Washington 15th April 1848
MY DEAR SIR, Your
letter indicates much and mature reflection on the character and tendency of
the present great crisis of the civilized world. It is clear, that the old
monarchies on the continent of Europe are about coming to an end. The
intelligence and progress of the age have out grown them; but it is by no means
certain, that they are so advanced and enlightened on political science, as to
substitute more suitable ones in their place. I fear they are not. It seems to
me, that what is called the progress party, both in this country and in Europe,
have not advanced in political knowledge beyond Dorrism; that is, the right of
a mere majority to overturn law and constitution at its will and pleasure. They
must be cured of this radical and most dangerous of all errors, before they can
substitute in the place of those that may be overthrown, better Governments.
Nothing but woful [sic] experience
can apply a remedy; except perhaps in Germany, where the advantage of an
existing system of confederation of states, and the dread of France from the
experience of the first revolution, may lead to establish a federal system some
what like ours. I have far more hope of her, than of France, or any other of
the continental Countries. Indeed, I look to her to save Europe, including
France herself.
What I propose to
publish on the subject of Government is not yet prepared for the press. I had
hoped to have had it prepared last fall; but was so interrupted, as to fall far
short of my calculation. I am, and fear will continue to be, too much occupied
here during the session to do anything towards its completion, but will resume
it, as soon as I return home. I do not think anything will be loast by the
delay. I do not think the publick mind is yet fully prepared for the work, nor
will be, until there has been such failure and embarassment in the French
experiment (which will be made under highly favourable circumstances) as will
bring into distrust and doubt, Dorrism, so as to prepare the publick mind to
have its errors and consequences pointed out, and to reflect seriously on the
question: What are the elements, which are indispensible to constitute a
constitutional popular Government?
I am obliged to you
for the suggestions you have made, both in reference to the topicks to be
discussed, and the precautions to be adopted in securing the copy right. My
plan is to divide it into two parts; an elementary treatise on political
science, to be followed by a treatise on the Constitution of the United States,
not in the shape of commentaries, but a philosophical discussion on its
character and constitution in illustration of the elementary Treatise. To avoid
details, as much as possible. I propose to annex the various Speeches,
Reports and letters,
in which I have discussed Constitutional questions, and to refer to them in
illustration of my opinion of the various parts of the Constitution, to which
they relate. I hope I may have so far completed my labours, before I leave home
next fall, as to enable me to submit the work to your perusal.
I wait the meeting
of the Convention in France and the German Diet with deep interest. They will
afford much light by which to judge the future.
1 The treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, February 2,
1848, signed by Nicholas P. Trist as commissioner for the United States.
SOURCE: J. Franklin
Jameson, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association
for the Year 1899, Volume II, Calhoun’s Correspondence: Fourth Annual Report of
the Historical Manuscripts Commission, Correspondence of John C. Calhoun,
p. 749-51
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