The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-03-14
A PASSAGE BETWEEN Mr.. F00TE AND Mr..
CALHOUN.

We had not room to notice last week passage
between Mr.. Foote and Mr.. Calhoun, the day
following that on which the speech of the latter
was delivered. Two things in the speech dis
pleased many of the Southern Senators--to wit
the indiscriminate denuncation of the Northern
People, and the demand of an amendment of the
Constitution as to restore the South to an equi
librium Of political power. Mr.. Fooie, at
early period of the session the next day, arose to
relieve himself and Southern Senators generally,
of responsibility on those points While avow-
prevail OF his speech generally he protested
earnestly against those particular views. He
thought them unjust and unreasonable, pregnant
with evil Just before he closed his remarks,
Mr.. Calhoun entered and learning that Mr..
Foote had been expressing dissent from some of
his views, became deeply excited Rising prompt
ly, be demanded, with great sternness, and ex-
treme hameur-" What is the question under dis
cussionp And he continued, in manner which
expressed far more anger than did his words-"i
must express my regret that any one in my alb
sence this morning, before one o'clock, the usual
hour for debate, should be engaged in comment
ing upon my remarks. l had not the advantage
of hearing the character of the remarks of the
Senator from Mississippi Did he accuse me Of
Disunion7 Did he insinuate anything of that
kind ~
Mr.. Foote very temporarily explained what he
had said, and then took occasion to show Mr..
Calhoun that it would not do for him to play the
despot.
81 ventured he said, "to differ with him in
opinion, as had a right to do took the liberty
of stating my own opinion, in opposition to his, as
clearly and strongly as ! could This, | hope
was not impious or indecent, or unbelievable
Whilst aspire to be the leader Of no man, wish
it to be understood that recognise man, either
here elsewhere, as my leader. | menace no
one, and will submit to no menace; command
no one, and will yield TO no commands. show
courtesy, and | certainly shall exact il from all
with whom | may have intercourse. Gentlemen
who venture boldly upon the arena Of debate
here must expect sometimes to have their hvorlte
positions questioned and their arguments respond
ed to and they have no right to presume unkind-
ness merely on the ground that their speeches are
not permitted to 60 wholly unanswered"
Mr. Calhoun found that he had gone too far,
Mississippi his friend He neither would take
back nor qualify anything in his speech.
But will say, and say it boldly-for | am
not afraid to say the truth on any question that
as things now stand, the Southern States cannot
with safety remain in the Union. When this
question may be settled, when we shall come TO
constitutional understanding, is question OF
time; but, as things now stand, appeal to the
Senator from Mississippi, If he thinks that the
South can remain in the Union upon terms Of
equality
Mr. Foote. We cannot, unless the question
is settled but, in my opinion, the question may
be settled, and honorably settled, within ten days
time.
Mr. Calhoun Does the Senator think the
South can remain in the Union upon terms OF
equality without specific guaranty that she shall
enjoy her rights unmoes'edl
Mr.. Foote. | think she may, without any pre-
vious amendment of the Constitution. There we
disagree
Mr.. Calhoun. Yes, there we disagree entirely
and there think, he disagrees with our ances-
tors | agree with them. They thought liberty
required guarantees; they thought that IL re-
quired protection and so believe IL
Mr. Calhoun will not be satisfied then, with
anything short of an amendment Of the Constitu-
ton, securing to Shareholders a political power
equal to that of all the ou-slaveholders Of the
Union This is very modest, very reasonable
but we are not prepared to say that it is visionary
Let him insist upon such an amendment; let him
rally Southern Senators in its support; ie' n'm
get up Southern Conventions, Legislative
solves, and threaten dissolution 81 the on,0",
as an inevitable consequences Of the re'usa' o.
such an amendment; and We have no uos.' :.
can force /. through the Senate re mls1, not
be able to succeed this session, oo' nc "'un '"'
next oass, Webster, Dickinson poos's' omy,
&c, would begin to yearn for the Union 'ne', ,o'
Iover. vould melt with fear, and the proposition
y, .u,.,dmeps, IL united upon by the South,
~ou,a ,,o.t osrtainly command enough Northern
!, ,r;ot,c votes, 70 carry 1t through the Senate
That il our opinion Of the Senate. more
;ud nervous legislative body does not exist In --
Christendom. ulr'ta.'''''-',
Governor Towns, Of Georgia, has issued o
recommending an election 70 oe
Ii for AL n the Southern