The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-03-09
John G. Calhoun, the new Secretary Of


of the greatest movements undertaken by Mr. Ty-
Ter since his accession TO the Presidency The I'M
portance OF this movement is impressed on the
mind in every aspect of the case, whether IN re'a-
ton to our foreign negotiations, affecting the an
nexation of Texas, or the Oregon territory, or IN
relation to the internal policy OF the country COM
pretending the tariff and other financial measures,
or still particularly IN relation TO the contest
for the next Presidency and the result Of that cleo
ton at the polls
What are the probable causes of Mr.. Calhoun's
selection and what will be the consequences OF his
acceptance of the post
The reasons which may have operated the
mind of Mr.. Tyler, in making the selection of this
great statesman, were doubt partly political
partly national-and partly personal. About a year
ago, on the retirement of Mr.. Webster from the
same position in the Cabinet we have every reason
TO believe that Mr.. Tyler requested Mr.. Calhoun to
accept the vacancy; but Mr.. Calhoun, then pro-
mlnent candidate in the democratic ranks for the
next Presidency in opposition to Mr. Van Buren,,
was advised by his friends refuse any such office,
because 1t would place him out Of the line OF the
succession. The motives which operated on Mr..
Tyler's mind are, no doubt, the same now that were
in existence then; but the reasons which then led
Mr.. Calhoun to decline the Office no longer In
existence. From variety of circumstances-from
the present position of parties and men throughout
the country-we have every expectation in our
favor that Mr. Calhoun will accept the present APP
pointment, and in consequence OF that acceptance,
most important and new aspect is given to the
whole foreign and political relations of the
country.
Mr.. Calhoun is a high and eminent statesman
man of most exalted intellect in certain points of
view, although somewhat contracted and sectional
in others Fortunately for the peace Of the world
and for the high reputation of this country, Mr..
Calhoun in relation to our foreign connections en-
tertains the most comprehensive and liberal opln-
ions; and will look upon the Oregon question ard
the annexation of Texas with altoghether broader
prospect than any of those men connected with the
same party who are now actively engaged in the
political field. On the Tariff and on some other
distractions as the State-rights question, Mr. Cal
houn's opinions may be somewhat transce nd entail
and mystical, but he is beyond all doubt of the
most practical, sensible and enlightened men in
the country, in relation to Our foreign relations.
What direction, then, is it probable that Mr.. Cal
houn's great and powerful and liberal intellect may
give to the pending negotiations between the two
countries in relation to important points of contro
ersy, and affecting the great question of peace or
war! We believe that Mr. Calhoun, from his for
mer declaratlons-from the tenor IF his whole life
from his great character-w be disposed TO meet
half way any rational and reasonable compromise
that may be proposed by the British negotiaor.
That such proposition might be denounced by the
radical portion of the democratic party, with MIR.
Benton at its head, Is very probable. But STILL MIR.
Cahoun's great popularity at the south, and the adj
ditonal popularity amongst the interests at the east
and west, who interested in the preservation o
peace, would stand against any attempt OF the radl-
cal portion Of the party to impair his position, or to
cast obstacles in the way Of the successful and
peaceful progress of the negotiations Also, on the
question Of Texas, we believe that Mr.. Calhoun, 80
far as has been developed, is in favor of the
alton Of that country to this republic. We know
that his State-South Carolna-has passed strong
resolutions in favor of that measure and it is high
" probable at all events, that he is of the same
opinion. On this point, therefore, his sentiments
might be rather unpopular amongst the fanatical
portions of the eastern and western communities;
but when we view in this connexion his liberal
views on the Oregon question, and the probability
that both combined would be handled in such a
mastery way, and with the firm grasp of states
man, so as to preserve peace, we are disposed to
think that Mr. Calhoun will conduct these negotia-
tions, in conjunction with the President, In a man.
ner more satisfactory TO the country-more avora-
bic TO peace anu VIII
Justice and ultimate prosperity, than any other man
who could have been selected by Mr.. Tyler. We |
cannot believe, therefore, that in the circumstances
of the case, Mr. Calhoun will be justified in refus
ing his to take that high post of honor and
usefulness to which he has been called at such an
eventful crisis.
Such are our views in relation to the important
negotiations connected with the State department,
to which Mr.. Calhoun has now been called But,
in another point of view, in relation to the next
Presidency, the selection of Mr.. Calhoun, and the
circumstances attending it, will have most sngu-
lar and extraordinary bearing. Mr.. Calhoun has
already Withdrawn himself as a candidate from
nomination by the Baltimore Convention, which
is supposed to represent the democratic party. But
he has not withdrawn himself from all connection
with that party, which is organized against Mr.
Clay and his principles. BY accepting the post OF
Secretary of State, Mr.. Calhoun unites his popu-
larity, his friends and the elements of his future
success, with those of the present administration,
represented by Mr.. Tyler All the other candi-
dates of the party in opposition to Mr.. Van Buren,
Mr.. Buchanan-Colonel Johnson-with the excep-
ton of Mr.. Tyler and General Glass; have also
Withdrawn. The only candidates, therefore, of
the democratic party are Mr.. Van Butsn, Mr..
Tyler, and General Cas-. The extraordinary ri
vary between the friends Of Mr.. Tyler, and those
of Mr.. Van Buren-the feuds which have existed
between them--,he violence thrown out by the
Globe, on the hand, and the Madisonian and
It's aduncts, on the oherentirely forbid any friend
Iy cohesion between the friends of either of these
men, in case other should be chosen by the
representatives Of the party assembled in conven-
ton at Baltimore. If Mr. Van Buren, should be
the nominee, the friends Of Mr.. Tyler will orga-
nze against him; and probably, also, the friends OF
Mr.. Calhoun, from the affinity of their chief with
Mr. Tyler would Join in the same movement. On
the other hand, if Mr.. Tyler should be selected
by the democratic party, at either OF the
Baltimore Conventions, we cannot expect that
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