The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-07-29

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friends of annexation trembled for the fate
of that young Republic, as both France and
England were eager to possess themselves
| of the beautiful and fertile State.
James Buchanan at this critical juneture,
warmly advocated the annexation of Texas
in a speech of remarkable ability and elo-
quence. The effect of the speech was al
most magical. The Northern Democracy
cast off the migrate of New York, and We'd
with the Democracy of the Southern States
in their cordial support of annexation. II
is impossible to exaggerate the influence OF
Pennsylvania's attitude at that time upon
the fortunes of the Democratic party.
OPPOSED TO THE wILMoT PRovISo
But the record of his devotion to the
South is not yet complete. He never skulk-
ed responsibility-and never failed by his
| speeches, letters and votes to illustrate the
| sincerity of his attachment. It was James
Buchanan who denounced the famous Will
| mot Proviso, in 1S47, and rallied Pennsyl-
vania against it, and made the faithful De-
mocracy of that State hurl David Wilmot
from public life and consign him to poll
tical grave, so deep that the hand of resur-
| rection has never reached him since.
SECRETARY OF STATE.
The triumph of the Democracy in 1914
was the last victory which was to gladden.
the heart and rekindle the eye of the hero
of the Hermitage. His long and useful life
was drawing to its close, when the national
Democracy elected Mr.. Polk, the friend
and political pupil of the hero of New Or
leans, to the Presidency. Before forming
that Cabinet which was destined to share
the glory of his administration, Mr.. Polk
repaired to the hermitage to seek the coun-
sci and profit by the experience of that
great soldier, statesman and patriot, who,
during the eight years of an eventful ad-
fninistration, enjoyed rare opportunities to
ascertain the character and capacity of
all our public men. The condition of our for
eign relations were of most dangerous and
alarming character. The Oregon question
threatened to involve us in a war with Great
Britain, and war with Mexico was regarded
as inevitable by every one. The post of
Secretary of State was therefore of great
Importance. The welfare of the country
depended very much upon the character of
the member of Mr.. Polk's cabinet who
should discharge the duties of that impor-
tant post. Andrew Jackson urged the ap-
pointment of James Buchanan for Secreta-
ry of State and chief of the Cabinet; and
Mr.. Polk, recognizing his eminent quail
ifications for the Office, offered to Mr.. Buch
anan the appointment. 1t was accepted,
and for four years he discharged his duties
of the Office with an ability unsurpassed by
that which had been manifested by any of
his distinguished predecessors. He shaped
the measures of that administration which.
in its complete success and in its extraor-
dinary influence upon the destinies of the
Union, now ranks by universal consent
with those of jefferson, Madison, Monroe,
and Jackson.
Mr.. Buclanan's services to the country
whilst Secretary of State are we'll known.
He defended in mastery argument the
American title to Oregon, and conducted
the diplomatic correspondence of the gov
ernment with great ability. But it is use
less to recapitulate his many services to his
country as chief officer of the Cabinet and
conductor of its foreign policy during the
eventful administration in question.
ALWAYS IN OPPOSITION TO