The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1850-04-01
D.atn 81 ne Hon. john Q. Calhoun.

coFth1nty, ane Ht1 lnteil8eDce, winch, IOf hoNofe
days past, we have been prepared to hear. JoHN|
lie. CALHOUN is NO MORE! One Of the brightest
ssArs in our political galaxy is hlotted from the'
'heasens! One of the greatest minds that ever
adorned and enobled humsalyhss castasde the colis
Of martalityl The great South Csrolinian'-whoseI
name has been household word 70 The county,
and whose fame has been identified with its history,
4 Tor nearly half centary-no longer walks among
zthe vinei Henceforth he is to be regarded as be
oneing TO the past and to that class OF the nations
great men whose memories will ever be cherished
while ersIted intellect has its admirers, patriotism
fits yutaries, or freedom home on the Amegieanl
continent
Ofthose whose nsmes have contributed so largely
7te our national renown, there is scarcely one to
whose personal history turn with greater salts
faction than to Mr.. Calhouns. This we propose
briefly to review. He was born March 18th, 17S2l
|n Abbevle, district, South Carolina. His parents
were eminently exemplary for their pety and vir-
tue, and placed high estimate upon the educationl
of their children. 1t is recorded Of his father that
ihough not a man Of much cultivation, he was posi-
|sessed ola vigorous mind was rather prominent
lin his day; was the first member ever elected tol
the provincial Legislature from the interior Of South
Carolina, Of which body and after the revolution,
5of the State Legislature he continued member,
with scarcely any intermission, for thirty years
He was jealous wing and distinguished patriot.
L. He opposed (says his biographer,) the adoption
of the federal constitution on the ground that ID
conferred rights on Congress, incompatible with
the sovereignty Of the States" Sentiments Of theI
same or of similar character seem to have beenl
deeply impressed on the mind Of his son, whose
States rights opinions have given coloring tcl
almost every act of his public liie
Young Calhouns first instructions in letters were
received of DR.. Waddel, and, so rapid was his pro-
gress under the tuition of this justly famed teacher
that in the autumn of 1902 he able to join the
Junior class of Yale College, of which the celebra
Rted DR.. Dwight was then President Here theE
Edepth and quickness Of his intellect won for himI
the first position in his class, and he subsequently,
graduated with the highest honors which the Insti-
tuition could confer upon him. 1t is related that ni
1.-THE course Of a recitation in Paey's Philosophy
1.-The President expressed doubt, whether theI
consent Of the governed was the only just origin|
of legitimate government" the discussion of which,
was entered into by the pupil with such spirit,
such depth Of thought, such power of argument
and eloquence, as have induced from the learned
|preceptor the remark to a friend: "That young
man has talents enough to be President of the
United States"
After graduation at Yale College, he entered the
Ltchfield law school, where, for eighteen months
he received instructions from those learned Judges
Gould and Reeve. OF a debating society, con
Aneced with the institution, he was the most prom
inent member. He adopted the custom then
which was characteristic of him, throughout his
long parliamentary career-of preparing by rehec,
n lion, and not by arrangement on paper, what he
meant 10 say. "a good memory preserved the or.
ider Of his thoughts and wonderful power of anal
ysis and classification enabled him digest rapidly
4 and distribute in their proper places, the answer
and refutatioh of all the arguments of speakers
however numerous, whom he followed"
Il His professional career, from the outset, was at
TENDED with great success from which, however
y he was in some measure very soon taken by hi
election, for two successive sessions to the State
\ Legislature, where he distinguished himself fol
that foresight and sagacity, for which he has evel
been remarkable. In 1911 he took his seat in Con,
gress, where, on account of the great reputation
which had preceded him, he was soon placed al
the head Of the Committee on Foreign Affairs
position, at that time, of great importance and
Responsibility.
His first report recommended an immediate ap.
peal to arms against the British Government, and
hs first speech in support of this recommendation
was in reply 10 John Randolph, an opponent of the
war, and one Of the most sagacious and powerful
orators Of which the country can boast. Mr.. Cal
( houn's success on this occasion was most triumph
ant, and al once distinguished him as " one of tn
master-spirits who stamp their names on the age il
which they live" In this position as chairman o
1.-THE Committee on Foreign Relations, Says one o
This biographers) in a complication Of adverse cir
cumsiances, during the y 4.is.,. at contest cal
.culated 10 overwhelm II. efeu and appal tn
stouest, against weight and ardor of opposition
unknown to the Congress of the Revolution, HI
snever faltered, never doubted, never despained o
Ssbe Republic: but by his genius and wisdom, pa
striotism and mistaken ffmness, he rose conspicu
sous in the constellation of talents which distin
gushed both sides, and arcusing his counlrymen t.
action by the most animsiing strains Of eloquence
made himself the chief support Of the "seconc
4 war of Independence" and finally triumphed in
the sunshine of glory which burst upon his country
lat its termination.
Our disposition TO dwell on the interesting points
lin the evenful history of this great man is betray
ling us, we find into an article not suited to Qua
limited space. -
There are few who have any knowledge of our
national history, but are acquainted with the sub
'sequent portion of Mr.. Calhoun's life. As Secre-
|tary of State to Mr.. Monroe, to which office he
was appointed in 1877; as Vice President during
the administrations of Mr.. Adams and Gen. Jack
Ison as (after the rupture with the latter of theiI
political and private reations) the founder and cham.
|pion of that system Of politics which recognizes