Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1853-04-27

DEATH OF VIcE-PREslDENT KING. Intelligence
of the death of the Hon. William Rufus King, Vice
President Of the United States at his late residence
lin Alabama, reached this city by telegraph, yes.
terGay. lie expired on Monday evening, but few,
hours after reaching Cahawba. The event has BEEN
anticipated during period Of decline which mani-
Tested itself in very serious inroads upon his heathI
soon after the adjournment of Congress in 1852.
And, at the time OF his election to the exalted staton
(which he occupied the time of his death, doubts
were expressed whether he would ever assume the|
honors and active duties Of his office. The circum-!
stances under which his Inauguration took place
fresh in the minds of readers they tinged|
with the melancholy of that event which re-
cord, and whose shadow. at the time, fell distinctly
,and sOiemnly upon the scene.
Mr.. hing was native OF North Carolina, and wasl
DO in 1856. He was consequently about 81 years.
of age. He entered public life before he had attained
his 2lst year, when he was chosen by the people oil
Sampson county TO represent them in the Legislature
.of his native Stale. AT the age of "a, in 1910, he
twas elected by The people OF the district Of his resi-
Idence to the Twelfth Congress, which held its first
session in the autumn of 1911. II that Congress-
(which declared with Great Britain; and for that
measure OF the Democratic or Republican party, Mr.
King voted, we'll for the various acts for carry
ing the with vigor. He reelected Io
sCongress in 1913 and 1915, remaininga member un-
slil year after peace restored. In 1916 he rel
Esgned his seat in Congress, IN consequence of re
sceiving the appointment OF Secretary Of Legation tc
mir. iilam Pickney, Minister of both Naples and
Isl. Petersburg. During his two years residence in
Europe, MIR. King became well acquainted with the
affairs Of the continental governments, and the Jnd
stion and character Of the people.
Returning from Europe, MIR. hing soon after rel
moved from North Carolina, TO the territory of Ala
9bama, in 1918, and assisted in the framing Of tn.
same, previous 10 its admission into the Union al
State. He was chosen by the Legislature OF th.
first senators from Alabdu.a John W. Walker bein,
his colirasue) and took his 10 The u. s. Senai
lin 1919. tie continued member Of that body for
over twenty -four consecutive years. having been re-
elected in 1928 1929, 1885, and lS4l. He resigned
his in the spring OF 1914, in consequence OF be-
:ing Offered the mission OF France by President ler,
which appointment he accepted mainly with d view
of preventing the joint protest Of France and England
against The then pending annexation OF Texas. He
the early ard decided friend Of that great stroke
sofpocy which secured to the people of this country
The control Vt all the good cotton lands not lying
lwiIhin the U boundaries Of the confederation OF the
purchase Of Louisiana.
On accepting the mission Mr. King departed forth
with fulhllt. Louis Philippe discussed the sub
! ject with Mr.. King, and became satisfied that the
projected protest would not avert annexation. The
French king finally declared that /" he would do moth
ing hostile the United States, which could give
10 her just cause of offence" BY the means of Mr..
Kings mission Englanu isolated, and her plan
of protest against the annexation Of Texas aban
2don-d In November, 1876, Mr.. King, having OBJ
8taned permission 10 resign his Office of Ambassador
return 10 the United States. In 1913 he was agar
appointed United States Senator from Alabama, il
place OF Arthur Bsgby, sent to Russia; aud in 1915
he elected by The Legislature for the full term o
six years.
In 1850, MIR. Fillmore, the Vice President having
succeeded 10 the Presidency by Il death Of Gen
Taylor. MIR. King was chosen by the Senate thei
President pro- iem., place he had held in forme
Years, from 1888 ls4l. Ii is unnecessary 10 stat
The particulars Of Mr.. Kings nomination by the Dem
ocra,c Convention in June last, and his triumphan
election 10 the Vice Presidency. Being comPelle,
TO leave the country for the benefit Of his health, b.
resigned his seat in the Senate during the late session
Mr.. King entered political lite 40 follower Of Nj
jefferson, and has always been opposed to the exer
else Of implied powers by Congress. He was con
sidered Que of the champions Of Soa,hern Stat
Rights in the various controversies which have rise
liza Congress the tariff, slavery and internal im
provements. He has never been married. His resi-
dence in Alabama for many years has been al Selm.
kon the Alabama river. BaAimore Ssa.