All hilarity ceased. The President, without adding
one word in the way of speech, lifted up his glass as a notice that
the toast was to be quaffed standing. Calhoun rose with the rest. His
glass so trembled in his hand that a little of the amber fluid
trickled down the side. Jackson stood silent and impassive. There was
no response to the toast. Calhoun waited until all sat down. Then he
slowly and with hesitating accent offered the second volunteer toast:
"The Union! Next to Our Liberty Most Dear!" Then, after a minute's
hesitation, and in a way that left doubt as to whether he intended it
for part of the toast or for the preface to a speech, he added: "May
we all remember that it can only be preserved by respecting the rights
of the States and by distributing equally the benefit and burden of
the Union."
The nullifiers had carefully planned the evening's proceedings with a
purpose to strengthen their cause with the country. They had not
reckoned on the President, and the dash of cold water which he had
administered caused them more anguish than any opposition that they
had yet encountered.
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