Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-10-05

the control OF irresponsible rulers; but, unrortu
uately for the Of hbcrty, il is not socn with
equal clcarness, that IT must as necessarily be so.
when controlled by an absolute majority; and yet,
the former is not more certain, than the latter.
To this, we may attribute tho mistake often
and so fatally repeated, that TO ExrEL pEsror is
TO ESTABLISH LIBERTY--a mistake To which we may
trace tho failure ot many noble and generous Ell
forts III favour of liberty. The error consists, in
considering communities as formed OF Interests
strictly identical throughout, instead OF bcing
posed. they in reality are, OF as many distinct
interests there are individuals. The Interests OF
no Two persons are thc same, regarded in reference
to each other; thongh they may he, viewed in re-
lation to tho rest of the com nunity. 1t is this di-
versity, which tho several portions of the commu-
nifty bear to each other, in reference to the VIII OLE
that renders the principle of the concurring
majority necessary TO preserve liberty. Place the
power in the hands Of the absolute majority, and
the strongest of these would certainly pervert the
Government from the object for which it ins,.
tuted, the cg;al protection of the rights of all, in
to instrument of advancing itself, at the expense
OF the rest Vt the community. Against this abuse
of powe-, rcmcGy can be devised but that of the
concurring majority. Neither the right of suffrage
nor public opinion can possibly check 1T. They in
fact, but tend to aggravute the disease. 1t seems
really surprising, that truths obvious should be
so impertectly understood. There would appear,
indeed, iccbeness in our intellectual powers on
political subjects, when directed to large masses.
We readily why single individual, Il ruler
conmunity but are at loss to understand, why Z
millions would, if not also prevented, opprcss 6
millions, as if the relative numbers either side
could, in the least degree, vary the principle.
In stating what have l have but repeated the
experience of ages, comprehending all free govern
menis preceding ours, and far it has pro-
crossed The PRACTICAL operation of ours has
been substantially on the principle of tie
| absolute majority We bavc acted, with some
exec ,tons as if the General Government
| had the right to interpret its own powers,
without Limitation, check; and, though many
circumstances have iavourcd us, and greatly
impeded the natural progress OF events, under
such an operation of the system, yet we already
see, in whatever direction we turn our eyes, the
growing symptoms of disorder and docay-the
growth of faction, cupidty aud corruptiCn; and
the decay of patriotism .utcgrty and disntercscd-
ness. In the midst of youth. we see the flushed
cheek and the short and feverish breath that mark
| the approach of the fatal hour: and como it will,
unless there be a speedy and radical change--u
return to the great conservative principle, which
| brought the Republican party into authority, but
which. with the possession of power and prospcri-
| ty, ii has long since ceased 10 remember.
have now finished tho task, which your re-
! quest imposed If | have been so Fortunate, as
to add TO your fund, single illustration of
thus great conservative principle of our Government
or to furnish an additional argument calculated 10
sustain the State in her noble and patriotic strup-
gle to revive Il maintain it, and, in which you have
acted u part long to he remembered by the friends
W iceuo' Slldl lCel amply compensated Tor the
| time occupied, in so long communication. | be-
licve the cause to be, the of truth and Just
ice, ofunion liberty, and the Constitutions before
which, the ordinary party struggles of tho day,
sink into perfect n#igri;icumce; and that it will be
so regarded by the most distant posterity, ] have
| not the sghtes, doubt.
With great, and sincere regard,
ana yours, &c. sc.
JOHN c. CALHOUN.
His Ex. JAMES HAMILTON, Jun.
Governor n y. Cdro!iRa