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SOUTHERN TRIBUNE.
ECITKn AND PUBLISHED WEEKLY, BY *
WX. It . II AR It INO W .
■■■——Ml
Washington, March 31.
Mr. Cai .iioi’N expired at half past seven!
o’clock this morning. He roused his son
at four o'clock and desired him to lock up
liis papers—alluding to his work on Govern-"
incut, which he had been engaged in re-|
vising. He remarked that lie was fast go-|
ing. Mr. Venable and others were ini
attendance at his bed side immediately.—s
Mr. Calhoun failed gradually, and diedi
calmly and composedly, free from pain,*
and in the lull possession of his faculties.!
He said but little, and after his speech I
failed, he took his friends by the hand.—l
The face is perfectly life like, and Clarks
Mills, at the time 1 left, was taking a|
cast from it.— Cor. Ch. Courier.
1)r. Webster. —The Jury, in the trial'
of Dr. Webster, for the alleged murder!
of Dr. Parkman, at Boston, returned in-!
to Court, on Saturday night, at II o’clock,!
after three hours consideration,with a vet-]
diet against Webster of murder in the]
first degree. He made a speech, and as-j
ter the verdict was announced, fainted.— J
He was remanded to jail to await his sen-’
tence. He has since been sentenced to!
be hung.— lb.
Cholera. —From information commu-J
nicated by letters, we learn that some cas-j
es of the cholera have occurred in New]
Orleans. An official report from the Sec-j
rotary of the Board of Health of that ci-j
ty, of the date of 22il ult, states that the]
slight increase of spotadic cases of tho dis-J
case is attributed only to the changes of
climate, and increase of temperature.— lb\
Ozqne. —ln a Lecture recently deliver-]
cd by Professor Bache, before the Jef
ferson Medical College, ho alluded partic
ularly to Ozone. This name, he said, wasj
given by Schoenbein, in IS-11 to the mate j
lial cause of the odor perceived upon mak-j
ing strong electrical discharges. The
6ame odor is communicated to water by'
the decomposing influence of a galvanic
battery. I his fact induced Schoenbein at]
liratto conjecture that water contained a
small quantity of a compound, previously
unknown, of hydrogen with ozone, which
lattop- he supposed to he anew electro ne
gative element. When water is subject
ed to a galvanic current, this new com
pound was assumed by him to be decom
posed, with the effect of liberating the
ozone, which in a free state, was alleged
to have the peculiar ador observed. Sub I
uequently,Schoenbein succeeded in produ
cing ozone by purely chemical means.—|
This he effected by enclosing pieces ofj
phosphorus in large glass globes, con
taining moist air, and exposing the whole
to a temperature between 54 and 57 de".
Marignac, having examined the subject,!
concluded, from his experiments, that he
so called ozone is a peculiar allotropid
state of oxygen; and this view, to certain]
extent, has been confirmed by Dela Hive,l
who succeeded in producing ihe ozone of
Schrenbion, by subjecting perfectly oxygen,
slowly passsed through a narrow tube, to
successsive electric sparks. Notwith
standing the coincident results of Marig
nac and Do la Rive, Schcenbien is unwil
ling to adopt their conclusions. On the
contrary, he now expresses that the ozone
is a compound of water and oxygen, an
alogous to the deutoxide of hydrogen, or
oxidized \fater. Commenting upon these
different views, Burzclius sagaciously sug
gested, that the compound now assumed
to bo ozone by Schcenbein, may in fact,
be an isomeric form of oxidized water de
riving it peculiarities from its containing!
oxygen in that allotropic state, which, atT-j
cording to Marignac and De la Hive, con-[
slitutes true ozone. Thus it appears, so*
far as researches have been made, that o-f
zone is neither anew element, as at first]
conjectured by Schoenbein, nor yet a com ]
pound previously unknown, but merely a:
peculiar allotropic modification of diet
well-known element oxygen.
The Laziest Man. —Every child knows!
that Adam was the first man, Solomon the]
wisest man, Methusalab the oldest man,!
Satnson the strongest man, and so on to!
the end of the chapter. But an incident!
in the life of the laziest man has just <■ me]
to light. Unfortunately his name has not!
“come down to us.”
