The Madisonian., 1850-05-02

the most evehttul OF our history, to say
that Mr.. Calhoun did not play a second
part IS no common praise. In debate
he was equal with Randolph, and in
council he commanded the respect and
confidence Of Madison. AT this period
of his life he had the quality of Themls-
tocles to inspire confidence which, after
all, is the highest Of earthly qualities; it
is mystical something, which is felt,
but cannot be described. The events
Of the war were brilliant and honorable
to both statesman and soldiers; and
their history may be read with enthusi-
asm and delight. The war terminated
with honor; but the measures which had
to be taken IN transition to a peace
establishment were full of difficulty and
embarrassment Mr.. Calhoun, with his
usual 'iutrepidity, did not hesitate to
take a responsible part. Under the
influence of a broad patriotism, he act
ed with an uncalculating libeEality to all
the interests that were involved. and
which were brought under review Of
Congress. His personal adversary at
this time, in his admiration for his ge-
MUS. paid Mr.. Calhoun a beautiful COM
pliment for his noble and national sem
timents.
At the termination Of Mr., MadIson's
adminisiration- Mr.. Calhoun had ac-
qnired a commanding reputat on; he
was regarded as one of the sages Of the
republic. In 1917, Mr.. Monroe invited
him to a place in his cabinet; Mr.. Cal
houn's friends doubted the propriety of
his accepting it, and some of them
thought he would put high reputation
at hazard in tins new sphere Of action.
Perhaps these suggestions fired his
high aud gifted intellect; he accepted
the place, and went into the war De>
partment under circumstances that
might have appalled, other men. His
success has been acknowleged-what
was complex and confused, he reduced
to simplicity and order. His organic
alton of The War Department, and his
administration of its underlined duties
have made the impression of an author,
having the interest Of originality and
the sanction oftrial.
TO applicants for Office, Mr.. Calhoun
made few promises, and hence he was
not accused of deluson and decept on
When public trust was involved, he
would not compromise with duplicity OF
temporary expediency. .e.
At the expiration of Mr., Monroe's
administration, Mr.. Calhonn's name
became connected with the Presidency
and, from that time to his death, he
had to share the fate Of all others ec
cupying prominent situations,
The remarkable canvass for the Pre-
sideut to succeed Mr.. Monroe termin'
ated in returning three distinguished
men to the house of Representatives
from which one was to be elected
Mr.. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi'
dent, by large majority. He took
his seat in the Senate as Vice Presi'
dent on the 4th of March, 1925, hav'
ing remained in the War Department
over seven years. F '.
j While he was Vice President he wa
placed in some of the most trying
scenes amy mans life. | do not nov
choose 10 refer to any thing that cal
have the elements Of controversy; bu
| hope I may be permitted to speak o
my friend and colleague in characte
in which all will join in paying him sin
cere respect AS presiding office
ofthls body, he had the undivided res
Z pect Of its members. He was punctu
I al, methodical, and accurate, and had
high regard for the dignity Of the Sen
Iate,which, as g presiding officer, he en-
deavored to preserve and maintain
He looked upon debate as an honorable
contest Of intellect for truth. Such
strife has itsincidents aud its trials; bu
Mr.. Calhoun had, in an eminent degree
regard for parliamentary dignity an'
propriety. asa ..g1.."e'a
Upon General Haynes leaving tn,
Senate to become Governor Of SoutI
Carolina, Mr.. Calhoun resigned tn
t Vice Presidency, and was elected i
: his place, All will now agree tha
such position was environed with dit
6culties and dangers. His own Stat
was under the ban, and he was in tn
national Senate to do her justice unde
his constitutional obligations Tha
part of his life, posterity willreview
and'wiIl do justice to it. H4A
After his senatorial term had expire'
: he wentinto retirement by his own con
! sent. The death Of Mr. Upshur--s
full Of melancholy associations made
: vacancy the State department, and
z was by the common consent OF all par
ties that MI, Calhoun was called tot
; It, This was a tribute Of which an.