Page:Works of John C. Calhoun, v1.djvu/253

 and a minority of the States and of their population, estimated in the same manner. And, consequently, that the government of the United States, instead of being the weaker, as was believed by many, has proved to be immeasurably the stronger; especially, since the two majorities constituting the elements of which it is composed, have centred in one of the two great sections which divide the Union. The effect has been, to give to this section entire and absolute control over the government of the United States; and through it, over the other section, on all questions, in which their interests or views of policy may come in conflict. The system, in consequence of this, instead of tending towards dissolution from weakness, tends strongly towards consolidation from exuberance of strength — so strongly, that, if not opposed by a resistance proportionally powerful, the end must be its destruction — either by the bursting asunder of its parts, in consequence of the intense conflict of interest, produced by being too closely pressed together, or by consolidating all the powers of the system in the government of the United States, or in some one of its departments — to be wielded with despotic force and oppression. The present system must be preserved in its integrity and full vigor; for there can be no other means — no other form of government, save that of absolute power, which can govern and keep the whole together. Disregarding this, the only alternatives are — a government in form and in action, absolute and irresponsible — a consolidation of the system under the existing form, with powers equally despotic and oppressive — or a dissolution.

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