“ During the summer of IS-16, coni be-]
ingscarce in the upper country and one of
our citizens being hard pressed for bread,
having worn threadbare the hospitality of
liis generous neighbors by his extreme la
ziness, they thought it an act of charity to
bury him. Accordingly preparations were
made for his burial—they moved towards
the place of interment, and being met bv
one of the citizens, the following eonver
astioti took place:
Hallo! what have you there/
Poor old Mr. S.
What are you going to do with him?
Bury him.
What, is he dead ? I hadn’t heard oi'it.
No, he is not dead, but he might as well
be ; he has no corn, and is too lazy to
work for any.
1 hat is too cruel for civilized people.
I’ll give him two bushels of corn myself,
rather than see him buried alive.
Mr. 8. raised the cover, and asked in
his usual diagging tone—l-s i t s h-e-1-
led?
No, but you can soon shell it.
D-r-i-v eon, b-o-y-s.
PROPER TIME FOR STAUGHTERING AxfMAI.S.—
It has latcfj been discovered by a French clie
rtiist, that the flesh of animals, which are killed
in the latter part of the night, will keep nwichj
longer, without salting, than it will when they]
are killed in the day ttme. This proves that<
the flesh is better fitted for keeping when the life
and blood arc token from the animal, at the time’
Ike temperature is the lowest, and the respitn-'
tioit is tile least active. j
Correspondence of the Charleston Mercury.
Proceedings in C'ongress.
Washington, April 1, 1850.
Congress assembled to-day, at twelve o'clock,
and all business was suspended, waiting tbe an"
nouncement that the greatest light oftlie age bad
been extinguished—the greatest intellect of
modern times bad been stilled—by the band of
Jteatli. It was a solemn scene to witness.—l
[Both Chambers were crowded to overflowing,*
land the stillness that pervaded the vast asscin-1
jblage, told plainly that some great calamity liadj
{happened to the country. JOHN C. CALHOUN,]
fa name identified with all that is pure, and nobte>
land patriotic, is no more. He sleeps in death, 1
laud the whole people gather around bis bier, 1
land deplore the inexliorublc decree that consigns
Jliim to the tomb.
| The Senate oftlie United States is assembled.
IJ edge IJut'cr arises in bis place, and, with deep
Baud poignant emotion, addresses himself to bis
■solemn task. In avery tremulous and sorrowful
(voice lie announces the death of bis colleague,
sand while not a breath disrurbstlie deathlike
(quiet of the scene, be thus touchingly and
(eloquently announces the sad and melancholy
invent :
■ Mr. President : I rise to Jisciiarge a most
■mournful duty, and one which devolves in it
(considerations well calculated to arrest the atton-'
Ition of this body. It is to announce the death of
piny late colleague, llie Hon. John Caldwell
■ Calhoun. He died at liis lodgings in this city
Son yesterday moning, nt lialfafter seven o’clock.
■He was conscious of his approaching end, and
imet dcathwitli fortitude and uncommon serenity.
■Ho had many admonitions of its approach, and
Jdouhtless had not been indifferent to them.—
■ With his usual repugnance to professions, lie
(said little for effect on the world ; and liis last
(hours were an exemplification of liis life and
(character—truth and simplicity. For some years
kpast Mr .Calhoun lias been sulfering and could
3 not have reckoned on any but a short existence ;
3such was his own conviction. The immediate
cause ofhis death was an affection of the heart.
A few hours before he expired, lie beacmc sen-!
sible of liis situation,and when lie was unable to
speak, liis eye and look evinced recognition and
[intelligence of what was passing. One of the'
last directions he gave, was to a dutiful son ]
B who had been attending him, to put away some’
manuscripts which had been written u short*
.time before under his direction. Mr. Calhoun
was the least despondent man I ever knew. He
had in an eminent degree the self-sustaining!
power of intellect. The last place, and the
lust remarks, are exemplifications of what I just
said. Mental determination sustained him,
■ while all others were in despair. We saw him
|a few days ago in a seat near me, and which he
|had so long occupied ; we saw the struggle of a
■great mind, exerting itself to sustain arid over-
Icome the weakness and infirmities of a feeble
■ body. It was the exhibition of a wounded eagle,
Switli liis eyes turned towards the heavens in
■ which he had soared, but into which his wings!
■could never carry him again. Mr. President,]
■ Mr. Calhoun has lived in an eventful period of.
Lour Republic, and has acted a distinguished pan.!
SI surely do not venture too much when I sav that]
■ his reputation forms a striking part of a glorious"
history. Since 1811 until this time, he has been*
responsibly connected with the Federal Cev-j
eminent, as Rapresentutive, Senator, Cabinet!
