The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1850-05-02

lar Tor liiIStfdioli, MS power Cous4StEu
in the pIainuess of his propositions, in
the closenoss of his logic, and in the
earnestness and energy of his manner.
These are the qualities, as | thiuk,
which enabled him, through such long
course Of years to speak often, and yct
always command attention His de-
meanor as a Senator is known to- us ali.
is appreciated, venerated by us ILL No
man was more respectful to others; nc
man carried himself with greater deco
rum; no man with superior dignity
think there is not one of US but felt,
when he last addressed us from his seat
in the Senate--his form still erect, With
voice by no means indicating such
degree Of physical weakness as did in
fact possess him; with clear tones; an
impressive, and | may say an imposing
manner-who did net feel that he might
imagine that we saw before US Sena-
tor Of Rome, when Rome survived.
Sir, have not, in public nor in pri-
vate life, known q more ass;duous per-
son in the discharge of his appropriate
duties. | have known no man who vast
ed less Of life in what is called recrea-
ton, or employed less Of it in any pur-
suits not connected with the immediate
discharge of his duty. He seemed 10
have no recreation but the pleasure Of
conversation with his friends. Out Of
the chambers of Congress, he was eth
er devoting himself to the acquisition Of
knowledge pertaining to the mmediate
subject of the duty before hun, or else
he was indulging in those social inter
views in which he so much delighted
My honorable friend from Kentucky,
has spoken 10 just terms of his colo
quial talents. They certainly were Sin
gular and eminent. There was a charm
in his conversation not often found He
delighted, especially, in conversation
and intercourse with young men. sup
pose there has been no man among US
who had more winning manners, in such
an intercourse and such conversation,
with men comparatively young, than Mr..
Calhoun. believe one great power of
his character, in general. was bis con-
versational talent believe it is that,
as well as consciousness of his high
integrity, and the greatest reverence for
his talents and ability, that has made
him so endeared an object to the people
Of the State to which he belonged.
Mr.. President, he had the basis, tho
indispensable basis of all high charac-
ter; and that was unspotted integrity
unimpeacbed honor and character If
he had aspirations, they were high and
honorable, and noble. There was moth
ing groveliing or low, or meanly selfish.
that came near the head or the heart
of Mr. Calhoun. Firm in his purpose,
perfectly patriotic and honest, as am
sure he was, in the principles that he
espoused, and in the measures that he
defended, aside from that large regard
for that species of distinction that con-
Quoted him to eminent stations fer the
benefit of the Republic, i do not believe
he had selfish motive or selfish feeling.
However, sir, he may have differed
from others of US in his political opin-
ions or his political principles, those
principles and those opinions will now
descend to posterity, under the sanction
of great name. He has lived long
enough, and he has done it SO wei, SO
successfully, so honorably, as to connect
himself for all time with the records Of
his country. He is now historical
character. Those Of us who have known
him here will find that he has lett upon
our minds and our hearts, strong and
lasting impression Of his person, his
character, and his public performances,
which, while we live, will never be OBJ
liberated. We shall hereafter, I am
sure, indulge in it as grateful recolec-
ton that we have lived in his age. that
we have been his contemporaries, that
we have seen him, and known him, and
heard him. We shall delight to speak
of him to those who are rising up to I'LL
our places And, when the time shall
come that we ourselves shall GO, one
after another, in succession, to our
graves, we shall carry with US deep
sense of his genius and character. his
honor and integrity, his amiable deport-
ment in private life, and the purity of lis
exalted patriotism.