Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-03-03
WHO Is PRESIDENT WALKER /,

In reply to this very general inquiry. a
New Orleans paper gives the following
biography Of the new President of Lower
Callforma-with Sonora annexed:
' William Walker is native of Ten
nessee, born at Nashville. we believe.
where his father still lives. secretary OF
an insurance company there. His father.
we think, is Scotchman by birth, al
though long reSidentin the United States.
The Scotch features are strongly marked
IN the features of the son, who is of light
complexion, high cheek bones, light blue
eyes, face much freckled. but with an air
of unmistakable energy with which his
whole character corresponds. He was
originally intended for the midical profess
sion, and studied in Paris.
q After spending several years in Eu-
rope, In which he improved and disci-
plined an intellect naturally strong, he
came to the city of New Orleans with the
intention of practising. But his impa-
tlent disposition and his passion for pub
lie life, led him to change that purpose;
and he forthwith applied himself TO the
study Of the law, and prepared himself
diligently for the bar.
The bar did not find occupation enough
for him; and being a vigorous thinker.
and ready writer, and full Conformation
upon all topics Of current interest. he
took interest IN newspapers and politics,
and IN the winter of lS4S-'49 became
directly connected with the press of this
city, as one of the proprietors and editors
o: the Crescent. The enterprise did not
prove profitable. The paper was sold
out to other parties in the fall of that
year, and Mr.. Walker soon after fol-
lowed the tide Of emigration to San Fran-
cisco. lie resumed his profession there,
at the same time continuing his pursuits
asa journalist. In one of the disputes
which grew out Of his newspaper articles
he became involved in duel with one of
one Of his cotemporaries, in which he
was wounded. He acquired further
prominence by public controversy with
one OF the State Judges, by whom he was
committed for contempt, and gained
much reputation for resolution and ability
in the manner with which he conducted
The effort which was to obtain the i'm
parchment and removal Of the Judge for
tyranny and misconduct in Office. Mr..
Walker argued the case before the Legis-
lature, with a power of logic and learning
whlchwon him much esteem
" The attempt failed. Mr.. Walker
then movoa into the interior, practicing
law at Marysville, we believe. since
which we have heard of him only incl
dentally, until this expedition brings him
out as proclaimed President of an ex-
temPorc Republic in the California pen
inSula.
"Mr. Walker is young man vet, to
have passed through all these vIcissitudes.
de is not over twenty-eight years of age.
Tie is of small size and slight frame, but
erect, vigorous, used to athletic exerci-
ses, very active in habits of personal
bravery. approaching TO rashncsS, and an
of viii in the prosecution of
his purposes which nothing external can
shake. He is of the best s.uff out of
which revolutionizfng bodies are made.
We desire to say nothing of the merits
of his present undertaking. 1t looks
like very wild adventure, touched UP
strongly with the mock-heroic.