Minister and Vice President. Me has he n u ri,-i
tilied with the greatest events in tho politic.itji
history of our country, and I hope I may b. per-|
I milted to say that he has been equal to all the!
duties which were devolved upon him. In the!
many critical junctures in which lie was placed,!
having to act a responsible part, he always acted*
a decided part. It would not become me,as liis]
Triend, to venture on the judgement which awaits!
liis memory ; that will ho performed by posterity.!
Before the impartial tribunal of History, it may!
«be that he will have had the fate, ;mu will ij ave.
■given to him the judgment, that has been award-!
»ed to Chatham. I would do the memory of my!
■friend injustice, were I not to speak ofhis lifeinj
(the spirit of History. The dignity ofhis whole]
■character would rebuke any tone of remark!
gwliiclt truth and judgement would not sanction !
S Mr. Calhoun was a native of South Carolina,
Sand was hern in Abbeville District, on the 18th
■ March, 1782. lie was of Irish family, llis
■father, Patrick Calhoun, was horn in Ireland,
Baud at an early age came to Pennsylvania, and
■ thence to the Western part of Virginia, and after
■ Braddock’s defeat moved to South Carolina. In
8]756 lie and liis family gave name to what is
Skuown as the Calhoun Settlement, in Abbeville
■ District. The mother of my Colleague was a
SMiss Caldwell, born in Charlotte county, Yir-
Bginia. The character of his parents had no
doubt a sensible influence on the destiny of
their distinguished son. liis father had energy
and enterprise, combined with prcscverance and
great mental determination. His mother belon
ged to a family of Revolutionary heroes ; two of
her brothers were distinguished iri the war ; their
names and achievements are not leftUi tradition,
but constitute part ofthe history oftlie times.—
Mr. Calhoun was horn in the Revolution, and
in liis childhood felt the influence of its exciting
traditions. He derived from the paternal stock,
intellect and self-reliance; and from the Cald
wells, enthusiasm and impulse. The traditions
of the Revolution had a sensible influence on
liis temper and character. Mr. Calhoun, in liis
childhood, had hut limited advantages of what
is termed literary tuition. His parents lived in
a newly settled country,and among a sparse pop.
ulation. This population had little intercourse
with the lower country of Carolina, and was
sustained by emigrants from Virginia and Penn
sylvania. There was of course hut limited
means of instruction forchildren, and they im.
[bibed most of their lessons from conversation
[with their parents. Mr. Calhoun lias always
[expressed himself deeply sensible to that influ
[cncc.
| At the age ofthirteen lie was put under the
[charge of liis brother-in-law, Dr. VVaddcl, in Co
[lumhia county ,i Georgia. Scarcely had he com.
[nienced Ins literary course, before liis father and
sister died, liis brother in-law, Dr. Waddel,
[d.cvotcd himself, about this time, to his clerical
[duties, and was a good and« il absent from home.
On his second marriage, he resumed the duties
[ofliitf -Academy,and in his nintcenth year, Sir.
Calhoun put himself under charge of this dis.
tinguished teacher. It must not be supposed
that his mind, before this, had been unemployed,
lie had availed himself of the advantages of a
small library, and had been deeply inspired by
his reading of history. It was under such in
fllucnce that lie entered the academy of liis pre/
[ceptor. His progress was rapid ; lie looked for-5
[ward to a higher arena with the greatest eager-,
[ness. He became a student in Yale Uoilcgeitii
61802, and graduated two years afterwards, with*
the distinction of a young man of great abilities,"
and with the respect and confidence of liis prc-1
ceptors and fellows. What they have said and]
thought of him would have given any man a"
high reputation. It is the pure fountain of a,
clear reputation. If the stream has met with ob-t
■auctions they were such as have only showed'
fi ts beauty and majesty. After he had gradua-j
ted, Mr. Calhoun studied law, and for a few!
years practised in the Courts of South Carolina,!
with a reputation that is descended to the profes-]
sion. He was remarkable for some traits that!
have since characterized him. lie was clear in'
liis propositions, and candid in liis intercourse*
with his brethren. The truth and justice oft
the law inculcated themselves on liis mind, and]
when armed with these he was a great advocate.!
