Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-04-11
From the Boston Post.
JOHN. G. CALHOUN.


u JOHN. C. CALHOUN.
The death of so eminen,a statesman as
JOHN G. CALHOUN makes void in the po-
litica world that cannot be filed. He was
one OF the great intellects of his age, and
has filled large space in the eye Of the ma
tion during the last forty years. Whatever
may be the views that may be entertained of
his opinions, none willrefuse him the meed
of profound knowledge of our politics, of ex-
traordinary power of analysis, of great elo-
quence, and Of unbending private integrity.
tie was laborlous 10 research, patient IN
thought, and met his antagonist, whoever he
might be, with well stored quver. He
will ever stand out among the great men
who have done large service to their coun-
try. aatfr-
Mr.. Calhoun was Of Irish extraction. His
family emigrated TO Pennsylvania and thence
1756) to South Carolina. His father, Pat
rick Calhoun, was daring, energetic man,
who distinguished himself in the border In
dian wars of that state. MIR. Calhoun was
born in 1852, and though manifesting fine,
| natural powers, did not enter Yale College
until l602,wh he was twenty years Of age.
Here he graduated with the highest honors,
and was favor,e of the distinguished scliol-
ar, President Dwight. After spending
year and half at the Litch6eld law school,
and reading law in the office of Mr.. Desus-
sure, in Charleston, he was admitted to the
bar in 1907, when his genius and industry
enabled him at once to take high rank in
the circuit Of his native district, Abbeviie.-
He was soon elected q member of the legis-
lature, and, after two years service. was
elected TO congress in 1911. From that time
TO this he has been constantly before the
public-tour years of this period having
passed without his holding an important Of
flee. ..-
In congress Mr.. Calhoun soon exhibited
those commanding powers which have SO
eminently distinguished his career. He took
a bold stand with the republican party
against the aggressions of Great Britain, and
particularly in the great debate on the dec
laration of war. Here he met The genius Of
John Randolph, who made strong speech
agains; the declaration. We have before US
the debates of those times, and Mr.. Ca lhoun
was foremost in them. His great contem-
porary, Henry Clay, was at this time in Con-
gress, and they went shoulder to shoulder,
in sustaining the administration of Madison.
MIR. Calhoun soon became chairman of the
commiltee on foreign affairs, which position
he maintained with great ability. We must
hasten over his brilliant congressional ca
reer to his appointment, Dec. 1927, at the
head of the department of war.
President Monroe's selection was admira-
bly, justified by the administration of this de-
partment by Mr.. Calhoun. His industry,
fidelity, energy and executive capacity have
been universally acknowledged. On his
retirement from this post to become vice
president, March 3, 1925, the high officers
L., La
in a testimonial of respect, that the degree
of perfection 10 which Mr.. Calhoun had car
ried his department was believed to be with
out a parallel. He left Washington TO spend
the summer at the south, and his return to
his constituents was an ovation. He was
met at several places with tenders Of public
dinners, and al his native district, Abbeville,
he made long speech indicative of his
views of public policy. Having occasion 10
visit Georgia, he there partoOk of public
dinner, and in his speech on this occasion,
he remarked that no one would reprobate
more pointedly than he would, 'any concert
ed union between states, for Interested or
sectional Objects The newspapers of this
period abound with evidence OF the high po-
slion which he had attained in the minds of
his countrymen. He served through the
presidential term of John Q. Adams, and
was reelected with General Jackson.
We have now reached an important era
in the career ofthis great man. A long and
bitter personal controversy arose between the
| President and Vice President the great
! notification contest succeeded. South Car
olina elected Mr. Calhoun her senator, and he
resigned his place as vice president. What
ever judgment may be passed on the abstract
views Mr.. Calhoun entertained, none can
question his boldness, honesty and sincerity.
His contests with the great intellects whom
he encountered in the senate drew forth eff
forts which will lie forever classed with the
greatest specimens of American oraIory.-
His position as an opponent of jackson S
administration placed him in alliance with
the whig party. This position he continued
to occupy until The election Of MIR. Van Bu-
ren. He then gave a cordial assent to the
principles OF the celebrated message Of this
President, delivered at the extra session of
congress, and gave TO this administration a
most powerful support. Here, in the senate,
\ Mr.. Calhoun was obliged to encounter bo:h
MIR. Webster and MIR. Clay, and this brought
out all his vast resources as debater and q
1 statesman.
The notification contest proved unfortu-
nate for the general popularity of Mr.. Cal
houn. His name previous TO this time had
stood in prominent position before the
country for the presidency. Nor did his
friends, after his noble efforts in behalf of
sound constitutional principle during Mr.. Van
J Buren's administration. cease 20 urge tbs
claims. But however lofty was his personal
character, however commanding his abill-
Ties, still his policy 10 the north appeared 10
SAVIOR of sectionalism. He stood forth as the
great champion of southern interests. This
appeared more clearly in the next station
which he filled with such remarkable ability
ident Tyler. Here he consummaIed that
great national measure, the annexation OF
Texas, but il was done with argument that
was considered by many Of his warinest
northern friends, as decidedly sectional
Hence his claims 10 station which he would
have adorned beyond that of any man who
, ever filled that elevated post, stood no chance
of meeting with favorable issue, and by
the consent of all save his devoted and cher
islled personal friends, his name ceased to be
considered for the place of president.
There is something noble and beautiful in
tile unwavering attachment of South Caro-
liza TO this great man. 1t has, for forty
years. known no abatement. In every
: emergency it has looked to him with the
f same confidence. After every term Of SER
vice, it has received him with the same gen.
erous voice of welcome and approval. Much
Of this must he ascribed 10 the weight ol
bis personal character-mnch 10 the frank,
bold, unhesitatirg defence lie has at all times
+ been ready TO make OF what are called south.