The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-02-29

Biographical Sketch or the late Nicholas
Rihdle

Biddle.
The subject of this notice commenced his collie
gate studies in the University Of Pennsylvania IN
when only fifteen years old he received the degree
of A. B. in that institution, dividing the first hon
ors of his class, of which he was the youngest
himself He was early distinguished for his devo'
ton to study, his ready acquisition Of Know
ledge. his talent and independent spirit.
In 1904, General Armstrong being appointed mi
mister 10 France, selected Mr. Blddle as his secre-
tary, he then being in his nineteenth year. The
period of this mission was one OF extraordinary
importance, and the duties required OF him were Of
a responsible and arduous nature. Three years
were spent by him in Europe IN travel, and during
several months prior to his return home he was
secre tary to Mr. Monroe, then minister to England
In Philadelphia again, MIR. Biddle was admitted
to the bar, and commenced the practice OF the law.
At the same time that he pursued his profession,
he devoted his esures hours to literary engagements Pc
ing of the most able and popular contributors to the
Port Folio magazine in high favor edited by joseph
Dennie In 1910 Mr. Biddle ee tied to the Legsa.
ture In that body he distinguished himself py ms en-
lghtened devotion to the public interests he was ,re
accompanied by bill. for the esabshment oi system
Of public schools throughout the State
1t in the Legislature that Mr. Bdde first exhDned
his attachment to the project of National Bank The
charter Of the old Bank expired in 1871 and his rst essay
on the floor of the House said have been in oppos ton
to resolution nsructing the Penny vania delegation in
Congress to vote against the recharer TINS speech
gained him considerable note at the time lie did not
however then remain in the Legislature but resumed his
legal and literary pursuits until the year 1874 when he
was elected to the State Senate This was during a
doubtful period OF the and Mr. Biddle was active In
devng measures for the defence Of the State and city,
which were adopted by the Senate.
himself by the authorship of report adopted by the Lee
slaure of Pennsylvania, in opposition to the views o.
the Hartford t e the Demo-
cratic candidate for Congress in the city, but ms party
was out.voted.
the Director OF the United States Bank when
that institution was in great difficulties Langdon Cheves
was then also elected President Four afterwards
the latter resigned and Mr. Bidde was elected IN MS
stead -
til the bank ceased to exist in its national character Mr.
Bddle continued to preside over it. Whatever derence
of opinion may exist to his motives at any period OF
his administration of its vast and complicated ahairs Is
not to be questioned that he brought to bear upon the
whole powers Of his clear cultivated mind and never
weaed in the performance of any duty pertaining 10 MS
Office. ~.
During the struggle of the bank for its existence Mr.
Biddle labored with zeal and ability that few contempt
rary statesmen nancers could have eXceed in this
remark we not to applaud his prudence or the ex
tent his forecast Were it purpose to draft mere
euloejum and not an honest outline OF his
should be compelled to admit that different line policy
on his part the of the contest between the bank
and President Jackson might have secured different
fate for the institution.
The incidents of this contest and the events subsequent
the expiration of the national charter are too familiar
to require particular mention. Different opinions
personal feelings interests political sympathies dc
tate be entertained respecting the share oil Mr.
die in the government OF the bank and the acts when
led TO its prosraton after the State charter had been
granted Perhaps this day, when member ofthis
Community is less operated upon by influences
affecting his judgment in the case is not possible to ar
rive at a view oft. which will satisfy all enqurers we
orbear also upon other motives to touch its merits we
all know that the hank from being rich and powerful il
utter wreck and it not part to say what share
either the living the dead have had in its downfall
MIR. Bddle was a man whose mind requirements ana
manners would have distinguished him in any sphere
He was ambtous-as few men are not who become emi
nent. His perseverance never failed him. Intent upon
purpose he gave up while possibility Of achiev
ing remained He fertile in expedients quick In
perception. clear in his Judgments. vs.
His presence won respect his address confidence Hi
conversation was rendered engaging by ready fancy
fluent expression and draughts upon richly stored me
mory. As member Of private society, these qualities
rendered him the object of attention and regard
-Phiiad. Gaz.