The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-02-12

MI. CALHOUN then rose and sad am really Cd
ged to the gentleman from Tennessee for giving me an
opportunity to repel great many insinuanons which
have upon this very subject and the endeayor to TX
upon myself and friends the responsibility OF which he
has spoken. lie has got up aud made grave charge
that there on this side of the House party combined
together, in reference presidential elections, who con-
troed all measures reference 10 that have already
denied that was any candidate for the presidency APP
peal 10 every inendto my friends upon this hoor upon
either side OF the House. and 10 every IN the State OF
South Carolina if my whole course of conduct has not
been this that ! would not accept the presidency
unless to me by the voice OF the American peo
Pile, and then only from sense OF duty, and taken as
obligation. AT my time OF life the presidency moth
acknowledgement for many long year, MIR. President
have long aspred for object far higher than the pres
idency-that is, doing my duty in all crcqmsances-ln
every tralTespectve OF parties and without regard to
friendships enmites but simply in reference to the
prosperity OF the country If my HE be reviewed here
after, leave 10 those who may review IT the settlement
OF this question What charge has he made out
against myself and the few OF my friends who have
voted with me during the present session? Where
has he shown that we have rejected or abandoned
any measures connected with the conduct OF tins
war? One single act only, and that is not voting Tor the
proposition for Lieutenant general Now, Mr. Pres-
dent, on this we need no apology need not to show
that was governed by no motives but those by which
other candidates were governed IL the American people
have been unanimous on any point, they have been
here in my place in the presence OF this large audience
that this charge has been made that the whole truth
may go forth with regard TO IT, But not single vote has
been given which has charge could For il there
had been another only would have been added to the
long catalogue which the senator from Tennessee has
drawn up against me. Not one. Well there rs another
am suspected or 1t Is suspected thai viii not vote for
the three million bill and that because | sad, when
spoke the subject, waited Tor further develop
ments. Was there anything, Mr.. President, in that
the senator ignorant that that proposition had been
made in the other House, and probably would be made
here, TO stick the WIMoT proyiso IN II put It TO
him--I put ii 10 senators on both sides, who represent
southern portions of the Unon-whether he or any OF
them will vote for the BILL if that amendment be append
ed Aud because | choose 10 make this reservation
and there are other reasons not necessary 10 De stated at
this reservation, am TO be held up as embarrassing
Congress, consuming lis tme and opposing measures ne
cessary 10 carry the war Well, TO that consump
ton of time that is one of the most unfounded nsinua-
tons Is there any senator at ALL who takes any part in
the debates who has consumed less time than myself
have made but single speech, the other day and that
but an hour and besides that | have not made speech
that has occupied five minutes; and yet on these
grounds, amounting to nothing, we are told that
to be responsible for everything con-
nected with the session-done or not done =
Well, that shows very deep feeling working within
II may be there are aspants to the presidency who think
something may be gained by making these charges.
know not Grit may be that the individual feeling of the
senator himself from some personal feeling, although do
est personal difference with him. Well he accuses me of
voting against the bill the other day upon the ground OF
some constitutional objection, and that had given dit
ferent vote in the year 1919 There was bill passed in
lsl3 but is there any evidence that this question was
made presented | believe the senator from Massa-
chusetis INIr. WEBsTEn] was then member of the
have forgotten all about it, But, to the best OF my
knowledge, never the question presented to the
constitutionay OF the provision, till it was raised By the
senator from Connecticut, Mr. HUNTINGTON in the dis
Mr. WEBSTER here said whether it was discussed
earlier than May, 1913, know not; but ! know the
question not raised then, nor since, I'LL now.
Mr. CALHOUN. So thought But does not the SEN
aior know that in these complicated measures. often
themselves Now am TO be charged on such grounds,
as having changed my opinonspeading infancy at one
time, and dotage in another for such is the language
which the senator applies. But again he spoke of the
responsibility for the war as arising from the annexation
of Texas did take deep interest in that measure OF
annexation and to act OF my life do revert with
more entire satisfaction. Annexation at that time, &C
coring 70 my opinion, was question OF pure necessity
might into this matter if II would not occupy the time
OF the Senate. Ceres OF go on.D According to my
view, the lime not propltious in aspect There
then Was minority IN favor OF annexation. Ii had
scarcely single advocate in this body, and but two or
three in the other body; and it appeared 10 be very
hopeless task TO attempt carrying through such an i'm
portant that. When nominated for the Office
of Secretary Of State. put in the strongest remonsance
which could draw against the acceptance OF II. wrote
to my friends here but before the emonsrance reached
them was unanimously appointed saw that the ad-
minstratlon was weak, and that that very important
measure would he liable TO be defeated iii effort were
not made But circumstances made it inevitable as
cerained from perfectly reliable, that at the
Worlds Convention the American delegation suggested
to the abolltonists OF England that the time to
act Il they wished to aim potal blow at slavery, it
must be at Texas; and in order TO do that England must
obtain the ascendency in Texas. | received inlorma-
toni will not say odical--but from a quarter in
which there could be no mistake, that an interview had
taken place between Lord Aberdeen and deputaton of
the Worlds Convention. ] was then at home in South
Carolina and Immediately transmitted 10 the Secretary of
State that information, accompanied by the suggestion
that it demanded instant attention. suppose that letter
and my communication formed of the for the
movement then made for annexation What was then
the condition OF Texas She weak, and the sugges-
ton that Mexico would recognise her independence
If she would agree to abolish slavery. The time had
come, and the consequence had to be met accepted
the Office with all these difficulties before me- said this
office is unacceptable to go in with great deal
have been nominated and confirmed ] will experience
great difficulty and may come out with much less repu
tation than 20 in. But undertook il, and when I'M
dertake thing, | do it directly. | put il on the true
ground, that this movement intended to bring Texas
under the control OF England to abolish slavery there,
and through that abolition throughout the country.
treaty was formed and shared the fate that might have
almost been expected from the weakness OF the admins
traion 1t was defeated. But the senator says | had
stipulated in that treaty that the Rio Grande the
boundary.
Mr. TURNEY remarked tha, I had never read the
treaty, but understood that its terms 10 the Rio
Grande
| Mr.. CALHOUN. The Senator is Just as wrong in
that IN the whole of his misunderstanding No such
thing sir! II was expressly left open. The two
spectacle commissioners from Texas viii bear testi-
mony. II was expressly left open in order that the
ton with Mexico. know senator of this BODY put
construction it similar to that of the senator from
Tennessee and which assael But as soon as that
treaty signed by the President, L. communicated d.
rccy with the Mexican government through our charge
de aares, and stated that ready settle all ques
upon liberal principles did moi dream of this war
But am responsible because If Jexas had mi been an