—His forensic career was, however, too;
limited to make a prominent part of the his life-'
He served for a few years in the Legislature o*,
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 Ins own'
State he was transferred to Congress, and
this time his career has been a part of the history;
of the Federal Government. Mr. Calhoun';
came into Congress at a time of deep ami exci-J
ting interest—at a crisis of great magnitude. It
was a crisis of great peril to those who had to'
act in it, but ofsubsequent glory to the actors,]
and lias become a part of the common history of'
the country. The invincibility oi Great Britain!
had become a proverbial expression, and a war
■with her was full oftcrrific issues. Mr. Calhoun]
■found himself at once in a situation of high res-j
jponsibility —one that required more than speak-j
Bing qualities and eloquence to fill the spiritof
■ the people—it required discretion. The energy
land ardour of youth were to be. employed in af
fairs requiring the mature qualities of a States
man. The part which Mr. Calhoun acted, at
this time, has been approved and applauded by
contemporaries, and now forms a part of the!
glorious history of those times. The names </,
Clay, CVliioun, Clieves, Lowndes, Grundy,!
Porter, and others, carried associatiations with
them, that reached half of the Nation ; their
clarion notes penetrated the Army ; they anima-l
ted the people, and sustained, from despondency,'
the administration oftlie Government with such'
actions and in scenes the most eventful in our.
history. To say that Mr. Calhoun did not playl
a second part, is no common praise. In debate!
he was equal with Randolph, and in council
2lie commanded the respect and confidence ofj
■ Madison. At this period of liis life, lie had the]
Equalities of Themistocles to inspire confidence,!
■ which, after ail, is the highest of earthly quali-j
jgi; ;iti« a mystical something that is foil but;
:t. t lie described. The event oftlie war was]
wariUiant and honorable to both statesmen and;
■soldiers, and their history may be read with
■enthusiasm and delight. The war terminated
■with honor, hut the measures which had to be
■taken in a transition to a peace establishment,'
■was full of difficulty and embarasment. Mr.
■Calhoun, with liis usual intrepidity, did not
■ hesitate to take a responsible part. Under the
Sinllucnce oT’a broad patriotism, he acted with]
Buncalculating liberality to all the interests that]
■ were involved, and which were brought under]
■review in Congress, liis personal adversary at]
-this time, in his admiration for his genius, paid]
■ Mr. Calhoun a beautiful compliment for hie no-1
Ihle and national sentiments. At the tormina-!
Stion ofJMr. Madison’s administration Mr. Cal-'
■ houn had acquired a commanding reputation;]
she was regarded one of the sages of the republic.)
rlii 1817 Mr. Monroe invited him to a place in
his Cabinet. Mr. Calhoun’s friends doubted
the propriety of liis accepting it; and some of
them that he would put a high reputation at
hazard in this new sphere of action. Perhaps
t heir suggestions fired his high and gifted intel
lect. lie accepted tlie place, and went into the
War Department under circumstances that might
have appalled other men. His success has been
acknowledged. What was complexed and con
fused lie reduced to simplicity and order. His
organization oftlie War Department, and liis ad
mi nistrn iion oF its undefined duties, have made
an impression ofan auther having the stamp of
originality and the sanction of tiral. To appli
cants for office Mr. Calhoun made few promises,
and hence he was not accused of delusion and
deception. When a public trust was involved
lie would not compromise with duplicity or tem
porary expediency. At the expiration of Mr.]
Monroe's administration, Mr. Calhoun’s name 1
became connected with the Presidency, and from
that time to his death, he had to share the fate of
all others who occupy prominent situations.-
The remarkable canvass for the President to i,..
ceed Mr. Monroe, terminated in the returning!
ofthree distinguished men to the House ofUepA
resentatives, from which one was to he elected.?
Mr. Calhoun was elected Vice President, bv a"
large majority. He took liis seat in the Senate x
as Vice President, on the 4th March, 1825, li iv-1
ing remained in the War Department over sevens
years. Whilst lie was Vice President lie wasj
placed in some of the most trying scenes in anvl
man’s life. Ido not now choose to refer to any-]
thing that can have the elements ofcor; .roversv,!
I may he permitted to speak of my friend and
colleague in a character in which all will join
in paying him sincere respect. Asa presiding
officer of this body lie had the undivided respect
of its members. lie was punctual, methodical!
and accurate, and had a high regard for the di<*-S
nity oftlie Senate, which, as a presiding officer,!
he endevored to maintain, lie looked upon]
debate as au honorable contest of intellect for]
truth. Such a strife as hail its incidents and rtsj
trials. Mr. Ualiioun had,in an eminent degree,!
regard for Parliamentary dignity and propriety.!
