Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-06-02
POLITICAL.
ADDRESS
OF THE CONVENTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA,


on the subject of the approaching Presidential cleo
ton, and have given it that serious attention, which
its great importance demands at all times, but more
especially in the present critical condition of the coun-
try. The result IS, our unanimous determination
TO recommend 10 you JOHN CALDWELL CALHOUN as
the candidate of the Democratic Republican party, for
next President We are also unanimous in recommend
ing, "tha the General Convention the party should
be held in Baltimore in May, lS44-lhst each State
should appoint many delegates she is entitled 10
members in the Electoral College-tbat two should be
appointed at large, and the remainder by districts,
from each Congressional District where there such
IN State, and where not, by the mode which the
Republican party of such State may deem best fitted
collect and express the opinions of the peopleand
| that the members should vote per capita +"
| We shall pass all minor and subordinate consi-
derations for recommending Mr. Calhoun, and pro.
coed directly to state the leading and paramount
commentator on his long, faithful and important public
services; on his acknowledged abilities, energy, firm
ness and sagacty; on his profound knowledge of the
Constitution, and the genius and character of ad
mirable system of Government; on his high admnistra
tive talents his devoted attachment TO free and po
pular institutions, and the principles and doctrines Of
the Republican party; and finally on the spotless pu
rily Of his life.
These high qualifications but not higher than he
possesses nor (as believe) than large majority of
his iellow-citizens accord to him. They are those,
which at all times should be regarded as paramount
in the selection Of The Chief Magistrate, and dec
sIve at such period the present, when the
Government is surrounded by perils and difficult
ties when its character and credit greatly sunk,
at home and abroad; when great abuses and cor
rupton have crept into its administration; when
the principles of the Constitution have been departed
from; and when universal embarrassment prevails
throughout the land 1t il at such PERIOD that the
great and only question should be, who is best qualified
TO carry the Government through its perils and diff
cutes; to correct ts errors reform its abuses; ele
vate its character and credit establish the Consli-
tuition, and restore confidence and the prosperity of the
country. Whoever he may be, he ought 10 be the
man. Every subordinate consideration should yield.
! Who, then, is the for the present PERIOD With
out intending to underrate disparage the high quail
ca,lons of the distinguished individuals of the party
whose names have been presented by their friends,
candidates, we respond TO the question, MIR. CAL
HoUN is The We sincerely believe that he uniles
in himself more fully, and in higher Degree than
any other individual, all the high qualities demanded
by the occasion; and that his election would do more
to redeem the character of the Government and coun
try, and restore confidence and prosperity than the
election OF any other man, the occurrence OF any
| other event.
1t is not be disguised that the deplorable condi
ton of the country may be almost exclusively traced
to errors and encouragement Of Government. IL can
not he charged either TO The Constitution, or the dis
pensa.lons of Providence On the contrary, His dis
pensalions have not only been kind, but munllcen,
in abundant harvests and almost universal health
while TO The violation neglect of the provisions Of
the Constitution, may be traced most of the evils that
have befaen us. We then must mainly look for their
remedy TO the correction of the of the Govern
ment and the reformation Of its abuses and for 'ha
TO the election Of the President without whose lead
and enlightened and hearty cooperation, there can
be thorough and radical reform, or essential change
in the course of Government experience has abun
dainty proved. What his lead and cooperation will
be in the coming Administrations depends on the lndi-
ydual 10 be elected, and that far as the party IS
| concerned the candidate be nominated, anC
hence at this time, the great importance OF making
| the proper selection.
| II may be supposed, that the fact Of Mr. Calhoun
being native of South Carolina has Influenced US in
making up estimate Of his qualifications, and that
large deductions ought to be made that account We
not how much opinion is liable to be bassed
by State attachments and have made allowance for II,
but it is possible, not enough. If, however, deduction
is TO be made on that account from the weight Of our
opinion in his favor there other considerations,
which ought at least to throw equal weight IN the
opposite scale. If the fact that of the State
and vicnage OF Mr. Calhoun, calculated to warp our
judgment and lessen the weight OF opinion IN his Ia
vor the fact is equally calculated in another view,
TO add to it's weight For while it may bias our opinion in
his favor, gives the opportunity view his conduct,
public and private, more closely and infinitely, and to
make up opinion from actual observation and full
and correct know ledge. When with such advantages,
the jury of the vicinage-the whole State, renders an
unanimous verdict in his favor, it ought to be emit
tied to full credence. We say unanimous, for there
is literally but party in the State, as far as he is
concerned.
On this elevated ground, we rest our preference io
Mr.. Calhoun. To that, we might add many other rea
sons entitled to much consideration, but OF subordi
nate character. Among them that he belongs TO por
ton of the Union which has yet had President
The Central States, the Northern and Eastern, Inc
Western and Northwestern, all have had their ffesl
dents; but the Southern or South~estern,-tne gres
exporting States from the exchange OF whose products
tI,a fuynf htrda nj
revenue OF the Union has been drawn and which have
ever furnished their full share of talents, patriotism
eloguence and wisdom to the councils OF the naon,-
have never yet had one.
In this connexion there is another view, not less
titled to consideration. The Presidents have heretofore
been taken exclusively from the larger States. Their
is not instance Of one, in the long course OF halt
&c ntury selected from the medium size, or smalle
States Is il 10 be inferred from these remarkable facts
that the smaller and weaker States and the least poPu
ous portions Of the Union are TO be permanently eX
cluded from it's highest honors?or rather has IT bee
an accidental course of events without aim or design
The latter we hope has been the case but surely on TIT
first fitting occasion, generosity, the sense OF JustIc
and sound policy, require Of the larger States, ant
more popuous portions of the Union, that they shou
give practical and substantial proof it has been in re
Atty accidental, md not designed And what occa
sion can be more fitting than the PRESENT.
If the high qualifications Of Mir. Calhoun, strength
ened by such long and important services UNANIMOUSLY
supported as tnere IS every Ieasoh 10 ueieve nc -"
be- not only by bis State but the portion of the UnIo
to which he belongs, cannot ensure his election, is
TO be expected, that any citizen hereafter belonging
it, however eminent his talents, great his services
or from the smaller Slates will ever be elected =
And would there not be strong grounds for believing
that their citizens forever to be DISTINGUISHED
far the office of Presidents concerned, and that TN
Office is TO be permanent monopoly of the large
States, and more populous sections9 To these ohe
reasons might be added, OF not less weight we shall
however, aude to but or two, and among them
his disn,erested and magnanimous course IN his part
!, relations, Of which single instance will suii'ce.
1t is well known, that he did not hesitate, regard
less of consequences, in obedience TO what he oeeVe
to be the principles and policy Of the Republican
party parals from the great body of the party
the pleniude of lis power, and when the highest re
wards and honors OF The country were in his grasp
1t is equally well known, that it subjected nun, !"
the time the denuncations Of those ne Sc
para,ed from, and apparently forever blasted his poll
teal prospects, SO far as office, power and inauenc
were concerned. He willingly sacrificed all, TO main
tain his principles. Nor is it unknown when the To
of events turned against his former friends, ifor
whom he had separated and when the party was at i
greatest depression, and their old opponents ready
rush in and overwbem Them they evcd forever
hen that forpettipp the past. and OVERLOOK