THE SITUATION.

The article reports on John Caldwell Calhoun, a leading politician and political theorist from South Carolina, who had conceived the idea of an independent position for that State some time previous to the passage of the 'nullification ordinance' in November, 1832. As reported, Calhoun was an inspiration to the secessionists of 1860-61. His followers asserted that this plot did not involve any contest for political power in the administration of public affairs.