Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-02-26
MISCELLANY N Y
Hon. James Buchanan.


lnasmuch as the name of this distinguished
statesman has been favorably mentioned in va
rious quarters, as candidate for the presiden-
cy, we deem it not wholly inappropriate to
make the following brief extracts, in regard to
his public life, which we find in the Lancaster
(Pa.) Intelligencer -
'James Buchanan came to Lancaster in his
boyhood, studied the profession of the law, and
was admitted with great distinction, by the
courts of this county, as practitioner at the bar.
His great ability, skill and energy, soon mani
Tested themselves, and in short period he was
classed at the head of his profession, by the
soundest lawyers in the country. After prac-
tising successful lily for several years, he was
early in life elected TO the State Legislature
where he distinguished himself as prominent
and leading member-never, however, relin-
gushing the practice of his profession, which
furnished the only means he had to rely upon.
He was afterwards elected a member of the
House of Representatives in Congress, where
his high character and ability as statesman,
1s24-5 he stood side by side with Gen. Jack
son, and as the friend of that great and glorious
hero and patriot, he beceme prominent actor
In the stirring scenes of that session, which re-
suited in the election of Mr. Adams, over the
chosen candidate of the people. From that
even,ful period did Mr.. Buchanan cling TO the
veteran hero, supporting him with all his abiI-
ty upon every occasion; and no man in this
vast Republic now holds the memory of the
dead Patriot of the Hermitage more strongly
clasped in his hearts affections, than James
Buchanan of Pennsylvania
In 1928 Mr.. Buchanan was again elected 10
Congress, from this district, as the candidate of
the DEMOCRATIC PARTY, leading the whole
ticket, which was also elected by majority of
twelve hundred votes! The cause assigned
for his popularity, at that time, was, tina, he
had contributed more to rescue the democratic
party, in this county, from the thraldom of
federalism, than any other living man-and il
continued in the ascendency until the spirit of
Anti-Masonry again broke it down in 1929
On the 4th day of January 1882, Mr.. Buchan-
an was appointed by President Jackson Minis
ter to Russia, wtere he remained until August
1888. During that short period he negotiated
an important commercial treaty with the EN-
peror, which had baffled diplomatic skill for
twenty years, and which received the rathca-
tlon of his own government, and has been held
sacred BY both parties ever since.
Immediately after his return from Europe 10
this country, and indeed in anticipation of that
event, Mr.. Buchanan was recommended by
public meetings and patriotic celebrations,
throughout the State, as the candidate of the
democracy, to represent Pennsylvania in the
Senate of the United States. AT the ensuing
session of our Legislature he was elected TO fill
that high and dignifed place, and presented his
credentials in the United States Senate on the
9Th of December, 1884, where he was coniin-
ued by the unanimous vote of the Democratic
members of our Legislature, at two consecu-
tive elections, until the 4th of March, 1915,
the first place in his Cabinet, as Secretary of
State. The printed records of the country will
attest the ability and fidelity with which he
discharged his duty to his country and his par
ty, in these high places. As Senator he oc-
cupied position as the proudly recognized
equal of the noblest Romans on the democratic
side. His natural dignity of department, and
kind and conciliatory manners-hs well known
reputation, unsullied by blot or blemish, gave
him, on the other side, strength and influence
In the Senate, possessed by few in that illus
trious body. The democracy of the country
then recognized him as one of their most gal
liant and able champions; and his successful
contests in intellectual power with the greatest
of living orators, Henry Clay and the Goliah
of the East, the great Webster, in the discus
sions upon the " Veto Po,cer,'' the " Mcleod
Case" and the other important questions of the
day, conclusively proved that he was worthy of
the exalted opinions then entertained of his tai
ents and devotion to democratic principles
OF his conduct as Secretary of State, under the
administration of President Polk, it is scarcely
necessary to speak, if even time and space
were allotted TO US for that purpose. 1t is
fresh in the recolectons of his countrymen.-
No administration had more difficulties TO en-
counter, or has gone out of power with more
deserved popularity than that of Mr. Polk and
Mr.. Buchanan continued to the close of his
Presidential term, to enjoy his friendship and
undiminished confidence, when they both retir-
ed to private life.
But, the administration of Gen. Jackson and
Mr.. Polk were not alone in the high opinion
entertained by the executive branch of the
government of the eminent abilities and demo
cratic principles of James Buchanan. His
merits were appreciated, and honors offered te
be conferred upon him, by appointment to high
places, anterior to the existence of these admin
istraiions. President Munroe, as early as 1923
offered, and pressed upon his acceptance, ar
important foreign missiun-and President Van
Buren,, at the organization of his Cabinet. ten
dered him the appointment of Attorney General
of the United States.'
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