reserve. freely expressed my
opinions. not regarding whether they nigh,
or might not be popular. ! have no reason
TO believe that they are such ss will concili.
ate public favor, but the opposite t., which !
greatly regret. as have ever placed high
estimate on the good opinion Of my fellow
citizens. Hat, be that ss IL may, shall, nj
least. he sustained by feelings Of conscious
rect'tude. have formed my opinions sfler
tbe most careful and deliberate examination
With ell the aids which my reason and expe.
renee could furnish have expressed them
honestly and fearlessiy, regardless If their
effects personally which, however interest,
ing 10 me individually. arc of too little i'm
poftsnoe TO be taken intothe estimate, where
the liberty and happiness of our country are
so vitality involved.
JOHN C. CALHOUN.
IsTf HiH July 26ih, 1851.
D