The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1920-07-14

of an Interpretation of the constitu-
iotn that was deefated only on ap-
peal to arms, he never yielded to an
adversary in forum, and even in the
light of subsequent events his argu-
ments are still unanswered and unan-
swerable.
Yet in the capitol of our state there
is no statue or monument to indicate
to the younger native generations or
to visitors to South Carolina that we
recognize Calhoun's greatness and
still revere his memory. He died just
before the War Between the States,
and it was the announced purpose of
the state to provide for the removal
of his remains to the capital and rem
der such honor as was due her match
less son and glorious champion. The
bloody struggles of civil war came,
however, and was followed by an i'm
poverishing period of reconstruction.
In her troubles the state delayed her
tribute to Calhoun. In 1907 we were
awakened to realization of our obli-,
CATION when called upon to place in
Statuary hall in Washington a statue
of our leading figure OF the past.
Whom could we name, save Calhoun?
In 1910 a splendid statue of him,
executed by F. Wellington Ruckstuhl
was unveiled in the capitol of the
nation. This is work of sculptural
art Of the highest order, as you will
note from the inclosed print, which
shows Calhoun defending the faith of
the fathers, expounding tnelr views
and protecting the constitution of
their creation.
Still in and about the capitol of our
state there is no image or monument
of any kind. to indicate tnat this is
the home of the man VINO presided
over various departments OF the ma
tional government, who dened An
drew Jackson, who crushed the great
Webster in senatorial debate and who
throughout a long public life lent
lustre to the history of his state and
nation.
Shill this state of affaicrs continue?
Under concurrent resolution of
the general assembly of South Caro-
lima in 1918 a commission was ap-,
pointed to secure funds TO pIace in
the rotunda of the capitol in Colum-
bia replica Of the Ruckstuhl statue
of Calhoun, to keep Calhoun's mag
nificent character and glorious achiev
ments before the generations of
South Carolinians for all time to
come and to>show the stranger within
our gates that our citizenship still
loves and reyeres his memory.
The entrance of the counsry into
the world war has delayed the con-
summation of the plans of the. COM
mission, but the present time seems
propitious to put; them into execution.
For the purposes above outlined
the commission is asking lUU patri-
cite South Carolinians to present this
statue of Calhoun to the s:ase, and
thus have their names preserved I'M
the permanent archives OF South
Carolina as men and women who love
their state and appreciate us history.
You have been selected as one of this
number.
The commission is we'll assured that
this high purpose will appeal with
force to your love of the state and to-
your admiration of Calhoun, the stat
esman, iuide and philosopher. If the
appeal finds lodgment with you, kind
ly mail me your check, payable to F.
H.. McMaster, treasurer, for fifty dol
lars (s5O.O0) which is the sum that
the commission asks from each Of the
citizens selected/by it to accomplish
the patriotic purpose it has in view.
With assurance of my respect and
esteem, I am, etc.