Upon General Ilnyne’s leaving the Senate.l
to become Governor ofSoutli Carolina, Rl r. Cal.l
houn resigned the Vice Presidency, and wasl
elected to his place. All will now agree that!
such a position was environed with difficulties!
and dangers, liis own State was under the ban,!
and he was in the National Senate to do lierl
justice under his constitutional obligations.—
IThat part of liis life posterity will do justice to
fit. After his Senatorial term had expired, ho
[went into retirement, by his own consent.
I The death of Mr. Upshur, so full of mclan
u holy associations, made a vacancy in the State
tDepartment, and it was by the common consent
[ofall parties that Mr. Calhoun was called to fill
[it. This was a tribute of which any public man
[might well he proud. It was a tribute to worth,
[ability and experience. Under Mr. Cai.aoun’s
'counsel, Texas was brought into the Union.—|
[His name is associated with one of the most re-S
[markable events of history—that of one nation
[being annexed to another, by voluntary consent.
[Mr. Calhoun was hut the agent to bring about
Phis fraternal association. It was a conjunction
’under the sanction ofhis name, and by an influ
ence exerted through his great and intrepid mind.
[Mr. Calaoun's connections with the Executive
[department of the Government terminated with
[Mr. Tyler’s administration. Asa Secretary of
[State, lie won the confidence and respect of for
[cign ambassadors, and liis despatches were char
[acterized he clearness, sagacity aud boldness.
I He was not allowed to remain in retirement
[long. For the last four years he has been a
I member of this body, and has been engaged, in
'discussions that have deeply excited and agitated
Jtliccountry. He lias died amongst them. I had
'never hud any particular association with Mr.
[Calhoun until I became his colleague. I had
dlouked upon his fame as others had done, and I
[have admired his character; there are those here
(who know more of him than I do. I shall not
[pronounce any judgment as shall subject to
[controversy or criticism; but I will say as a rnat
[ter of justice, from my own personal knowledge,]
{.hat I never knew a fairer man in argument, or a]
Muster man in purpose. Ilis intensity allowed
{little compromise, whilst he did not qualify his
own positions to suit the temper of the times, he
appreciable unmasked propositions of others.—
Asa Senator, ho commanded the respect of the
ablest men ofthe body of which lie was a mem -I
her, and I believe I may say where there was no'
political bias to influence the judgment, he had
tho confidence ofhis brethren. Asa statesman,
Mr. Calhoun’s reputation belongs to the history
of his country, and I commend it to his country-!
linen and posterity. In my opinion Mr. Cal-;
liioun deserved to occupy the first rank as a'
(parliamentary speaker. He had always before
(him the dignity of purpose and lie spoke to an.
lend front a full mind. 11c expressed liis ideas'
■with clearness, simplicrty and force, and in lan.'
Bguage that seemed to he the vehicle of his
■thoughts and motives. Ilis thoughts escaped]
■ from his mind like arrows from a well drawn]
■bow; they had both the aim and strength of a |
[[skillful archer. He seemed to have had little!
•regard for ornament, and when he used figures]
|of speech they wero only for illustration. Ilis]
(manner and countenance were lushest language;
land in those there was an exemplification of.
■ vriiat kj mount, in tlio torm of tlio great Athcni.j
gan orator and statesman—they seem an indiea- 1
tion of the man in speaking. Mr. Calhoun, ns
a man and as a neighbor,— l hope I may speak'
of him in a sphere in which ali will like to con I
template him, —whilst he was a gentlemen of
striking deportment, lie was a man of primitive*
looks and simple manner; lie had the hardy, vir. 1
tuous, and simple taste ofthe Republican Arti-I
/.an: no one disliked ostentation and display]
Hmore than he did. When 1 say, he was a good
■neighbor, I imply more than 1 have expressed; it
B;s summed up under the word justice. I will
■ venture to say that, no one in his private relations
ncoulu ever assert that Mr. Calhoi.n treatuu him I
switli injustice, or that lie deceived hint by pro-1
flfessions. Ilis private character was character
ized by a beautiful propriety and was the excm-1
■plificalion of Truth, Justice, Temperance, and
■Fidelity to his engagements.
