The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-02


porary expediency
Az the expiration of Mr.. Monroe's administration,
MIR. CALHoUSs name became connected with the
Presidency and, from that time TO his death, he
had to share the fate Of all others who occupy
prominent situations.
The remarkable canvass for the President TO sue
coed MIR. Monroe terminated in returning three
distinguished men TO the House of Representatives,
from which one was to be elected. Mr. CALHOUN
was elected Vice President, by large majority.
He took his seat in the Senate as Vice President
the 4th OF March, 1925, having remained in the War
Department over seven years.
While he was Vice President he was placed in
some OF the most trying scenes of any mans life.
do not now choose to refer 10 any thing that can
have the elements OF controversy; but hope may
be permitted 10 speak of my friend and colleague
in character in which all will Join in paying him
sincere respect As presiding officer Of this
body, he had the undivided respect of its members.
He was punctual, methodical, and accurate, and
had high regard for the dignity OF the Senate,
which, a presiding officer, he endeavored to pre-
and maintain. He looked upon debate as an
honorable contest Of intellect for truth. Such a
strife has its incidents and its trials but Mr. CAL
HouN had, in an eminent degree, regard for par
liamentary dignity and propriety.
Upon General Haynes leaving the Senate to be-
come Governor of South Carolina, Mr.. CALHOUN
resigned the Vice Presidency, and was elected in
his place. All will now agree that such position
was cnvironed with difficulties and dangers. His
own State under the ban, and he was in the
national Senate to do her justice under his cons.
tatonal obligations. That part Of his life posterity
will review, and will do justice TO it.
After his senatorial term had expired, he went
into retirement by his own consent. The death OF
Mr.. Upshur-so full of melancholy association
made vacancy in the State Department. and il
was by the common consent of all parties that Mr..
CALHOUN called to fill it. This a tribute
of which any public man might well be proud 1t
was tribute TO truth, ability and experience. I'm
der Mr.. CALHouN's counsels Texas was brought
into the Union. His name is associated with one
nf gIraI,a IF ~
ono republic being annexed TO another by the vol
untary consent of both Mr.. CALHOUN was but the
agent to bring about this fraternal association II
is conjunction under the sanction of his name,
and by an influence exerted through his great and
intrepid mind. Mr.. CALHouN's connexion with
the Executive Department of the Government ter
minated with MIR. Tyler's administration, As a
Secretary OF State, he won the confidence and re-
spect of foreign ambassadors and his dispatches
were characterized by clearness, sagacity, and
holiness.
He was not allowed to remain in retirement long
For the last five years he has been member OF
this body and has been engaged in discu ssons that
have deeply excited and agitated the country. He
has died amidst them. | had never had any par
ticular association with Mr.. CALHOUN, until be-
came his colleague in this body. i had looked on
his fame others had DONE and had admired his
character. There those here who know more
of him than do, shall not pronounce any such
judgment as may be subject 10 controversial crit
cism. But will say matter of justice, from
my own personal knowledge, that never knew a
fairer man In argument or juster man in pur-
pose. His intensity allowed Of little compromise.
Whilst he did not qualify his own positions to suit
the temper of the times, he appreciated the UNI
masked propositions of others. As Senator he
commanded the respect of the abest men of the
body OF which he was a member; and believe
may say that where there was no political bias to
influence the judgment, he had the confidence OF
his brethren. As statesman, Mr.. CALHoUN's rep
uaion belongs to the history of the country, and
commit it to his countrymen and posterity
In my opinion, Mr.. CALHOUN deserves to occupy
the first rank parliamentary speaker. He had
always before him the dignity of purpose, and he
spoke to an end. From full mind, he expressed
his ideas with cearness, simplicity, and force and
in language that seemed to be the vehicle of his
thoughts and emotions. His thoughts leaped from
his mind like arrows from n well-drawn bow.
They had both the aim and force of skilfu
archer. He seemed to have had little regard for
ornament; and when he used figures of speech
they only for illustration. His manner and
countenance were his best language; and in these
there was an exernplihcation of what is meant by
action in that term OF the great Athenan orator anc
statesman. They served to exhibit the moral ele
vation Of the man.
In speaking of Mr.. CALHOUN, as a man and
neighbor, hope may speak of him in sphere il
which all will like TO contemplate him. Whilst h,
was gentleman of striking department. he
man OF primitive tastes and simple manners. II,
had the hardy virtues and simple tastes of repub
hcan citizen. No one dislked ostentation and ex
hibition more than he did. When say he was
1t is summed up under the word Justice will ven
ture TO say that in his private relations cou
ever say that MIR. CALHOUN treated him with inius
tice, or that be deceived him by professions. Hi
private character was characterized by beautiful
| propriety, and was the cxemplification of truth
justice, temperance, and fidelity 10 his engage
ments.
| will venture another remark: Mr. CALHOUN wa
herce In his contests with political adversares III,
did not stop in the fight, TO count losses or bestov
favors. But he forgot resentments and forgave in
juries inflicted by rivals with signal magnahimi
ty Whilst he spoke freely Of their faults he could
with justice appreciate the merits Of all the public
men of whom ! have heard him speak. He wal
sincerely attached to the institutions of this coun
try, and desired 10 preserve them pure and make
them perpetual.
In the death of Mr.. CALHOUN, one of the brightcs
luminarics has been extnguished from the politica
armament. II Is an event which will produce
deep sensation throughout this broad land.
/ have forborne 10 speak Of his domestic rela
tons. They make a sacred circle, and will no
invade it.
Mr.. President, submit tho following resolu
tons:
ResoIved, unanimously, That committee be ap
pointed by the Vice President to take order for
| perntendng the funeral of the Hon. JOINS G. Cal
HoUN, which will take place to- morrow at O'Clock
meridian, and that the Senate will attend tn
same
Senate, from sincere desire of showing every mari
Of respect due to the memory Of the Hon. JOIN
CALHOUN, deceased, late a member thereof will q
into mourning for him month, by the usua
mode Of wearing Grape on the left
Resolved, unanimously That, as an additions
mark of respect for the memory Of the Hon. JONI
c. CALHOUN, the Senate do adjourn.
Ordered, That the Secretary communicate thee
proceedings to the House Of Representatives.
Mr.. CLAY. Mr.. President, prompted by m,
own feelings Of profound regret, and requested a
the same time by some highly esteemed friends,
wish, in rising, TO second the resolutions whic
have been offered, and which have Just been read
| 10 add few words TO what has been 80 well and 3
justly said by the surviving colleague Of the illus
trious deceased.
| My personal acquaintance with him, Mr.. Presi
| dent, commenced upwards Of thirty-eight year
/ ago. We entered at the came time, together, tn
House Of Representatives at the other end Of thi
building The Congress Of which we thus bccam
1 members was that amongst whose deliberations an
acts the declaration of war against the mos
powerful nation, as it respects US, in the worlc
| During the preliminary discussions which aros
in the preparation for that great event, we
| as during tbosc which took place when the re
solution was finally adopted, no member displaye
more lively and patriotic scnsibility TO th
wrongs which led to that momentous event tina
| the deceased whose death all muc
dcplore. Ever active, ardent able, no wa
i'm advance of him in advocating the. cause ,