The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1856-01-18
Hon. James Buchanan.

GeaSon's Pictorial, published at Boston,
Mass, in presenting its readers with a likeness
of the present distinguished Minister TO The Court
of ST. James, together with a view of his resi-
dence-sWhtatland Lancaster county, Pa,
gives The following brief synopsis OF his services
to the country since the commencement Of his
political career, in 1914.
GAS a statesman, he has long been prominent
" before The country, which be has served in
various important capacities. He was born in
Franklin county. Pennsylvania, April -. II
81, and is therefore in Ills sixty-fourth year.
He early studied for the law, and at the out
set of life evinced desire for public career,
and was actively engaged while quite young in
politics. In Il, he was nominated for member
ship in the house OF Representatives OF the State
Legislature, and was duly elected. He was re-
elected the succeeding year. As the position
was one which was not highly promoivr Of
financial and professional interests, he declined
another reelection. He was chosen to repre-
sent his district in Congress in 1920, and took
his seat in that body in the following year
He continued member OF the House of Rep
resentativrs until the Fourth of March, 1891.
Soon after his fifth election, he declined render
ing further services, and withdrew to private
life. In 1881, Gen. Jackson prodered him the
mission 10 Russia, hIch be was induced to ac-
cept. Immediately after his return in 1884, he
was chosen to fiji an unexpired term in The
Senate of the United States. In 1889 he was
elected for full term, and IN 1913, was rp-eIpc-
ted to the same post He was selected bv Pres
ident Polk, in 1873, to fill the office of Secrr-
tary Of State, the duties OF which he discharged
till the close of Mr.. PoIk's administration. On
MIR. Lawrence'S return from England, Mr. Buch-
anan became his successor. The sketch below,
Of the home residence of Mr.. Buchanan, is sit
uated in the "Eden of Prnnsy lvania," as Ian
caster county is called 1t is within twenty
minutes walk of Lancaster and about two and
balfhours ride of Philadelphia. The grounds
though small in eXtent-about thirty acreS-ale
beautiful lald out in groves and lawns, and
shrubbery OF every description. At the foot of
the lawn is very large spring of COOL refresh
ing water, which, singular to say, contains in So
luton little or no carbonate OF lime while all
the springs for miles around are more or less
impregnated with 1t. 1t is rendered lovely
little spot for meditation or repery, by its dra-
perry Of graceful weeping willows. Back of
the building Is pretty piece OF woodland, un-
der whose ample shade we could take delight
tu afternoon snooze, or in whose walks moon
li8nt StFOl Noulu De CHARMING. 10 tHe leIt Is
an extensive garden, laid out in parterres.
former resident OF Wheatland, in Sprakng of the
salubrity OF its air, remarked, ''For twelve years
never once required the services OF pbysl-
clan, except" continued he, son certain occa-
sons." The house itselfis over a hundred feel
in length, and, tho large and substantial, is ID
prrtec; accordance with the Strictest repuhlicaS
simplicity. In conformity 10 the tastes and
character OF It's eminent proprietor, th,' ari9r>
in all It's details, though comfortable and neat,
is thoroughly Democratic. Wheatland former
y belonged to Mr.. Thomas Pottor, of Princeton,
and subsequently, TO EX-Secretary Meredith, OF
Philadel phia. After the dissolution of Prpsi-
dent PoIk's administration in 1913, Mr. Bnch-
anan, then Secretary Of State, desiring to aban-
don the turmoil and fatigue of public life for
the quiet and genial reposr Of private CITIZEN
ship, purchased Wheatand, anu, in company
with his family, consisting OF his niece, neph-
ew, lady acting as houseketPer, and domes-
tics, he has made it his home ever since. Here,
then, IN his native State, and on the field of his
former trIumphS, he has led life of tranquility,
occupied, when not engaged in study, either in
the exercise Of generous hospitality towards
his friends, Or in social intercourse. with his
family. Here he remained until called upon
by the President to the responsible station of
envoy 10 Great Britain. The peaceful look that
"Wheatand" bears about it is most inviting to
our eye; and we should think that It's ilustrious
owner would sigh for time when be may sit
down beneath his own vine and fig tree