I I will venture another remark. Mr. Calhoun
was fierce in his contest with political adversa- 1
ries. lie did not stop in the fight to count loss-1
es or bestow favors; but he forgot resentments
and forgavo injuries inflicted by rivals with sig
nal magnanimity. Whilst lie spoke freely op
their faults, he could with justice appreciate the
merits ofall the public men of whom I have
heard him speak. He was sincerely attached to
the institutions of his country, and desired to
preserve them pure, and make them perpetual.
In the death of Mr. Calhoun, one of the
brightest luminaries has been extinguished from
the political firmament. It is an event which
will produce a deep sensation throughout these
broad lands. I have forborne to speak ofhis
domestic relations. They are sacred,and I will
not disturb them.
lit conclusion, Mr. Butler submitted the usu
al resolutions of mourning and condolence. j
Mr. Clay. Mr. President, prompted by my.
own feelingsofprofound respect,l rise to second
the resolutions which have just been read,and to'
nvliat has been so well and so justly said by the
surviving colleague of the illustrious deceased,
■a few words. My personal acquaintance with
[him commenced upwardsoftliirty-eiglit years a
[go. We entered at the same time and together
[the House of Representatives, at the other end
[of this building. The Congress of which we
[thus became members was that among whose de-'
[liberations and acts was the declaration of wara-'
■gainst the most powerful nation, as it respectsus, ;
fin the world. During the parliamentary discus
sions which arose in preparation for that great
event, as well as those which took place when
the resolution was finally adopted, no member
displayed a more lively and patriotic sensibili
ty of the wrongs which led to that awful event
than the deceased whose death we all unite in
[deploring. Ever active, ardent, able, no one
was in advance of him in advocating tlio cause
of tho country, and in denouncing the injustice
which compelled that country to appeal to arms.
OI all the Congresses with which I have had an
acquaintance since my entry into the service of
the Federal Government, in none, in my oi iu
ion, have been assembled such a galaxy of emi.
nent and able men as were in those Congresses
which declared the war„and width immediately
[followed the peace. In that splendid assemblage
the star which has just set stood bright and bril
liant. It was my happiness, during a great por
[tion of the time, to concur with him upon all
great questions of national policy. During the
session at which the war was declared we were
messmates, as were other distinguished meinbcr s
of Congress from his own patriotic State. 1 was
afforded by the intercourse which resulted front
this fact, as w ell as from consequent intimacy and
intercourse which arose between us, an opportu
nity to form an estimate not merely ofhis public
hut liis private life; and no man with whom]
have ever been acquainted exceeded him in hab
its of temperance, in all the simplicity of social
[intercourse, and in the tenderness, and affection
[and respect, which he extended towards that la
dy who now mourns more than any other the
event which has happened. And such, Mr
President, was the high estimate which I formed
ofhis transcendent talents, that if at the end of
his service in the Executive Department under
the Administration of .Mr. Monroe, lie had been
translated to the highest office of the Govern
ment, I should have felt perfectly assured that
under his auspices, the honor, and prosperity
and the glory of our country would have been
safely placed. Sir, he has gone. No more
shall these halls witness from yonder seat flash
es of that keen and penetrating eye; no more
shall we hear that torrent of eloquent, concise
and compact logic from his lips. Those eyes,
and those lips are closed forever. And when,
Mr. President, will that great vacancy, crealed
by the event to which we are now alluding,
when will it be filled by an equal amount of pu
rity, of patriotism, and of devotion to what he
considered to be the best interests ofhis coun
try. Sir. this is not tlio proper occasion, nor
should I be the proper person, to attempt a deli,
ncation of his character, or the powers of his
(mind. I will only say, in few words, that lie
"possessed a lofty genius, that in liis powers of
’ generalization of those subjects of which his mind
atreated, 1 have seen him surpassed by no man,
sand the charms and captivating iufluence of liis
icojloquial powers have been felt by all who
(have ever witnessed them. I am his senior,
|Mr. President, in years and in nothing else.
to the course of.naturc I ought to
|!iave preceded him. The Diviue Ruler ofliu.
