The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-09-11

not vndcated myself, truth, that is omnipotent,
has vindicated me, ..E '. ..
From the day of my enlistment in 1913 up to
; the present day, in all my connection with gov
eminent, there is not "a jot or title that can be
brought against me. hope, so far as l am con-
cerned about this matter, have shown that there
was no justification for the charge, and no foun-
= dalion for it.
1t remains an inquiry, sir, to see how this
charge originated. How did an accusation so long
gone by come up at this period' Whence could
it have circulated? Whence could it have nestled
all this time, now to be brought forward charge
f against mei 1t may in part be accounted for from
the fact that may be seen in this communication
to the " Southern Press" 1t says:
~ have to inform the senator, however, that
there few beyond the limits of his acquaint-
ance who more intimately acquainted with
his history than ! am. 1t is certainly the prv-
lege of all to be familiar with the lives Of great
men-even in their own conceit.'
II has been my misfortune Of late to some ex-
tent have never complained much about it, for
got along very well having good constitution and
a hearty temperament-but must profess that in
dividunls in South Carolina, who confess such
thorough knowledge of my character, are some
times at fault and when attacked about year or
year and a half since, and threatened with the
exposure of the contents of diary Of forthcom-
ing history, going into my private relations and
everything else, really | had not thought had
become, for the last twenty-five years, a man Of
sufficient importance to form even item in the
diary OF forthcoming history by any literary or
distinguished gentleman Of the present day.
never dreamed OF it, sir. To be known to history
is rather astonishing to me. | have not aspred
in that way. | really disrust the corr ectness of
the information of individuals, when thew bring
such charges this that have just met. There
is no portion of my life, perhaps, that might not
have been somewhat improved, giIded embel
lished. But still, sir, considering the hard mode
Of life through which have passed, the various
= IL.
these matters ], perhaps, have little to regret
as a number Of others and can only say in the
charitable language of Holy Writ, " Let him that
is without sin among you cast the first stone. I"
The relations, sir, that have borne to the In
dams exile grew not out OF the happiness Of
early days; but they were not blghted by the frost
Of regret nor was there reason for the blush of
shame to come upon an honest mans cheeks.
was in exile hou eless, and a wanderer but
left no trace OF oboquy behind me. | thought
there was work to be done among civilized
men and circumstances that are notorious in this
capital induced me to seek asylum, a succeda-
neum in u distant land. From thence am now
here IL is incorporation with community
OF which once formed part, and bring with
me an endorsement Of gallant people, generous
and faithful to the Union. | assail man : rep
utatlon. would not be so low to think OF
propping myself, and breaking my fall, by seizng
upon Jupiter Tonans' feet to hold by Laughter
On my own foundation, will stand, and look with
the commence OF an honest man.
1t Is supposed, see, that have assai!ed the
memory Of Mr. Calhoun. Sir, let the dead rest
in peace. IL they have harmed me, the grave forms
an mpassab Die barrier, through which resentments
could never find theirway. When he was living,
and member Of this body, though not upon this
floor, but indisposed, and when was responding
to denuncation, forbore to cast the slightest re-
Election upon him. because he not face to face
with me. | reflected not upon him. He has now
finished his work, and gone to another world
And should | cast reflection upon his memory
| Never, sir. | would hallow and consecrate it if
could. If he had errors, | would rec,ify them
and ifhe had faults, would bury them with him.
could not c0njure them up to in ure the feelings
Of those who survive. | would not pursue him
with bitter hatred, impoent as it would be ; and
n man who would indulge It is to he pitied indeed
But sir, if death has consecrated his memory, his
acts, his writings, and his opinions are sub ject to
criticism and to be canvassed, those Of all illus
trious men that have gone before HIM have been.
They are for posterty. These are to be trans
mted TO living men. Splendid talents must pass
away, and the historians pen must record facts
as indel,ble me for the moniton of the future.
1t is said that1 would better quit, until answer
these charges to croak about Calhoun South Caro-
lna and union. The charge is answered and
may croak little now. Laughter About South
Carolina, have already said that no individual
appreciates more highly than | do that State,
illusrious in the revolution ilustrous for her he
roes, her statesmen, and her orators. That State
has produced distinguished men, and is patrl-
otto as any other State | could say nothing
against it. Individually, sir, many of the gentle
men from that State with whom have been ac-
quainted have commanded my love and admra-
ton. do not in this intend to endorse all but
speak of gentlemen with whom ! have had the
pleasure of an acquaintance. have received the
courtesy and hospitality OF South Carolina, and
some endeared friendships yet linger there. cannot
but appreciate it properly What have said was
calculated to reflect, not upon South Carolina, not
upon her generous chivary, not upon her people
or citizens. have said that did depore some
little defects in her constitution, not that did
appreciate all its excelIences, but that thought
poorly of it's defects. Save and except that, one
whisper or lisp has never past my lips adverse to
the character of South Carolina or her institutions.
| have said that deplored the misfortune that her
citizens and gallant sons were not all equally pr
vlleged; that there were property determinations
and qualifications there that did not exist in other
States, and certain restrictions upon the right of
suffrage. For instance, no citizen there, unless a
representative, voted for governor Of the
State for electors Of President Of the United
States This has, to my apprehension, placed the
citizens Of that State who not in representa-
tive character in condition below the proud sons
Of other States all around and the slaves that till
their soil. Tie ri ght of suffrage restricted,
aud ii not given to them in liberty equal to
the citizens of other States Of the Union; and this
| regretted. Thus far have spoken Of South
Carolina.
Now, sir, | have no better right to speak of
union than any other man; but when my history
is so well known to others, may speak little in
reference to it myself ! have experienced little
Of the inconvenience Of being out of the Union
Others more blest, more happy, and more dis'in
guished, whose current has run smoother than
mine, have enjoyed the benefits Of union always,
and have never felt the priva0ns Of detachment.
! But have known what it IL to live from under
the broad c<is Of the Union, and without the pro-
tect!ng care Of the Constitution. ! have felt the
oppression when the armed myrmdons of power,
subject to its control, cndeavnred to sweep over
fair land us there is this continent. Then,
sir, union would have been n glorious thing.
Then learned to appreciate it in its absence: and
the contest then going on never terminated in my
heart until we were members Of the Union, and
coequal with the other States. | do appreciate
the Union, and congratulate it upon this auspi-
cious day. | congratulate the Senate. ! congrat-
uate the American people. | congratulate the
people Of all nations who look to this Union as
| : fart 4 J,,