The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1863-04-04
A STRIKING PICTURE.

A scene at the White House in 1888, at
the lodgings of john G. Calhoun the same
night, aud a death bed scene at the Hermi-
tage, are thus graphically portrayed by the
Senator from Pennsylvania, Mr.. Cowan, in
the debate on the Conhscation bill:
Mr.. President, if Calhoun had been exc
cuted for his treason in 1888, there would
have been no rebellion now; and perhaps he
cal q nearer his execution than most people
are 5are.
You know the onspirators in South Car
olina Iroceeded then, even to the commits
sion oil the overt act. Calhoun was their
chief adviser General Jackson knew it
well, and determined that the law should be
put into execution against him; not against
the poor misguided men who followed, but
against the chief conspirator. He had re-
solved on his prosecution and trial, and, if
convicted, his execution for treason. He
said that if he had an Attorney General that
would not draw an indictment, he would find
one that would.
Things were approaching the crisis. Cal
houn became aware Of Jackson's determine
ton, and sent Letcher, of Kentucky, to
confer with him on the subject, aud to learn
his real intentions. He went to the Presi-
dents house. 1t was then already late at
night. The President received him with
his usual courtesy; but, sir, that mild blue
eve which at times would fill aud overflow
with tears like that Of a woman. was kindl
up that night with unwonted fire. He rea-
soned with him for while, then paced the
floor. His Indignation became fully arous
ed. AT times be stormed in passion tower
ing and sublime, till, rising to his full
height, his frame diating and qulverlug,
every feature glowing with the living tres
within-with that oath which in him never
seemed profane, but the struggle OF great
soul to take hold on the Almighty for the
strength of his purpose, he declared to
Letcher that if another step was taken, by
the Eternal, he would try Calhoun for trea-
son, and. if convicted, hang him on a gal
lows high as Humans. Letcher could not
misunderstood his purpose. lie saw that
he was terribly in earnest. From that IN
terview he fastened to the lodgings OF Cal
houn. He knocked at his bed chamber, and
was admitted. Calhoun received him sit
ting up in his bed with his cloak around
him. Lstcher detailed all that had occurred,
giving entire the conversation between him
and General Jackson. and describing the old
hero as he took that oath. There sat Cal
houn. drinking eagerly every word, and as
Letcher proceeded he became pale as death,
and shiVereI like an aspen leaf. Yes, sir,
Calhoun, great as he was in intellect, qusk
ing in his bed Aud for what Z? Was IL
from fear from cowardice Alb, no It
was the consciousness of his guilt. He was
The arch traitor who. like Satan in Paradise,
'bFoaght death into the world, and all our
woe.'' Within one week be came into the
Senate. aud voted for every section, section
by section, of Mr.. Clay's bill. aud General
Jackson was prevailed upon not to prose
cute him for his crime.
have been told, on authority upon which
l rely, that during the last days of General
Jackson at the Hermitage, as be was slowly
sinking under the ravages of consumption
-~tllat mysterious disease which. while i'll
wastes the body, leaves. If possible, the
mind more clear and more near to lnspira-
tion-he had most remarkable Conversation