The Positive-Good Theory, John C.
Calhoun
I hold that in the present state of
civilization, where two races of different origin, and distinguished by color,
and other physical differences, as well as intellectual, are brought together,
the relation now existing in the slaveholding States between the two is,
instead of an evil, a good-a positive good. I feel myself called upon to speak
freely upon the subject where the honor and interests of those I represent are
involved. I hold then, that there never has yet existed a wealthy and civilized
society in which one portion of the community did not, in point of fact, live
on the labor of the other. . . . I may say with truth that in few countries so
much is left to the share of the laborer, and so little exacted from him, or
where there is more kind attention paid to him in sickness or infirmities of
age. Compare his condition with the tenants of the poor houses in the more
civilized portions of Europe-look at the sick and the old and infirm slave, on one
hand, in the midst of his family and friends, under the kind superintending
care of his master and mistress, and compare it with the forlorn and wretched
condition of the pauper in the poor house.