Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1838-08-30
LETTER rRcM J e. cAIHorN, E.a

LETTER FRNM e. CALHOUN, E.a
Mr. C4i1'". Nas invited 10 a public du-
ncr, s.svn .8'r'y e. Nj Preston. MT Columbia,
= =. he .'ec,u~d t. Attcnd, because IN. f-su-
val was intended as testimony Of appreciation
OF Nc /. a. r"i Ls,-I ,oursG srRg, ally, dunny the
late session and Of cours- an nd5rce coDdetn-
nation Of his own cour.. Amer expressing re-
er,t al Inc present Po!luoa! DIVISION m 5 Caro-
Una. IA hls reply 10 tho COMMITTEE letter Of IN
Vlt1t!Cn, Mr.. &. says :-
have long regarded the South rs the
balance wheel ol our beautiful but COM
n!ex system OF government, and I con,i-
der Ms UNION, cot only as necessary to its
own prosperity aud safety. but indispen-
sable 10 the proper working OF the whole
machine. IL IS an opinion deliberately
formed. after much reflection. add no lit
tie experience. We are the weaker and
exposed section. aud must, Of course.
have the deepest interest in con6niny the
General Government, 20 its proper sphere,
on which depends It's safety and Duration.
so essential TO the safety and prosperity
OF all. To effect tbs. .sniJn among our
selves IS indispensable. while rs the weak
or portion Of the oonfederacy, 1t can
no. enianger either the rights OF the safe
~ ofthc stronger. But union among our
selves Of home, IN our Own State ifnot ne
cessary Is important 10 the union Of the
whole South. CiEogn.tances 10 which
need not refer. have given the State.
prominence and influence lar beyond its
extent. population, or wealth.
Entertaining these views, | was ready
to make any sacIi6ce short e principle
aud duty 20 avoid division and 1iscord ut
home, but II Was impossible for me with
out sacrificing them. 20 take any other
course IN the present juneture. than ,hs,
which did.
] long .ince foresaw It's approach. and
made up my mind NJ 10 The part | would
act sh al II arrive in my hue -Four
years ago, on the Temovs, OF the deposites,
openly svowed IN debate the principles
aud sentiments on which | acted at the
late and sHha session aud OF conse-
quenee. could tks no other course
Sthoutpalpably contrsdicung my record
ed opinions, and ihis Without any change
OF puGciple or Seuumelt. So far other
wise, tune and reflection have bot served
10 cOuhEm the opinions then entertained
and expressed. do believe that the only
real alternative leh is whether the gov
ernment shall e. back 20 is original poll
cy established by The act VI 1889, and
collectns revenue 10 The legal and con-
stiuion.l currency u the county, and
Keep At 10y IA own rsspoBstls ofissrs, or
charter another bsnk-or. 10 other " ord..
between the sopsutuhoEsl Treasury and
another National Bank With ut. Gent cap
ital aud Po~srto eoGlroul the exchanges,
the currency the Commerce. and the bu-
sIness OF tie Union. All other measures,
the pet sank system, special deposi,es,
and all. are bot temporary expe dients--
halfway houses, aud SO understood and
svowod by tue giea, toty opposed 20 The
separation Of Government from The banks.
Between the two--ihs constitutional
Treasury and National Bank, could
not hesitate. do mosi solemnly believe
that bank with power and influence
sufficient 10 elect the object proposed.
would be mosi dangerous OF eli measures
would be fatal ~ our fee institutions.
snd desiTuCn,e Of the commeIce, int.
resis aud safety Of the staple States. Ils
powers would NAIVE II despotic. and ena-
bic II 10 eoD.foul the action Of CongreIs.
and 10 take from the people in reality the
power Of clecung the Preildent. Who
would be virtually elected by the bank
sud be but Az instrument IA its hands.
j! would, ia word. make master
not master having common interest IN
the whole. and e motive 10 protect and
cherish all the psgts. but local and sec
honal master. whose power would be
welded e. sggfaudiIe and build up ono
portion ~ expressing ,he ether
Thus thinking, no alternative was left.
but 10 pursue tho course I did. even AZ
The hazard II differing from nv colleague
and many 81 toy old f,end., fot ~Lofn I
have tho highest regstd and The kindet
feelings In taking It. I could not bot
ioresee ;hl, q uould btug ne into con
niSi With thc creates, and uosi powerful
intcfsst n hr community and that
should be- subject 20 Tie mott unfounded
misrepresentation aud lhe hcrceu attacks.
Bot a. suCh Cii.is. and With my views
Of The ronsequenCer. I would tsse been
unworthy o. representing commitments %
intelligent and pstnJGC snd NLo bad so
generously stood ~ fDe On 90 nsny try
,og occasions u bad permitted sny per-
'onsl ~ sei6st combination % haze the
lesst influence.
Having thus differed W question ae.
coIdiBg 90 ny conception q such vsst
magnitude sad lupor snce sann0, Sec u
yout Invitation o. paUaks 10 festisiiV
intended 90 honor ihe course 81 ny col.
league siihout combining and aisbonof.
ing my ovn snt am ,hsr,l,fo compelled
20 decline a.
With respect yours Sc.
JOHN G CALHOUN.
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