The Madisonian., 1850-05-02

to another by the voluntary consent Of
both. Mr.. Calhoun was but the agent
to bring about this fraternal association.
1t is conjunction under the sanction
Of his name, and by, influence exert,
ed through his great and intrepid mind
Mr., Calhoun's connexlen with the Ex>
ecutive Department Of the government
terminated with Mr., Tyler,s adminis>
tralion. As Secretary of State, he
won the confidence and respect Of for
eign ambassadors, and his dispatches
were characterized by clearness, saga>
city, and boldness.
He was not allowed to remain
in retirement long. For the last
five years he has been a member of
this body, and has been engaged in
discussions that have deeply excited
and agitated the country. He has died
amidst them. | had never had any
particular association with Mr.. Calhoun
until | became his colleague ih
this body. | had looked on his
fame as others had done, and had ads
mlred his character. There are those
here who know more Of him than do.
| shall not pronounce any such judg>
ment as may be subject to a controver>
sial criticism. But l will say as a
matterof justice, from my own persons
al knowledge; that lnevev knew fairN
er man in argument or luster man in
purpose. His intensity allowed little
compromise. Whilst he did not qua
lify his own positions TO suit the tenn
per of the times, he appreciated the
unmasked propositions of others. A:
Senator, he commanded the respect
Of the ablest men Of the body Of which
he was member; and | believe | may
say that where there was no pOIitica
bias to influence the Judgment, he hat
the confidence Of his brethren. As
statesman, Mr.. Calhoun's reputation
belongs to the history of the country
and commit it to his countrymen ant
posterity.
In my opinion, Mr., Calhoun deserves
to occupy the first rank as parliamen
tary speaker. He had always before
him the dignity Eof purpose, and h
spoke to an end. From full mind, HI
expressed his IDEAS with clearness
sim plicity, and force, and in lauguag'
that seemed to be the vehicle Of hi
4 thought and emotions. His thought
leaped from his mind like arrows from
a we'll drawn bow. They had both th'
aim and force of a skilful archer. III
seemed to have little regard for orna
ment; and when he used figures o
speech. they were only for illustration
His manner and countennnce were hi
best language; and in these there wa
an exempIificalion of what is meant b.
action inthat term Of the great Atheni
an orator and statesman. They servet
to exhibit the moral elevation Of th'
man. .....-.. .I..... ...tet ...s az
In speaking Of Mr.. Calhoun, as mar
and neIghbor, hope may speak o
him in a sphere in which all will like
to contemplate him. Whilst he was
gentleman of striking department, HI
was man of primitive tastes and simple
manners. He had the hardy virtues ant
! simple tastes of republican citizen
No one disliked ostentatlon and exhlb
ition more than he did. When sa,
+ he was a good neigA6Or, | imply NOR
than l have expressed. 1t is summed
up under the word justice. | will ven
ture TO say that no one In his privat
relations could ever say that Mr.. Cal
houn treated him with injustice, or tina
he deceived him by professions. Hi
private character was characterised b
a beautiful propriety, and was the ex
emplifcation of truth, justice, temper
, ance and fidelity to his engagements,
| will venture another remark: MI
, Calhoun was fierce In his contests wit
his political adversaries He did NJ
stop in the fight to count losses OF be
stow favors. But he forgot resent
ments and forgave injuries inflicted b
rivals with singular magnanimity.-
: Whilst he spoke freely II their faults
he could with justice appreciate tn
merits Of all the public men of whor
| have heard him speak. He vas sir
cerely attached to the institutions {
this country, and desired TO preserv
them pure and make them perpetual.
Inthe death Of Mr. Calhoun, one Q
: the brightest luminaries has been ex
tinguished from the political firnanenl
II is an event which will produce
! deep sensation throughout this broa'
: land. Qat F. lsai3e19" sf@ 2"
| have forborne to speak Of his do
; nestic relations. They make sacre'
circle and / will not invade If.
!, Mr.. President, submit the follow
ing resolutions:
ResoIued 2,01nin0nsIU. That a com