John C. Calhoun Writes that the Constitution as It Stands Does Not Protect Slavery
That satanic figure who is South Carolinian John C. Calhoun--in his Discourse, published after his death in 1851--argues that constitutional amendments are needed because the pre-Civil War constitution did not protect slavery:
John C. Calhoun: Political Writings: When the government of the United States was established, the two sections were nearly equal in [population and numbers of states], a fact which, doubtless, had much influence, in determining the convention to select them as the basis of its construction. Since then, their equality in reference to both, has been destroyed... the ordinance of 1787... excluding slavery from the North-Western Territory.... The South received no equivalent for this magnificent cession, except a pledge... to deliver up fugitive slaves... [that has] turned out... worthless....
In the mean time the spirit of fanaticism... was roused into action.... It aims, openly and directly, at destroying the existing relations between the races in the southern section; on which depend its peace, prosperity and safety. To effect this, exclusion from the territories is an important step; and, hence, the union between the abolitionists and the advocates of exclusion, to effect objects so intimately connected.
All this has brought about a state of things hostile to the continuance of the Union.... The equilibrium between the two sections has been permanently destroyed.... The nature of the disease is such, that nothing can reach it, short of some organic change — a change which shall so modify the constitution, as to give to the weaker section... a negative on the action of the government.... [E]xperience has prove... that... conflict is between the two great sections.... Had this been then as clearly perceived [in 1787] as it now is... [the framers] would have taken... precaution to guard against the... danger.... It is for us, who see and feel it, to do, what the framers of the constitution would have done, had they possessed the knowledge... which experience has given to us....
How the constitution could best be modified... might be effected through a reorganization of the executive department; so that its powers, instead of being vested, as they now are, in a single officer, should be vested in two — to be so elected, as that the two should be constituted the special organs and representatives of the respective sections, in the executive department of the government; and requiring each to approve all the acts of Congress.... It would thus effect... what was intended by the original provisions... in giving to one of the majorities [that of numbers of people] a decided preponderance in the electoral college — and to the other majority [that of numbers of states] a still more decided influence... in case the college failed to elect a President. It was intended to effect an equilibrium between the larger and smaller States in this department....
Indeed, it may be doubted, whether the framers of the constitution did not commit a great mistake, in constituting a single, instead of a plural executive.... [T]he two most distinguished constitutional governments of antiquity... had a dual executive... Sparta and... Rome....
Such is the disease — and such the character of the only remedy which can reach it. In conclusion, there remains to be considered, the practical question — Shall it be applied? Shall the only power which can apply it be invoked for the purpose?
The responsibility of answering this solemn question, rests on the States composing the stronger section.... [T]he States of the weaker section can do nothing... without the aid and co-operation of the States composing the stronger section.... On the latter, therefore, rests the responsibility of invoking the high [amending] power, which alone can apply the remedy — and, if they fail to do so, of all the consequences which may follow...
