The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1850-04-05

the advantages of a small library, and had been
deeply inspired by his reading of history. 1t
was under such influence that he entered the
academy of his preceptor. His progress was
rapid; he looked forward to higher arena
with the greatest eagerness. Hebecame stu.
dent in ale College in 1902, and graduated
two years afterwards, with the distinction OF Il
young man of great abilities, and with the res.
pect and confidence of his prcceptors and fcl-
lows. What they have said and thought of
him would have given any man high reputa.
ton 1t is the pure fountain OF Il clear reputa-
tion If the stream has met with distractions
they were such as have only showed its beauty
and majesty. After he had graduated, MIR: CAL
houn studied law, and for a few years prlctsed
in the Courts of South Carolina with a reputa-
ton that is descended to the profession. He
was remarkable for some traits that have since
characterized him. He was clear in his propo.
sitions, and candid in his intercourse with his
brethren The truth and justice of the law in
culcated themselves on his mind, and when
armed with these he was a great advocate. His
forensic career was, however, too limited to
make prominent part OF the history of his life.
He served for IA few years i'll the Legislature of
his native State, and his great mind made an
impression on her statutes, some of which have
had a great practical operation on the concerns
of society. From the Legislature of his own
State he was transferred to Congress, and from
this time his career has been 4 part of the his
tory of the Federal Government. Mr.. Calhoun
came into Congress at time of deep and ex-
citing interest at a crisis Of great magnitude.
1t was a crisis of great peril to those who had
to act in it, but OF subsequent glory to the ac-
tors, and has become part OF the common hrs.
tory of the country. The invincbity of Great
Britain had become proverbial expression, and
a war with her was full of terrific issues Mr..
Calhoun found himself at once in situation of
high responsibility that required moro than
speaking qualities and eloquence to fill the spirit
of the people-it required discretion. The en-
ergy and ardour of youth were to be employed
in affairs requiring the mature qualities of
Statesman. The part which MIR. Calhoun act
ed, at this time, has been approved and applaud
ed by contemporaries, and now forms part
of the glorious history of those times The
names of Clay, Calhoun, Cheves, I.owndes,
Grundy, Porter, and others, carried associations
with them, that reached half Of the Nation;
their clarion notes penetrated the Army they
animated the people, and sustained, frem des-
pOndency, the administration of the Govern.
ment with such actions and in such scenes the
most eventful in our history. TO say that Mir.
Calhoun did not play a second part, is no CON-
mon praise. In debate he was equal with Ran
dolph, and in council he commanded the respect
and confidence of Madison At this period of
his life, he had the qualities of Themistocles to
inspire confidence, which, after all, is the high
est Of earthly qualities it is mystical some
thing that is felt, but cannot be described. The
event OF the war was brilliant and honorable to
both statesmen and soldiers, and their history
may be read with enthusiasm and delight. The
war terminated with honor, but the measures
which had to be taken in a transition to peace
establishment, was full of difficulty and embar-
rasment. Mr.. Calhoun, with his usual intrepid.
ity, dad not hesitate to take a responsible part.
Under the influence of broad patriotism, he
acted with uncalculaing liberality to all the in
terests that were Involved, and which were
brought under review in Congress. His per
sonal adversary at this time, in his admiration
for his genius, paid Mr.. Calhoun a beautiful
compliment for his noble and national senti-
ments. At the termination of Mr.. Madison's
administration Mr.. Calhoun had acquired com.
manding reputation; he was regarded as one
of the sages of the Republic. In 1877 Mr..
Monroe invited him to a place in his Cabinet
MIR. Calhoun's friends doubted the prOpriety of
his accepting it; and some of them thought that
he would put high reputation at hazard in this
new sphere of action. Perhaps their sugges-
tons fired his high and gifted intellect. He eac.
cepted the place, and went into the War De-
partlnent under circumstances that might have
appalled, other men. His success has been ac-
knowlcdged. What was complexed and con.
fused he reduced to simplicity and order. His
organization ofthe War Department, and his adj
miuistration of its underlined duties, have made
an impression of an author having the stamp Of
originality and the sanction of trial. 10 appli.
cants for Office, Mr.. Calhoun made few promi.
ses, and hence he was not accused Of delusion
and deception. When public trust was i'll
volvcd he would not compromise with duplicity
or temporary expcdiency. At the expiration of
Mr.. Monroe's administration, Mr.. Calhoun's
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 sit
uations. The remarkable canvass for the Pres.
ident to succeed Mr.. Monroe, terminated in the
returning Of three distinguished men to the
House of Representatives, from which one was
70 l., ,lootod Mr. Folboun ,v,c nlnctn1 Vim