|wan events lia3 determened otherwise. I feel
|tliat I shall linger hut a short time, and that I
Eshall soon follow him. And how brief, how
inipinly passing- is the period of existence allow
led even to the youngest amongst us. Sir, ought
Ewe not all be profited by the contemplation of
|this event? Ought we not to draw from it the
(conclusion liojv unwise it is to indulge in the
(asperity of debater How unwise it is to yield
(ourselves to the animosities of party feeling,
(how wrong is it to indulge in those unhappy
sand hot strifes into which we are too often led
(in the discharge oftlie high duties which we are
[called upon to perforin! In conclusion, Mr*
I desire to express the most cordial
fspmpathy, and sentiments of the deepest condo
lence, fur those who stand in the nearest rein -
Itions to him. I trust that we shall all profit by
Jilin singnln** moriln rsC
* relying upon our own judgments and the dm-
of our own conscience, to discharge our
sdutics as lie did, according to his best conception
Kofthcm, faitlifuily and to the last,
J Mr. Webster. I hope the Senate will in.
Tdulge me in addressing to it a very few words.
IMy apology for this presumption is the very
■ long .acquaintance which has subsisted between
Pr Calhoun and myself. Wo arc of the same
*age. I made my first cnterance in tho House
lof Representative in May, 1813. I there found
sMr. Calhcun, who had already been an efficient
■member of body for two or three years. I found
*him titen an active and efficient member of the
■ Assembly to which he belonged, taking a dcci.
Sded part, and exercising a decided a decided in.
jgfluence, in all its deliberation. From that day
£to the day of liis death, amidst all the strife of
■party and politics, there has subsisted between
fus always, and without interruption, a great de
cree of personal kindnes. Differing widely on
Imany great questions connected with the instiJ
ftutions and good of the country, those differen-l
Ices never interrupted our personal and social in-
Iteicourse. I have been present at most ofthe
fdistinguished instances of the exhibition of liis
talents in debate. I have always heard him
with pleasure, often with much instruction, not
unfrcquently with the highest degree of admir
ation. Mr. Calhoun was calculated to he a
leader in whatever association of political friends
lie was thrown. He was a man of undoubted
genius, and of commanding talent All the
country admit that his mind was perceptive and
vigorous : it was clear, quick, and strong. Sir,
the eloquence of Mr. Calhoun, or the manner
of his exhibition of his sentiment in public bod.
ies, wtis part of intellectual character. It grew
out of the qualtties of liis mind. It was plain,
strong, terse, condensed, concise, sometimes un
surpassed, still always rejecting ornament, not
of seeking far for illustrations, liis power con
sisted in the felicitousness of liis expression, in
the closen jss of ins iogic, and in the carnest
nes and energy of his manner. These are tlio
qualities, as I think, that had enabled him,
through such a long course of years, to speak
often, and yet always commaud attention.—
His demeanor as a Senator is known to ,us all,
is appreciated, venerated by us. No man was
more respectable to others. No man conducted
with greater decorum, and no man with greater
dignity. I think there is notone of us that felt
when he last addressed us front his seat in tlio
Senate, with a form still erect, with a voice by
no means showing such a degree" of physical
weakness as did not in fact possess him, with
clear tones, and impressive and most imposing
manner—there is none of us, I think, who did!
not imagine that saw before us a Senator of
Rome revived. Sir, I have not in public or in
private life, known a person more assiduous in
the discharge of his appropriate duties. I have
known.no mart who wasted less of life in what
;s called recreation, or employed less of life in
any pursuit? not connected \v,t i the immediate
discharge of his duty. He seemed to have no
recreation but in the pleasure of conversation
with his friends. Out of tho Chamber of Con.
gress he was either devoting himself to the ac
quisition of knowledge, pertaining to the imme
diate subject of the duty before him, or else he
was indulging in those social interviews in
which lie so much delighted. My hon. friend
from Kentucky has spoken, in just terms, of his
colloquial talents. They certainly were singu
lar and eminent. There was a charm in hi,
conversation, and he delighted especially i H
colloquial intercourse with young men. I sup.
pose that there has been no man among us who
had more winning manners in their intercourse
and conversation with young men than Mr
Calhoun. I believe one great source of his in
fluence was liis conversational tales!. I belie Vt.
it is to thttt, as well as to a conciousness of his
high integrity, and the highest revercuco for his
talents and ability that has made him so endeared
an object to the people of the State to which he
belongs. Mr. President, liis was the elevated
character resulting from unspotted integrity, and
unimpeached honor. If he had aspirations they
were high, and honorable, and noble. There
was nothing grovelling,or low, or meanly selfish
that came near the head or heart of Mr. Calhoun
Firm in his purpose, perfectly patriotic and hon!
