The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-07-19

the legislature OF the State OF North Carolina III
1888, and was continued, by successive elections,
down 10 1910.
At the session of 1888 he was chosen the Speak
er Of the lower House. the duties of which Office he
discharged with great ability and impartiality; in
which station he remained until 1910, when he was
promoted to the Senate of the United States Dur
ing the seven years he was member of the legls-
lature Of North Carolina he acted conspicuous
part. The consideration of questions of currency
and finance, arising out OF the expiration OF The
charters Of the first banks of the State the adop-
uon Of system of internal improvements adequate
to its wants and exigencies; the calling of conven-
ton to revise the Constitution, with view, prihci
pay, to equaize representation; a revision of the
whole body of the local statute laws; the establish
| ment Of a system Of common schools, with many
other subjects of great importance, came under the
consideration of the general assembly of the State
during this period.
On all these subjects he was regarded by all par
ties one Of the ablest and most influential men,
bers and rendered essential service, as is now be-
ing both seen and felt in the improvements of the
State, and the adoption Of the policy which he en-
| forced and advocated with 40 much ability and en-
larged patriotism. A decided Wing in political
opinion, he deprecated the too frequent introduce
ton of Federal politics into the legislature, to the
neglect of its appropriate function. AT the session
of 1884, when resolutions were introduced to in
struct Mr. Mangum to vote for expunging the jour
nal of the Senate, Mr.. Graham greatly distinguished
himself by speech in opposition to them, which
| was much admired and commended for the eminent
ability and soundness of its views, and the great
constitutional learning which it evinced.
Taking his seat in the Senate of the United States
in December, 1910, the youngest member of that
body, in which were Clay, Webster, Calhoun,
superior age of his associates, and participated but
little in its general discussions. We find, however,
in the reports of that day, speech by him on the
financial policy of the administration of Mr.. Van
Buren,, and another in favor of bill directing the
several States be divided into districts for the
election of members of the House of Representa-
tives-both of which are highly creditable and able
exhibitions Of Parliamentary reasoning, and repete
with sound conservative Wing sentiment. Having
much experience presiding officer, nc filled the
chair of the Senate, the substitute of Mr. South
ard, the president, then in his last Illness during
a considerable part of the session of lS4l, with
great acceptability to that body.
Occupying the laborous post of Chairman Of the
Committee on Claims in the 9th Congress, he par
tlcpated but little in the general debates; but he
in the business committed to his charge; and Gov
ernor Wright, of N. York, and Judge Woodbury.,
of New Hampshire, who served under him on that
committee, took occasion, after his retirement from
the Senate to refer to his DECISIONS and publicly to
attest their confidence in his ability and impartial
ity. The Democratic party having elected major
ity of members to the legislature of North Carroll
ma in 1872 for the first time in many years, Mr.
Graham was not reelected, and retired from the
Senate of the U. States the 9TH of March, lS43
Resuming the practice of the law with his usua!
energy and eminent success, he had but renewed
his relations with his old friends and clients, when
to redeem the State from Democratic rule and as
tendency, and 10 aid in securing her vote Tor Mr.
Clay, he was prevailed upon to accept the nominal
ton for the Office of Governor Of the State. In ls44
| he was elected the Chief Magistrate of North Caro-
| lima by a very large majority Of the votes of the
people, and was reelected to the same office in
1886, from which he retired on the let of January,
! lS49, being no LOGGER constitutonally eligible
Returning again to his profession, he was, in few
months thereafter, offered by President Taylor the
| mission TO Spain, which, for reasons OF domestic
and personal nature, he promptly declined: After
the death of General Taylor he was appointed by
President Fillmore, who was a member OF the
| House of Representatives during Mr.. Graham's
service in the Senate the head OF the Navy Depart
ment; station which he has occupied for two years
| with great usefulness and eminent ability and ad-
vantage to the country and much honor and credit
| to himself.
At the late National Wing Convention, which as
sembled at Baltimore on the 18th inst, Mr.. Graham
| was nominated, with almost unexampled unan-
unity the candidate Of that great party for the Vice
| Presidency Of the United States. purer man, an
! ADLER statesman, more honest and devoted patriot,
could not have been selected to fill the second great
| Office of our Government; and such the people of
the United States will find him to be, the more they
| inquire and become acquainted with him. At the
South, where he is best known, his name is tower
of strength to his party, and every where through
out this broad Union, where virtue, integrity, hon
esty, ability, fidelity, and devoted patriotism are
| appreciated and esteemed, will he be honored, be
loved, and respected, his pure and spotless life,
and eminent worth and ability, are made familiar
to his admiring and discerning countrymen.