Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1843-11-11

or been any doubt as 10 what they were
or whether they would be adhered to. HI
has never waited for public sentiment t
be formed before he dared to disclose hi!
own opinions, but whenever a subject has
come before the body TO which he belong,
cd, has taken his ground respecting it and
uniformly with so thorough comprehen.
sion Of all its bearings, that his opinions
have wanted no modification afterwards.
In this way he has been much the mos,
consistent af all our leading public men.
tits not at all disreputable to any man that
he is sometimes in error, nor that when
he perceives the truth, he avows the
change which his opinions have under
gone. 1t is alleged, we know, that Mr..
Calhoun is Inconsistent because he advo-
Gated the stimulating of American manu-
features into existence as reason for in
creasing the tariff at one time, and now
advocates free trade upon its broadcast
and most Incorporating principles
Mr.. Calhoun himself, in his late letter,
seems to allow that his position is not
now exactly what it was once, but it seems
10 US that he made the concession more
as a matter of magnanimity, than be-
cause il was really demanded by the cir
cumstances. At a time when threaten
ing war was gathering around our infant
country, Mr.. Calhoun did propose that
duties should be advanced some two to
five per cent, making them up 10 fifteen
or seventeen per cent in all, and he gave
as one reason for doing SO, that it would
stimulate manufactures into existence;
but he never advocated any other tariff
than one Of adequate revenue. A man
who drink glass OF wine at the table of
his friend, might as we'll be tainted with
inconsistency because he protests against
drunkenness in the streets. 1t is not for
us certainly to call this inconsistent, for it
it Just what we have agreed to. There
are modifying circumstances almost al.
ways attendant upon the practical appli.
cation ofgreat principles, and yielding to
them in practical spirit is not pledge to
carry GU. those modifying circumstances
until they become ascendant principles
and destroy the fundamental rule. II is
true that as fundamental principle, trade
should be lief: free altogether, and entire
ly free; yet it would be any thing but
practical wisdom TO determine that moth.
ing should ever modify this principle in
its practical operation.
In his personal character Mr.. Calhoun
is a model for statesmen. Amid all the
bite ness with which he has been assail.
ell, the purity Of his life was never ques-
toned. He processes TO make the pre-
cepts of the Bible his rule of life, and no
one ever questioned the sincerity of his
profession. Many men who stood repu-
tablyein our churches, have fallen under
the temptations Of public life, made ship.
wrecks Of the faith, become vicious in
their personal habits, and unworthy of
trusts in their political associations. But
Mr.. Calhoun has never been charged
with personal vice or political trcachery.
Although we Go no, think that personal
piely should be test for office, yet il is
right that Christian men who have been
praying that we may have rulers "who
fear God and hate covetousness," should
know that Mr.. Calhoun is such man
and when he is nominated for office, they
have an opportunity, unless his opponent
is man of similar character, 10 test the
sincerity Of their petitions.
That Mr.. Calhoun is a statesman of
the fist class, we need not say: and that
his plans of. policy would secure the
peace and quietudc of our Union, we are
sure every man believes who has atten-
ti'eN considered his course. The agi-
tations Of the country have always been
ciused by strong measures, bearing une-
qua ly upon The country, and Of doubtful
'nstilutlonality. The Southern policy of
c'nstruing the powers Of the Federal Gov
eminent strictly, and exercising only
those which are un4uestionably conveyed
to Congress, would be as eminentIy pro,
motive OF the prosperity as Of the peace
and happiness of the country. We need
statesmen whose views are national; who |
do not depend upon blowing the flames OF
civil war in Rhode Island toplease the
democracy, or an expedition against Ore
lyon to pease the Western borderors, or a
protective tariff to please New England,
Penns,y lvania, and Louisiana, at the ex.
pense of justice to all other parts of the
country. A mild but expanded policy,
securing liberty to every citizen, and i'm.
posing necessary burthens equally upon
'ail, Is the government which this great
country requires. With Mr.. Calhoun at
the head of affairs, we might expect an
efficient, yet benignant and peaceful ad-
'minstration at home, and a courteous,
but dignifed policy abroad. The cor
|rupling influence of party arrangements
would terminate; the spoils would cease
10 be divided among hungry scramblers;
good men will no longer be prescribed