Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1856-07-19

Two Portraits Of the Democratic Candidate for
the Presldsncy.-The public man and the prl.
vate citizen. y, ~
In late number Of the Courier and Journal,
published at Potsdan, New York. we find the fol
lowing admirable sketch Of Mr.. Buchanans public
career:
JAMES BucHANAN's PUBLIC CAREER.
He is Of Scotch descent, and q native of Lancas-
ter county, Pennsylvania, where he now resides.
From his parents he inherited neither family in6u.
encc nor wealth. but robust health, powerful intel.
lect and unyielding integrity He was mostly self
educated, and what he learned was thoroughly i'm
pressed upon his mind He acquired knowledge
for use, and not for display.
himself to practice with on energy that knew no
tire and o success not surpassed. His industry,
prudence and economy enabled him, ut an early
day, to become the support OF his less fortunate
relatives, and rendered him independent in his cir
cumstances. The friends and neighbors of his
youth and manhood soon required him to represent
them in the legislature of his State. This service
was rendered with such marked ability, fidelity,
and success, that in 1921 his constituents transfer
rcd him to the House of Representatives in Con-.
gress, where he remained until 1891. The records
of the proceedings of that body prove the wisdom
of the transfer and that for all the purposes for
which men are elected to that body he had no SUI
perior 1t was there, in 1928, that he first became
acsuanted with and learned to appreciate the noble
qualities of Silas Wright, whom he esteemed and
loved with warmth and sincerity. They afterwards
served together like brothers nine years in the Sc
nate} rs co.laborers in defending and maintaining
the principles Of the Democratic party and resist
ing the powerful efforts Of their adversares to
throw them. Their esteem and confidence
mutual and enduring, because founded upon quail
ties which command the esteem and admiration of
all good men. Mr.. Buchanan was deeply affected
A. .el E.
cherishes his memory with a sincerity and affection
which illustrate the purity and goodness of his heart.
The talents and public career Of Mr.. Buchanan
in the House attracted the eagle eye Of General Jack
son. He had shown those qualities of mind and
heart which qualified him for the arduous and re-
sponsible duties of minister to Russia.
General jackson commissioned him in 1881 to
represent this country ut st. Petersburgh, at time
when talent, knowledge, and prudence were demand.
ed. 1t can be truly said that Mr.. Buchanan largely
contributed to that steady friendship and that en-
during national regard which Russia has since con-
stantly manifested towards our own government and
people. His treaty Of December, 1882 with Russia,
is model specimen of diplomatic labor, which still
binds the two nations together and protects the in
terests of EACH On his voluntary return to the Un-
tied States Pennsylvania selected him to represent
her in the Senate OF the United States, where he
ed from 1885 to 1876, when Mr.. Polk selected him
to fill the State Department His labors in the Sem
was always ready, clear and strong. AS 'gcian,
he was accurate, plain, and conclusive. Although
his debating foemen were Clay, Webster, Calhoun,
Preston and Clayton, he was never overthrown or
disabled. He triumphed because he possessed the
will and ability to present truth in her irresistible
character. When he retired from the Senate in 1885,
he left behind no superior; and, what speaks vol
umes in his favor, hot an enemy to envy his promo
ton to the premiership. Not democrat who serv-
ed with him i'll the Senate fails to rejoice in his pre-
sent nomination; and those who were politically op.
posed to him frankly admit that he is "honest,
pabe, and faithful to the constitution" and true
Of democratic principles.
The ability and fidelity he displayed in Mr.. Folks
proved the wisdom of his selection.
Amid the various diplomatic conflicts which he
had to encounter he never failed to show his supe
ror capacity in the field of brilliant achievements.
The power OF his pen was often felt and acknowl-
edged by the ablest diplomats. On the election of
Gen. Taylor he retired to his delightful farm at Lam
CASTER and spent the next four years in its improve
ment, and in cultivatinS those friendships which
blameless years had orough. into existence, and
which the simplicity and purity of his life had cemen
ted and strengthened.
Soon after his election, selected Gen. Pierce Mr. Blu.
chanan to represent our government at London. The
times were pregnant with great and perilous events
The relations Of the two governments were critical
and important. Wisdom, irmness, and full and
critical knowledge of public affairs, demanded
by the crisis. 10 these qualities Mr.. Buchanan un-
ted genteness and Cancellation. In his intercourse
in England he left the impress Of his own and the
American character Truth. frankness, fearlcssness,
boldness, honesty, activity, and firmness were i'm
parted as some Of the leading clements which COM
pose both. lie was highly esteemed by all classes
for his generous and noble qualities and those who
knew him best most regretted his retiring from there
On his arrival in his native land he was enthusiast
cally received by all classes He was not cheercd
alone by politicians. There was aground swell
from the masses" which if they had desired, politi
clans could not have resisted. Fortunately for the
public welfare, the masses and politicians all appre.
cate his WORTH and unite in recommending him to
the favorable consideration of the voters the
thy representative Of the principles of Jefferson and
jackson, by both of whom be was esteemed aud be-
loved.
Mr. Buchanan is sixty -four years of age. He is
TALL large, and muscular, and enjoys full health, and
is apparently as active man OF forty. His man
ners are simple and cordial. The poor and lowly
feel at home in his presence He is plain in his dress
and appearance and temperate in all things. In his
general views and feelings he is conservative as con-
from dashing and recklessness. In
his attachment his friends he resembles Gen. Jack
son. 1t is not known that he has personal enemy
in the world. He is in all respects an exemplary
man. When in Washington, he most generally at
tends the F-street Presbyterian church-now in
charge of DIR. Gurley, formerly of Parishville, in
this county, by the members Of which he is most
highly esteemed. Should he be elected President,
YOU may expect to see an administration devoted
to democratic principles, and one wise enough 10
understand and rmness sufficient to carry them out
-, t-,o rr>rit iisStice nil