est, as I am quite sure he was, in the principles
that lie espoused, and in the measures that he
defended, aside from that large regard for thst
species of distinction that conducted him to em
inent stations for the benefit of the public, I do
not believe that he was imbued with a selfish
feeling. However, sir, he may have differed
from othersof us in his political principles,those
principles, and those opinions, will descend to
posterity under the sanction of a great name
He had lived long enough, lie had done enough
and done so well, so successfully, so honorably,
as to connect himself for all time with the re.
cords of his country. He is now a historical
character. Those of us who have known him
here will find that lie has left upon us, upon
our minds and hearts an impression ofhis per
son, his character, his performances, that while
we live will never ho obliterated. We shall
hereafter, lam sure, indulge in it as a greatful
recollection that we have lived in his day; that
we have been his cotemporaries; that we have
seen and heard him and known him. We shall
delight to speak of him 10 those who are to come
after ns. When the time shall come that we
ourselves shall go, one after another, in succes
sion, to our graves, we shall carry with us a
deep impression of his genius and character.
Mis honor and integrity, his airniable deportment
in private life, and the purity of his exalted pa.
triotism.
Mr. Risk said : Mr. President, I hope it wth
not be considered inappropriate for me to say a
word upon this solemn occasion. Being a na
tive of the same State with the distinguished
Senator whose death has causeed such a gloom
upon this body, and the audiancc here assem
bled, 1 had the good fortune at a early period of
my life, to make his acquaintance. At tha t
time he was just entering on that bright career
which is now terminated. I was then but a boy,
with prospects anything but flattering to me.—
At that period I was indebted for words of kind.
■ ""isaml encouragement; and often since, in
ptlie most critical positions in which I have been
□placed, a recurrence to those words of encour
Bagement have inspired me with resolution to
g'Buet difficulties that beset my path. Four rears
Hago I had the pleasure of renewing that acquaint-
Esumcc after an absence of fifteen years, and this
|took place after he had taken an active part in
|the question of annexing Texas to the United
■states, adding anew sense of obligations to my
gfecling of gratitude. In the sirring questions
|that have been agitated, it was my misfortune
■sometimes to differ front hitn, but it is a niaite r
|jof heartfelt gratification for me to know that
«Gur persona! roiations remained unaltered.—
■ And, sir, it will be a source of pleasant though
gsad reflection to inn throughout life, to remember
Ethat on the last day in which lie occupied his
■ scat in this chamber, his body worn down by
■disease,but liis mind ns vigorous as ever,we held
la somewhat extended conversation on the ex.
Iciting topics of the day, in which tbe same
■ kind feelings which had so strongly impressed
Sme in youth, were still manifested towttds me
by the vetrun statesman. But lie is gone from
amongst us. His voice will never again he
heard in this Chamber. Ilis active and vigor,
ous mind will participate no more in our coun
sels. His spirit has left a world of trouble,
care, and anxiety, to join the spirits of those
patriots and statesmen who have preceded him
to a brighter and better world. If, as many be.
lieve, the spirits of tho departed hover around
the places they have left, I earnestly pray that
liis may soon he permitted to look back on o«r
country—which lie has left in excitement, con
fusion, and apprehension—restored to calmness,
serenity, and fraternal feelings as broad as the
bonds of our Union, and as fixed as tho eternal
principles of Justice in which our Government
lias its foundation.
Mr. Clemens said: Ido not expect to add
anything to wliat lias been said of the illustri
ous man whose loss we all so deeply deplore,
hut silence, on an occasion like this, would by
no means meet tho expectations of those whose
representative I am. To borrow a figure from
tlio Senator from Kentucky—tho brightest star
on the brilliant galaxy of the Union has gono
out, and Alabama claims a place among the chief
thrWrncrs over the event. Often differing with
the great' Southern Statesman upon questions of
public policy, she has yet til ways accorded duo
homage to his genius, and still more to that
blameless purity of life which entitles- him tlio
liigost and noblest epitaph which can be inscrib
ed upon a morals tomb. For more than forty
years an active participant in all the fierce strug
gles of party, of party, encompassed throughout
that long period by the corrupting influences to
which the politician is so often subjected, h |s
personal character not ouly remained untouched,
but unsuspected. lie walked through the
flames, and even the he in of liis garment was
unscathed. It is no part of my purposo to cn '
ter into a relation of the public service of John
C. Cai nut's— that Ins already been justly do ,ie
