Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1842-10-22

ed, yet his new manner of life laid the
foundation Of vigorous constitution, and
he contracted, also, that fondness Of Agri-
culture, which has distinguished So many
| il!ustrious names.
In the midst Of family arrangements,
and in consequence of his growing attach
ment to agricultural pursuits, John had a.
bandoned all thought of his former studies,
when his brother James, who had been
placed in a counting house in Charleston,
returned home to spend the summer Of
1900, and was 50 struck with his capacity,
that he mportuned him to turn his attention
at once to classical education, though it
was not till after great persuasion, that he
yielded to his brothers. judgment. Ac-
cordingly he proceeded to DR.. Waddel's
academy, which had been reopened in Co.
lumbia county, Georgia, where in 1900,
he may properly be said to have begun. at
the age Of eighteen a classical education
Here his progress was SO rapid, that he
was enabled to join the junior class at Yale
college in the autumn of 1902.
In the Institution he took high grade
in all the studies but though he did not
want imagination and taste; he was pecu
liary distinguished by his depth and quick
ness Of his intellect. He differed widely
from DR.. Dwight, the eminent individual
who presided over the college, in political
opinions, and although they had frequent
discussions, they were always Of friendly
character. 1t is related that in the course
of recitation in PaIcy's Phil Dsophy, the
Doctor expressed doubt ''whether the con-
sent of the governed, was the only origin
of legitimate government This caused
an animated debate between him and his
pupil, which held the class in delighted sus
pense till dinner, in the course of which
the student evinced such depth Of thought,
and such power of argument and elo-
quence, this celebrated preceptor predicted
his future rise. That young man." he
said TO friend, "has talents enough to be
President of the United States"
Just four years after commencing the
Latin Grammar, he graduated with the
highest honors, at the head Of a large and
talented class, but he was prevented by
sickness from delivering his Grafton, the
subject Of which was "The qualifications
necessary to perfect statesman"
After enrolling himself, on his return
home student of law with H. w. De-
Saussure, he went 10 n. England, and en-
tered the Litchfeld law school, where, for
eighteen months, under Judge Reeve and
Gould, he made great advancement. The
morning was devoted to law, the rest of
the day to general literature and political
science, and he cultivated with especial
care, extemporaneous speaking. 1t was
in the debating society Of this place, where
the most agitated political topics of the day
were discussed before crowded meetings,
that Mr.. Calhoun, who was ever the cham
pion of the republican side, first developed
his great powers of parliamentary debate.
1t was his custom, even then, to prepare by
reflection, and not by arranging on paper,
what he meant to say. A good memory
presented the order Of his own thoughts,
and wonderful power of analysis and
classification enabled him to digest rapidly,
and distribute in their proper places, the
answer and refutation of all the arguments
of the speakers, however numerous, whom
he followed.
In 1905, he returned to South Carolina,
and in 1907 commenced, in his native dis
trict, lucrative practice, ranking, from the
very outset, with the most eminent lawyers
in his circuit. An incident occurred about
this time, which brought him into distin-
guished notice. The affair of the Chesa-
peake had just created great excitement
throughout the South; meeting of the
people was called at AbbevilIe court house,
and Mr.. Calhoun was one of the commit.
tee appointed to draft an address and reso-
lutionS. He was requested also to address
the meeting. The day arrived-the as
sembly was large. 1t was his first appear
ance before the public, and trying as was the
situation, he acquitted himself in a manner
that eqcited enthusiastic appreciation. Soon
a ter he was proposed as candidate for
the next legislature, and in spite of pre-.
iudice which for years had prevented The
election of a llwycr, he was chosen by an
overwhelming majority. Here, during two
successive sessions, he took the lead in
every matter of importance, and eminent
ly distinguished himselfforthat political fore
sight and sagacity, for which he has ever
been so remark bic.
In the autumn of 1871, Mr.. Calhoun
took his seat in Congress, at the com
mencement of the first Session OF the
twelfth Congress, having been elected by "A
vast majority t. represent the district com
posed of A bevlle, Newberty and Lau-
rens, His reputation had preceded him.
and he was placed at once on the commit
tee of fore gn affairs, which was at that
juncure the most important. An able re
port, on which the discussion of the SEES
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