Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1836-01-28
Mr. CaIhOun's speech.

\ We publish below Mr.. Calhoun
Speech entire, which is briefly alluded
to in the proceedings Of Congress on
Monday, on our first page.
\ In SENATE, Monday. January 1s.
\ The Special Message and another message
from the President of the United States, con.
cerning our relations with France, having
been received and read
Il Mr. CALHOUN rose as Mr.. BUCHANAN took
his seat.
! rise (said Mr CALHoUS) with feelings en-.
itirely different from those fthe Senator from
Pennsylvania. He said he never listened tc
any message with greater satisfaction than
the present. That which has excited such
agreeable sensations in his breast, have
heard with the most profound regret. Never
did ] listen to a document with more melan-
choly feelings, with single exception-the
war- message from the same quarter a few
years since. against one Of the sovereign mem
bers of this Confederacy.
| arrived here (said Mr. C) at the beginning
of the session, with strong conviction that
there would be no war. | saw, indeed, many
unfavorable and hostile Indications; but |
thought the cause of difference between the
two nations was too trivial to terminate go dis
Iastrously. could not believe that two great
and enlightened nations, blessed with consti-
tuiional governments, and between whom so
many endearing recolections existed to bind
together in mutual sympathy and kindness,
won|d, at this advanced stage of civilization.
plunge into war for cause so frivolous.-t
With this impression, notwithstanding all
saw and heard, | still believed peace would
be preserved; but the message, and the speech
of the Senator from Pennsylvania, have dis
PEELED the dcuson. will not undertake to
pronounce with certainty that war is intended.
but will say, that if the recommr ndations of,
the President be adopted, it will be almost
inevitable.
fear (said Mr. C) that the condition in which
the country is now placed has been the result
of deliberate and systematic policy. am
bound To speak my sentiments freely. 1t Isl
due to my constituents and the country to act
with perfect candor and truth on question
in which their interest is so deeply involved.
1 will not assert that the executive has delib-
erately a'mc d ut war from the CONNIE nccmcnt;
but will say that, from the beginning of the
controversy to the present moment, the course
which the president has ,ursued IL precisely
The one calculated to terminate in conflict
between the two nations. 1t has been in his
power, at every period, to give the controver-
sy direction by which the peace of the coun-
try might he preserved, without the least sac
rtice of reputation or honor; bnt he has pre-
ferred the opposite. ! feel (said Mr. C) how
painful it is to make these declarations; how
unpleasant it s to occupy position which
might by any possibility be construed in op-
position to our conntry's cause; but, in my
conception, the honor and interests of the
country can only be maintained by pursuing
the course that truth and justice may dictate.
Acting under this impression, do not hesi.
tate to assert, after a careful examination Of
the documents connected with this unhappy
controversy, that, If war must come. we are
the authors-we are the responsible party
Standing, as fear we do, on the eve Of a con-
flict, il would to me have been a source Of
pride and pleasure to make an opposite declar-
alton; but that sacred regard to truth and JUS
tice, which, ! trust. will ever be NV guide un-
der the most difficult circumstances, would
not permit.
] cannot (said Mr. C) bu, call back to my
recollection the position wh ch occupied
twenty-four years since, as member Of the
other House. We were then. ms fear we
are now, on the eve Of a war with great and
powerful nation. My voice then was raised
tor war, because then believed that jnstice,
honor, and necessity demanded it. It is now
raised for peace, because am under the most
solemn conviction that by going to war we
would sacrifice justice, honor, and Interest,"
The same motive which then impelled me to
war now impels me TO peace.
have not (said Mr. C) made this assertion
lightly. 1T is the result of mature and delib-
crate reflection. IT is not my intention to en-
ter into minute examination of that unhappy
traln OF events, which has brought the country
TO Its present situation, but will briefly touch
on lew prominent points. beginning with
mat most unfortunate negotiation which
seems destined to terminate so disastrously
Tor the country.
from The accession Of the present king. his
ministry avowed itself favorable to the settle
ment of our claims. II could scarcely he
o'herwisc. The king had inst been raised 10
the throne, under revolution ORIGINATING in
popular impulses, which conld NOT but disnoso
him iavorably towsrd us. l.nfave,,e a, ,hs
time, possessed much power and influence.
and had greatly contributed 10 elevate J,ouis
philippe to his present station. His feelings
were known to be decidedly favorable To ns.
But with all this favorable inclination. the
ministry were fearful of concluding n treaty.
hcy dreaded the chambers; they knew how
oulous all treaties Of indemnify were 10 the
ehtIre French nation. and how difficult il
"ouIu De To bring the chambers to agree 10
make an appropriation to carry n treaty of in
lemnIty into effect, even with our county,,
Nth these impressions, they frankly stated
nsfr min al. I.o- 4 4