Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-01-21

! The following sketch, coming from those WIN
know him best, ard have known him longest, viii!
serve 10 place before the people Of the country, a
brief memoir Of statesman who IS treasured in their
ardent sctions and who is now presented as the
candidate of Democratic Pennsylvania, for the Pfesi
cency:
| uMr. Duchanans first appearance in public life was
in 1914 short time after the capture of Washington
by the British. That handed and daring proceed
ing lighted up fame Of patriotism which pervaded
the whole country 4 public meeting wac called IN
Lancaster for the purpose OF adopting measures TO 90.
tain volunteers 10 march for the defence Of Baltimore
On that occasion Mr. Buchanan addressed his fellow
citizens, in speech of great spirit, in favor Of vgo
rous prosecution of the war, which he followed up BY
registering his name volunteer among company
of other young and patriotic hearts. A company of
Dragons formed upon the spot, OF which the late
Judge, Henry Shipmen, elected the Captain
| They marched TO Baltimore, and served under the
command of Major Charles S,erret Rdgely unit! they
were honoraby discharged. This early stand Of Nj
Buchanan in favor of the late war, will 10 show
what his feelings at that day were, al time when the
country needed the strong and stout hearts Of her
citizens. Hundreds Of his political opponents in Ian
city will bear testimony 10 the facts just named
"But it will be seen, that MIR. Buchannn's active
friendship in behalf of his country, did not stop here
He was elected in October Of 1874 to the Legislature
of Pennsylvania, from the county of Lancaster Here
the same fearless and patriotic spirit distinguished his
career. An attack threatened against the city Of
| Philadelphia. The General Government was nearly
reduced 10 stare OF Huu Coulo scarcely
raise sufficient money maintain the regular troops
the remote frontiers Of The country. Pennsyvan
obliged rely upon her own energies Tor her defence,
and the people ready TO do their utmost in the
cause. Two plans were proposed IN the Legislature
The one was what called "The Conscripton Bill, "
and similar to that which had been rejected by Con.
gress by which it proposed TO divide the white
male inhabitants of the State, above the age Of Is,
into classes of twenytwo men each, and to designate
one man. from the members between the ages Of Is and
.ok ola CHI p11 IL,
being compelled 10 raise sum, not exceeding $780,
bounty The conscr:pt This army was 10 he paid and
maintained the expense of the State, and it's estima
ted would have been between three and three and
one half millions of dollars per annum The officers
were 10 be appointed by the Governor by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate The other plan was
to regiments, under the authority Of the State
for three years. during the war; and pass
efficient volunteer and militia laws.
"Durng the discussion of these two plans Mr. Blu.
chanan took active and highly patriotic stand.
'During the debate he sald-"snce then, Congress
have deserted in time OF need-there is no al.
tentative but, either TO protect ourselves by eff
Gent measures, surrender up that independence
which has been purchased by the blood Of our FORE
fathers. No American can hesitate which of these oil
ternatives ought 10 be adopted The invading enemy
must be expelled from shores he must be urht 10
respect the rights OF ffeemen.
"Mr. Buchanan opposed the Conscrpt bill, because
OF it's too paipab:e injustice Speaking of this mea
aad very unequal in its effects. Whilst il will operate
Conscription law upon the poor man. in The est.
en parts of the State whose property not in danger
il will be but militia law with the rich the
eastern part of the State whose property conempates
defending The individuals in each class are, 10 be
sure pay the two hundred dollars proportion 10
their comparative wealth, bounty TO the substitute
or conscrpt 1t will therefore be Just in lis operation
mong the individuals composing each class But how will
il be- with respect entire classes Twenty-Five men
thao Of al
be worth SO 900 600 would he compelled 10 pay no more
thar twenty two men in the western country who may
no. be worth the one thousandlh part Of that sum.
"Aftes all, he continues, " confess that, my
opinion, eicIen volunteer and militia bill lorclher
with the troops which can be raised under the volun
arv enlistment b would be amply sufficient for the
defence of the city of Philadel pha We need not be
afraid 10 trrs TO the patriotism courage Of the peo
pie OF this country when they invaded. Let them
have good militia officers, and they will soon be equal
10 any troops in the world Have not the volunteers
and militia under General Jackson covered themselves
with glory? Have not volunteers and militia on
the Niagara Frontier fought in such a manner Us to
merit the gratitude of the nation Is 10 be supposed
that The spirit Of patriotism would animate the
who is dragged out by CONSUMPTION law 10 defend
his country, that the volunteer or militia man would
! FEEL
"Let us then pass an efficient militia law, and the
volunteer bill which is before Let us hold out
sufficient inducements TO citizens to turn cut 70.
lun,eers Let their patriotism be stimulated BY self
interest and have doubt that in the day oiria there
will be armies Of freemen in the field sufficiently large
for protection. Your State will then be defended
at trhng comparative expense the liberties of the peo
pie will be preserved, and their willingness 10 bear
burdens will be continued"
| In October, 1915, Mr. Buchanan again elected
10 the Legislature. Ii during this session that MIR.
Buchanan became impressed with the danger the mex
pedency and the unconstitutionality of u s. Bank
an opinion to which he has adhered since, and
in defence of which he has rendered such astnp
services to the country in the legislative halls
After this session, Mr. Buchanan applied himself 10
his profession, in which be won many proud honors
and distinctions.
In October 1920 he elected TO Congress from the
counties of Lancaster Dauphn and Lebanon. He
afterwards elected four times TO Congress, in
The district composed Of the counties Of Lancaster,
Chester and Delaware. He member Of The House
of Representatives in Congress- during the 18th, 18th,
10Th, oath and 2lst Congresses the last
years of Mr. Monroe the years of Mr. Adams and the
first years of Gen. Jackson. In October, 1925, he
declined re election 10 Congress.
Mr.. Buchanan the decided friend OF MIR. Monroe,
during the whole period Of his administration He
strongly opposed 10 the administration of John Quincy
Adams, from the commencement to the close The early
friend of General Jackson he has always been cherished
of the Old Hero's frmest supporters No one
rendered his administration more hearty support no
more energetic in securing his election than
james Buchanan. The subsequent intercourse between
country. Mr.. b. was appointed minister to the Court
of St. Petersburg by General Jackson, in 1889, and
certainly in no portion of history have these States
been more honorably and successfully represented at a
foreign court.
| In all Mr. Ruchanans since he entered the
U. S. Congress- the most abandoned delamer can
not find single role against Democratic primo pies;
and this fact alone IS proud witness Of his sincerity
and consistency.
During Mr.. Buehanan's mission TO the Court of ST.
Petersburg, he accomplished what had long been mos,
ardenty desired by our Government, but what all con-
ceved it impossible TO effect with Government so Pc
culary regulated os is that OF Russia. Removed from
the Gnarrels of Europe, but enough to contest
some day the empire of the with the British
isles the Russian Cabinet is anxious to conciliate our
friendship, so that power may be raised up in time
capable of encounterlng the British lion.
The friendship of Russia for this country for years
before had been maked but until the mission of Mr.
Buchanan il was suffered 10 anguish. The mission OF
James buchanan 10 ST. Petersburg produced the most
substa ntial results Not ony did his intercourse with